LANSING, Mich. — Usually, the elderly are the most likely to fall victim to scams, and lose money.
But according to the Better Business Bureau's latest Scam Tracker Risk Report, the younger generation is now most at-risk.
"What that data found is that younger people are more likely to fall for scams than older people. They are the most likely to fall for a scam," Communications Manager Troy Baker said.
The Better Business Bureau says people between 18 and 24 years old are the most common victims nowadays... because scammers are changing their tactics.
"Scammers change up their M.O. all the time. Scammers have probably changed their targets trying to find fresh meat kind of," he said.
The type of scam is the key. Data shows employment scams, like high-paying job offers, or even the ability to work from home lure in the most people.
"Employment scams always prey on who needs work, are looking for work, are looking for something different. Even if you have a job, odds are in the back of your mind you're thinking maybe there is something a little bit better out there for me," he explained.
Although young people are the most likely to fall for a scam, they tend to lose the least amount of money; averaging $92. Older people on the other hand, were more likely to lose big money--their average was $400.
"There's kind of a dichotomy there. You're less likely to fall for it, but you're going to lose the most as opposed to you're most likely to fall for it but you'll lose the least."
Baker says the best way to protect yourself is to not immediately jump at the chances and do your research first because it can happen to anyone.
"People at home say 'oh, I would never fall for that.' But people do. Lots of people do. It's people you know. It's your neighbors, it's your parents, it's your friends. You don't realize how prevalent this really is."
The second most common scam is for online purchases.
Women are more likely to fall for scams, but men usually lose more money.
To report a scam to the Better Business Bureau click here.
To report a scam to the Federal Trade Commission, click here.
To report a scam to the Attorney General's Office, click here.
