(Omaha, NE) – Young adults aged 18-24 have been the hardest hit by scams and have reported a higher median dollar loss than any other age group for the first time since the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust (BBB Institute), the International Association of Better Business Bureaus’ educational foundation, began publishing research. Targeting our youth: How scams are impacting ages 18-24 highlights scam types, tactics, and trends based on data submitted to BBB Scam Tracker between January 1, 2022, and June 24, 2023. The 18-24 demographic made up 6.1% of the overall reports during the time period, the smallest percentage of all age groups, but had a much higher median dollar loss ($200).

Riskiest scams

Employment scams continue to be the riskiest scams for ages 18-24, making up almost 30% of scams reported by this age group to BBB Scam Tracker. This scam type had the highest median dollar loss of all scam types reported by this age group ($1,819).

Riskiest scams for 18-24-year-olds:

1. Employment
2. Online purchase
3. Cryptocurrency
4. Rental
5. Investment
6. Fake check/money order
7. Phishing
8. Romance
9. Advance fee loan
10. Credit repair/debt relief

About 19% of employment scams from this age group mentioned schemes involving inspecting or reshipping packages. Online purchase scams made up 29.1 percent of all reports submitted by 18-24-year-olds, with 81.4% reporting a monetary loss.

Contact method

Ages 18-24 were more likely to report being targeted by text message or internet messaging than other age groups. The contact methods with the highest likelihood of a monetary loss (susceptibility) included website and social media. The contact methods with the highest reported median dollar loss were phone call, text message, and in person.

This group reported a higher percentage of scams targeting them on Instagram and X (Twitter) than other age groups.

Payment method

Ages 18-24 reported a higher percentage of scams via online payment system and bank account debit. The payment methods for this age group with the highest median dollar loss were wire transfer ($2,150), check ($1,500), and cryptocurrency ($1,200).

Tips to Avoid

• If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Whether it’s a great job or a really low price, take time to do your research.
• If somebody pressures you to act quickly, it’s a red flag. Extract yourself from the situation and make sure it isn’t a scam.
• Never click on links in unsolicited emails or texts. Scammers pretend to be well-known organizations you trust. Go directly to your account or their official website to ensure the inquiry is real.

For more information

To report a scam, go to BBB Scam Tracker. Read the full report here.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Scammers posing as panhandlers raising money for a child’s funeral that have been seen nationwide have now been spotted in Eastern Iowa. The panhandlers have been seen at locations in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. KCRG-TV says the group is holding the same signs seen in cities across the country featuring the picture of a boy who allegedly died and asking for donations to cover funeral expenses. An investigation by the station’s sister station in South Carolina found the funeral isn’t real and the signs are a scam.

Panhandlers with a scam funeral sign (Photo by WSMV in Nashville, TN)

The picture is actually of a chess player from Peru. The scammers have also been reported in Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee.

(Ames, Iowa) – Officials with the Ames Police Department said Tuesday (10/31/23), an arrest was made in connection with shooting incident that occurred a little after 9-p.m. Sept. 21st, in the 3800 block of Tripp Street, and that resulted in a man being transported to the hospital. 28-year-old Vashawn Kehoun Green, of Boone, faces felony charges that include Attempted Murder, and Dominion/Control of a Firearm/Offensive Weapon by a Felon.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Des Mines Police Department has made an arrest in the investigation involving the neglect and abandonment of a puppy last month. Officials say at around 1:30-p.m. on Oct 12th, Des Moines Animal Services and Des Moines Police Department patrol officers responded to reports of a dog that was intentionally dumped from a vehicle in an apartment complex parking lot near the 3500 blk of E. Douglas Ave. The dog did not have a collar and was not micro-chipped. An examination discovered the dog showed numerous signs of neglect. Despite efforts to save the animal, authorities say due to its health circumstances, it was necessary that the puppy be humanely euthanized.

This dog was abandoned on Oct. & later euthanized due to its neglected health.

46-year-old Des Moines resident Raquel Fernandez was identified as a suspect in the case. She faces charges that include 2 counts of Animal Neglect With Injury Or Death, and, Animal Abandonment.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – It’s that time once again for you to cast aside the “Bah-humbug” spirit and vote on who will become this year’s official “Scrooge,” in Atlantic. The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce has held their Annual Scrooge Contest since it was created in 2002 by Eleanor Hoover. Jackie Sampson and Karen Miller took over the reins in 2019 following Hoover’s passing. Over the past decade, officials say the contest has generated substantial monetary and canned goods donations for the Atlantic Food Pantry.

The 2023 “Scrooge” candidates include: Sheryl Dusenberry, Atlantic Golf & Country Club; Ed Hamilton, Ed’s Lawn Equipment; Dean Junker, Atlantic Pizza Ranch; and Chet Meneely, Family Dental Center. Donations to a contestant can be made by delivering food or funds to their drop-off locations.

The contest runs now through November 21st, at noon. The contestant with the most points will be named “Scrooge,” and have the honor of serving as the “Grand Marshal” in the Lighted Parade at 6-p.m. on December 2nd, in downtown Atlantic. And, all proceeds received in the form cash or non-perishable food items will benefit the Atlantic Food Pantry. Cash donations are worth 5 points on the dollar, and one non-perishable item earns the contestants one point.

The Atlantic Food Pantry is asking for a specific list of food items, focusing on monetary donations to help purchase other food items that are needed, including meat and refrigerated items. (Food Pantry Donation List- 2023)

Last year, contestants raised a record $29,560. Their efforts resulted in a collection of 813 food items for the Atlantic Food Pantry, which benefits individuals and families in the community. The biggest food item total combined by all four candidates, was 6,383 items in 2019.

Past Scrooge titles have been awarded to: Mary Ann Moorman 2007, Dana Halder 2008, Tammy Wise; Janet Huey 2009, Ritchie Anderson 2010, Janet Cappel 2011, Melanie Petty 2012, David Miller 2013, Mark McNees 2014, Ted Robinson 2015, Jon Johnson 2016, Rob Stamp 2017, Sonya Clausen 2018, Billie Hoover, Jackie Sampson; Lori Christianson 2019, Brain Ruge 2020, Ray Paulin 2021 and Dr. Matt Weresh, 2022.

For more information, please call the Chamber at 712.243.3017 or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com.