Key facts
- Scam attempts are constant for most Americans, with about 3 in 10 losing money or personal information.
- Few victims report scams to authorities, often believing it will not help recover losses.
- Older adults are more frequently targeted by daily scam attempts.
- Financial institutions are more likely to be notified of scams than government or law enforcement.
- A significant majority of Americans believe the government is not doing enough to prevent scams.
Scam attempts are overwhelming Americans, with a significant portion losing money or personal information, according to new surveys. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about 3 in 10 U.S. adults have personally fallen victim to scams, while a separate Gallup and Stop Scams Alliance survey indicated that about 1 in 10 U.S. adults experienced a household member being deceived into losing money or financial account access last year.
Most Americans report being inundated with scam attempts daily, whether through text messages, phone calls, emails, or online platforms. While some scams are easily identifiable, others are sophisticated, sometimes involving impersonation or promises of financial gain. Older adults, in particular, report receiving scam attempts more frequently than younger demographics.
Common scam methods involve package shipments and banking, with a notable portion of attempts occurring on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. The impact is widespread, as over half of U.S. adults know someone who has lost money to a scam.
Despite the prevalence and impact of scams, victims are reluctant to report them to federal or local authorities. Many believe such reporting will not lead to the recovery of lost funds. Instead, victims are more likely to contact their financial institutions. The surveys also reveal a widespread sentiment that the government is not doing enough to combat the growing problem of scams.