SELINSGROVE — Consumers reported losing more than $3.3 billion to fraud in 2020, up from $1.8 billion in 2019, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Newly released data shows consumers reported losing more than $5.8 billion to fraud in 2021, an increase of more than 70 percent over the previous year.
George Dillman, a consumer outreach specialist with the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, said if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
“The average senior loses $6,500 to a scam,” Dillman said.
Scams are divided into categories: romance, charity, relatives in distress. He said scammers typically try to cause an instant connection of trust, a buy-in or describe a fake emergency.
Charity scams often don’t send information about their organization in writing and typically push a consumer to send money.
Charities can be searched on the Pennsylvania Department of State website. Those who receive calls can ask how much of a contribution goes to the organization. He said consumers should know it is never 100%.
“Make sure it’s a legitimate charity before handing money out,” Dillman advises.
Relatives in distress scams often describe an emergency and ask for money. Some may ask for secrecy.
Dillman advises to ask the caller questions only a relative would know or to call…
