Rising Costs Are Fueling More Scams: What to Watch For
What happened
A recent survey reported by Fox 59 suggests that rising living costs are increasing consumers’ vulnerability to financial scams. While the precise methodology of the survey isn’t fully clear from the reporting, the pattern it highlights is one that security researchers and consumer protection agencies have observed for years: when household budgets tighten, scam risk tends to rise.
The survey found that a significant share of respondents reported being targeted by scams tied to cost-of-living concerns — offers for debt relief, fake utility discounts, and fraudulent “refund” messages that play on fears of missing out on money.
Why it matters
Financial strain changes how people evaluate risk. When you are worried about affording groceries or keeping the lights on, the emotional urgency can override normal skepticism. Scammers are well aware of this. They design their pitches to hit exactly those pressure points:
- Fake refunds or stimulus payments. Messages claiming you are owed money from a government program or an overpaid bill. They ask for a small fee or bank details to “process” the payment.
- Utility disconnection threats. A caller impersonating an electric or gas company says your service will be cut unless you pay immediately — often via a prepaid card or cryptocurrency.
- Debt relief offers. Ads promising to wipe out credit card balances or lower interest rates in exchange for an upfront fee. Legitimate debt relief exists, but it rarely involves paying fees before any service.
- Fake job or side-hustle gigs. With more people looking for extra income, scammers post “work from home” opportunities that require you to buy equipment or provide personal information upfront.
This is not a new phenomenon. During the 2008 recession and the early pandemic, similar spikes in scam activity were reported. The link between economic stress and fraud is consistent, and the current climate of persistent inflation means many households are operating with less margin for error.
What readers can do
The best defense is to slow down, especially when money feels tight. Here are practical steps that apply to most of the scams described above:
Verify independently. If you receive an unexpected call, text, or email about a bill, a refund, or a debt relief offer, do not use the contact information provided in the message. Look up the official phone number or website of the company or agency yourself. Legitimate organizations will not pressure you to act immediately.
Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. These payment methods are nearly impossible to trace and are favored by scammers. Any request to pay a bill or a fee this way is a major red flag.
Guard personal information. Do not share your Social Security number, bank account details, or login credentials with someone who contacts you unsolicited. Scammers often ask for these under the guise of “verifying your identity” for a refund or relief program.
Check for existing reports. Before engaging with any company or offer, search online with terms like “[company name] scam” or “[offer] complaint.” The Better Business Bureau and state attorney general offices often list known frauds.
Report suspicious contacts. If you receive a scam call or message, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Even if you didn’t lose money, reporting helps authorities spot new trends.
Set up alerts. Enable transaction alerts on your bank accounts and credit cards. This gives you a chance to catch unauthorized charges quickly, especially if you accidentally shared card details.
Sources
- Fox 59, “Higher costs increasing scam risks, survey says” (June 2026). Original survey methodology not independently verified at time of writing.
- Federal Trade Commission, consumer advice on avoiding scams during economic downturns.
- Better Business Bureau, scam tracker reports on cost-of-living related fraud.
Note: Scam patterns often follow economic stress. While the specific survey’s methods are unclear, the broader trend is well documented by consumer protection agencies. Readers should apply the same caution they would during any period of financial uncertainty.