Pittsburgh Residents Face Growing Threats from Fraud

News Summary

Fraud reports in Pittsburgh have surged for the third consecutive year, with over 30,000 reports logged in 2024. The rise in scams, especially imposter fraud, has left residents concerned for their financial safety. The Federal Trade Commission’s recent data highlights significant losses, with the region experiencing a spike in EBT benefit theft as well. Staying vigilant and informed is crucial for residents amidst these unsettling trends.

Pittsburgh Residents Face Growing Threats from Fraud

Pittsburgh’s streets might feel like home, but for many residents, there’s a shadow creeping in that has become harder to ignore. Fraud reports in the Pittsburgh region have taken a noticeable leap for the third year in a row. If you’re feeling a little uneasy about your financial safety, you’re definitely not alone!

Eye-Opening Stats from the FTC

The recently released data by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) paints a concerning picture, revealing that in 2024, around 74,926 fraud reports were filed by consumers in Pennsylvania alone. That’s a significant jump compared to the previous year!

Now, what types of fraud are we talking about? The most recent reports indicate that fraud relating to credit bureaus and information furnishers has taken the number one spot in Pennsylvania. This is especially striking when you consider that, back in 2021, identity theft was the reigning champion of fraud concerns.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

In total, consumers in Pennsylvania reported losses amounting to a staggering $285,404,657 due to fraud in 2024, with a median loss of $350 per person. Pretty alarming, right? Now, shining a spotlight on the Pittsburgh region, a staggering 30,335 fraud reports were logged this year, tallying up from 28,346 in 2023 and 26,839 in 2022. So, if it feels like fraud is on the rise, it truly is!

County Breakdown of Fraud Reports

The Pittsburgh metro area encompasses eight counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland. While these neighborhoods have their charms, they seem to be facing a growing threat that can’t be ignored!

Types of Fraud in Focus

What types of scams are most prevalent? Imposter scams have emerged as the most reported fraud type in the Pittsburgh area. Interestingly, these reports have more than doubled compared to online shopping scams and negative reviews, which is certainly a shift in consumer concerns.

National Fraud Trends

Imposter scams were not far behind either, resulting in losses amounting to $2.95 billion. The FTC received fraud reports from approximately 2.6 million consumers across the country over the past year, emphasizing that fraud is truly a nationwide worry.

The Investigative Side

The FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network plays a significant role in analyzing consumer reports, combining data from law enforcement and various organizations. This detailed analysis is pivotal in uncovering the methods used by fraudsters and aiding investigations into illegal activities.

EBT Benefit Theft—A Growing Concern

EBT benefit theft. Reports indicate that more than $635,000 in benefits was stolen in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2023, with that number soaring to nearly $4 million by the fourth quarter. This spike has left many consumers grappling with financial hardships, as funds lost to card skimming and electronic thefts often go unreplaced after a certain date.

Election Integrity Issues

Lancaster County have flagged hundreds of potentially fraudulent voter registration applications. Election officials maintain that this indicates the system for tracking and reviewing voter registration forms is functioning as intended, which is a bit of positive news amid the rising fraud worries.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WPXI News
• Wikipedia: Fraud
• CBS News
• Google Search: Election Fraud Pennsylvania
• NBC News
• Google Scholar: Voter Registration Fraud
• Forbes
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Voter Fraud
• CNN
• Google News: Pennsylvania Fraud 2024