Better Business Bureau

This nascent industry’s growth is expected to explode in the coming years. At least one estimate for 2025 puts the size of the online gaming industry in the US at $103 billion. That number is expected to increase to nearly $170 billion within five years. While the online gambling market in Canada is smaller, it is still expected to top $15 billion this year.

Almost 50% of respondents said the engagement began when they responded to a social media ad/post.

It might seem like there are no downsides to a free package, but it could be a sign that someone is using your personal information for their own gain.

Scammers know they need those codes to get into your accounts – so they may pose as someone you trust, such as a representative from your bank or utility company, and ask for the code. If you give them the code, they can log in and access your personal information or money.

Usage of BNPL services is nearly equal across all income levels. 40% of survey respondents from income levels $0 - $40,000 and $40,000 - $80,000 said they had used the service at least once. While 43% of those surveyed earning between $80,000 - $99,999 and 39% of those who earned over $100,000 indicated that they had used BNPL.

To avoid toll road scams, the BBB suggests verifying your outstanding toll balance with a legitimate agency, and knowing the warning signs of a fake text. Also, don’t click on links or download files that are unexpectedly texted to you. If you believe that you’ve been contracted by a scammer, block the number and delete the message. Finally, if you receive a text message impersonating a road toll collection service report it to the BBB’s Scam Tracker.

Scammers take advantage of strong feelings, and emotions are running high in the days after a scam has occurred, leaving survivors of scams at risk. BBB’s 2023 Scam Tracker Risk Report found that 10% of respondents were impacted by a scam three or more times.

An increasing number of American consumers are willing not to kick the tires or go for a test drive in person over the ease of buying cards online. However, the Better Business Bureau is urging car buyers to see the vehicles they want to buy, firsthand and warn they could lose thousands of dollars to scams.

For parents of high school students, SAT and ACT scores are a huge deal. With college admissions and scholarships on the line, paying for tutors and test prep materials may be worth the price.

Guard your personal information. You don’t need to give someone your phone number to make a sale on an online marketplace. Be sure you know who you are speaking with before you share it. Never give out your phone number in public social media posts.