COLUMBUS, Ohio — Falling for a scam may be easier than you realize.

According to the Better Business Bureau, more than 80% of people who were targeted by investment or cryptocurrency scams reported losing money, but some victims are more fortunate than others.

What You Need To Know

• According to the Better Business Bureau, more than 80% of people who were targeted by investment or cryptocurrency scams reported losing money, but some victims are more fortunate than others


• Experts explain why acting early and knowing the warning signs is so important

• To report a scam, go to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website and file a report at reportfraud.ftc.gov

One Ohio woman details her experience that saved her late husband’s benefits from being stolen. Spectrum News 1 should note that for security purposes, she’s asked to not to use her last name.

After Julie’s husband died in 2018, she said she got hit with some unexpected news from his retirement provider.

“We got a notice that someone was attempting to access his benefits that, of course, he was entitled to where he alive,” she said.

But it was her quick response that halted any further action.

“I contacted them right away,” Julie said, “and explained who I was and gave them the proper identification information they would need to make sure that no one could attempt I was of myself or one of my children."

Thankfully, they caught it in time, but not everyone is that lucky.

Danielle Murphy with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office said scams can come in many different forms.

“The computer repair scam, the imposter scam, which is just where someone pretends to be somebody else.” Murphy said. "We see the romance scam or the grandparent scam where, ‘grandma, grandpa help. I’m in trouble. Send me some money.'”

That’s why Murphy said acting early and knowing the warning signs is key.

“There’s a lot of things you can do on your own,” she said. “You can run your credit reports. You can look at your bank statements and credit card statements. Don't answer the phone. Beware of emails that are, you know, immediately respond or click on this link or follow this website, you know. So, just being aware and cautious but doing your research.”

While, in Julie’s case, she didn’t know what was happening until the retirement provider reached out, she now knows how easily you can become a target.

“Make sure you keep your proper identification information where it's safe and where you can access it,” she said, “and if they tell you need to pay this or that, that, make sure it's a legitimate claim.”

To report a scam, go to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website and file a report at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You can also call them at (877) FTC-HELP.