Fighting Fraud
By Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland
Better Business Bureau® Serving Greater Cleveland (BBB®) has released its local Top Ten Scams of 2024. The list was compiled from reports submitted to BBB Scam TrackerSM by residents of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Ashtabula counties. The ongoing effects of inflation and the competitive job market have significantly influenced how scammers target victims this year.
Top 10 Scams:
Phishing and Online Purchase Scams
For the fourth consecutive year, these phishing and online purchase scams dominate the top two spots. Scammers exploit the surge in online shopping, tricking consumers through fake emails, websites, and deals.
Employment Scams
Now ranked third, these scams prey on job seekers with enticing “work from home” offers. Scammers impersonate legitimate companies, demanding upfront fees or issuing counterfeit checks for equipment purchases. Also on the rise, are “Parcel mule” schemes, where victims unknowingly ship goods for money laundering operations. Victims risk identity theft by sharing sensitive information like Social Security numbers and bank account details.
Sweepstakes, Lottery & Prize Scams
A long-standing threat, especially to older adults. Fraudsters promise fake winnings, often under the guise of “Publishers Clearinghouse” or similar promotions, to steal money or personal information.
Government Agency Imposters
Jumping to fifth place, these scams involve fraudsters posing as government officials. Beyond the usual IRS and Medicaid impersonations, scammers now claim to represent agencies like the USPS, local courts, and fictitious “Student Loan Debt Departments.”
Debt Collection & Tech Support Scams
These remain widespread as consumers grapple with financial stress and reliance on technology. Scammers offer bogus debt relief or tech support services, exploiting vulnerabilities for financial gain.
Fake Invoices & Supplier Scams
New to the list, this scam targets businesses and individuals with fraudulent invoices for products or services never ordered or received, pressuring them to pay.
Government Grant Scams
Persistent and deceptive, these grant scams promise free government funds in exchange for fees or personal information. Victims often discover too late that the grants are non-existent.
Counterfeit Products
Debuting in the top ten, counterfeit goods scams have increased as consumers seek deals online. This trend may be due to higher interest rates and growing awareness of advance fee loan scams, which have dropped off the list.
| Scam Type | 2024
Percentage |
2023
Percentage |
2022
Percentage |
2021Percentage |
| Online Purchase | 24.14% | 28.61% | 17.55% | 16.34% |
| Phishing | 18.38% | 13.56% | 15.88% | 20.65% |
| Employment | 11.93% | 9.37% | 5.58% | 3.85% |
| Sweepstakes, Lottery & Prizes | 7.82% | 11.10% | 14.07% | 11.90% |
| Government Agency Imposter | 7.27% | 3.95% | 5.01% | 9.69% |
| Debt Collections | 4.94% | 3.70% | 2.93% | 4.08% |
| Tech Support | 2.88% | 4.69% | 5.01% | 5.13% |
| Fake Invoice/Supplier Bill | 1.78% | 0.95% | 1.11% | 1.32% |
| Government Grant | 1.65% | 1.85% | 7.10% | 4.43% |
| Counterfeit Product | 1.65% | 1.77% | 1.11% | 1.10% |
These findings highlight the growing sophistication of scams and the need for vigilance, especially in an environment shaped by economic uncertainty and changing job market dynamics. BBB encourages consumers to learn how to recognize scams and to avoid them by following these simple steps:
- Don’t believe everything you see. Scammers are professionals at mimicking official seals, fonts, and other details. Just because a website, email, or Called ID looks official does not mean that it is.
- Never share personally identifiable information with someone who has contacted you unsolicited, whether it’s over the phone, by email, on social media, even at your front door. This includes banking and credit card information, your birthdate, and Social Security/Social Insurance numbers.
- Use secure and traceable transactions. Avoid paying by wire transfer, prepaid money card, gift card, or other, non-traditional payment methods. Use your credit card whenever possible.
Last year, BBB launched the Scam Prevention Guide. Visit this site to find helpful tips and videos. If you come across a scam, report it to BBB Scam TrackerSM. Your report can help stop others from becoming a victim of a scam.
If you’ve been the victim of a scam on social media, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker. Your report helps us build consumer awareness and reduce the effectiveness of scammers’ favorite tactics. Have additional questions? Reach out to your BBB at 216.241.7678 or [email protected].
