ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - It's said millions of people lose billions of dollars each year to scams and frauds. That's why the Better Business Bureau serving Western Virginia is celebrating National Consumer Protection Week.
This is part of a nationwide campaign to help people to be mindful of their consumers rights and make better decisions to protect themselves from fraud, identity theft and scams.
Julie Wheeler, the President and CEO of the BBB of Western Virginia, said right now they're seeing more IRS scams and government grant scams where people are told they'll receive money to pay bills.
"The people who are victimized here are victimized primarily from people out of the area or out of the country. Whether it's via email or website or phone. There's just not a lot of residents taking advantage of residents locally. It happened some, but is definitely in the minorities," said Wheeler.
According to Wheeler, door-to-door scams started earlier than normal this year because of weather.
While senior citizens may be more vulnerable, the BBB said those ages 19 to 30 are also becoming more targeted by scammers.