Fighting Fraud
By Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland
Better Business Bureau® Serving Greater Cleveland (BBB®) has released its local Top Ten Scams of 2025. The list was compiled from reports submitted to BBB Scam TrackerSM by residents of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Ashtabula counties.
Top 10 Scams targeting Greater Cleveland:
- Online Purchase Scams: Taking the top spot once again, online purchase scams continue to plague consumers. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, creating lookalike websites and fake social media ads that offer “too good to be true” deals on popular items. Victims often report paying for goods that never arrive or receiving counterfeit items that do not match the product description.
- Phishing Scams: Phishing remains a dominant threat, holding the second spot again this year. These scams involve unsolicited emails or text messages that appear to come from reputable sources, such as banks and delivery services, prompting recipients to click malicious links or share sensitive personal information like passwords and Social Security numbers.
- Employment Scams: With the job market remaining competitive, scammers are preying on optimistic job seekers. These schemes often involve fake “work from home” offers where “recruiters” demand upfront payments for equipment or conduct interviews solely via text message. Identity theft is a major risk here, as applicants are often asked to provide banking details for “direct deposit” setup before ever doing a day’s work.
- Credit Card Scams: Rising into the top five this year, credit card scams are surging. This category includes fraudulent charges, account takeovers, and “card-not-present” fraud. Scammers may also pose as bank fraud departments, tricking victims into verifying transaction codes that actually grant the scammers access to their accounts.
- Debt Collection Scams: Scammers continue to exploit financial anxieties by posing as debt collectors. These fraudsters often use aggressive tactics, threatening legal action, wage garnishment, or arrest if payment is not made immediately. In many cases, the debt does not exist, or the caller has no legal authority to collect it.
- Sweepstakes, Lottery and Prize Scams: A persistent threat to older adults, these scams promise massive winnings in exchange for a small “processing fee” or tax payment. Fraudsters often use recognizable names like “Publishers Clearing House” to build trust, but the prize money never materializes.
- Advance Fee Loan Scams: Returning to the list this year, advance fee loan scams target individuals seeking financial assistance. Scammers guarantee approval for loans regardless of credit history but require an upfront fee for “insurance” or “processing.” Once the fee is paid, the “lender” vanishes.
- Counterfeit Product Scams: Closely linked to online shopping fraud, counterfeit product scams involve the sale of fake luxury goods, electronics, or clothing. Consumers believe they are buying name-brand items at a discount, only to receive inferior knock-offs that can sometimes be dangerous or unusable.
- Government Agency Imposter Scams: While dropping slightly in rank, imposter scams remain effective. Fraudsters pose as government officials including IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare, claiming there is a problem with the victim’s account or benefits. They rely on fear and urgency to coerce victims into sending money or revealing personal data.
- Retail Business Scams: Rounding out the top ten are scams involving fraudulent retail practices. This includes fake customer service numbers for major retailers, “subscription traps” where consumers are billed monthly after a free trial, and non-delivery of services promised by retail establishments.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Don’t believe everything you see. Scammers are professionals at mimicking official seals, fonts and websites. Verify the legitimacy of a business or offer independently before clicking.
- Guard your personal information. Never share personally identifiable informationwith someone who has contacted you unsolicited. This includes banking details, birthdates, and Social Security numbers.
- Use secure payment methods. Avoid paying by wire transfer, prepaid money cards, or gift cards, which are favored by scammers for their untraceability. Use a credit card whenever possible for better fraud protection.
In 2024, 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 victims of fraud. Have additional questions? Reach out to your BBB at 216-241-7678 or [email protected]. Have a scam to report? Report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
