Fighting Fraud

It's tax season in Northeast Ohio, and scammers are working overtime, hoping to use the complexities of the tax code to catch us off guard. They often target our community specifically, banking on high-pressure tactics to cause confusion. Here is what you need to look out for and how to stay one step ahead of the fraudsters. ...

March is a significant month for consumer awareness, as it brings National Consumer Protection Week (March 1–7, 2026). This observance is a key annual event where the Better Business Bureau® spotlights and amplifies its year-round commitment to safeguarding the public from scams, fraud and misleading business practices. ...

You’ve spent a lifetime building your reputation, your credit, and your good name. But in today’s digital world, that can be ripped away in an instant. Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland says you don’t need to be a computer whiz to stay safe. Just get back to basics and allow yourself to be a little less 'neighborly' to strangers. ...

Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland is warning us about a deceptive “private investigator” door hanger circulating in Northeast Ohio. The door hangers, often printed on fluorescent orange or green cardstock, feature a bold “URGENT!” headline. They claim that an investigation is being conducted under “ORC 4749.0” and demand that the resident contact a “private investigator” immediately at a provided 1-866 number. ...

As many people kick off the new year by refocusing on health, wellness and financial stability, Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) Serving Greater Cleveland is urging consumers to stay alert to a rise in health-related scams. One of the most concerning emerging schemes involves fraudulent messages claiming that consumers are “eligible” for weight-reducing GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic or Wegovy. ...

Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland (BBB) has released its local Top Ten Scams of 2025 for Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Ashtabula counties. Taking the top spot once again, online purchase scams continue to plague consumers the most. ...

Scammers ramp up their efforts to exploit the holiday season’s hustle, generosity and emotional energy. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued its annual “12 Scams of Christmas,” warning consumers to stay alert and avoid common holiday fraud pitfalls. Read more on for a breakdown of these 12 scams. ...

As the holiday season ramps up, so does the risk of scams. Decorating your home or yard for Christmas or other festive occasions is one of the most targeted areas for fraudsters. According to BBB Scam Tracker reports, scammers create fake or misleading online ads that promote large, elaborate decorations at dirt-cheap prices. ...