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Better Business Bureau

Business
Alert Issued For Uptick In Online Used Car Scams In Connecticut Alert Issued For Uptick In Online Used Car Scams In Connecticut
Alert Issued For Uptick In Online Used Car Scams In Connecticut Consumers in Connecticut are being cautioned to be aware of a new uptick in online car purchasing scams after multiple complaints were levied by would-be buyers who wired money to fraudsters. The Better Business Bureau issued an alert advising of new scams that have arisen as the demand for used cars in Connecticut has spiked, leading to acts of fraud across the state. According to officials, scammers have been listing used cars for sale through sponsored ads and through social media. Victims have then been told to wire money for the vehicle to a shipping or escrow company, while the scamm…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Alert Issued For Pandemic-Related Text Message Scam COVID-19: Alert Issued For Pandemic-Related Text Message Scam
Covid-19: Alert Issued For Pandemic-Related Text Message Scam The Better Business Bureau has issued an alert about a recent text scam where people impersonating large companies offer fake pandemic-related discounts. Scammers are reportedly impersonating companies, such as Netflix, Hulu and Verizon, and sending messages saying that the company is offering an amazing deal to customers due to the pandemic.  These fake deals could include free or discounted services, gift cards or cash. The organization said when people click the link in the messages, they will be brought to a website imitating the company's website.  That's how the scammer wi…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
Alert Issued For Online Scams While Shopping For Back-To-School Supplies Alert Issued For Online Scams While Shopping For Back-To-School Supplies
Alert Issued For Online Scams While Shopping For Back-To-School Supplies With the new school year fast approaching and children returning to the classroom following a lost year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are being cautioned to be aware of back-to-school shopping scams. As most classrooms prepare for in-person learning during the fall for the first time in more than a year, there have been reported shortages of some school merchandise, creating an opportunity for fraudsters to target parents through online scams. Sandra Guile of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) said that “what parents are challenged with at this point in time is juggling the transition…

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by Zak Failla
Business
Alert Issued For Amazon Prime Day Scams Alert Issued For Amazon Prime Day Scams
Alert Issued For Amazon Prime Day Scams The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is cautioning consumers to be aware of potential scams on Amazon Prime Day this year. Each year, the online retail giant rolls out massive discounts on Prime Day, which is on Monday, June 21, and Tuesday, June 22, with other brick-and-mortar stores such as Walmart, Target, and Kohl’s joining in with sales across the board. However, according to the BBB, “more deals mean more chances for scammers to capitalize on the buzz and trick shoppers. Be wary of phishing scams, misleading advertisements, and lookalike websites.” Scams to look out for, the BBB cautione…

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by Zak Failla
Business
Hundreds Of Unexpected Amazon Packages Delivered To Home In New York Hundreds Of Unexpected Amazon Packages Delivered To Home In New York
Hundreds Of Unexpected Amazon Packages Delivered To Home In New York Hundreds of unexpected and unwanted packages from Amazon were sent to a New York home as part of what could potentially be a scam, officials said. Dozens of boxes arrived daily from Amazon, UPS and FedEx were delivered to upstate New York resident Jillian Canaan recently, despite her and her family not ordering any packages. According to WIVB-TV, Canaan, who runs a studio in the Buffalo area, initially believed that the packages could be for the family’s studio, but upon closer inspection, she found that while it was her home address listed on the boxes, it wasn’t in her name. Inside the …

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Police In Area Issue Warning Of Vaccine Scams COVID-19: Police In Area Issue Warning Of Vaccine Scams
Covid-19: Police In Area Issue Warning Of Vaccine Scams With allocations of the COVID-19 vaccine being shipped across the country, some law enforcement agencies are warning of schemers looking to take advantage of vulnerable residents during the pandemic. The Scarsdale Police Department was the latest to issue an alert advising of schemers who have been using the announcement of a COVID-19 vaccine to obtain personal identifying information or cash during scams. Scarsdale Police Chief Andrew Matturo said you may be in the midst of a COVID-19-related scam if: You receive a telephone call, text message, email, or computer pop-up that you did not …

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by Zak Failla
News
Alert Issued For Phony Amazon Callers, Emails Seeking Info Alert Issued For Phony Amazon Callers, Emails Seeking Info
Alert Issued For Phony Amazon Callers, Emails Seeking Info Con artists are calling and emailing Amazon users and attempting to obtain their log in information and credit card number by posing as Amazon employees.  According to the Better Business Bureau, victims are met with a recorded message claiming to be from Amazon, notifying them of problems with their Amazon account ranging from supposed fraudulent charges on Amazon Prime cards to damaged packages to unfulfilled orders that the victim never placed.  The callers are reportedly using phone numbers of reputable organizations--like the Better Business Bureau--to lend them credibility. …

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by Christina Coulter
Business
COVID-19: Alert Issued For Scam Involving Facebook Friends Pushing Fake Grants COVID-19: Alert Issued For Scam Involving Facebook Friends Pushing Fake Grants
Covid-19: Alert Issued For Scam Involving Facebook Friends Pushing Fake Grants With many struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a new scam has been making the rounds involving Facebook “friends” pushing faux grants related to the virus. The Better Business Bureau issued an alert regarding a scam involving the social media giant that has become more prevalent in recent weeks. According to the BBB, Facebook users have been receiving a Facebook Messenger chats or direct message that appears to come from a friend, relative, community member, or another person the user trusts.  The message describes a COVID-19 relief grant, with scammers claiming to hav…

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by Zak Failla
News
Warning Issued For Surge In Online Puppy Scams Warning Issued For Surge In Online Puppy Scams
Warning Issued For Surge In Online Puppy Scams Purchasing a furry friend for the family during the holiday season has always come with risks, but a new report from the Better Business Bureau shows that scams involving online pet purchases are on the rise. The BBB’s Scam Tracker page has reported a surge in entries regarding fake pet and puppy scams for this holiday season. Reports have increased by 39 percent since the BBB released an in-depth investigative study to increase consumer awareness in 2017. More than 16,500 complaints have been received regarding illegitimate sellers and “businesses” selling pets. What’s more alarming are t…

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by Valerie Musson
News
Facebook 'Secret Sister Gift Exchange' Is Illegal Scam, Better Business Bureau Warns Facebook 'Secret Sister Gift Exchange' Is Illegal Scam, Better Business Bureau Warns
Facebook 'Secret Sister Gift Exchange' Is Illegal Scam, Better Business Bureau Warns A Facebook post that resurfaces around the holiday season has been declared as an illegal scam, according to the Better Business Bureau. The post discusses the “Secret Sister Gift Exchange,” where participants are instructed to send one gift in order to receive up to 36 gifts in return. However, it’s easy to see that the math just doesn’t add up. “These gift exchanges, while they look like innocent fun, are really pyramid schemes – and are considered illegal,” the BBB warns. The gift exchange first became popular in 2015. Users were encouraged to invite others to participate in the exchang…

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by Valerie Musson
News
Scam Alert: Eversource Issues Warning To Customers Scam Alert: Eversource Issues Warning To Customers
Scam Alert: Eversource Issues Warning To Customers Eversource Energy is warning its customers of the increased number of scams involving utility services that often come with the holiday season. Scammers have been posing as Eversource employees to obtain money, demand personal information for identity theft or use deceptive tactics to persuade customers to switch energy suppliers, Eversource officials say. “We always want to protect our customers from scams, and that’s why it’s critical we continue to raise awareness and educate the public about all the different tactics these scammers use,” said Eversource Senior Vice President a…

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by Valerie Musson
News
Warnings Issued For Text, TV 'Smishing' Scams Warnings Issued For Text, TV 'Smishing' Scams
Warnings Issued For Text, TV 'Smishing' Scams Officials are warning of new “smishing” scams that have been making the rounds. The Federal Trade Commission issued an alert cautioning consumers of new scams that have been using text messages, not the traditional emails. One such scam involves the fraudster offering to provide major savings on television services. The scams involve the victims sending back personal information, or infecting devices with malware. According to the Better Business Bureau, this new scheme is called “smishing” which stands for SMS fishing, as opposed to “phishing,” which involves email. “We’re kind of condit…

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by Zak Failla
News
Here's How To Avoid This Auto Dial From Your Smart Device Scam Here's How To Avoid This Auto Dial From Your Smart Device Scam
Here's How To Avoid This Auto Dial From Your Smart Device Scam Officials are warning people to think twice before asking Alexa, giving a command to Siri or using auto-dial systems as a new smart device scam has been making the rounds nationwide. Scammers nationwide have put millions at risk by creating fake customer service numbers and using tech to bump them to the top of search results, sometimes by paying for ads. Then when one uses an auto-dial system, they wind up speaking with fraudsters, not an actual company that can assist them. Once on the line, the scammers will push for gift card deals or attempt to get credit card information. According t…

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by Zak Failla
News
Don't Fall For It: FBI Issues Alert For Advance Fee Schemes Don't Fall For It: FBI Issues Alert For Advance Fee Schemes
Don't Fall For It: FBI Issues Alert For Advance Fee Schemes The FBI is issuing an alert regarding the increased number of advance fee schemes that many are falling victim to. An advance fee scheme is a scam that involves a victim paying money to someone in anticipation of receiving something in return of greater value, like a loan, a contract, an investment or a gift. But in such a scheme, the victim receives little or nothing in return. In many cases, these schemes are crafted to seem authentic and present a genuine “opportunity” — like the chance to reclaim lost funds, lottery winnings, or other financial benefits. Con artists are limited by nothi…

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by Valerie Musson
News
Don't Be A Victim Of Credit Card Fraud: Here Are Steps To Take From FBI Don't Be A Victim Of Credit Card Fraud: Here Are Steps To Take From FBI
Don't Be A Victim Of Credit Card Fraud: Here Are Steps To Take From FBI The FBI is warning consumers in the area to be wary of falling victim to scammers involved in credit card fraud schemes. The Bureau issued an alert this week, offering a series of tips to avoid becoming the latest victim of credit card fraud. According to the FBI, "credit card fraud is the unauthorized use of a credit or debit card, or similar payment tool (ACH, EFT, recurring charge, etc.), to fraudulently obtain money or property. Credit and debit card numbers can be stolen from unsecured websites or can be obtained in an identity theft scheme." Tips provided by the FBI include: Don’t …

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by Zak Failla
News
Don't Be Victim: Eversource, Better Business Bureau Offer Tips On How To Avoid Scams Don't Be Victim: Eversource, Better Business Bureau Offer Tips On How To Avoid Scams
Don't Be Victim: Eversource, Better Business Bureau Offer Tips On How To Avoid Scams With the start of the new year in full swing, Eversource Energy and the Better Business Bureau are warning residents to be alert for scams involving utility services. These type of scams typically occur over the phone or at the victim’s front door. “The scammers, often sounding legitimate and quite convincing, threaten to shut off electric service immediately unless instant payment is made,” said Penni Conner, Eversource Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. “These scammers can be relentless but they’re only successful if they catch our customers off-guard and scare them in…

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by Valerie Musson
Lifestyle
Beware Of These Lottery, Sweepstakes Scams, Better Business Bureau Says Beware Of These Lottery, Sweepstakes Scams, Better Business Bureau Says
Beware Of These Lottery, Sweepstakes Scams, Better Business Bureau Says Tired of your spouse, friend, children, relative or even yourself getting duped by fraud -- which is exploding on cellphones, mailings and computers? The Better Business Bureau (BBB) produced this new study (also attached below) which offers basic tips to avoid being conned. As the saying goes, if it seems to good to be true -- it probably is.  Sweepstakes, lottery and prize scams are among the most serious and pervasive frauds operating today, according to the BBB.  While the scams’ roots go as far back in the culture as gambling, the fraud continues to evolve with the times -- and now in…

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by Jon Craig