Podcasts about bbb scam tracker

Carmen Million, President of the Better Business Bureau of South Louisiana, shares critical insights on protecting ourselves from financial predators targeting our money through sophisticated scams and identity theft tactics.• Grandparent scams are resurging with AI voice cloning technology that makes scammers sound like real family members in distress• The IRS will never call demanding immediate payment or gift cards - they always send official mail correspondence first• Tax identity theft is increasing, with criminals filing fraudulent returns to steal refunds before legitimate taxpayers file• When choosing tax preparation services, avoid those promising unusually large refunds or same-day payments through loans• Vacation scams often feature too-good-to-be-true deals - always verify reservations directly with hotels and cruise lines• Identity thieves can reconstruct documents torn into pieces, making professional cross-shredding essential• The BBB hosts a free document shredding event on April 5th at the Baton Rouge Police Department from 9am-12pm• Anything containing personal information should be properly disposed of, including bank statements, tax documents, and credit card offersTo stay protected, be skeptical of unexpected calls and emails, verify before making payments, choose trusted financial service providers, and stay updated on scams through resources like the BBB Scam Tracker.Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text messageSupport the showWelcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Robyn Householder, CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky, who highlights the organization's efforts and mission "to create a marketplace grounded in trust, guiding people toward the best experiences while fostering stronger relationships between businesses and consumers."During the interview, Robyn shares some of the history for the Better Business Bureau and then talks about their model and focus on building better businesses. She talks about two of their awards programs: 1) The Torch Awards for Ethics (nominations close on February 14 and applications will close on March 21, 2025) and 2) The Spark Awards for entrepreneurs in business less than 3 years (applications close March 24, 2025). The Spark Award honors eligible social entrepreneurs, startup founders and new business owners that cultivate the Three C's of Trust: Character, Culture and Community.Robyn then discusses the organization's efforts to denounce unethical business practices and to help protect consumers from scams. She talks about some of the most prevalent scams taking place right now, including using QR code stickers at parking lots, using dating apps for romance and relationship scams, and storm chasers knocking on doors to solicit repairs. She shares some specific examples and ways you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.Here are some things you can do to avoid scams this year:Be cautious: Be wary of unsolicited emails from a person or a company. Remember, scammers can make emails look like they're from a legitimate business, government agency, or reputable organization. Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails. Never send money to strangers: Check prices and shipping times on reputable retail websites to ensure they align with the offer you're considering. Create Strong Passwords: Make them long (16 characters and random (symbols and letters)) Use a Credit Card: Credit cards offer added protection for online purchases compared to other payment methods. Stay educated on the latest scams: visit gobbb.org, and sign up for our consumer newsletter Take time to breathe and not panic: scammers rely on the victims' emotions Before making a move, think the situation through. Check with BBB, visit BBB.org to find out more about a business. Talk to a friend or family member- before making a decision about something that sounds to go to be true.Remember to report any suspected scams to BBB Scam Tracker at https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker. Your reports help protect others. For additional questions, contact BBB at info@gobbb.org or call (615) 242-4222.https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-middle-tennessee

Labor Day weekend may be considered the unofficial end to summer, but it also marks the unofficial start of fair season. Before you make fair plans, make note of specific scams and get shopping advice from Kristen Johnson of the Better Business Bureau CT. Report a scam to BBB Scam Tracker: bbb.org/scamtracker Image Credit: Getty Images 

Despite being one of the oldest and most well-known scam techniques, phishing scams continue to be successful. The BBB Scam Tracker reports totaled over 9,000 in 2023, more than double the previous year and a record high. With the current year's reports trending toward another record, phishing is clearly on the rise as scammers adopt new technologies. We spoke with Kristen Johnson of the Better Business Bureau serving Connecticut about the new data and detecting red flags. IMAGE CREDIT: Kristen Johnson / BBB

Bryan Barrett talks with James Price of the Better Business Bureau. He shares information from the 2023 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report.

Welcome to this week's edition of Your Moment of Trust! When shopping for a team jersey or other sports memorabilia, Watch out for fakes. Scammers know that authentic game-used and/or autographed items can fetch big bucks – especially for items commemorating big games. When shopping online, it can be hard to trust that a seller or product is genuine. Follow these tips when buying sports memorabilia: “Game-used” items are highly sought after. Buyers prize items that saw action on the court or field as valuable parts of sports history. Consumers should be aware that there is a significant difference between “game-used” and “game-issued.” For example, a game-issued jersey was designed for the player to wear, but it may not actually have been worn. There's nothing wrong with selling that game-issued item—unless the seller scuffs it up and tries to pass it off as game-used for a higher price. Autographs are even trickier. With the use of autopen, manufacturers can reproduce ink signatures hundreds of times. Again, there's nothing wrong with selling autopen-signed items as long as they're not misrepresented as personally signed by the player and priced accordingly. Buyers also need to watch out for online listings that describe items as “hand-signed” without specifying whose hand-signed it. That could be technically correct but still highly misleading. Outright forgeries can be the hardest to spot, and this issue has plagued collectors for decades. If you don't have time to become an autograph authentication expert but still want to make purchases, here are some steps you can take. How the scam works - an example Victims of this scam typically find fake sports merchandise through a social media ad or a quick web search. These online scam stores have great photos and cheap prices, making them look believable. Victims report that, at first, the purchase seems normal. The site charges their credit card and sends a confirmation email. However, weeks pass, and the jersey never arrives. The anticipation of having a keepsake of a favorite team is suddenly dashed when the victim tries to contact customer service. They quickly find that neither the company nor the product exists. One disappointed fan reported the following to BBB Scam Tracker: “This company advertised selling collector's items of sports merchandise in special boxes. Each box was supposed to have a certain number of team-related items like a jersey, signed football or mini helmet, etc. I paid 69.99 for the top box of Chicago Bears items. What I actually got was a cheap no-brand jersey, an NFL keychain, and a face mask. I went to good to be true. If the price of an item, collectible or not, is significantly less than what it is on other well-known retailers' sites, this is a red flag that it might be a scam. ● Research the company before you purchase. If the company is unfamiliar,check BBB.org to see if they have a BBB Business Profile or BBB Scam Tracker to see if anyone else has reported them as a scam. Look for contact information on the website, such as a phone number or brick-and-mortar address, as well as a robust social media presence to help determine if the company indeed doesexist. ● Never wire money or use a prepaid debit card as payment. Scammers often request both payment types, and once the money is gone, there is no way to get the money back. Instead, make online purchases with a credit card and only onsecure (https) websites. ● Double-check COAs: Certificates of authenticity (COAs) are the norm for memorabilia purchases, especially for costly items —so it's likely that scammers will try to provide fake ones. A valid COA should state the qualifications and complete contact information of the issuer. Before you trust a COA, ensure itcontains full and correct details on who issued it, and then make sure they're alegitimate and reputable authority. If investing in a less expensive purchase that is not offered with a COA, the buyer should still request a written representation from the seller about the authenticity and origin of the item. It is also essential to establish and get a written statement about the item's physical condition before you purchase it. ● Take extra care at charity auctions: Some scammers target charities by providing “donations” of fake memorabilia. When considering a bid for an item at a charity auction, be vigilant and watch out for suspicious price valuations and shady authentications. When in doubt about an item, consider donating to the charity rather than an auction purchase. ● Seek a money-back guarantee: If possible, work with a dealer who can guarantee a full refund of your purchase if you ever discover it's a fraud. Check all terms and conditions of the sale, especially limitations, before buying the item. Until next time!

While convenient, online shopping can be risky. E-commerce creates all sorts of new opportunities for cyber criminals to do their dirty work, so you need to be careful. U.S. consumers reported losing $358 million to online scams last year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. In this episode, we talk to John Breyault, a vice president at the National Consumers League, and Melissa Lanning Trumpower, executive director of the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, about how to spot the tricks con artists use to fool you and how you can protect yourself. Also, the smart way to pay when shopping online, and how to fight back against porch pirates. Additional Resources: Tips for reducing your risk of fraud this holiday shopping season. BBB Scam Tracker is a free tool anyone can use to report suspected scams. Your reports warn others so they can avoid similar cons. Fraud victims can report scams to the National Consumers League's Fraud.org website. This information is shared with a network of 100 law enforcement partners across the U.S. and Canada. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/consumerpedia/support

This Podcast is Brought to you by BBB of the Tri-Counties A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs of Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast!   Welcome to this week's edition of Your Moment of Trust! One of scammers' favorite tactics is impersonating a person or organization you know and trust. That's the premise of this new text message scam, which has been popping up in recent BBB Scam Tracker reports. This time, con artists are impersonating your bank. How the scam works You receive a text message that looks like a fraud alert from your bank. It claims there is some unusual activity in your account. It may read: "Bank Fraud Alert – Did you approve a transaction for $1,000? Reply YES or NO." If you reply to the text, the scammer now knows they have an active number – and a person to scam. The scam doesn't end there. The scammer will call you to follow up, and the number will appear in the caller ID as coming from your bank. When you answer, the caller claims to be a bank representative who can help stop the fraudulent charges. To do so, you need to send money to yourself using Zelle or another digital wallet app. The caller walks you through connecting the app to your bank account. Then, they ask you to verify the connection by sharing the code your bank sent.  Don't do it! If you give the scammer your verification code, they can set up an account with your phone number and email – but their bank account information. If that happens, when you send money to "yourself," you're sending money to the scammer. Disputing the charges will be difficult because the scammer has tricked you into approving the transaction. Sending money through a digital wallet app is like using cash, making it hard to get your money back. One consumer reported this experience to BBB Scam Tracker: "I received two texts stating it was the Wells Fargo Fraud Department wanting to know if I had made a Zelle transfer… I responded no and immediately got another text stating, 'Thank you, no further action is needed, a representative will call you from 800-869-3556.' Within a few minutes, I got a call from an individual stating they were with the Wells Fargo fraud department. The caller ID on my phone said Wells Fargo, and the person said they could reverse the transaction if I sign into my online account and open the Zelle app. I did this and the caller asked if I saw my name. I told him I saw my name in two places. It looked like I would be sending money to myself. The caller said everything was fine and the money would come back to my account. After the call ended, I got two texts stating funds for $2,500 and $1,000 would be deposited in my Wells Fargo account. I went back into my account and there was no evidence of any deposits. What I did see was $3,500 taken out of my account and a zero account balance." How to avoid bank fraud scams ● Understand your bank's policies. Know that your bank will never ask you to send money to yourself. If someone tries to convince you otherwise, it's a scam. ● Watch out for fake caller IDs. Scammers can spoof caller ID names and numbers to make you think you are receiving a call from a reputable source. If you weren't expecting to be contacted by your bank, it's best to avoid answering. Instead, call the number on the back of your ATM card to confirm that there is an issue. ● Never share one-time passcodes. Scammers can use one-time passcodes from your bank or any other company to access your accounts and change information. Don't share them with anyone, no exceptions. ● Contact your bank if you suspect a scam. If you receive an unsolicited call, text, or email that you suspect is a scam, contact your bank immediately and let them know. ● Don't reply to suspicious texts. Ignore any instructions to reply yes or no if you receive an unsolicited, suspicious text message. If you reply to a scammer, they could save your number as "active" and target you with future scams. For more information See the related BBB Scam Alert about phony banking texts and calls and review the BBB Tip on avoiding impostor scams. If you spot a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to similar scams. Until next time!

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast. Welcome to this week's edition of Your Moment of Trust! Recently, BBB Scam Tracker has received multiple reports of an online shopping scam on TikTok. It's a sneaky one! It starts with a disgruntled employee supposedly seeking revenge and ends with victims ordering hundreds of dollars in phony merchandise. How the scam works You come across a TikTok video featuring someone claiming they were recently fired at a high-end jewelry store. The termination was completely undeserved, and they are angry. To take their revenge, they are sharing their top-secret employee discount code with anyone who wants it. This code gives you up to 100 percent off the company's merchandise. That's right, they claim you can get expensive jewelry for free! As long as you're willing to pay shipping, that is. You may notice some red flags when you checkout using the ex-employee discount code. One consumer reported: “As you add more things from the website to your cart, the shipping cost increases disproportionately… However, this still seems like a ‘deal' because you are getting a 100% discount on (faux) jewelry that costs $100-200.” However, that's not the only warning sign. The consumer added, “There is no cancellation mechanism on their website/order confirmation email, no social media, no address, and no phone number. You can only contact them via an email address.” If you fall for this scam, you won't receive the high-quality jewelry you thought you ordered. You may get cheaply made knockoffs – or nothing at all. Also, you'll be out any money you spent on “shipping” too. The current version of this scam involves a jewelry store, but watch out for other variations as scammers change their schemes to avoid detection. This con would work with high-cost items like electronics or designer handbags. How to avoid online shopping scams ● Don't fall for deals that are too good to be true. Scammers love to draw people in with this bait. If a deal seems extraordinarily good, stay skeptical. Research the company thoroughly before you buy. ● Only shop with reputable companies. It's always best to shop with companies you already know and trust. That said, if you come across an appealing item from an unfamiliar business, it's especially important to do research. Look up the company's website, physical address, and contact information. Read reviews from customers on third-party websites and review comments left on their social media pages, too. You can even search the company name and the word “scam” just to be safe. ● Always make payments with your credit card. When shopping online, use your credit card to pay. Controlling fraudulent charges (and possibly getting your money back) will be much easier with this payment method. Until next time!

Community Connection Monday October 2nd 2023   Open Lines 1:00 - 2:00 PM   2:00 Guests: Child Advocates Inc. Direct Representation Program | We provide direct legal representation for youth to empower them so that they may be decision makers within their own lives. About:"The Direct Representation Program provides older youth in the child welfare system with an attorney experienced in working with older youth and well-versed in child welfare laws. In addition, the program connects youth with a Support Advocate who is well-informed regarding available therapeutic services, community based mentoring organizations, residential facility programs, and ways to ensure a child's medical needs are met. If you know of a child in a CHINS/TPR case who would like an attorney and they are currently removed from their home and 12 years of age or older, please go to this link to make a confidential referral." Program Information: https://www.childadvocates.net/programs/direct-representation/?fbclid=IwAR34MqieStKvAH42qSt2Jt3Gt9x-Xfe8HaZBlXXBAUfjMyYosygQpuBOHco   2:30 PM Guests: Better Business Bureau Serving Central Indiana Joined Us Live To Warn Us Of Scams During The Start Of Giving Season! BBB Scam Tracker: https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker "Don't get trapped into debt! Learn how to protect yourself from predatory debt and credit repair schemes": https://bit.ly/3OFABdt  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

037 - September 16, 2023Rich DeMuro talks tech news, tips, gadget reviews and conducts interviews in this weekly show. Airs 11 AM - 2 PM PT on KFI AM 640 and syndicated on stations nationwide through Premiere Networks. Stream live on the iHeartRadio App or subscribe to the podcast.Follow Rich on X, Instagram, Facebook and Threads.Call 1-888-RICH-101 (1-888-742-4101) to join in!RichOnTech.tvGUESTS:Lisa Eadicicco - CNETMarc Saltzman - USA Today columnistRich talked about Apple's new products including the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models. You can see Rich's hands on videos about the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, Apple Watch 9 Double Tap Gesture and USB-C. You can see the iPhone 15 colors here.Dominic in Costa Mesa asks why music isn't working on his Instagram App.Jamie in Corona asks about the privacy of AI search engines like Google's SGE.Rich talks about how MGM got hacked through Vishing and producer Adam shares a story about how his Mom fell for a similar scam like this.Jeff in New York City asks about options for listening to music or radio to fall asleep. Rich mentioned Soundcore buds, Soli pillow and Ozlo Sleep.Rich talked about the new Apple Watch 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the AirPods Pro 2.Steve in Orange, CA sent money via PayPal to a scam artist who offered him a free laptop through a Facebook group. A good place to research or report scams is the BBB Scam Tracker website.Sarah in Ventura has some issues with her Android tablet.Stabliity AI launches a new AI powered music generator called Stable Audio.Rick in Mission Viejo asks about upgrading to a new laptop.Chromebooks are going to get 10 years of software updates.Jim in Huntington Beach wants to rename files easily in Windows. Rich recommends F2 key.Darlene has an iPhone 8 and wants to upgrade.Apple will issue a software update to the iPhone 12 to address radiation concerns.BBB warns of a new scam involving high school sports livestreams.Polestar 2 cars are getting Prime Video in their infotainment system.Cruise unveils a wheelchair accessible robotaxi.Ring has a new $10 pet tag.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast. Welcome to this week's edition of Your MOment of Trust! BBB Scam Tracker has gotten numerous reports of a clever travel scam this summer vacation season. Con artists pretend to own a vacation rental and insist on being paid directly rather than through the official rental platform. If you book with them, you'll be out of money and face a potentially ruined vacation. How the scam works: You search a vacation rental site, such as VBRO or Airbnb, for a place to stay on your next trip and find a perfect rental listing. The photos are beautiful, and the price is right. Other times, you discover the rental through a social media post. The scammer may have shared it to a Facebook group, claiming to be renting “their” vacation home. Either way, when you message the “owner” about booking, they offer you a deal. If you book with them directly, paying through a digital wallet, such as Venmo or CashApp, instead of the rental platform – they can give you a discount. You agree and send an initial payment. The scammer may reply with a realistic-looking receipt. But once the scammer receives your money, they stop replying to messages. Unfortunately, the vacation home may be real, but the person you paid to rent it is a scammer. They don't own the property, and your deposit is in the hands of scammers. One consumer reported this experience: “I booked a long-term rental for June and July on Airbnb through a female host advertised as Amy. I was contacted soon after by a man named Sean over text. He requested a phone call and suggested we go through Venmo instead of Airbnb to avoid fees and to give me a discount…. I decided to cancel to protect myself, but Sean refused to return my 1st-month rent payment of $2,500. I have never been able to speak to Amy and believe he is using this profile as a cover-up to scam people out of money and avoid taxes.” How to avoid online booking scams: ● Do business with reputable websites. Legitimate websites like VRBO and Airbnb have certain policies to protect renters and rental owners. If there's a problem with your rental, you can open a case, and you may get your money back. If a seller asks you directly to book outside a website, think twice. ● Research the rental property. Do an online search for the owner's name and/or the property's address. Look for complaints online, watching for any reports of scams or dishonest behavior. ● Pay with a credit card. Whenever possible, use your credit card to make online purchases. It is easier to dispute fraudulent charges, and you have a better chance of getting your money back if something goes wrong. ● Save any documents related to your purchase. Save copies of your receipt, order confirmation page, shipping information, etc. You may also want to save a copy of the business' return policy so you know how to proceed if there is a problem with your order or if it doesn't arrive within the promised timeframe. For more information See BBB's travel HQ for more tips for planning and booking your next vacation. Read these tips on avoiding hidden travel fees and spotting hotel scams. If you spot a scam while booking travel online, report it at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help other consumers spot a scam before it's too late. Until next time!

This podcast is by BBB of the Tri-Counties. A BIG thank you to Ayers Auto Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast. Welcome to this week's edition of Your Moment of Trust. There's a lot of buzz lately about verified social media accounts, thanks to Twitter's announcement of the $8-a-month program and Meta's announcement of their $14.99-a-month program for a "verified account." Social media has long been a favorite haunt of scammers. In light of those two facts, businesses and consumers should be alert to how the scammers will use this latest twist to benefit themselves. BBB is monitoring reports to BBB Scam Tracker, and recently the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust and Amazon (a BBB Accredited Business) partnered to educate consumers on impersonation scams.  In recent phishing scams, con artists have been going after businesses and individuals with verified accounts – a measure that was supposed to help prevent scams. How the scam works You receive a direct message or email that appears to come directly from Twitter, Instagram, or another social media platform. It states that your verified account has been flagged, and you must re-verify it. You could allegedly lose your verified account badge if you don't respond. For example, some Twitter users have reported receiving direct messages or emails stating that their blue verified badge has been marked as spam and, if they don't appeal the decision, it will be deleted. The scam message asks you to click on a link or download a form to start the appeal process and re-verify your account. You may download malware onto your laptop or mobile device if you click. This can collect your personal data without your knowledge. If you fill out forms or reply with the requested information, scammers may be able to hack your account or use your personal information to commit identity theft. How to avoid social media scams ● Understand how social media platforms work. Get to know a social media platform's policies before using it. For example, Twitter never sends emails requesting login credentials, nor do they send emails with attachments. If you are clear on the platform's policies and procedures, you'll be less likely to fall for correspondence from a scammer – even if it looks legit. ● Be wary of unsolicited messages. Be skeptical about out-of-the-blue messages, whether it's a DM, an email, or a message on a messaging app, especially if they ask you to click on links or open attachments. Instead, go straight to the source – the platform's official customer service center – to determine if the message is real. ● Look for the signs of a scam. Poor spelling, bad grammar, pressure to act now, and scare tactics are all red flags that indicate a scam. ● Always protect your personal information. Never give a stranger your login credentials or other personal information without verifying their request's legitimacy. Most reputable companies won't ask you for your login information. ● Monitor your accounts. Make a point to monitor your social media accounts and do a search for your name or brand, making sure there are no impostors. For more information If a scammer has contacted you, report your experience to BBB Scam Tracker to help other consumers recognize the con. Read more about spotting fake social media accounts. Learn more ways to protect yourself by visiting BBB.org/AvoidScams. Until next time!

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara Welcome to this week's edition of Your Moment of Trust! Check use may be declining, but check fraud is still a serious problem. Watch out for this scam, dubbed “check washing,” which involves stealing checks from mailboxes and then altering them. Fortunately, you can do a few things to protect yourself and your business. How the scam works: You send a check in the mail as payment for a service or product. However, a few days or weeks later, you are contacted by the company you paid. They say they never received a payment. Then, you discover the check you sent has been cashed, either for the amount you wrote it for or for a much higher amount. What happened? Scammers use many techniques to intercept mail, sometimes directly from your or the post office's big blue mailbox. Scammers have even been known to sneak into post office boxes with stolen keys. Individuals can fall victim to this scam, but scammers mostly target businesses, which typically write checks for larger amounts and have a predictable schedule for paying and mailing bills.  Once scammers find an envelope containing a check, they use household chemicals to “wash off” the name and amount you wrote down, replacing it with a name and dollar amount of their choice. Usually, they use fake identities to cash the check later on. And even if no one cashes your check, you are at a much higher risk of identity theft once it's found its way into scammers' hands. How to avoid check-washing schemes ● Take advantage of electronic payment methods. If you can use electronic means to make payments and receive them, do so. That will eliminate the possibility of falling victim to check washing. ● If you must mail a check, take precautions. Drop it off at the post office using the lobby mail slot instead of leaving a check in the mailbox with the flag up. If you need to use a blue box, drop off the mail before the day's last pick-up time. Don't leave unsent mail in your mailbox overnight; retrieve your delivered mail promptly, advises the United States Postal Service. ● Put a hold on your mail. If you are going out of town, have your mail held at the post office until you return. If you run a small business that isn't open on weekends, consider asking the post office not to deliver mail on Saturdays. ● Improve your mailbox security. Installing highly visible cameras near your mailbox and using a locked mailbox are two additional ways to avoid falling victim to this scam. ● Keep an eye on your checking account. Monitor your bank accounts carefully to ensure no one cashes a fraudulent check from your account. If you notice suspicious activity, notify your bank immediately. ● Use “positive pay” services. Many banks offer “positive pay” services for business checking accounts. You can pre-authorize checks for a specific amount by their check number. This will at least stop scammers from withdrawing more money than the specified amount. ● Always report check fraud. If you think your check was intercepted in the mail, let your bank know right away. Then, file a report with the Postal Inspection Service and your local police department. For more information: Read about more ways scammers use checks to commit fraud in BBB's Fake Check Scams Study. Get more advice on how to avoid scams at BBB.org/AvoidScams. If you've been a victim of check fraud, you can also report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your reports help build public awareness and reduce scammers' effectiveness. Until next time!

On this episode of Looking Forward Our Way, we examine the issue of BBB scams with guest Lee Anne Lanigan, Director of Consumer Relations & Investigations - Better Business Bureau Serving Central Ohio.You are going to hear valuable tips on how to avoid scams and warn against buying into products and services that are "too good to be true." We urge listeners to use secure payment methods like credit cards instead of unconventional methods like wire transfers and prepaid money cards. We also discuss the BBB Scam Tracker website, which allows consumers to report scams they have experienced and read about. In addition, Lee Anne explains the process by which scammers convince victims to purchase gift cards and provides tips on how to block spam calls and report them. Finally, you will hear insights into customer reviews and how to use them to make informed decisions.In the last year, April 2022 - April 2023, the BBB office received 655 scam tracker reports from Central Ohio consumers who also reported losing $600,000 to scams. Online purchases were the number one scam for Central Ohio consumers as well as nationally. Nationally, online retail fraud losses approached $380M in 2022. Online purchases include everything from puppies, trademark merch like MLB jerseys, women's clothing, CBD products, and weight loss products. Here is that study. Resources mentioned in the podcast.Scam StudiesBBB Scam TrackerWe would love to hear from you.Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.Find us on Facebook.Please review our podcast on Google!And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.Copyright 2023 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

Rich talks about his hit and run car accident and explains how his cameras weren't active or didn't capture the moment. Lesson: Check the angles, settings and limitations on your security cameras now before it's too late.Shana in Brea, California asks how to educate elderly retired loved ones on the latest scams since they don't get training at work. Rich recommends a website called Scam Spotter and BBB Scam Tracker.Sam Rutherford, Senior Writer for Engadget will have his review of the Pixel Fold smartphone.Tanuja asks how to prevent relay car thefts.Keith asks if he should get the Pixel 7 or 8.Grace in Rancho Cordova asks if her Gmail will stop working if her storage is full and she doesn't pay for more. Rich says to clear up storage using the one.Google.com website but be aware you might have to start paying.Apple is shutting down My Photo Stream. Here's what you need to know.Roger Anderson will explain his Chatbot system for messing with telemarketers and robocallers.Jay in Gardena wants to know how to reset an iMac only for banking purposes.YouTube is limiting video views if you use an ad-blocker.Electrify America is adopting Tesla's charging standard and adding the plugs to their charging stations nationwide.Bunim Laskin, co-founder and CEO of Swimply, will talk about how you can make money renting out your backyard pool or court.Mark in Lomita asks about using an eSIM to travel abroad. Rich recommends US Mobile or Airalo for an international eSIM. For Airalo, get $3 off is you use code RICH5375.Jan asks what transfers over to iPhone if she switches from a Samsung. Use the Move to iOS App to transfer pictures, videos, messages and more.Jack in Riverside can't turn on his Windows computer.Stella asks why her iPhone 12 Mini is getting hot. Check Settings > Battery for batteryJefferson Graham shares a money saving travel tip and talks about how to take photos of fireworks.Proton Pass looks like a promising new encrypted password manager that also creates a hidden email address for each new login.California State Parks teams up with what3words. Download this app so you can tell someone your precise 10x10 location anywhere in the world.Last week, Angel asked about earbuds that don't have a microphone on them for his wife. I asked Lauren Dragan, who reviews headphones at Wirecutter and she says these Soundcore Sleep earbuds should do the trick.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties: A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara, for supporting this podcast Use caution when hiring a home improvement contractor, especially following a major storm, flood, or weather event when many homeowners are trying to repair their homes. However, contractor scams can happen anytime, so be wary of high-pressure sales tactics, upfront fees, and fly-by-night businesses. Con artists will take homeowners' money and deliver (or not deliver) less than quality work. How the scam works: Home improvement scams can start with a knock on the door, a flyer, or an ad. The contractor may offer a low price or a short timeframe. One common hook is when the scammer claims to be working in your neighborhood on another project and has leftover supplies. Once started, a rogue contractor may "find" issues that significantly raise the price. If you object, they threaten to walk away and leave a half-finished project. Or they may accept your upfront deposit and never return to do the job. Following a natural disaster, scammers persuade homeowners to sign over their insurance payments. Tips to spot this scam: Watch out for "red flags." Say no to cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics, high upfront payments, handshake deals without a contract, and on-site inspections. Not all “storm chasers” are con artists, but enough are that you should be cautious any time a home contractor contacts you first…especially after a natural disaster. Ask for references and check them out. Bad contractors will be reluctant to share this information, and scammers won't wait for you to do your homework. If you can, get references from past customers, both older references to check on the quality of the work and newer references to ensure current employees are up to the task. Check them out at BBB.org to see what other customers have experienced. And always get a written contract with the price, materials, and timeline. The more detail, the better.  Know the law. Work with local businesses that have proper identification, licensing, and insurance. Confirm that your vendor will get related permits, and make sure you know who is responsible for what according to your local laws and that your vendor is ready to comply.  To report a scam, go to BBB Scam Tracker. Be sure to check out more scam warnings on Scam Squad

A podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties A BIG thank for to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara   Welcome to this week's edition of Your Moment of Trust! Tricky websites claim to offer discounted prices on Stanley cups and tumblers in a scam reported to BBB Scam Tracker repeatedly in recent weeks. Here's how to spot the scam so you don't lose money or personal information to con artists. How the scam works: You see an ad for Stanley travel cups on social media or after an online search. It appears to be from the official Stanley company or a popular sporting goods store. According to an ad, the store is running a flash sale with great prices on the cups – some are discounted to half the original price or more. Enticed by a good deal, you click on the link. When you do, you're redirected to a website where you can purchase. It looks like a legitimate site, so you enter your payment information and are charged for the item. However, soon after ordering, you'll notice some red flags. Some buyers reported never receiving a confirmation email and being unable to contact the company. Others received shipping information, but their product was never delivered. Several victims reported getting confirmation that their product had been delivered to Alaska, which is not where they reside. Here's one consumer's firsthand experience: “There was an advertisement for Stanley travel cups for Mother's Day through Dick's Sporting Goods. I clicked the ad and was taken to the ‘Stanley' website, where I ordered and entered my credit card info. I received an order confirmation notice and tracking information from the seller. However, my travel cups were apparently ‘delivered' in a completely different state, almost 800 miles from my location! The items were delivered the day after a ‘Missing Mail Search Request' was initiated, but it wasn't initiated or requested by me. I have tried to contact both the shipping company and the seller through their website but have not gotten any response.” If you purchase through a shady website, your personal information and the money you spend will be gone for good. The Stanley cup you ordered never even existed. How to avoid online shopping scams: ● Only make purchases through sellers you know and trust. When making purchases online, only buy products from reputable businesses. If you find a great deal through a seller you've never heard of, do plenty of research to ensure they are legit before entrusting them with your personal information and hard-earned money. ● Watch out for imitation websites. Even if you think you are on a well-known vendor's website, you might not be. Scammers are experts at making lookalike websites to fool consumers into entering their personal and payment information. Take a hard look at the URL to ensure you aren't on a website that looks like a seller you know but is off by a word or even a single letter. ● Beness' social media feed and website, and read reviews about the company on third-party websites to ensure they are a real business with real customers, quality products, and good customer service. ● Stay extra vigilant around holidays. BBB Scam Tracker received multiple reports each day about this Stanley cup scam just before Mother's Day. If a holiday is approaching (especially one where it's customary to send gifts), stay alert to the possibility of scams. Don't wait until the last minute to purchase a gift, either. Bad actors play on people's desire to get a good deal. Plus, they know that last-minute shoppers are more vulnerable to scams than someone with plenty of time to research the seller.   Until next time! cautious about ads on social media. Many reputable businesses run social media ads but so do scammers. Sort real businesses from scams by doing your research!

Follow Rich: richontech.tvRich talked about some of his favorite apps for iOS and Android. They include Email Me, Boomerang, Pocket, Google Photos, Microsoft To Do, My Mind, All Trails, Artifact, Award Wallet, Backdrops, Splice, What3Words, Day One, Fig, Flighty, Flipp, Gemini, iExit and Meteor.Elin from LA called to say her mom sold a computer at a garage sale and forgot to log out of her accounts.Netflix beings its password sharing crackdown.Daniel Rubino of Windows Central joined to talk about Microsoft's announcements at their Build Conference.Amazon has a new Fire Max 11, their most powerful tablet yet.Neon called in to ask about using an Echo for asking questions and YouTube.Pauli Anne called in to say her iPhone isn't turning on. Rich recommended a force reset.Common Sense Media founder and CEO Jim Steyer talks about the impact of social media on teens.Jan called in to ask why when she was installing apps off the web on her Surface they were installing on her phone. Rich said she needs to install from the Microsoft Store.Rich and his son Parker talk about Final Cut Pro on the iPad.The Max streaming service launched this week. HBO Max subscribers will get access and keep their plans and pricing for a minimum of 6 months.Peloton is changing up pricing and features for app users. Basically, if you like hardware based classes, like running on a treadmill or cycling, you'll have to pay more for unlimited classes after December 5.John Faulkner of Clean Fleet Report joined to talk about Vinfast and the Ford/Tesla deal.Rich explained how the BBB Scam Tracker website can help you research scams before they happen to you.Show Wiki PageSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties: https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-... A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair for Supporting this Channel! Welcome to this week's edition of Your Moment of Trust! Buying refurbished items can save you money, but it's important to research before you take the plunge. While many reputable businesses offer quality pre-owned electronics, appliances, and other products for a fraction of their original price, BBB Scam Tracker has received reports of con artists ripping off consumers by promising a great deal on “like-new” devices that they don't plan on delivering. How the scam works: You find a website that sells refurbished items ranging from car parts to cellphones to hair dryers. The site looks legit, and they are selling a high-dollar item you want for a price that fits your budget. You decide to purchase through the website or a payment app like PayPal (a BBB Accredited Business). Then, a few days after receiving your order confirmation, you wonder why you haven't received a shipping confirmation. You reach out to the company, and they respond with an excuse. They may claim they are understaffed or have had a problem with their supply chain. Still, they assure you the item will be shipped soon. As more time passes, it eventually becomes clear that the seller has no intention of shipping anything. Each time you try to contact them, they either have more excuses or become impossible to reach. One consumer reported, “I was told multiple times the delay was from the owner being in a major car crash or dealing with a catastrophic medical accident. They even told me they were moving shop (more delays) and then that they had moved personally, which slowed delivery.” Unfortunately, the item you ordered doesn't exist, and you've li lost the money you paid for it. How to avoid refurbished product scams: ● Carefully examine a website before making a purchase. Before doing business with an online retailer, examine their website carefully. Not only should it have quality photos and typo-free content, but it should also have working contact information. In addition, you'll want to research to find customer reviews and complaints. If you find reports of scams or no reviews at all, think twice before making a purchase. Always double-check the URL you are visiting to ensure you aren't on a fake website. ● Understand what the term “refurbished” means. Keep in mind that refurbished means different things to different manufacturers. It can mean the product had shipping damage and was returned; it could refer to an open box product, a demo model, or an item that was broken and returned to the manufacturer. Find out what a company means by refurbished before you commit to a purchase. Remember that unauthorized third-party resellers are a big risk, especially if they don't offer returns. Even if a reseller claims the manufacturer has refurbished the item, there's no way you can confirm it. Buying under these circumstances is a big gamble. ● Ask about return policies. It can take a while for problems to show up, so make sure you have the option to return a refurbished item. If you can't return it, or the return window is only a week or two, it may not be worth the risk. ● Inquire about warranties. Some manufacturer-refurbished items have an extended warranty, but this isn't always true. Find out if the item you're interested in qualifies for a warranty and what the conditions are. Warranties can come in handy if the refurbished item does have issues down the road. Know that anything marked “as-is” won't have a warranty. ● Buy refurbished products from the manufacturer when possible. When a manufacturer gets a returned product, they recondition it to be like-new. They use original parts and trained repairmen to get the job done. An item refurbished by a third party may not get the same treatment. It could be repaired by someone who isn't an expert with the brand, or it might contain different parts. Either issue means it won't be in like-new condition when you buy it. ● Use a safe payment method. Always make online purchases with your credit card. If an online retailer doesn't deliver on their promises, it will be easier to dispute the charges, and you'll be more likely to get your money back. Until next time!

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties A BIG Thank you to Ayers Auto Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast! Welcome to this week's edition of Your Moment of Trust! Buying refurbished items can save you money, but it's important to research before you take the plunge. While many reputable businesses offer quality pre-owned electronics, appliances, and other products for a fraction of their original price, BBB Scam Tracker has received reports of con artists ripping off consumers by promising a great deal on “like-new” devices that they don't plan on delivering. How the scam works: You find a website that sells refurbished items ranging from car parts to cellphones to hair dryers. The site looks legit, and they are selling a high-dollar item you want for a price that fits your budget. You decide to purchase through the website or a payment app like PayPal (a BBB Accredited Business). Then, a few days after receiving your order confirmation, you wonder why you haven't received a shipping confirmation. You reach out to the company, and they respond with an excuse. They may claim they are understaffed or have had a problem with their supply chain. Still, they assure you the item will be shipped soon. As more time passes, it eventually becomes clear that the seller has no intention of shipping anything. Each time you try to contact them, they either have more excuses or become impossible to reach. One consumer reported, “I was told multiple times the delay was from the owner being in a major car crash or dealing with a catastrophic medical accident. They even told me they were moving shop (more delays) and then that they had moved personally, which slowed delivery.” Unfortunately, the item you ordered doesn't exist, and you've li lost the money you paid for it. How to avoid refurbished product scams: ● Carefully examine a website before making a purchase. Before doing business with an online retailer, examine their website carefully. Not only should it have quality photos and typo-free content, but it should also have working contact information. In addition, you'll want to research to find customer reviews and complaints. If you find reports of scams or no reviews at all, think twice before making a purchase. Always double-check the URL you are visiting to ensure you aren't on a fake website. ● Understand what the term “refurbished” means. Keep in mind that refurbished means different things to different manufacturers. It can mean the product had shipping damage and was returned; it could refer to an open box product, ademo model, or an item that was broken and returned to the manufacturer. Find out what a company means by refurbished before you commit to a purchase. Remember that unauthorized third-party resellers are a big risk, especially if they don't offer returns. Even if a reseller claims the manufacturer has refurbished the item, there's no way you can confirm it. Buying under these circumstances is a big gamble. ● Ask about return policies. It can take a while for problems to show up, so make sure you have the option to return a refurbished item. If you can't return it, or the return window is only a week or two, it may not be worth the risk. ● Inquire about warranties. Some manufacturer-refurbished items have an extended warranty, but this isn't always true. Find out if the item you're interested in qualifies for a warranty and what the conditions are. Warranties can come in handy if the refurbished item does have issues down the road. Know that anything marked “as-is” won't have a warranty. ● Buy refurbished products from the manufacturer when possible. When a manufacturer gets a returned product, they recondition it to be like-new. They use original parts and trained repairmen to get the job done. An item refurbished by a third party may not get the same treatment. It could be repaired by someone who isn't an expert with the brand, or it might contain different parts. Either issue means it won't be in like-new condition when you buy it. ● Use a safe payment method. Always make online purchases with your credit card. If an online retailer doesn't deliver on their promises, it will be easier to dispute the charges, and you'll be more likely to get your money back. Until next time!

A Podcast from BBB of the Tri-Counties:  Beware of BBB imposters!  BBB does sometimes reach out to consumers and businesses; however, BBB will never ask for passwords or information to access your personal device.  Also, watch out for phony invoices that look as if they are from the BBB.   If you are unsure if it's really the BBB calling, tell the caller you will call them back and end the call. Then check the phone number on BBB.org and call directly. If you receive a call from someone requesting payment information or permission to access your computer, hang up and report it to BBB Scam Tracker. A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast.  

When scammers are on the prowl, Steve Bernas of the Better Business Bureau has your 'tip off to the rip off' on The Steve Cochran Show. This time, Steve shares his warnings on home repairs, travel, and other ways the bad guys are trying to take your hard earned cash. Read Steve's notes below and remember to look for the BBB seal of approval! How to avoid home repair scams: BBB offers tips to help reduce the risk of scams: Do your research. Find businesses you can trust on BBB.org. Get at least two quotes before signing a contract. Always check for proof of insurance and licensing. Get references from friends and relatives.  Beware of “storm chasers” and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack the proper licensing for your area, offer quick fixes, or make big promises they can't deliver. Contact your insurance company. Ask about your policy coverage and filing requirements. Resist high-pressure sales. Some storm chasers use tactics such as the “good deal” you'll get only if you hire them on the spot. Be proactive in selecting a contractor and not reactive to sales calls on the phone or door-to-door pitches. Ask for identification. Check their vehicle for a business name, phone number, and Illinois license plate. Check ratings and reviews. Don't sign over insurance checks to contractors. Get an invoice from the contractor and pay them directly (preferably with a credit card, which offers additional fraud  The most reported travel scams are: Vacation rental cons – Fraudsters lure in vacationers with the promise of low fees and great amenities. The “owner” creates a false sense of urgency – such as telling potential clients that another vacationer is interested in the rental – to get payment upfront before doing sufficient research or questioning the legitimacy of the ad. “Free” vacation scams – Often offered as an enticing prize, these get victims to pay taxes, fees and other charges before they learn the offer is fake. Even when booking with a legitimate company, beware a low price may mean travel restrictions, add-on fees for air transportation, port charges, taxes, tips, and other fees. Hotel scams – When staying in a hotel, beware of scammers who use various techniques to obtain credit card information, including fake front desk calls, “free” wi-fi connections and fake food delivery. Third-party booking site scams – If you book your airfare, hotel, or other travel through a third-party website, be sure to use caution. BBB Scam Tracker continues to receive reports of scammers pretending to be online airline ticket brokers. In a common version of the scam, travelers pay with a credit card and receive a call from the company asking to verify personal and banking information after making the payment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties Romance scams are more common than ever. Even if you don't use dating apps, you might still be targeted by one. BBB Scam Tracker is getting reports from dating scam victims who were conned through social media. Get to know the signs, so you can spot a fake romance before getting in too deep. How to Avoid Dating Scams:  ● Know the signs of romance scams. Romance scams often start with someone who seems too perfect and immediately falls in love with you. They may be in a hurry to create a future together but hesitant to meet you in person. They'll probably tell you they are overseas or in the military. They often talk about the importance of trust to gain yours, and they may share sad stories to pull on your heartstrings before asking you for money. Any one of these tactics is a big red flag. If you notice similarities with someone who has messaged you on social media, think twice about your relationship.  ● Never send money or personal information to someone you haven't met. Refrain from giving a stranger your credit card or bank account information. Don't wire money to or share the PIN of a gift card with someone you've never met. An online "friend" might not even really exist! ● Ask lots of questions. When you meet someone online, ask them specific questions about the details in their profile and pay close attention to their answers. If they lie, they likely won't be able to keep their story straight. ● Do some research. Do a reverse image lookup of a person's profile picture to see if it is being used elsewhere on the internet. Scammers often use the same stolen photos to create fake profiles. You can also search their name, email, and phone number to see if you find anything fishy. For more information: Read BBB's tip on romance scams for more helpful advice. Get information on specific dating scams on the BBB Romance Scam page. Also, be on the lookout for a similar scam involving wrong number text messages. If you spot a scam on social media, romance-related or otherwise, report it! By sharing your experience at BBB.org/ScamTracker, you can help us expose scammers' tactics. A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for sponsoring this podcast. https://www.ayersrepairs.com   Show less

A podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties: https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-the-tri-counties Welcome to this week's edition of Your Moment of Trust. When it comes to New Year's resolutions, scammers know that losing weight and getting in shape is one of the most popular goals. This popularity has led to a slew of scams involving vitamins, supplements, and weight loss formulas, all claiming to offer rapid results. Not only are the products themselves questionable, but so are the business dealings of the companies peddling them.  To help avoid weight loss scams, BBB recommends the following: ● Always be wary of advertisements and customer endorsements promising "miracle" results or immediate weight loss. The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers that many shady weight loss products are accompanied by false promises. For example, if an ad says their product will make you lose weight "permanently," you're looking at a false promise. ● Don't be quick to trust endorsements. Many scammers use pictures of celebrities, TV show mentions, or well-known company logos to gain consumers' trust without their permission. Always research the company before doing business with them, no matter who supposedly endorses their product. ● Avoid products that claim to help lose weight without diet or exercise. Be especially skeptical of claims that you don't have to change your eating habits. Doctors, dieticians, and other experts agree that losing weight takes work and should be gradual. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, losing 1-2 pounds per week is a healthy goal and is more successful in achieving long-term weight loss. Pass up any product that promises miraculous, sudden results without any effort. ● Check a product's ingredients with the FDA. Be suspicious of taking special pills, powders, or herbs. Some products have been recalled for containing ingredients with potentially dangerous effects. Check the list of public notifications from the FDA regarding potentially harmful weight loss products. In Canada, check with Health Canada for guidelines. ● Be wary of a lack of an ingredients list. Some companies have been accused of not advertising certain ingredients that can come with harmful side effects or mix adversely with prescription drugs. ● Be wary of free trial offers, and before signing up, understand all the terms and conditions. These deals can become "subscription traps" that hook consumers into expensive shipments of products they did not agree to buy. Before clicking check out or purchase, make sure the cart only includes the items you wish to purchase and does not include signing up for a subscription unless this is an option you want. Be cautious of any contract that takes payment from your credit card until you cancel. ● When participating in online forums and chat rooms focused on weight loss and fitness topics, be wary of individuals pushing products they claim will help quickly reach goals. ● Be realistic about your fitness goals. It's hard work to lose weight. Find a program you can stick with, preferably one that you enjoy. Does a weight loss plan require special foods? Can you cancel if you move or find that the program doesn't meet your needs? If you need help, ask your doctor for suggestions. ● Research the company with BBB.org before purchasing. Read reviews about the company to see if there are any complaints alleging that it's a scam. ● Report the deceptive ads. Be suspicious of ridiculously positive testimonials on the company website. Testimonials have become an easy marketing tool and are easily faked. These are often accompanied by glorious before and after pictures. Call your BBB to report suspicious, confusing, or misleading ads to BBB Ad Truth or report a scam with BBB Scam Tracker. Consumers can also report the ad to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by calling 877-FTC-Help. You can also report fake ads to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.  A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for sponsoring this podcast!

Community Connection Thursday January 12th 2023   Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Day Breakfast Celebration Monday January 16th from 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM Panel Discussion: "The Plight of Black America Today: Where Do We Go From Here" Panelists: Robin Shackleford - Indiana State Representative Josh Riddick - Faith In Indiana Black Church Coalition Dr. Sean Huddleston - President of Martin University Dr. Theron Williams - Keynote Speaker/ Author/Pastor at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Dr. Clyde Posley Jr - Author/ Moderator Union District Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Chaplain Zeta Phi Chapter Phone Guest: Rev. Dr. Clyde Posley Jr - Sr. Pastor, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, MLK Day Breakfast Celebration   Martin Luther King Jr. AKA Day of Service "We Are One" Monday Jan. 16th 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM The Christamore House - 502 North Tremont St. "As you drop off your donations, enjoy a cup of coffee and some pastries on us. If you are not sure what type of items to donate, please refer to the link below." https://tinyurl.com/weareonewishlist Donations Requested of: Diapers, Baby Wipes, Infant Toiletries, Infant Snacks, Blankets, Amazon List for Donations: Phone Guests: Rochelle Leavell - President of Chi Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorrority, Inc. Nataki Pettigrew - Vice President & Program Chair of Events for Chi Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.   Director of the Better Business Bureau Serving Central Indiana Jennifer Adamany Joined Us Live! Topics: Favor for a friend scam - "Fat Fingers" - Extra Money Surverys/Product Tester Scams Better Business Bureau - https://www.bbb.org/ BBB Scam Tracker: https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker   Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper Sports Writer Danny Bridges Joined Us for His Weekly Sports Segment On Community Connection. Indianapolis Recorder: https://indianapolisrecorder.com/ Topics: - College Football Championship, Playoffs, Damar Hamlin, Ballard/Colts Quandry,  Myles Turner, Lakers Trade Rumors, & Turner reportedly Exportedly slapping away interestin a contract with Extension with the Blue and GoldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BBB of the Tri-Counties: https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-... Sponsored by Ayers Repairs in Santa Barbara: https://www.ayersrepairs.com BBB recommends adding a few precautionary steps to the New Year's resolution list, along with the weight loss and financial goals, to help make the upcoming days and months fraud-free. ● I resolve to be cautious with email. Be wary of unsolicited emails from a person or a company. Remember, scammers can make emails look like they are from a legitimate business, government agency, or reputable organization (even BBB!). Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails. ● I resolve to never send money to strangers. If you haven't met a person face-to-face, don't send them money. This is especially true if the person asks you to transfer funds using a pre-paid debit card or CashApp. Money sent to strangers in this way is untraceable and once it is sent, there's no getting it back. Scammers will try to trick you into panicking – so before making a move, think the situation through. Don't fall for it! ● I resolve to do research before making online payments and purchases. When shopping online, or if asked to make a payment online, research the retailer before entering payment information. Ask: Is this a person or business I know and trust? Do they have a working customer service number? Where is the company physically located? Would I be making payments through a secure server (https://....com)? Have I checked to see if others have complained? ● I resolve to use my best judgment when sharing my personal information. Sharing sensitive personal information with scammers opens the door to identity theft. Never share financial information, birthdate, address, Social Security/Social Insurance number or Medicare number with an unsolicited caller. ● I resolve to be social media smart. Make use of privacy settings on social media and only connect with people you actually know. Be careful about including personal information in your profile and never reveal your address and other sensitive information – even in a “fun” quiz. Scammers may use this information to make themselves pass as a friend or a relative and earn your trust. Also, be careful when buying products you saw on social media. BBB Scam Tracker has received thousands of complaints about misleading Facebook and Instagram ads. If you've been targeted by online scams, help others avoid the same problem by reporting your experience at BBB.org/ScamTracker.

SPECIAL EDITION!!   Richard Copelan, President of BBB of the Tri-Counties and Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson from the County of Santa Barbara join forces and interview each other!   Vicki asks Richard about BBB's Scam Tracker:   Richard informs us that the new and improved BBB Scam Tracker was recently rebuilt with the help of Capital One & Amazon and dexcribes how it can be used to search for scams and report them.   Vicki asks how people can file business complaints:   Richard invites listeners to file complaints at bbb.org  Copelan describes how people can differentiate between outright scams (which usually involve nefarious activities) and complaints--which may involve the questionable practices of a legitimate business. If you have a complaint, you can report it at bbb.org. Or, if you live in the Southern CA Tri-Counties area and want some personal attention, you can call the BBB at 805-963-8657. When a consumer files a business complaint, the business in question has a chance to respond to the complaint. An investigation is launched and the results can result in a poor rating by the BBB.   Vicki asks how business can beome BBB accredited:   Businesses are thoroughly vetted before they can become accredited. They must have been in business for six months or more and be properly licensed. To find out if a business is BBB accredited, go to bbb.org   Vicki asks if the BBB works with charities, in addition to businesses:   Richard explains that there is a subdivision for charities called the Wise Giving Alliance.   Richard asks about the GOOD NEWS that Vicki reports on at the end of Scam Squad episodes.   Vicki reports on good news to remind listeners that sometimes justice prevails. She says that it's extremely important to report scams to the FBI, the FTC and local law enforcement. These organizations become a library of information on scams which may lead to the formation of a Task Force. The Task Force sometimes investigates scams that start in other countries such as Nigeria and India. They have had some success in prosecuting and shutting down large scam rings in foreign countries. They also go after money mules in the US who conspire with the foreign fraudsters.   Richard asks Vicki about Romance Scams:   Vicki says that the hardest part is convincing a person that they are being scammed. If your new online friend sends you a photo of himself or herself, do an online search to try and verify their identity. She reminds people that if they meet someone online it may be all well and good; however, the minute the person asks for money, cut off all contact because it's a scam. She also urges friends and family to be gentle and non judgemental; the victim of a romance scam is likely to experience embarassment and shame.   Richard asks about Vicki's community outreach:   Vicki and her colleagues give presentations to help people avoid scams at retirement homes, clubs and groups of all types. If you live in Santa Barbara County you can request a presentation by calling the Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442.   Richard asks Vicki about the legal process involved in reporting crimes and scams:   Vicki says that you should make your initial complaint with your local police or sherriff's department. The Santa Barbara County DA's office also has a Civil Complaint Department.   Richard and Vicki agree that by working together, they will be able to get more accomplished and that educating consumers is KEY!   Show less     0 Comments

BBB of the Tri-Counties podcast: The BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust (BBB Institute) is partnering with Amazon and Capital One to help people learn about scams, report them, and avoid losing money and/or personal information by enhancing the capabilities of the BBB Scam Tracker online reporting tool. The new features make it easier for consumers to identify scams and report them while arming partners with more robust data on scammers to better protect consumers. A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for sponsoring this podcast.    

Jonathan Liebert with the Better Business Bureau talks about a partnership with Amazon and Capital One to fight scams.

Jonathan Liebert with the Better Business Bureau talks about a partnership with Amazon and Capital One to fight scams.

BBB of the Tri-Counties Podcast, Your Moment of Trust: Welcome to this week's edition of Your Moment of Trust! The 2022 holiday shopping season promises to be an unpredictable one. High inflation rates and increased prices of consumer goods are already throwing a wrench into holiday shopping. Electronics, toys, and other products will be (or already are) in short supply, and retailers are struggling to staff up as the shopping season nears. Just like in 2021, people are planning to start their holiday shopping early. Watch out for deals well before Black Friday sales. Retailers are also expecting to see even more people shopping online. Product shortages and increased online shopping are likely to result in even more online purchase scams this year. These scams accounted for nearly 40% of all scams reported to BBB Scam Tracker in 2021, according to the 2021 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report. Shortages are likely to make purchase scams even more common as desperate shoppers turn to shadywebsites in hopes of finding this year's must-have gift. In this episode, BBB recommends the following tips to “Shop Safe, Shop Smart” this holiday season: A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for Sponsoring this Podcast.

Brought to you by BBB of the Tri-Counties: Welcome to this week's edition of Your Moment of Trust. If you want solar panels, be very careful when evaluating installation offers. Con artists use misleading sales tactics and outright lies to trick homeowners out of money and personal information. If you've received an offer for "free solar panels," it's likely a scam. In this episode, you'll learn what you should watch out for. A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for sponsoring this podcast.

A Warning from BBB of the Tri-Counties: Cannabidiol (CBD), an active ingredient of cannabis, is now legal in many US states and Canadian provinces. If youwant to try it, watch out for scams. BBB Scam Tracker received dozens of reports from frustrated consumers who thought they bought discounted CBD online but ended up with hundreds of dollars in credit card charges.  Don't miss this important episode! A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for sponsoring this podcast.  

Airline travel is back in full swing, but scammers are taking advantage of increased flight cancellations with a new con. BBB Scam Tracker has received multiple reports of scammers creating fake airline ticket booking sites or customer service numbers to charge travelers for rescheduling fake flights. If you are buying airfare, use caution and double-check the URL or phone number before providing your credit t information.  https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-the-tri-counties A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for sponsoring this podcast.

If your driveway needs paving or repairs, don't trust just anyone to do the job. BBB Scam Tracker has numerous reports of unscrupulous contractors who trick homeowners with supposedly good deals. Homeowners end up with shoddy pavement -- or nothing at all -- to show for what they paid and, in some cases, have lost over $8,000 in the process. In this episode you'll learn how the scam works and how to avoid it. A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for sponsoring this podcast!

Purchasing a vehicle can produce both excitement and anxiety, especially for young consumers who are going through the process for the first time. Unfortunately, the existence of scammers and businesses using unethical practices further complicates the car-buying experience, resulting in frustration and disappointment. BBB receives hundreds of complaints submitted against auto sellers every year, through both digital marketplaces and dealerships. Additionally, BBB Scam Tracker details the experience of multiple consumers who encountered a scam when attempting to purchase a vehicle, often losing thousands of dollars to fraudulent sellers. Navigating the car-buying experience Countless high school graduates are preparing for the...Article Link

On Wednesday's "The Extra", Adah Rodriguez and Alexxis Barton of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Southern Colorado joined host Shannon Brinias to talk about ways scammers are targeting victims, specifically through so-called "puppy scams", "side-hustle scams", "mystery shopper scams" and "dental work scams".  More information and how to report at the following websites:  Petscams tracks complaints, catalogues puppy scammers and endeavors to get fraudulent pet sales websites taken down. ReportFraud.FTC.gov-to file a complaint online with the  Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or call 877-FTC-Help. BBB.com/ScamTracker - BBB Scam Tracker to report a scam online.

On Wednesday's "The Extra", Adah Rodriguez and Alexxis Barton of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Southern Colorado joined host Shannon Brinias to talk about ways scammers are targeting victims, specifically through so-called "puppy scams", "side-hustle scams", "mystery shopper scams" and "dental work scams".  More information and how to report at the following websites:  Petscams tracks complaints, catalogues puppy scammers and endeavors to get fraudulent pet sales websites taken down. ReportFraud.FTC.gov-to file a complaint online with the  Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or call 877-FTC-Help. BBB.com/ScamTracker - BBB Scam Tracker to report a scam online.

In the past few weeks, BBB Scam Tracker has received numerous reports of a text message scam that attempts to trick people with the promise of a “free gift.” How the scam works: You receive a text message that says something like this: “Your bill is paid for March. Thanks, here's a little gift for you.” This message is followed by a link to an unfamiliar website. The text doesn't specify what bill you paid, what company the message is coming from, or what the total amount was. Even more disturbing, the message may be a group text sent to a dozen or more other people, none of whom are in your contacts list. The text isn't from a real company. The goal is to get your personal information, which puts you at risk for identity theft. In some versions of the scam, you may be directed to a website asking you to “confirm your identity,” so you can receive the gift. Scammers may also ask for your credit card information, claiming you need to pay a few dollars to ship the “free” gift. A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for sponsoring this podcast.

This winter's spike in COVID-19 cases has more people than ever looking for tests. This has given rise to a new con:phony websites and suspicious in-person testing sites used to collect personal and insurance information.  How the scam works: Several websites appear after an online search for a COVID-19 testing site in your area, and a testing clinic affiliated with a local pharmacy or a pop-up run by a local group is selected. In one version of this scam, you arrive at the testing site and are asked to complete a form with personal information, your driver's license and medical insurance cards are photographed. Then, a swab is done and a promise is made that test results will arrive within a short time. Unfortunately, the test is a fake and the results never arrive. It was an excuse to get your information. In another version of this con, you complete an online appointment form with personal, insurance, and medical information. In some cases, a small fee is paid. But, on the day of the appointment, the pharmacy has no record of your reservation. Again, the phony form was a way of phishing for personal information. One victim reported to BBB Scam Tracker this experience at a phony testing site: “Not until I got home did I realize I provided WAY too much personal information… They used a swab of saliva and said I would be notified by email within 24 hours. It has now been 2 weeks no results, and they are still there doing covid tests.

Do your research before buying products based on social media ads!  Before making an online purchase, BBB of the Tri-Counties recommends you google the website's name followed by the words reviews, complaints, or scams.  Here are some of the common problems and scams being reported to the BBB. 1.) Products that claim to support charities but really don't.  (Sometimes it's from a nonexistant business and your merchandise won't be delivered.)  2.)  So-called free trial offers, often with celebrity endorsements--which charge your card a hefty fee every month.  3.) Counterfeit merchandiese and 4.) poor customer service with no way to contact the business.  To report a scam, visit BBB Scam Tracker.  

Scammers have been using employment scams to trick people out of their personal information and money for years. These scams often target students or others looking for part-time jobs. Recently, BBB Scam Tracker has seen multiple reports of a tempting employment scam that appears to be a friendly family looking for a pet sitter. How the scam works A very polite-seeming person contacts you through social media, a legitimate job website, or your student email with what sounds like an excellent job offer. First, the person tries to earn your trust by sharing a lot of personal information, such as...Article Link

Jeśli szukasz dodatkowego zarobku, oklejenie swojego samochodu folią promującą popularną markę napojów lub żywności może wydawać się świetnym pomysłem. BBB Scam Tracker zauważa wzrost liczby oszustw w ostatnich miesiącach i stąd ostrzeżenie.  Z Katarzyną Korzą rozmawia Joanna Trzos.  Podcast "Dziennika Związkowego"powstaje we współpracy z radiem WPNA 103.1 FM

One the last three years, online shopping scams as remained in the Top 3 Riskiest Scams determine by BBB Scam Tracker. The amount of online shopping scams has even increased during the pandemic due to more people buying online. In this episode of Talking Trust with BBB, we'll discuss the red flags to look out for and tips to protect yourself.

What are the most heinous ways con artists take advantage of consumers during this pandemic? The answers might surprise you as we reveal the top 5 scams related to COVID-19 reported to BBB Scam Tracker. We will pull in our data analyst and give you tips to steer clear and stay safe! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app