That seems especially true for Texans, who reported losing around $900 million to fraud in 2024, according to data released recently by the Federal Trade Commission.
Texans reported more than 80,000 reported cases of fraud last year, with the age groups 30-39 and 40-49 filing the most reports. The FTC notes that the top forms of fraud in these cases were online shopping scams, business imposters, and government imposters. More than 27,000 cases of fraud were reported from people 60 and over.
Texas fraud represents a large chunk of the $12.5 billion reported losses nationwide. However, it is worth noting that the FTC can only include reported fraud, meaning these numbers are likely well below the actual total damage.
The Office of the Attorney General of Texas has published a list of common scams that Texans report, including advance fees, tech support, government imposters and phishing scams.
“Business imposters” represented the top fraud subcategory last year, with 24,642 filed complaints. The FTC defines a business imposter scam as “when fraudsters impersonate legitimate businesses to deceive consumers into providing money, personal information, or accessing accounts, often through calls, emails, or social media.” Online shopping scams had the second most reports last year in Texas, with 23,268 FTC complaints.
Government imposters, job and employment scams and investment scams rounded out the top five most common fraud categories in Texas last year.
According to the OAG’s website, there are five main scam signs to look out for.
“If you spot any of these tactics, stop and walk away,” the OAG’s website reads. “You're probably being scammed.”
They contacted you
When you contact a business, you know who's on the other end of the line. But when someone contacts you first, you can't be certain they're telling the truth. You don't know if they are who they say they are. And remember, email addresses and caller ID information can be faked.
They dangle bait — usually money
Let's face it: People simply don't give away large sums of money easily. If someone dangles bait in front of you—a big prize, a shopping spree, an easy loan — for nothing, they're probably lying.
They want your personal information
Anytime anyone asks for your personal information — bank accounts, Social Security number, etc. — you should be on alert. Don't give it away quickly or easily, especially to someone you don't know. You may become a victim of identity theft.
You have to pay them first
If someone offers you a prize, debt relief or employment — but first you have to pay an upfront fee to get it — you're probably being scammed.
You have to wire money or send gift cards
If you're about to wire money or send gift cards to someone in order to receive a prize, or pay off a debt collector that contacts you ... STOP! This may be a scammer trying to take your money.
