Author Archives: virginiasmp

So, you’ve planned your home improvement project. You’ve done the research, interviewed candidates, and found the general contractor you’d like to hire – the only thing left is to sign the papers and get to work. But here’s where you run into this sage advice: Get everything in writing. (Read More)

Scammers are like viruses: They continually evolve in response to the latest news and trends, using them for new ways to separate us from our cash. These criminals “are so adaptable, they’re going to just follow the headlines,” says Amy Nofziger, director of fraud victim support for AARP. (Read More)

You can’t cash in on a stranger’s life insurance policy — even if a lawyer says you can. The FTC has heard reports from people in Korean, Vietnamese, and Latino communities who got letters in the mail from a supposed “lawyer” in Canada. The letter looks like it’s from a law firm and offers an “easy way”Continue reading “Did you get a letter from a “lawyer” about cashing in on someone else’s life insurance policy? “

With the school year starting again, social media is full of adorable back-to-school photos. Often, these pictures feature a child holding a “first day of school” sign with basic information, such as their name and grade. But before you jump on the trend and snap a similar picture of your little one, read these tipsContinue reading “BBB Tip: Be safe when sharing back-to-school photos of your kids”

Are you hoping for true love? And more money than you ever imagined? Who isn’t? That’s why an unconscionable cadre of criminals dangle these twin temptations — the promise of romance and vast wealth — in what can be an emotionally and financially devastating double-barreled scam. The deception starts out as romance fraud and transforms into a cryptocurrency investment fraud inContinue reading “Romance Scammers Are Wooing Victims Into Bogus Crypto Schemes”

Did someone tell you to buy a gift card and give them the numbers? That’s a scam. Your money was gone the moment you gave someone those gift card numbers. But now, some gift card companies might be able to get your money back. (Read More)

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”