Internet scams are affecting more and more people as they fall victims to unscrupulous dealings every year. The COVID-19 pandemic is obviously aggravating the problem on a national level.
Internet Online Scams
243,000 people have fallen victim to reported online scams in 2020 in Ohio. In fact, there is a 19 percent increase from the 204,000 reported in 2019. This is according to Comparitech, which is a technology research company that analyzed data from the Federal Trade Commission. Also, the Better Business Bureau. As well as the Finance Crimes Enforcement Network and Internet Crime Complaint Center.
National Trend
IIn fact, Ohio is part of a national trend that saw a large increase in Americans who reported online scams, this went from 3.8 million to 4.77 million from 2019 to 2020. It is a 25 percent increase, according to Comparitech. Roughly, 21 victims per 1,000 people in Ohio were reported in 2020, up from 17.52 in 2019, Comparitech has found.
Out of the $247.1 million in 2020, there are scam victims in Ohio. In comparison with the $315 million in 2019. This is according to Comparitech. Moreover, the lost dollars in Ohio that is part of the $5.1 billion that lost nationally in 2019. Of the $5.1 billion was lost nationally in dollars that are of it in 2019 and $7 billion in 2020.
Scammers Hone in on What Works
“Moreover, scammers are really good at what they do. In fact, why else wouldn’t they be scammers,” Nicole Thomas said. She is a BBB spokeswoman who works out of another state and city. “What they do is find something that works. I believe they really hone in on that.”
Scammers Work on Children
Scamming older Americas which has worked for years. There has been a bit of a shift as the pandemic brought out more non-retired people home for the day. Children were among the groups with the largest increase in internet scams amid the pandemic. According to Comparitech, there is a 153 percent uptick from 1,119 to 2,831 nationally.
Access to the Internet
“With no teachers to watch over their shoulder, students have had unrestrained access to the internet,” Thomas has said. “In fact, kids are less scam-educated because, in fact, they are so young. Moreover, they are likely to think they won’t be scammed because they grew up in the digital age, too.”
