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Better Business Bureau

Business
Mother's Day Scams: BBB Warns NYers Of Fake Gifts, Shops Mother's Day Scams: BBB Warns NYers Of Fake Gifts, Shops
Mother's Day Scams: BBB Warns NYers Of Fake Gifts, Shops Long Islanders looking for last-minute gifts for Mom should keep an eye out for potential scams, business officials warned. The Metro New York branch of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), a non-profit organization reviewing the trustworthiness of businesses, encouraged residents in the region to do their research when purchasing Mother’s Day gifts. The BBB’s Tuesday, April 30 announcement comes after the organization announced that three Long Island florists were being investigated for running alleged scams. One such business is on Long Island at Sarata Flowers, a Melville florist that, a…

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by Sophie Grieser
News
NY AG Alerts Residents To Deceptive Sports Betting Companies Ahead Of Super Bowl NY AG Alerts Residents To Deceptive Sports Betting Companies Ahead Of Super Bowl
NY AG Alerts Residents To Deceptive Sports Betting Companies Ahead Of Super Bowl Attorney General Letitia James advised New Yorkers to be aware of deceptive online sports betting organizations ahead of the Super Bowl. James said since online sports betting became legal in the state last month, many residents have encountered misleading ads online that make claims such as "risk-free bets" or "$1,000 welcome offers." She said these deceptive ads often come with requirements consumers aren't aware of. “I urge all New Yorkers watching the Super Bowl and betting online for the first time to be careful — don’t let scammers game your gamble,” James said. “Before placing a bet…

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by Nicole Valinote
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
State Police Issue Alert For Pet Scam State Police Issue Alert For Pet Scam
State Police Issue Alert For Pet Scam New York State Police have received multiple calls from people scammed out of hundreds of dollars after answering classified ads for purebred puppies for sale. Victims report after answering the ad, the suspects provide a photo of the breed they are looking for and arrange a deposit to be paid, said Trooper James O’Callaghan. Once the deposit is cleared, the victim is provided an address, which does not exist, to pick up their puppy.  Recently, these fake addresses have been in the St. Lawrence County area. State Police warn the public of some common themes in this scam: The…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
COVID-19: Police In Scarsdale Issue Warning For Vaccine Scams COVID-19: Police In Scarsdale Issue Warning For Vaccine Scams
Covid-19: Police In Scarsdale Issue Warning For 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 login 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. Amazon wil…

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by Christina Coulter
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
Police & Fire
State Police Issue Alert For Driveway Paving Scam State Police Issue Alert For Driveway Paving Scam
State Police Issue Alert For Driveway Paving Scam With warmer weather approaching, the New York State Police Department is cautioning homeowners to be wary of “driveway paving scammers.” New York State Police issued a scam alert this week after receiving reports in the Hudson Valley of fraudsters who have already started making the rounds, looking for their victims. According to police, the driveway scam typically involves scammers collecting money upfront and never performing the work, or workers showing up unexpectedly and starting work on a driveway without the consent of the homeowner, and then demanding payment.  On Wednes…

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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
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
State Attorney General Issues Alert On Scams As Tax Day Nears State Attorney General Issues Alert On Scams As Tax Day Nears
State Attorney General Issues Alert On Scams As Tax Day Nears As April 15 approaches, the State Attorney General has issued an alert regarding tax scams. “Tax season is ripe with opportunity for scammers to prey on hardworking New Yorkers,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “These bad actors use a wide range of tactics to illegally cheat residents out of their money, including individuals who impersonate the IRS and businesses that bait-and-switch their tax preparation services." Tax scams come in many different forms, but some of the most common types include: Scammers impersonating the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, the Taxpa…

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by Valerie Musson
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
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
News
Alert Issued For Door-To-Door Westchester Scam Alert Issued For Door-To-Door Westchester Scam
Alert Issued For Door-To-Door Westchester Scam Law enforcement officials in Westchester are cautioning homeowners to be wary of opportunistic scammers who have been reportedly been going door-to-door attempting to take advantage of local residents and obtain sensitive information. The White Plains Department of Public Safety issued an alert this week to residents following multiple reports of alleged scammers going door-to-door claiming to represent “ESCO”, asking to see their Con Edison Bills, officials said, warning that it’s an ongoing scam to attempt to obtain account numbers and other personal information to defraud the customer. I…

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by Zak Failla