Fighting Fraud

Some good news this time: While utility scams are common in the months leading to winter, the recent correspondence from Ohio Electricity Litigation is not. These recent mailings from Ohio Electricity Litigation and Tremendous are a rare example of a legitimate utility-related solicitation. The average settlement is about $15. Distribution of funds is taking the form of physical checks, debit cards and digital payments. ...

When you see a "Going Out of Business" liquidation sale online, it could be an imposter scammer posing as a trusted store company. ...

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government and private insurance providers eased requirements for telehealth providers so consumers could access medical care safely and remotely. As a result, spending on telehealthcare exploded throughout the healthcare industry. Now, charges from telehealth providers are being scrutinized. Healthcare fraud, including bogus telehealth invoicing and other false healthcare fraud schemes are coming to light, especially among Medicare beneficiaries. ...

Job hunters, be on the lookout for reshipping or “parcel mule” scams from two fulfillment services reportedly in the Cleveland area. In a parcel mule or reshipping scam, job seekers are “hired” by a company under the guise of performing warehousing, shipping or fulfillment duties which are actually just relabeling parcels shipped to the consumer’s residence to be forwarded to a new address. The high pay lures workers who later find themselves aiding scammers with money laundering and possibly other offenses. ...

Considering purchasing a home warranty? Research the business doing the work. Whether you find the proper repair professional or the warranty company provides one, check them out on BBB.org before letting them work in your home. Some warranty companies automatically go with the cheapest provider, but that’s a good deal for them, not you. ...

Most major banks offer the convenience of banking through a mobile application. With a mobile app, consumers and companies can deposit checks, check account balances, and transfer funds with the ease of a click. Other nonbank companies have also started offering similar services, but without a banking license, federal oversight, or the protection of an FDIC-insured institution. ...

Remember, applying for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is free and there is help available concerning the proliferation of scams and “bad actors” in this area. BBB has reported, since 2020, active-duty personnel, veterans and their dependents have reported more than $12 million in losses to BBB’s Scam Tracker. ...

Each year, Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion due to abuse, errors and fraud. While some Medicare-related errors may be honest billing mistakes, many are not, and it’s up to consumers to report questionable activity they see with their accounts. Follow these tips to identify and avoid Medicare fraud. ...