Scams in Texas: A Growing Concern

Thousands of Texans are no strangers to scams. The Lone Star State ranks second in the nation for internet crime complaints and financial losses, with Texans experiencing $1.35 billion in losses last year — a $328 million increase from the previous year, according to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report.

Russell Leahy, a high school history teacher in Fort Worth, lost his life savings to scammers. Thousands of older Texans are most vulnerable to fraud and scams, according to the FBI.

People 60 and older experienced the highest financial losses, while individuals in their 40s filed the most complaints and had the third-largest losses, totaling $155 million.

The Federal Trade Commission and the National Association of Attorneys General highlighted in 2022 that Hispanic and Black communities are particularly vulnerable targets.

For instance, Latino adults are frequently targeted with phone scams and schemes involving people impersonating family members in distress, taking advantage of close family relationships.

Similarly, Black consumers often experience digital scams at higher rates than white consumers, with common tactics including phishing emails and fraudulent investment schemes.

Black consumers also experience digital scams at higher rates than white consumers.

Who is Most Vulnerable to Scams?

According to the FBI, people 60 and older are the most vulnerable to scams, experiencing the highest financial losses. Individuals in their 40s filed the most complaints and had the third-largest losses, totaling $155 million.

The Federal Trade Commission and the National Association of Attorneys General also highlighted that Hispanic and Black communities are particularly vulnerable targets.

How to Spot Scams

Several key warning signs can help you spot a scam. First, be aware of offers that seem too good to be true, such as promises of easy money, big prizes or rewards for contests you never entered, according to the National Association of Attorneys General.

Scammers often pressure you to act quickly, using urgency to prevent you from thoroughly considering the situation. Legitimate offers, on the other hand, will always give you time to consider your options.

Another red flag is any request for personal information; you should never share passwords, bank details, or security codes with strangers, even if they claim to be from a government agency or bank, according to the FBI.

Be cautious if you are asked to use unusual payment methods, like gift cards, wire transfers, or direct withdrawals from your account, as these are common tactics used by scammers to move money, according to the FTC.

Finally, avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, especially those sent through social media groups like WhatsApp or Facebook, according to the National Association of Attorneys General.

If unsure about a link or file, it’s safest not to open it.

How to Stop Scams

To protect yourself from scams, it’s crucial to take a few proactive steps. First, always verify before you trust — double-check identities and offers through official channels. If you receive a call from your bank about an issue, visit the bank in person to confirm the problem, according to the FTC.

Using strong passwords is also essential. Create complex passwords that include a mix of uppercase letters and numbers, store them securely, and avoid reusing the same password for multiple accounts, according to the FBI.

Registering your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry can help reduce unwanted calls by prohibiting telemarketers from contacting you. Visit the official website at donotcall.gov or call (888) 382-1222 to sign up for free.

Be mindful of what you share online as well. Limit the amount of personal information you post on social media or public forums, and never send personal documents through these platforms, as this can make you vulnerable to identity theft if your account is compromised, according to the FBI.

Finally, if something feels suspicious or is uneasy, take a moment to pause and double-check before responding or taking any action, according to the FTC.

Conclusion

Scams are a growing concern in Texas, with thousands of people falling victim to fraud and scams every year. By being aware of the warning signs and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Remember to always verify before you trust, use strong passwords, and be cautious of unusual payment methods and requests for personal information.

Stay safe online and offline, and don’t let scammers take advantage of you. If you suspect you have been a victim of a scam, report it to the authorities immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the most common types of scams in Texas?

A: The most common types of scams in Texas include phone scams, email scams, and online scams, with scammers often targeting older adults and Hispanic and Black communities.

Q: How can I protect myself from scams?

A: To protect yourself from scams, always verify before you trust, use strong passwords, and be cautious of unusual payment methods and requests for personal information. Registering your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry can also help reduce unwanted calls.

Q: What should I do if I suspect I have been a victim of a scam?

A: If you suspect you have been a victim of a scam, report it to the authorities immediately. You can also contact the Federal Trade Commission or the National Association of Attorneys General for assistance.

Q: How can I report a scam?

A: You can report a scam to the Federal Trade Commission online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). You can also contact the National Association of Attorneys General or your local law enforcement agency.