Learning Center

Consumers Lost Over $500 Million Due to Covid-related Fraud

It will be many years before we have a full understanding of what COVID-19 cost us as a society. But as that information is incrementally collected and released, we’re starting to see the picture take shape. One of the most recent reports on the subject was issued by the Federal Trade Commission, which has estimated that consumers victimized by Covid-related fraud lost over $500 million.

The numbers are devastating, especially because there is a strong sense that the self-reported losses pale in comparison to those that went unreported. The FTC acknowledges that the more-than 558,000 complaints it has received since the start of 2020 barely scratch the surface of how many consumers have been ripped off by online shopping scams, fraudulent travel websites and other schemes. Far more consumers have likely shrugged off the losses rather than go to the trouble of registering a complaint. But based on the complaints that were lodged (60% of which were specifically associated with fraud), the average theft per person amounted to about $370.

It is heartbreaking to realize that fraud continues and thrives in the midst of a global pandemic, and yet this frequently happens in the midst of a tragedy. As citizens have struggled to avoid sickness and deal with isolation and job loss, unethical opportunists have set up fake online shopping and sites and found ways to rob individuals of their government stimulus checks. Even more have tried to take advantage of consumer demand: according to a Consumer Federation report, price-gouging of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and face masks —items that were in short supply and desperately needed — was the most frequently-lodged complaint to state and local consumer agencies. Others reported issues with lack of refunds related to event cancellations, school and childcare closures. Illegal evictions were also common.

Of the 53,000 scams reported to the FTC, the lion’s share was about online shopping fraud, with approximately 16% indicating that as they spent more time indoors and online, they were tricked by “opportunistic websites” that advertised the availability of in-demand items, then never delivered. Consumers filed complaints about sites selling clothing, electronics, hand sanitizer, and pets, but the biggest losses were to sites that refused to issue refunds canceled vacations and travel. Ironically, the Better Business Bureau is reporting that now that travel has resumed, new scams have arisen offering fake airline tickets and other travel accommodations.




Share this article...

NEVER MISS A STORY.

Sign up for our newsletters and get our articles delivered right to your inbox.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

Social Media

Rose Tax & Financial

8 Pinon Ave
Cedar Crest, New Mexico 87008
Mon - Fri: 10:00am to 6:00pm
Sat: 10:00am to 2:00pm

Check the background of your financial professional on FINRA's BrokerCheck
Avantax affiliated Financial Professionals may only conduct business with residents of the states for which they are properly registered. Please note that not all of the investments and services mentioned are available in every state. Securities offered through Avantax Investment Services℠, Member FINRA, SIPC, Investment Advisory services offered through Avantax Advisory ServicesSM, Insurance services offered through an Avantax affiliated insurance agency. 3200 Olympus Blvd., Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75019. 972-870-6000.
The Avantax family of companies exclusively provide financial products and services through its financial representatives. Although Avantax Wealth Management® does not provide or supervise tax or accounting services, Avantax representatives may offer these services through their independent outside business. Content, links, and some material within this website may have been created by a third party for use by an Avantax affiliated representative. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not represent the views and opinions of Avantax Wealth Management® or its subsidiaries. Avantax Wealth Management® is not responsible for and does not control, adopt, or endorse any content contained on any third party website.
This information is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.
The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the web sites provided here, you are leaving this web site. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these web sites. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences.
For Important Information and Form CRS please visit https://www.avantax.com/disclosures.

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
Type your message here.
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully