BBB: Phishing, investment scams top Oregon 2017 list

Northwest consumers reported losing over $1 million to more than 3,200 scams in 2017, according to BBB Scam Tracker. Better Business Bureau Northwest & Pacific is issuing a consumer alert on the most reported scams and scams with the most dollars lost in 2017.

Oregon consumers reported over 600 scams with over $244,000 lost. Here are the most reported scams this year:  

Phishing: 194 scams with $0 lost and $1,000 attempted

Travel/Vacation: 70 scams with $5,000 lost

Sweepstakes/Lottery/Prizes: 57 scams with nearly $9,000 lost

Online Purchase: 47 scams with over $50,000 lost

Government Grant: 29 scams with $2,400 lost

Scams with the Most Dollars Lost:

Investment: 1 scam with $72,000 lost

Nigerian/Foreign Money Exchange: 1 scam with $50,000 lost

Online Purchase: 47 scams with over $50,000 lost

Romance: 2 scams with over $14,00 lost

Home Improvement: 3 scams with $12,000 lost

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a scam should contact their local law enforcement and report it to BBB Scam Tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker.