GREENSBORO, N.C. — If it seems like you're getting more and more scam texts and phone calls, you probably are. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says the number of phishing scams reported to BBB Scam Tracker in 2023 nearly doubled.
WFMY News 2 spoke to Lechelle Yates with the BBB about common scams seen during the summer. She also broke down the number of scams reported last year.
The BBB says 9,288 phishing scams were reported to its Scam Tracker in 2023, up from 5,101 reported in 2022. The median dollar loss also increased: It was $313 last year compared to $300 in 2022.
There are several types of phishing scams, but they all have one common goal: getting your personal information or money.
Types of Phishing Scams
• Fake delivery notices
• Fake bank emails
• Fake Social Security Administration phone calls
Phishing Scam Red Flags
• Claims suspicious activity or fraudulent logins
• Describes unexpected problems with an account
• Tries to confirm financial information
• Requests to click a link to make a payment
• Sends coupons unsolicited
• Generic message paired with a logo of a well-known company
• Uses urgent language
• Offers government refunds
Gone are the days of bad grammar and misspellings, which used to be telltale signs of scams. Conmen now use AI to make text and emails more conversational, and AI is helping crooks write much faster.
As we head into summer and people plan upcoming trips, Yates says you should beware of hotel booking scams.
Hotel Booking Scams
• Do an internet search for hotels
• Find an official site for a hotel or agency
• Book room
• When receiving statement, charged a higher rate
• Not on an official site, but a third-party site without affiliation
• Likely non-refundable
Avoiding Hotel Booking Scams
• Only book hotels through official websites.
• Research businesses you aren’t familiar with.
Now that we are traveling more, another scam that could catch you off guard is a bogus text about unpaid tolls.
Fake Toll Collection Scam
• Receive text stating owe toll fee
• Pay immediately to avoid a late fee
• Includes link to state's toll service website
• Clink link, lose personal information and money
Avoiding the Fake Toll Collection Scam
• NC: notices come by mail
• Verify outstanding toll balance with a legitimate agency