The number of online scams reported to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) rose 87% since 2015, the organization revealed in a new data report. Phone scams, however, dropped 42% in the same period.
The data underscores how scammers are continually changing tactics to target consumers. The most common online scams involve purchases, cryptocurrency and romantic approaches.
A range of factors like the rise of social media, world events and changes in consumer behavior drive scammers to change their tactics, the BBB explained.
The new BBB report found online scams were 55% more prevalent than other kinds of scams, and a greater percentage of victims lost money.
The best way to prevent becoming a scam victim is to be skeptical of unbelievable offers, the BBB stressed. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.