Health and wellness websites and apps collect a lot of personal and sensitive health information about their users. And they might make promises about how they’ll use and protect that data. If companies don’t honor those promises, it can lead to a serious breach of trust — and a lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission.Continue reading “When companies share your personal information without your permission”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
FBI warns drivers of text message scams impersonating toll agencies
The bureau says scammers are sending texts telling drivers to pay up on toll road balances, and it contains a link saying there will be a late fee if not paid. The link then leads to a website impersonating transportation agencies, such as TXTtag. (Learn More)
The “Can you hear me?” phone scam is still ringing (hint: Just hang up!)
BBB continues to receive reports to BBB Scam Tracker about these calls. Usually, the caller will hang up immediately after you respond to the question “Can you hear me?” However, some consumers say the calls can also be about banking, vacation packages, warranties, and even Medicare cards. The callers may be impersonating a business like your bank or anotherContinue reading “The “Can you hear me?” phone scam is still ringing (hint: Just hang up!)”
What to Know About Cryptocurrency ATMs and Why Criminals Love Them
After scammers posing as federal agents convinced Alaina Weisman that her bank accounts had been compromised, she found herself feeding more than $11,000 in hundred-dollar bills into a cryptocurrency ATM inside a cannabis dispensary last October in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Read More)
Mystery shopping, (fake) checks, and gift cards
If you’re looking for a new job, getting paid to shop might sound like a dream. Companies hire mystery shoppers to try products or services and share experiences about things like buying or returning something, or their overall customer experience. But while some mystery shopping jobs are legitimate, many aren’t. So how do you spot the scams?Continue reading “Mystery shopping, (fake) checks, and gift cards “
In one woman’s mysterious drowning, signs of a national romance scam epidemic
The scammer who drained Laura Kowal of her $1.5 million nest egg and sent the widowed healthcare executive on a path that ended with her death in the Mississippi River, hundreds of miles from her western Illinois home, called himself “Frank Borg.” (Read More)
Watch out for rental scams when planning a party
Planning a party? If you need to rent chairs, decorations, a bouncy house, or any other supplies, take extra caution when searching for rentals. BBB Scam Tracker continues to receive reports of party hosts being tricked by rentals that don’t materialize. Before planning your next party, get to know this scam to avoid being conned. (Read More)
AI Fuels New, Frighteningly Effective Scams
When a finance worker in Hong Kong was called in to a live videoconference by the chief financial officer of his multinational company in February, everything seemed normal. The CFO and other executives acted and sounded as they always did, even if the reason for his being dragged in was unusual: He was instructed toContinue reading “AI Fuels New, Frighteningly Effective Scams “
Refunds for Benefytt customers who paid for health plans and products
Did you pay Benefytt, which also did business as “MyBenefitsKeeper,” for a health plan or product that didn’t deliver the comprehensive insurance coverage the company promised? You might be getting some of your money back. (Read More)
Scam texts from unknown numbers could infect your phone with malware
Experts warn mysterious texts from unknown numbers with seemingly innocuous messages could actually be a scam to infect your phone with malware and steal your personal information. (Lear More)
