Scams & Fraud Prevention

Social Security imposter scams are widespread across the United States. If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email or call, hang up or do not respond. We want you to know how to identify a scammer and avoid becoming victims. ...

How can you tell if you have mold in your home? The EPA states that if the place smells moldy, but mold cannot be seen, if water stains are present, or if you are aware of water damage, there could be mold present. Before selecting a professional to remediate flood, mold and water damage, BBB recommends that you consider a few things. ...

Con artists adapt their tactics to pull on people’s heartstrings and loosen their purse strings. Complaints about bogus charities spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, and unscrupulous solicitations surge during wars, hurricanes, other disasters... and holidays. ...

To help those seeking to make donations to those impacted by hurricanes, Better Business Bureau® Serving Greater Cleveland (BBB®) is partnering with BBB Wise Giving Alliance to provide the following tips when considering an appeal for charitable donations.  ...

Elder fraud is increasing. Older adults in the United States lose nearly 25 times more money to scammers than other groups... an estimated $113.7 billion a year. Social Security provides resources to protect beneficiaries from Social Security and government imposter scams. ...

Recently, a local home repair business contacted Better Business Bureau (BBB®) Serving Greater Cleveland about a fake check scam. To prevent becoming a victim of check fraud, BBB warns consumers and businesses alike to be wary of situations where a third party is trying to obtain immediate payment from cashed funds or is overpaying by check and requiring quick reimbursement. ...

Almost every older person I know has been the victim (or almost a victim) of a grandparent scam. Scammers have targeted my dad, who's 88, several times. Fortunately, he's been savvy enough to evade a rip-off. Know a scam when you hear one. ...

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a government relief program that reimburses up to $9,000 of those costs. But scammers are also targeting consumers and “offering” to register them for assistance. ...