Don’t get scammed! Shutterstock photo
The Better Business Bureau released the top 10 scams that targeted Canadians in 2017 today. Last year, the riskiest scam was related to online purchases with more than $13 million loss.
Evan Kelly, senior communications advisor at the BBB serving B.C.’s mainland told the Richmond News that the online purchases scam is not only the number one scam in the Lower Mainland, but it’s becoming the most popular scam in North America.
“The reason behind this is the popularity of the internet,” he said. “Nowadays people often put a lot of personal information online and it is also easier for scammers to set up a fake website.”
Kelly mentioned it is important to check the credibility of online shops.
“It is better to go to an online store that has a good reputation,” he said. “Also, to make sure to read the customers reviews and complaints before making the purchase.”
Last year, BBB received more than 47,000 scam reports and analyzed them based on exposure, susceptibility and monetary loss. Compared to 2016, tax collection scams dropped by 60 per cent and home improvement scams, the number one scam in 2016, went down to the sixth spot in 2017.
BBB also noted that even though the monetary loss went up with older people, susceptibility went down and decreased with age.
"The percentage of those reporting who actually lost money to a scam fell from 18.8 per cent in 2016 to 15.8 per cent in 2017,” said Melissa Trumpower, director of programs and operations with the BBB Institute in a press release.
BBB reported that most online purchase scams were related to pets, clothing, cosmetics, electronics and automobiles and they often started with free trial..
Travel and vacation scams joined the top 10 list last year, and the most common destinations of these “travel packages” were to Orlando, Disney, Mexico and the Bahamas.
BBB also mentioned the most common tactics scammers use are the promise of getting a “great deal,” requirement of immediate response, intimidation and isolation. They also said scammers try to disguise themselves as “nice and personable,” which make targets more at risk.
Here is the list of the top 10 scams in 2017:
1. Online purchase scam
2. Investment scam
3. Employment scam
4. Advance fee loan scam
5. Fake cheque scam
6. Home improvement scam
7. Tech support scam
8. Travel/vacation scam
9. Family/friend emergency scam
10. Government grant scam
To learn more about scams, tips or to report a scam, visit BBB ScamTips or ScamTracker website.
