Georgia is one of the most targeted states in the nation for scam artists, according to a new report by Forbes Magazine. The Peach State ranked fifth in the annual list of the 10 most scammed states in America, based on data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for the first quarter of 2023.
Georgia’s Fraud Statistics
The report analyzed four factors to score each state: fraud reports per 100,000 residents, total number of fraud reports, median loss from fraud, and total loss from fraud. Georgia scored 89.8 out of 100, behind California, Florida, New Jersey, and Texas.
According to the FTC data, Georgia had 437 fraud reports for every 100,000 residents during the first quarter of 2023, making it the top state for fraud prevalence. The state also ranked seventh in terms of total fraud reports, with about 13,930 reported incidents.
Georgia ranked 12th in terms of total fraud loss, amounting to $33.4 million. Additionally, the state ranked eighth for median loss, at $600.
Common Types of Fraud in Georgia
The most common type of fraud reported in Georgia was imposter scams, which accounted for 28.7% of the total fraud reports. Imposter scams involve someone pretending to be someone else, such as a government official, a family member, a romantic interest, or a potential employer. The scammer may ask for money, personal information, or access to accounts.
The second most common type of fraud reported in Georgia was online shopping and negative reviews, which accounted for 18.6% of the total fraud reports. This type of fraud involves buying or selling goods or services online that are not delivered, defective, or misrepresented. The scammer may also post fake reviews or ratings to deceive consumers.
The third most common type of fraud reported in Georgia was credit bureaus, information furnishers and report users, which accounted for 9.5% of the total fraud reports. This type of fraud involves identity theft, credit card fraud, or unauthorized inquiries or changes to credit reports.
How to Protect Yourself from Fraud
The FTC advises consumers to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with anyone who asks for money or personal information online or over the phone. Some tips to safeguard yourself from fraud are:
- Do not give out your Social Security number, bank account number, credit card number, or other sensitive information to anyone you do not know or trust.
- Do not send money to anyone who claims to be in an emergency, owes you money, or offers you a prize or a job.
- Do not click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails or texts. They may contain malware or phishing attempts.
- Do not trust caller ID or email addresses. Scammers can spoof them to look like legitimate entities.
- Do your research before buying or selling anything online. Check reviews, ratings, and complaints from other consumers and organizations.
- Monitor your credit reports regularly and report any errors or suspicious activity to the credit bureaus and the FTC.
If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud, you can file a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. You can also check the FTC’s website for more information and resources on how to avoid and report fraud at ftc.gov/scams.
