Scams have a significant economic and social impact, affecting nearly 1 in 5 individuals each year with annual losses estimated at $50 billion. Common myths exist that scams are not widespread or impactful, and that individuals cannot protect themselves or report scams. However, the facts show scams successfully target a wide range of victims through sophisticated manipulation techniques. While scams cannot be prevented entirely, staying informed about common scams and reporting scams to organizations like the Better Business Bureau can help reduce their impact and warn others.

1. Scammers are
easy to spot.
Scammers are
sophisticated
master-manipulators.
Internet makes it
easy and profitable
for fraudsters
to operate
undetected.
Scammers are
chameleons—they
change their names
and pose as sources
you trust.
This is someone
else’s problem.
We are all at risk.
Scams have little
economic impact.
Nearly 1 in 5 individuals lose money
to a scam each year . . .
. . . with annual losses
estimated at $50 billion.
69% of victims are under 45
78% of victims hold a college
or graduate degree
MYTHS ABOUT SCAMS
5
The losses are staggering.
Inreality:Thetruthis:Yes,theydo!
1
2
3
No point in
reporting a scam.
It does make a difference!
49% of people who report scams do so
to help warn others.
BBB is the #1 place for reporting scams.
Source: CBBB Research, 2016
Infact:
#1
5
I can't protect
myself.
Stay informed.
60% of those who lost money to a
scam agree that techniques used
and being unfamiliar with the scam
were contributing factors.
80% of our respondents
said knowing about
a particular scam
helped them avoid
an attempt.
Actually,itisbestto
4
Scammers gain your trust.
Would you like
to report a
scam?
REPORT
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BBB-ScamProgram-Infographic-07-highres.pdf 1 7/5/16 8:38 PM