local
Americans are inundated with suspected scams. New polling shows why few victims report them
By Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· 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 Magnolia News
In Magnolia , residents are likely no exception to the nationwide trend of being inundated with scam attempts. As a community within the Houston area, locals may face unique challenges in navigating these threats, given the region's large and diverse population. The fact that few victims report scams to federal or local authorities is particularly concerning, as it may indicate a lack of awareness about the resources available to help. In Montgomery County, where Magnolia is located, law enforcement agencies may need to increase outreach and education efforts to encourage residents to report suspected scams. By doing so, they can better understand the scope of the problem and work to prevent further incidents. Additionally, local banks and businesses may need to take a more proactive role in protecting their customers from scams, such as by offering workshops or seminars on how to identify and avoid common scams.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News 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 KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
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 KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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