1.      Local consumers are receiving calls from scammers who are targeting diabetic Medicare beneficiaries. Callers claim to be from Medicare or what sounds like “Med-care.” The callers seem legitimate because they have personal information on the beneficiary. The callers ask if the beneficiary has “the red, white, and blue card,” and ask for the Medicare number.  NEVER release personal information to unknown callers!

2.       Beware of a lottery scam, using the BBB name. Consumers in the area are receiving phone calls informing them they have won a BBB Lottery worth $2 million dollars. The scammers are asking the “winners” for personal information to claim their winnings. The BBB reminds you to never give out personal information over the phone.

3.      Survey Platinum is sending letters and checks to residents in the area, offering a chance to participate in a mystery shopping program. Consumers are instructed to cash the $3500 check and wire the bulk of the money to an undisclosed location. The check is fake. This is a SCAM!

4.      Another phishing email using the BBB name has resurfaced. The fake email states that the company did not respond to a complaint, and links the reader to a page to review the complaint, where the reader is susceptible to a virus. The email has an address of “seatac.” Contact the BBB if you receive one of these emails.

5.      Pacific Publications is an online company that offers a “genuine” employment opportunity, in which consumers can make money from home by stuffing and mailing envelopes. The company claims they will pay $5 for every envelope an employee stuffs and mails. Consumers who have purchased the program report never receiving anything from the company.

6.      Several deceptive marketers were banned from selling mortgage relief services under settlements with the FTC, which alleged the marketers charged homeowners up-front fees and falsely claimed they could get their mortgage loans modified to prevent foreclosure. Some of the companies that settled include: Federal Loan Modification Law Center, Loss Mitigation Services, Inc., Synergy Financial Management Corp., and Hope Now Modifications LLC.

7.      Colton Financial has an “F” rating with the BBB. The BBB has received numerous complaints against this business regarding advance fee loans, requiring prepayment via Western Union. Consumers who wire the money are never able to contact the company after it is wired. Never pay ahead of time for the promise of a loan.

8.      Free Airline Tickets? Not Really! Congratulations letters are going out, informing consumers they “qualify for an award of 2 (free) round-trip airline tickets.” The letters, sent by a company called Nicholson Barns, ask the consumer to call a toll-free number. Consumers who call reach a travel awards division, which sets appointments for consumers to attend high pressure sales presentations to purchase Outrigger Vacation Club memberships.

9. “Free Laptops” aren’t so free! FreeUSLaptop.com advertises on radio stations across the country, offering a free laptop. Consumers say, when they visit the website, they are asked to complete a survey and sign up to participate in trial offers with their “sponsors.” This offer really IS NOT free. Consumers have to try products which initially cost money. Consumers also complain they never receive their laptop.

10.  Back to School! Whether your child is going to high school or college, you’ll want to shop smart! When shopping, ask about the store’s return and refund policies; If you are purchasing a cell phone, get all details of the phone plan before signing a contract; Read the fine print when signing your child up for a credit card; and. do your research before buying a computer, what is the price, what does it include? For more shopping tips, go to www.bbb.org.

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