Top Scams Reported to BBB in 2025

Online purchase scams were the most common, while investment scams led to the highest losses

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to a new report from the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas, scams cost consumers in the Triangle over $2 million in 2025. Online purchase scams were the most frequently reported, accounting for more than 28% of all scams. Phishing scams and employment scams were also among the top reported. While online purchase scams were the most common, investment scams resulted in the highest dollar losses, with consumers reporting over $576,000 in losses.

Why it matters

Scams continue to be a major problem for consumers, with millions of dollars lost each year. Understanding the most common and costly scams can help people better protect themselves from falling victim.

The details

The BBB of Eastern Carolinas received over 2,600 scam reports in 2025, with online purchase scams being the most frequently reported, accounting for more than 28% of all scams. Consumers reported losing over $292,000 in online shopping scams. Phishing scams were the second most reported, with 514 reports filed resulting in over $166,000 in losses. Employment scams were the third most reported, resulting in $398,493.79 in losses. Credit card scams and advance fee loan scams rounded out the top five most reported scams. While online purchase scams were the most common, investment scams resulted in the highest dollar losses, with consumers reporting over $576,000 in losses, with a median loss of nearly $8,000 per incident.

  • The BBB of Eastern Carolinas received over 2,600 scam reports in 2025.

The players

Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas

A regional office of the Better Business Bureau that serves a 48-county area in North Carolina.

Alyssa Parker

A spokesperson for the BBB of Eastern Carolinas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is our biggest scam -- what is going to continue to be our biggest scam. So it's incredibly important to do that research.”

— Alyssa Parker, Spokesperson, BBB of Eastern Carolinas (abc11.com)

“If you have questions and may think it's legitimate, call your financial institution directly. The customer service number is on the back of your card. That way, you can answer any questions they have or see if that was legitimate correspondence.”

— Alyssa Parker, Spokesperson, BBB of Eastern Carolinas (abc11.com)

The takeaway

Scams continue to be a major problem for consumers, with millions of dollars lost each year. Understanding the most common and costly scams, such as online purchase scams, phishing scams, and investment scams, can help people better protect themselves from falling victim.