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By the time Guthman put the pieces together, he had already lost everything: over $40,000, his bank information and even his social security number.
JOHNSTOWN, Ohio — The Better Business Bureau released its latest scam tracker risk report findings for 2024. It found that more 18 to 34-year-olds are falling victim to employment scams, but crypto-investment scams continue to be the riskiest.
However, the BBB of Central Ohio said the primary way people fall for those scams in the area is through online relationships.
John Guthman lost $42,000 to a scam in a matter of weeks.
“I didn’t take good protection over myself,” Guthman added.
It all started when Guthman said he met a woman on Facebook. Their relationship grew serious, and that’s when she asked him to invest in her crypto business.
“So within about three weeks, she convinced me to start with $1,000,” Guthman said.
As Guthman continued to send money, the woman would show him pictures, making it appear his investments were growing. But it was all fake.
By the time Guthman put the pieces together, he had already lost everything: over $40,000, his bank information and even his social security number.
“From that point on, I never got the money back,” Guthman said.
BBB of Central Ohio President Judy Dollison said crypto scams stemming from online relationships are becoming increasingly common in the capital city.
“They’re spending weeks to months really courting their victim,” said Dollison.
The BBB reports susceptibility rates have decreased from 2023 to 2024.
“The median dollar loss increased 30%,” Dollison added. “So, we’re definitely seeing the greater opportunity to lose more money.”
Guthman doesn’t want to see anyone else follow in his footsteps.
“I’m getting all kinds of medical charges,” said Guthman. “I’m getting notices where somebody’s applying for a credit card. I got two within the last two weeks. I’m just really, really suffering.”
If you are ever a victim of a scam, always report it to the BBB.
The BBB reports that over 57% of scams happen on Facebook. In 2024, people ages 65 and up reported the highest median dollar loss at $160, followed by people aged 18 to 24 with $150.
When it comes specifically to crypto scams, the reported median loss is $5,000, with 26% of those victims reporting the scammer spent time building a relationship with them before taking their money.
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