Fraud/Scams

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. ...

Are you a scam survivor? BBB’s new Scam Survival Toolkit provides tailored guidance and resources based on a person’s specific situation. It includes steps victims should take to prevent further financial impact and guidance for restoring their long-term financial and emotional well-being. ...

Quick Response codes (QR codes) are a very popular way to get information. These scannable barcodes direct you to a website. However, scammers can create QR codes to trick people into visiting a fraudulent website or downloading malware that compromises their personal information. ...

It's vitally important it is to raise awareness about government imposter scams with all the information you need to protect yourself. Check out Social Security's Top 5 scam awareness articles here. ...

Fraudsters create imposter social media pages and accounts using Social Security-related images and vocabulary, making them appear as if they’re associated with or endorsed by the SSA. Learn how to spot fake Social Security social media accounts here. ...

Investment scams, including those involving cryptocurrency (crypto), are now the riskiest scam type, according to a new report by the Better Business Bureau. More than 80 percent of people who were targeted by this scam type reported losing money. It also had the second-highest median dollar loss at $3,800. ...

Stores are stocking eclipse-related merchandise, and online vacation rental owners have experienced an uptick in inquiries for their units. With the anticipation for the April 8 total eclipse growing each day, Better Business Bureau® Serving Greater Cleveland is providing timely advice so consumers can protect themselves from getting burned by eclipse-related scams. ...

Social Security works with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. Section 1140 of the Social Security Act allows OIG to impose severe penalties against anyone who engages in misleading Social Security-related advertising or imposter communications.   ...