A new study published by a division of the Better Business Bureau shows the stereotype of the “little old lady” as scam victim is wrong, and Gen Z is just as vulnerable to scams as Baby Boomers. 

The research surveyed more than 5,000 adults, and as a group, adults 18-24 reported the highest median losses and the highest likelihood of loss. BBB spokesman Don O’Brien tells The Big Z 2020 was a big year for online scammers.

Fake check scams resulted in an average loss of $1,679 in 2020. Many such scams dovetail off of fake employment scams. O’Brien says many younger adults may not be as familiar with checks as compared to electronic payment methods, potentially making them more vulnerable.