BBB tallies record number of reports as scammers adopt new technologies

The Better Business Bureau of the Midwest Plains says scammers appear to be adopting new technology and lean on text message-based scams to reel in new targets. In 2023, phishing scam reports to BBB Scam Tracker nearly doubled, reaching a record high of over 9,000.

More and more in recent reports, scammers are increasingly turning to SMS-based versions of phishing scams, sending messages meant to trick the public into clicking on links that prompt them to share personal information or download malicious software. Common phishing techniques include government impersonation, phony tech support, and cryptocurrency fraud.

Phishing scams target both individuals and businesses, with business losses totaling in the billions over the last three years, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and supported by BBB Scam Tracker reports.

In one such report, an Omaha woman parked at a metered spot and spotted a QR code nearby for payment. After entering her credit card details, she noticed the processing time was unusually long. Sensing something was amiss, she took photos of the QR code and the information displayed on her screen. It turned out the site was a scam designed to deceive hurried individuals. Though she managed to recover her money, she had to cancel her card to prevent ongoing charges from the scammers.

The BBB says watch for these Red flags in phishing scams:

Claims about suspicious activity or fraudulent logins
Companies reaching out about unexpected problems with an account
Attempts to confirm financial information
Requests to click a link to make a payment
Offers government refunds
Phony coupons
Generic message paired with logo of a well-known company

As always, says the BBB, watch for texts or email filled with spelling and grammar errors. Also be wary of any message with language indicating urgency and threatening consequences. Scammers also often pretend to be a known authority figure requesting a business payment.