COLORADO SPRINGS- Consumers in Southern Colorado lost millions of dollars in 2018 to scams, but you may be surprised at the age group most likely to fall victim to fraud. Impostor scams have become the most popular tactic for fraudsters after your money they pretend to be someone they’re not to gain your trust and ultimately your money. In 2018 people under the age of 30 were fooled and paid scammers more often than any other age group.
College students have become a popular and rewarding target for scammers and fraudsters. In Colorado Springs UCCS Police Chief Marc Pino says he’s seen the impact.
“Students who fall victim to this type of crime it ranges from a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars,” Said Pino.
The Federal Trade Commission tracks scams. Last year 43% of people under the age of 30 fell victim to fraud. Compare that to the 70-plus age group where we discovered only 15% of the elder population lost money in scams. Students tell me they know scammers are lurking.
“I’ve had like emails from scammers that want me to come get a job at the address they are sending from, but i obviously don’t follow it up,” said Julia, a UCCS sophomore.
“I can see how it can be hard for some people to differentiate oh is this legit? or is it not?,” said Tegan, a UCCS freshman.
The Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado produces an annual report to alert everyone to the pitfalls of scams.