Next week is Black Friday, and the Federal Trade Commission compared data on the average number of quarterly fraud reports per 100,000 residents over three years to reveal which states are most at risk of being scammed on Black Friday.
Florida ranks 5th among states with the highest risk of being scammed on Black Friday. This is 24% higher than the national average, highlighting Florida as a state at risk for fraud during sales.
Over the three years analyzed, there were a total of 452,222 fraud reports in Florida. The average loss per reported victim was a hefty $650.59 per report, which is 25% higher than the national average of $522.55 per report, highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant in the state.
Law enforcement says scams against Floridians increase around Black Friday, when many shoppers let their guard down in search of discounts, and scammers take advantage of the opportunity. Fake retail websites, fake ads on social media, phishing emails and fraudulent phone calls disguised as shipping or payment notices are just some of the tactics criminals use during major shopping events like Black Friday.
Winna CEO Paul Mertens says as the busiest shopping season of the year begins, it’s important to only shop from trusted websites, avoid clicking on questionable ads or links that don’t seem to be true, and only use secure payment methods that offer fraud protection.
“If you think you may have been a victim of a scam, contact your bank immediately, report it to the Federal Trade Commission, and change any passwords that may have been compromised.” “Vigilance is the best defense against scammers, and staying informed can help shoppers enjoy Black Friday sales without being targeted by scams,” Wina said.
