The recent report from the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker highlights a troubling trend, revealing over 3,600 scams reported across the United States in just the last three years. These scams encompass a variety of tactics, including impersonation of employees and vendors, social media account theft, and significant data breaches.
Khesha Duncan, the Columbia Regional Director with the BBB, emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that business scammers can quickly exploit vulnerabilities to steal substantial amounts of money. She pointed out that these scams contribute to billions of dollars in losses annually in North America. A prevalent method involves scammers stealing employee identities to persuade others into disclosing cash and sensitive data.
Duncan cautioned against the perils of phishing and malware, advising individuals to remain vigilant. “Once you’ve clicked on something, you can’t unclick it. It’s like email, right? Once it’s sent, it’s sent,” she stated, highlighting the importance of caution in maintaining cybersecurity.
To mitigate these threats, Duncan recommends thorough research on businesses before engaging and adopting robust cybersecurity measures, including the use of firewalls and multifactor authentication.
It is crucial for individuals and businesses alike to take proactive steps in safeguarding their information, as awareness and preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these ever-evolving scams. By staying informed and cautious, communities can work together to combat the rise of scams and protect their finances.