skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Consumer losses from fraud, scams reach record levels

play audio
Play

Friday, March 8, 2024   

This is National Consumer Protection Week, and nationwide, people's losses to fraud have topped more than $10 billion, a 14% increase from 2022.

Judy Dollison, president of the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio, said consumer education and awareness of scams is an ongoing challenge. Scammers are constantly changing their tactics and using artificial intelligence and other technology to bait more people. She added that scams are increasingly complex and overlapping, and often involve emotional and psychological manipulation.

"We're seeing a crossover between romance scams and crypto scams," she said, "because now, instead of the romance scammers just asking for money, they're asking their victims to invest in crypto exchanges, which aren't real."

Dollison said 80% of people who've reported losing money to investment scams involving cryptocurrency lost on average more than $3,000. For adults ages 18 to 44, employment scams are the top risk, with an average loss of around $2,000.

Consumers who suspect they've been victims of fraud can file a report with the Federal Trade Commission online or by calling 877-382-4357.

FTC attorney Fil de Banate said Ohioans shelled out more than $154 million to scammers last year. Aside from software scams, he said, the second most reported scam in the state involves imposters.

"There are those scammers pretending to be the government," he said. "There are scammers pretending to be a well-known business or a bank's fraud department, or a family member who needs help, right - a family member who's in distress."

Common imposter cons include people pretending to be affiliated with government agencies such as the IRS or Social Security Administration, charity-related scams and tech-support scams.


This story was produced in association with Media in the Public Interest and funded in part by the George Gund Foundation.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for "reasonable" class sizes and for teachers to easily access remote learning tools when needed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021