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Scams by the Numbers

 

Federal Trade Commission data shows that consumers reported losing nearly $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, an increase of more than 30 percent over the previous year.

Consumers reported losing more money to investment scams—more than $3.8 billion—than any other category in 2022. That amount more than doubles the amount reported lost in 2021. The second highest reported loss amount came from imposter scams, with losses of $2.6 billion reported, up from $2.4 billion in 2021.

In 2022, the most targeted age group by fraudsters was people ages 30 to 39, among cases of fraud that were reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States. People aged 60 to 69 were the second most targeted group.

Deb Reiter, CEO of CMIT Solutions has presented two programs for the Women’s Initiative on scams and how to avoid falling for them.  Here are a few of the tips she shared in her programs.

 

Four Signs That It's a Scam

  • Scammers pretend to be from an organization you know.
  • Scammers say there is a problem or prize.
  • Scammers pressure you to act immediately.
  • Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way.

What You Can do to Avoid a Scam

 

  • Block unwanted calls and text messages. (If you do not know how to do this, ask a relative or friend to help you.)
  • Don't give your personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn't expect.
  • Resist the pressure to act immediately.
  • Never pay with a gift card or money transfer.
  • Stop and talk to someone you trust.

Three Golden Rules of Spotting a Scam

  • Slow down. Scammers often increase a sense of urgency.
  • Spot check. Double check the details. If you get an unexpected phone call, hang up. Then look up the organization that supposedly is calling and get in touch directly.
  • Stop! Don't send. No reputable person or agency will ever demand payment on the spot.

Stop by either Itasca Bank & Trust Co. location to pick up a key chain to remind you to Stop, Think, and Listen before you react to a scam.

Diane Middlebrooks
Women's Initiative Coordinator


Women's Initiative Newsletter

Celebrate You

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." -Maya Angelou

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Nelson Mandela

Also in this edition:

  • Who You Are, Who We Are
  • Financial Growth - Personal Finance Manager


Womens Initiative Newsletter Autumn 2023  


A Look into Itasca Bank & Trust Co.’s Women's Initiative Podcast

Women's Initiative Coordinator Diane Middlebrooks and John Binneboese, Senior Vice President of Community Relations, talk with Scott LaMorte about the beginning of the Women's Initiative, a program launched in 2000.  For 23 years the Women's Initiative has offered programs that make a difference in women's lives. From personal interest to business and financial focus, the Women's Initiative offers the opportunity to connect with other interesting women. 

View the Women;s Initiative video online

Discover. Energize. Connect.

Women's Initiative

For over twenty-three years, Itasca Bank & Trust Co. has focused on women's empowerment and success and making a difference in the lives of women who are business owners, retired, employed, mothers, and students. 

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