HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Georgia has been identified as the top state for fraud, according to a recent study by Bader Scott injury lawyers.
The study, based on data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) between April 2023 and March 2024, revealed that Georgia reported more than 177,000 fraud cases. This equates to 1,605 cases per 100,000 residents, a rate 62% higher than the national average.
The most common scams reported include imposter scams, online shopping fraud and business-job opportunity fraud. Lieutenant Justin Clark from the Warner Robins Police Department noted the prevalence of imposter scams in particular. He said public education is crucial to prevent these scams.
"People are getting phone calls, especially from individuals claiming to be from the bank or law enforcement. It's crucial to understand that law enforcement will not call and ask for money," Clark said.
Captain Matt Moulton from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the impact of these scams on the elderly. He stressed the need for vigilance and caution, advising residents to verify the identity of anyone requesting personal information and to be wary of unsolicited calls or emails.
“Most scams are centered around missing jury duty, having a warrant, or getting a traffic citation," Moulton said. "If they tell you to purchase Bitcoin and transfer it, that is almost certainly a scam."
The report by Bader Scott cited that fraudsters often prefer remote methods to avoid face-to-face interactions, making it easier and less risky for them.
“There is a lot less danger in defrauding someone over the phone or internet than committing a face-to-face crime,” Clark said.
Both Clark and Moulton recommend several measures to avoid falling victim to fraud. Always verify the identity of anyone asking for personal information, be cautious with unsolicited communications, and report suspicious activities to law enforcement.
The rise in fraud cases has prompted local authorities to step up efforts to combat these crimes and protect residents. The agencies both say they pursue ones more likely to lead to justice. Typically foreign scammers are hard to prosecute because the governments they reside in aren’t cooperative according to Captain Moulton.