The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning residents of emergency scams, or “grandparent scams”.
Continue readingBetter Business Bureau Warns of Scam
Better Business Bureau Warns of Questionnaire Scam
If you received an email that claims to be a Better Business Bureau standard business questionnaire, BBB officials warn you not to open the attachment.
The email went out on Friday morning to businesses across the country. The email has a ZIP file attachment that links to a site that can download malware on the user’s computer. Ben Steinberg, Chief Information Officer for the Council of Better Business Bureaus, said security vendors were immediately notified, and the website will be taken offline.
Find the Right Plumber if You Experience Frozen Pipes
Before more cold weather sets in, the Better Business Bureau wants you to be sure you be careful in hiring plumbers to help you in any repairs you may need to make due to freezing pipes.
BBB officials say that a professional service needs to be licensed and display their license number on their website, vehicles and marketing pieces. Ask for three estimates from different plumbing services contractors to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Be sure to understand if a plumber charges by the hour or a flat rate for work to be completed and get that agreement in writing. Keep a copy of that contract. It’s also good to break up the payments and offer the last payment when the work is done to your satisfaction. You can also check emergency plumbing services available in San Diego County or other local services.
Don’t Get Scrooged this Holiday Season -Check into Charities Before Handing Over a Check
Especially around the holidays, Hoosiers are encouraged to think of the less fortunate and give what they can to charitable organizations. The Better Business Bureau serving central Indiana proposes that people look at the big picture when choosing a charity.
Don’t Get Scammed by Fly-by-Night Contractors
If you sustained damage to your home or have large trees in your yard that need to be removed due to the storms that came through the area Monday night, be on the lookout for contractors seeking to cash in on the damage.
Fly-by-night contractors often go door to door after storms offering to help victims clear debris or patch up homes.
Watch out for a Microsoft Scam
The Better Business Bureau is urging consumers to beware of callers claiming to be from Microsoft.
In this latest scam, a “Microsoft caller” randomly calls consumers and explains that a computer that is in use in their possession has a virus or needs an update. The caller then gives instructions on what to do to fix the problem. Eventually, the scammer will ask for credit card information so the proper software can be purchased or the caller will “fix” the problem if you follow instructions.
Buyer Beware When Hiring a Lawn Care Service
With warmer temperatures finally entering the area and the itch to get your yard looking good for the season, you’ll want to be careful when hiring a contractor to take care of your lawn and garden.
The Better Business Bureau recommends that you make sure to shop around and get written estimates from three different companies before you settle on one price. The cheapest price isn’t always the best deal. Request a lawn inspection and get a free estimate.
It is also wise to obtain a written agreement once you’ve decided to move forward with a contractor. Document the duration and expected results of the lawn care service. Ask if the service is automatically renewed annually. If you choose a long-term contract, be sure to obtain information about cancellation rights.
Take time to understand the pricing, frequency of services and any guarantees. If the lawn contractor is not producing expected results, know what kind of recourse you can take.
BBB Warns of Social Media Scams
Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are a great way to keep up with friends and follow sports and celebrities. They can also expose your computer to viruses and possibly make you vulnerable to identity theft. The Better Business Bureau recommends never installing a game or application you are not sure is legitimate. Also be careful when clicking on a link or video shared by a friend. Just because someone you know shared it, that’s not a guarantee it is safe to click. Go through your privacy settings and be aware of who is viewing your personal information and what they can see. The more personal information you share with the public, the easier it is for someone to steal your identity. Never give out personal information on sites you are unsure about. Always double check friend or follower requests, and do not automatically accept new requests. Always check the person’s profile and verify the request is from a real person. On Facebook, watch for posts containing poor grammar, as scheme Facebook posts are often full of typos and poor English. If you spot suspicious activity coming from a friend’s social media account, let the person know directly. If you suspect your account has been hacked, change your password, and do not share your new password with anyone.
“One Ring” Scam Causes Fraudulent Wireless Charges
Use Caution When Giving Gift Cards This Holiday Season
Better Business Bureau officials receive complaints each year where a scammer obtains the numbers from the back of the gift card by removing the protective stickers and records them. By the time a person buys the gift card and the recipient attempts to use the card, there are no funds on the card.
Be Cautious When Giving to a Charity
The Better Business Bureau cautions you to avoid being scammed. When donating to charities, make sure they are legitimate. Confirm the charity’s corporation partners by checking online and verifying sources. Do not give cash and make a check out to the organization and not to the individual. It is best not to give out your credit card number or other personal information in response to unsolicited donation requests. Keep records of your donations with receipts, canceled checks or bank statements to document your giving for taxes.
Scammers Using Affordable Care Act to Swindle Money
Scammers are exploiting the ACA as a way to fool you into sharing your personal information.
Here is how the scam works: a caller claims to be from the federal government. That “representative” will inform you that you’ve been selected to receive insurance cards through the new Affordable Care Act, but before you can receive the cards you must provide your bank’s routing number and your account number. Plus, they could ask for your Social Security number, Medicare ID or other personal information.
BBB Warns Against Latest Scam In The Area
The Better Business Bureau has received several complaints about scams during this election season.
Scammers are reportedly calling residents in Indiana and asking potential victims to take a public opinion poll and, for your participation, your name will be entered into a drawing for a free cruise. After you take the survey, the caller will then ask for a debit or credit card number to cover “port fees” and taxes. This is a scam. Hang up on these callers and never give out your credit card information unless you know who you are giving it to.
Knowledge of Return Policies a Must this Christmas
The day after Christmas usually finds many businesses flooded with customers with post-holiday gift returns.
The Better Business Bureau wants you to make sure that you understand return policies prior to making any last-minute purchases. When you shop for that special Christmas gift, request a gift receipt, understand the store’s return policy, return the merchandise unused, unworn or unwrapped from the original packaging, and understand online returns.
Better Business Bureau Urges Caution When Donating to Japanese Relief Charity
The Better Business Bureau is urging you to be cautious when donating to a Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief charity.
The BBB warns that fraudulent charities may scam donations from Hoosiers. When donating to a charity, be cautious when relying on bloggers or other website recommendations regarding charities.
Find out who will benefit from your donation in Japan and what type of assistance will be provided. Be wary of claims that 100 percent of donations will assist Japan. Despite what an organization might claim, charities have fundraising and administrative costs and a portion of your donation will be used for those purposes.
