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Americans are inundated with suspected scams. New polling shows why few victims report them
By Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 25, 2026
· 7 min read
Most Americans are inundated with scam attempts on a daily basis — and about 3 in 10 have personally lost money or personal information to scams, according to a new AP-NORC survey.The poll, conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research in February, highlights the obsta...
Key takeaway A separate survey conducted by Gallup and the Stop Scams Alliance that was provided exclusively to the AP found that last year alone, about 1 in 10 U.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In San Antonio , the prevalence of scam attempts has significant implications for local residents, particularly seniors and low-income households who may be more vulnerable to financial exploitation. The fact that few victims report scams to law enforcement or the federal government suggests a lack of trust in the ability of authorities to provide recourse. This is concerning, as reporting scams is crucial in helping law enforcement track and disrupt scamming operations. Local law enforcement agencies, such as the San Antonio Police Department, may need to reassess their strategies for engaging with the community and encouraging victims to come forward. Furthermore, local banks and financial institutions can play a critical role in educating customers about common scams and providing support to those who have been victimized. By working together, San Antonio can reduce the impact of scams on its residents and create a safer, more secure community.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Most Americans are inundated with scam attempts on a daily basis — and about 3 in 10 have personally lost money or personal information to scams, according to a new AP-NORC survey.The poll, conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research in February, highlights the obsta...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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