Triangle Residents Lost Over $2 Million to Scams in 2025: What You Need to Know
Millions of dollars were lost to scams across the Triangle region last year, according to a recent report from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Eastern Carolinas. The data reveals a concerning trend of increasingly sophisticated scams targeting residents, with losses totaling $2,077,950.44 across a 48-county service area.
Online Purchase Scams Remain the Biggest Threat
Online purchase scams continue to be the most frequently reported type of fraud, accounting for over 28% of all scams reported to the BBB of Eastern Carolinas in 2025. Consumers lost more than $292,000 to these scams alone. Alyssa Parker with the BBB emphasized the importance of thorough research before making online purchases.
“What we have is our biggest scam – what is going to continue to be our biggest scam. So it’s incredibly important to do that research,” Parker stated.
The rise in these scams is heavily linked to social media advertising, where misleading or completely false ads are prevalent. Consumers are urged to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true and to verify the legitimacy of sellers before providing any payment information.
Phishing and Employment Scams on the Rise
Phishing scams were the second most reported, with 514 reports filed in 2025, resulting in over $166,000 in losses. BBB officials warn consumers to never click on unexpected links and to avoid messages that create a sense of urgency. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a communication, contact your financial institution directly using the number on the back of your card.
Employment scams were the third most-reported scam, causing losses of $398,493.79. These scams often involve fake job offers, requests for application fees, or instructions to cash a check and then transfer funds. Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay to apply or move money on their behalf.
Investment Scams: The Highest Dollar Losses
Although online purchase scams were the most common, investment scams resulted in the highest dollar losses in 2025, totaling $576,517.28, with a median loss of nearly $8,000 per incident. Scammers often promise high returns with little risk, exclusive opportunities, and may request payments in cryptocurrency.
Victims are frequently shown fake earnings statements and are then asked to pay additional fees when attempting to withdraw funds, ultimately losing their entire investment.
Protect Yourself: BBB’s Top Tips
- Look up customer reviews and complaints before buying.
- Check for secure websites (https:// and lock symbol).
- Carefully review return policies.
- Pay with a credit card to dispute fraudulent charges.
Reporting Scams Makes a Difference
The BBB encourages consumers to report scams through its Scam Tracker. Reporting not only helps potential victims avoid fraud but also assists law enforcement in identifying trends and patterns in the community. You can file a report here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed?
Report the scam to the BBB Scam Tracker and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Contact your financial institution immediately if you shared any financial information.
How can I identify a phishing scam?
Look for unexpected emails or messages asking for personal information. Be wary of urgent requests or threats. Always verify the sender’s identity before clicking on any links or providing any information.
Are scams increasing?
Yes, scams are becoming more prevalent and sophisticated. Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, so it’s important to stay informed and vigilant.
Where can I find more information about scams?
Visit the Better Business Bureau website at https://www.bbb.org/ or the Federal Trade Commission website at https://www.ftc.gov/.
Did you know? Government imposter scams have increased significantly, with seventeen reports already filed in the local area in 2025, compared to zero the previous year.
