Scams are surging: What to know and how to stay safe

Scams are becoming more common and more expensive.

Last year, more than 2.5 million Americans reported that they had been scammed. And that number has been increasing, along with the losses.   

The amount of money lost to scammers in 2024 topped more than 12 billion dollars. That’s up from about $2 billion in 2019, according to the Federal Trade Commission. 

Scammers have also gotten more sophisticated, increasingly impersonating government agencies and businesses to manipulate people out of their money.

MPR News host Angela Davis revisits a conversation about the latest examples and trends in scams, how anyone could fall for them and how to protect yourself.

Guests:

• Jacqueline Olson is the assistant commissioner of enforcement at the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
• Susan Adams Loyd is the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving Minnesota and North Dakota.
• Donna DiMenna was the target of a scam in 2023. She lives in the Twin Cities where she works as an organizational psychologist with expertise in executive development.   

If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to your local law enforcement.

Here are other resources for filing complaints and getting trusted advice on protecting yourself from scams:

The Better Business Bureau is a nonprofit consumer organization that maintains a Scam Tracker database, which allows the public to report and look up scams in their geographic area. You can also call to report a suspected scam to the Better Business Bureau at 651-699-1111.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce provides many consumer fraud resources and its service center addresses complaints about businesses regulated by the department, including banks, insurance and debt collectors.

To file a complaint, call 651-539-1600. To report or get additional help with scams involving seniors, call the Commerce Senior Fraud Line at 952-237-7571.