While people in Summit County are losing more money to scams this year, the loss is decreasing in Akron said Shannon Siegferth, the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Akron.
Summit County reported losses in 2023 that totaled $96,000; by August, this year’s total was $72,000. The City of Akron reported $53,000 lost to scams in 2023, Siegferth said. This year’s end-of-August total was $19,000.
Here are some of the common types of scams seen in Akron and Summit County.
Online shopping:
Often involves purchases and sales on direct seller-to-buyer sites — can often entice shoppers with deals that are too good to be true. Scammers may pretend to purchase an item only to send you a bogus check and ask you to refund the “accidental” overpayment. In other cases, the scammer will pretend to be a legitimate online seller but never deliver the goods, which could lead to the purchaser having their personal information stolen in the process.
Phishing:
A type of online fraud that uses fake emails, text messages, or phone calls to trick people into giving away personal information. The messages can appear to be from legitimate companies or familiar contacts, like a manager or coworker. These scams are designed to steal personal details such as credit card numbers and passwords. The goal is to steal money, gain access to sensitive data or install malware on your electronic devices.
Employment scams:
Can follow a number of scenarios, sometimes with a request for personal information to set up a fake job.
Travel scams:
Can originate with a call, a text message or a flyer in the mail. Or you might see an online ad promising free or low-cost vacations. You may end up paying hidden fees, or find out after you pay that the advertising company is not real.
Catfishing:
Involves a fake online identity used to trick, manipulate or scam others. Catfishers often use social media, dating apps or messaging apps to build relationships with their victims and gather personal information.
Government imposter:
Involves someone who poses as a member of a government agency to manipulate a target into giving them money or personal information.
Storm chaser:
After a natural disaster, these scammers flock to the affected area, offering property repairs. They may ask for full payment or a large down payment before any work begins or any supplies are delivered.
Jury duty scams:
Involves someone who poses as a local law enforcement or judicial agency and calls victims claiming they have missed jury duty and must pay a fine to avoid arrest. They may also ask for personal information, which can be used for identity theft.
