Scams & Fraud Prevention

Tech support scams often first occur as a pop-up warning with a number to call on your computer or by a phone call from an alleged tech support company. Whatever form of contact, the message is usually the same: "Your technology has been compromised, and you need to contact the provided tech support company to fix it." Don't fall for it! Read on for details. ...

Be aware of suspicious, urgent-sounding messages and automated phone calls which may be fraudulent. Fraudsters have increased using automatic calls as a method for gaining access to accounts. ...

The escalating conflict in Ukraine is hitting home for many Northeast Ohio residents who have close ties to the eastern European country. Better Business Bureau® certainly encourages generosity to help the people in Ukraine but cautions donors to avoid questionable appeals by keeping the following tips in mind... ...

The most effective way to defeat scammers is to know how to identify scams and to ignore suspicious calls and emails. One common tactic scammers use is posing as federal agents or other law enforcement. They may claim your Social Security number is linked to a crime. They may even threaten to arrest you if you do not comply with their instructions. ...

Scammers imitating third-party payment processors, such as PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App, are causing headaches for local consumers. These third-party payment processors are the second-most popular payment method for scammers. Reports to BBB in 2021 show that 30% of these scams resulted in a financial loss. ...

Con artists are using phony “wrong number” texts to lure victims into conversation and falling for a scam. In this scam, you receive a text from someone you don’t know asking about a date. If you reply, even with a polite, “Sorry, wrong number,” the stranger responds anyway. If you continue to engage with the stranger (really a chatbot), it tries to trick you into registering for dating or adult websites. ...

Just like a virus in the real world, internet criminals capitalize on our bad habits. They want us to open unsolicited emails and text messages so they can steal our money and identities. They count on us to take scam bait because it’s written in such a way to make us fearful, angry or sympathetic to a situation. ...

If you're motivated this New Year to lose some weight, make sure you don't also lose your money by falling into a weight-loss scam. Guard against being deceived by products that don't work as advertised, cause unwanted side effects, or trap you into paying hidden monthly subscription fees.  ...