The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a sobering warning to consumers across North America as its latest annual risk report identifies a sharp escalation in digital fraud. After analyzing more than 146,000 scam reports submitted to the BBB Scam Tracker, the organization is alerting the public to the evolving tactics used by bad actors, specifically highlighting the alarming rise of deceptive text messaging campaigns.
The BBB’s report evaluates risk by looking at three core metrics: the frequency of reports, the likelihood of financial loss, and the median dollar amount stolen from victims. Based on this data, investment and cryptocurrency schemes emerged as the most dangerous threats of 2025. These scams have proved devastating for many, with victims reporting a median financial loss of $5,000 per incident.
Coming in as the second-most risky category are employment scams, which are disproportionately targeting younger adults between the ages of 18 and 34. These schemes often lure job seekers with promises of lucrative work-from-home or online marketing roles. However, the BBB warns that these “employers” frequently demand that applicants pay upfront fees or deposit their own money to access earnings or equipment—a major red flag. “Legitimate job offers should never require payment to get paid,” the organization emphasized in its findings.
While employment and investment fraud often resulted in the highest financial losses, the most frequently reported crime remained online purchase scams. Though these incidents carry a lower median loss of approximately $68, they are rampant. In these cases, consumers typically pay for products that either never arrive or are completely different from the items advertised.
Perhaps most concerning to the BBB is the rapid proliferation of unsolicited text messages. Fraudsters are increasingly using SMS as a primary vehicle for phishing, sending fake delivery alerts, banking warnings, or promotional offers to trick users into revealing personal data.
To combat this trend, the BBB provided a series of essential safety tips:
- Don’t engage: Avoid replying to unsolicited messages, even if they prompt you to text “STOP.” Responding simply confirms to scammers that your number is active.
- Avoid the link: Never click on unexpected links in text messages. If you receive an alert from a company you do business with, verify it independently by visiting their official website or calling their verified customer service number.
- Take your time: The most effective defense against fraud is caution. Scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency. If an offer or message feels pressurized, take a step back and conduct your own investigation before clicking, paying, or sharing personal information.
The BBB continues to monitor these threats closely and encourages anyone who has encountered a suspicious interaction to report it to the Scam Tracker to help protect others in the community.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
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