Scams & Fraud Prevention

During the holiday season, consumers are often targeted by fraudulent text messages posing as major delivery carrier companies. These messages typically ask recipients to click a link to “update delivery preferences” or to “reschedule a delivery” for a package. However, these links may be fake and lead to scams that can steal personal information, and money, or install malware on a device. ...

The 'Secret Sister' gift exchange campaign quickly became popular several years ago through Facebook posts promising participants would receive up to 36 gifts in exchange for sending one gift. Each holiday season, the misleading scheme pops back up. Don't fall for the scam. ...

When contacting rental car companies to book a rental, make sure you're talking with the right person. BBB Scam Tracker is receiving reports of con artists impersonating rental car company representatives. They claim to be able to get you a deal on your rental, but trick you into paying hundreds of dollars for a car that doesn’t exist. ...

If you are changing your Medicare or Healthcare.gov coverage during open enrollment, watch out for unsolicited calls claiming to "help" you find the best deal. Unfortunately, scammers see this open enrollment period as a chance to trick people out of money and personal information. ...

The biggest scams are crypto rip-offs. Even worse, crypto recovery companies that request upfront fees are also scams. Typically, only banks and financial institutions can reverse charges and recover funds in certain crypto-related scenarios. ...

Area consumers are still cleaning up tree limbs and other debris from recent storms. Over 400,000 residents lost power as the wind speeds topped 86 miles per hour. Many reported downed trees and flash flooding. With severe widespread property damage a concern, Better Business Bureau® Serving Greater Cleveland (BBB®) is warning area homeowners to beware of “storm chasers” and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. ...

Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money and personal information. The best way to defeat scammers is to know how to identify scams and to ignore suspicious calls and emails.   ...

Identity theft affects millions of people each year and can cause serious harm. Here are 10 ways you can protect yourself by securing your personal information, understanding the threat of identity theft and exercising caution. ...