West Plains, MO – The Better Business Bureau has reported a significant increase in the number of scams reported and those being targeted by scams. The BBB released a 14-page study on imposter scams during 2020 and found that victims had collectively lost hundreds of millions of dollars. Victims were aged between 20-59 years but the younger victims from 18-49 years old had more adverse consequences to being scammed, such as mental anguish, depression, and financial problems.
Springfield BBB Regional Director Stephanie Garland spoke on how you can avoid these scams:
Government Imposter scams have been on the rise as well. These scams are often disguised as fake lottery winnings that individuals have not signed up for. If you were not signed up for a drawing, lottery, raffle, or other game and you are being told you won but must pay money upfront before you can access your winnings, this is a scam.
