Author Archives: virginiasmp

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 thisContinue reading “BBB Scam Alert: How to protect your verified social media account”

In Southern California, Helen (who’s asked that we not use her real name), a retiree in her 80s, was reading her sister’s obituary on the web when a pop-up screen suddenly appeared, announcing that her computer had been infected with a virus. (Read More)

You never need to pay to sign up for government student loan debt relief programs — but scammers will tell you otherwise. Here’s how to spot scam companies that charge illegal upfront fees for so-called help with your student loans. (Read More)

Natural disasters like storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires often bring out the best in people as strangers reach out to help others in need. Unfortunately, the aftermath of a crisis also brings out contractors taking advantage of those who have already been victimized. Better Business Bureau warns homeowners affected by natural disasters to beware of “storm chasers” and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. AlthoughContinue reading “BBB Tip: Protect yourself from “storm chasers” after a natural disaster”

Last year, Pittsburgh resident Molly Sinclair, 54, suddenly received ominous-sounding messages from two local banks where she’s a customer. One warned her that her account had been locked because of unusual activity, and instructed her to click a link in order to verify the transaction. The other simply said that her account was locked, andContinue reading “Bank Impersonation Is the Most Common Text Scam: What You Need to Know”

The FTC charged that a business opportunity and coaching scheme bilked consumers out of tens of millions of dollars. The scheme grew on the back of baseless claims about how much money customers could make. The company behind the scheme, Automators, AI, (operated by the former owners of Empire Ecommerce and Onyx Distribution), promised to set upContinue reading “Vetting a business or coaching opportunity before you buy in”

Bed Bath & Beyond declared bankruptcy and closed its physical stores in recent months. It was then acquired by furniture and home furnishings e-retailer Overstock.com, a BBB Accredited Business, which rebranded its website and mobile app to Bed Bath & Beyond in the U.S. in early August. Scammers are taking advantage of the big changes byContinue reading “BBB Scam Alert: How to spot a fake Bed Bath & Beyond online sale”

Soon after Amy Gray, a 47-year-old public school teacher in Akron, Ohio, had her purse stolen last January from her workplace — an employment skills program for students housed at a mall — she received a bank alert that someone was using her credit and debit cards. She quickly canceled the cards and ordered replacements.Continue reading “Why Criminals Want Your Driver’s License”

What’s one of the best ways to spot a scam? Know how scammers tell you to pay. Scammers want you to pay them in ways that are hard to trace and hard to get your money back: like through a gift card, wire transfer, payment app, or cryptocurrency. Here, we’ll focus on that last one — cryptocurrency — andContinue reading “Did someone insist you pay them with cryptocurrency?”

Flooding problems may lead to scam artists attempting to pawn off flood-damaged vehicles as standard secondhand cars. These vehicles typically show up at auto auctions, used car dealerships, and classified ads. Unsuspecting consumers, particularly those living in regions of the country unaffected by hurricanes or flooding, are often fooled by fresh upholstery, new carpeting, and bargainContinue reading “10 Tip to avoid buying flood damaged cars”