Confidently conned: 1 in 4 Americans still fall for scams

December 9, 2023

By Kim Komando

This number blew me away: Nearly 90% of American adults are confident they can detect and prevent a scam. And yet, 27% say they’ve been a victim at some point. The numbers don’t add up.

That’s why I’m here for you. Let’s dive into some of the most common things that trip up even the tech-savviest among us and kick scammers to the curb.

The scam solution

Problem #1: In a Citi survey, 55% say their financial institutions are a trusted fraud and scam prevention authority. But only two-thirds routinely check their bank accounts and credit scores for shady activity. OK, that means one-third of the walking don’t do this basic adulting task.

Fix: Sign up for fraud alerts that come by text or email. You can do this in your bank’s app or through your online account. It’s a no-brainer. If your bank offers free credit monitoring, sign up for that, too. If not, try a free service like Credit Karma.

Problem #2: Americans polled say they’re familiar with standard scams like phishing (54%) and bank impersonation (51%). OK, great. However, 13% couldn’t identify any of the 14 common scams presented to them in the survey. Ouch.

Fix: Spotting a scammer isn’t rocket science (thank goodness). Here are four simple signs to look for from the FTC. Scammers …

• Pretend to be from an organization you know.
• Say there’s a problem or a prize.
• Pressure you to act immediately.
• Tell you to pay in a specific way.

If you get a shady feeling, chances are it’s a shady dealing.

Problem #3: 71% of adults who fell victim to a scam say it did a number on their overall financial health. No kidding. That might include a setback in savings goals, deeper debt and a lowered credit score.

Fix: The key to proper damage control? Act right away. If you paid a scammer, do not give them more money. Gather all the information you can (screenshots rock for this), then block the crook from communicating with you further. File a report with your local police department and at tips.FBI.gov.

But Kim, what if …

• “I gave them my Social Security number.” Go to IdentityTheft.gov for the next steps, including how to monitor your credit.
• “They stole my bank account or credit card information.” Immediately contact your bank or credit card issuer and report all fraudulent activity.  
• “My computer was hacked.” Update your security software, run a scan and delete anything it identifies as a problem. Change all your passwords and set up 2FA.
• “I gave someone who texted me my DOB.” Get a new one. Kidding. Freeze your credit. The steps are here.

🕷️ Trust your Spidey Senses if you suspect something phishy. Do your loved ones a favor and share this article to pass this intel along.