(WTAJ) — A new study shows that Pennsylvania ranks number five for money lost in scams, with teenagers being a rapidly growing target.
The study, released by socialcatfish.com, shows that money lost by victims under 20 grew by 1,125% over the last five years while seniors’ losses grew by 390% in the same time frame. Teens reportedly lost just $8.2 million in 2017 compared to $101.4 million last year.
Pennsylvania is the No. 5 most-scammed state in the nation with 17,262 victims losing $206,982,032 in 2021.
Nationally, a record $6.9 billion was lost to online scams in 2021, up nearly double from $3.5 billion in 2019 prior to the pandemic.
While seniors remain the most victimized group overall, the surge of Gen Z victims speaks to the evolving sophistication of scammers.
The company says this is a great time for parents and teachers to talk to their kids/students about online safety.
4 Common Scams Targeting Teens and How to Avoid Them in 2022:
‘Sextortion’: The FBI announced a dramatic increase in ‘Sextortion’ plots against teenage boys. Scammers pose as attractive females on social media, send nude photos, and ask for the same in return. Once received, the victim is told if he does not send money, the photo will be sent to all his friends and family and posted online.
