1.

2. Mystery Shopper Scam – Survey Platinum is mailing letters to the local area that contain checks, usually in the amount of $3,500.00, in exchange for participation in a “Mystery Shopping Program.” The letter instructs consumers to cash the check and wire the money to an undisclosed location the consumer obtains by calling a “Training Coordinator” at the phone number provided in the letter. BBB warns that the check is not legitimate and should not be cashed.

3. Colton Financial, a company claiming to be located in Farmington Hills, Mich., informs consumers they are approved for a secured loan for $5,000.00 if they wire a down payment first. Consumers wire the money, never receive the loan, and then are unable to contact anyone with the company. The company has an “F” rating with the BBB for not responding to several complaints. BBB warns consumers to be wary of bogus loan brokers impersonating legitimate lenders.

4. Facebook phishing scams are designed to seize personal information and can lead to identity theft. Beware of the “dislike” button scam, the Free Gift Card scam, and the Fraudulent Status Update scam. Also, the Free Apple iPad scam links consumers to an external site operated by Better-Gifts.net that asks consumers to register for free trial offers. Consumers’ credit cards are charged if the limited-time offers aren’t cancelled on time. BBB recommends consumers avoid these Facebook offers.

5. Military dating scams are surfacing on Internet dating and social networking sites. Scammers pretending to be members of the military are building relationships with women then asking for money. Once the women send the money, they never hear from their Romeos again. BBB warns against sending money to someone you’ve met on a dating site.

6. Door-to-Door scams – BBB recommends exercising caution when hiring companies to do home repairs, driveway re-paving, etc. that solicit business door-to-door. Be wary of companies claiming to have “leftover materials” from a recent neighborhood job and offering services for advance payment. Always research the company first with the BBB at www.bbb.org.

7. Homeowners should use care when choosing a roofing contractor. BBB has received several complaints against American Shingle & Siding Inc.across the South and Mid Atlantic regions. The company often solicits door-to-door and requires homeowners to sign a contract with payment due upfront. Consumers complain that after payment, work is often poorly executed, not completed on-time, or never completed. BBB tips: Get at least three bids, beware of low estimates, and avoid high pressure sales tactics.

8. National Magazine Exchange, a company that appears to go by at least 13 other names, calls consumers to solicit magazine sales and asks for credit card and bank account information. Invitations are also mailed to consumers inviting them to enter the Million Dollar “Strike It Rich” Sweepstakes, a promotion aimed at boosting subscription sales. The company has an “F” rating with the BBB for not responding to several complaints.

9. Beware of Vishing and SMIShing scams! High-tech scammers pose as financial institutions using voicemail and text messages to inform consumers their credit card or bank information has been compromised and their accounts have been drained or closed. Consumers are given a phone number to call for more information. Once they call the number, they’re asked to dial in their credit card number, social security number, PIN or bank account number. BBB warns against giving out financial and personal information via phone.

10. Scholarship Scams – Parents and college students should be wary of private scholarship scams offering “a scholarship guaranteed or your money back.” Legitimate scholarship foundations don’t charge application fees or   ask for credit card or bank account information in order to “hold” a scholarship. Research the foundation or financial institution with the BBB at www.bbb.org.

As hundreds of thousands of people enjoy the fair over the next two weeks, the BBB wants to remind consumers to be cautious when dealing with some indoor exhibitors. New products on display meant to make life easier could be enticing to purchase, but consumers need to ask questions about the product, and the company selling it. BBB suggests asking the following questions:

• How long has the company been in business?
• Does the exhibitor have a telephone number and address where they can be reached should the product be defective?
• Is there a warranty or guarantee covering the product?
• How long is the product covered?
• If the product is defective, can the consumer get their money back or do they have to trade the damaged product for a new one?

Guarantees may give consumers a false sense of security, as a guarantee is often only as good as the company that stands behind the guarantee.

Before consumers buy, they should check the product itself.  Consumers need to make certain the materials and construction are up to the actual product’s reputation. Also check the packaging. Does the item inside of the packaging resemble what’s on the outside? The printing on the packaging or the actual construction for counterfeit products is often of poor quality and is a telltale sign the product contained is counterfeit. And remember, if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Offers to win a free trip may also be on display at the fair, along with credit card companies trying to lure customers to sign up for free gifts and prizes. While the prize may be free, by giving the promoter your name, phone number and address, consumers could receive unwanted credit cards in the mail as well as unwanted phone calls from telemarketers to their home. Consumers need to be aware when they sign up to win a prize, and giving the promoter a phone number and address, they’re establishing a business relationship with the company promoting the prize. The business may then contact you regardless of no call list registration due to that relationship.

If you’d like more tips for consumers at the Kentucky State Fair, call Reanna Smith-Hamblin at the Better Business Bureau at 502-588-0043.

When shopping for anything from new attire to electronic items, BBB has these tips to help you be a savvy back-to-school shopper:

1.      Ask about returns and refunds. Shopping for new clothes, accessories and gadgets is one of the highlights of going back to school. When buying new gear, ask the store about their return policy and always keep the receipts. Stores are not legally required to exchange an item or give a refund.

2.      Keep the item in its original box. Many retailers will not accept returns on opened video games, CDs, software or DVDs. And health regulations prohibit returns of hats and other intimate apparel.

3.      Ask about restocking fees. Some merchants charge a restocking or “open box” fee — sometimes as high as 20 percent of the original cost — for returns of electronics products or large-ticket items. Ask if that is the policy so that you know before you buy.

4.      Shop smart online. Find out the physical location and phone number of the merchant. Read the refund and return policy, have in writing any warranty or guaranty details, be familiar with delivery/shipping costs and time schedules, feel comfortable that the merchant is reliable and not the subject of consumer complaints, and be able to trust that any information you submit to complete the sale transaction (credit card number, etc.) will be treated with the proper care.

5.      Carefully check out businesses and deals before signing anything, before paying any money up front, and before releasing any personal or financial information (this includes your Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, credit card, banking account number and other personal data).

If your child is in the market for a computer, BBB recommends doing your research:

• Decide what your child’s needs will be;
• What is the computer going to be used for? Word processing, graphic/web design, gaming?
• Determine what type of hardware and software that will be required;
• Find out what you have to do if the computer breaks down;
• Check out the warranty on the computer;
• Call your school or university and ask what other students in the class use;
• Compare prices, and check out the companies with the BBB at www.bbb.org;

If you are thinking about allowing your college-bound student to sign up for a credit card, do your homework.

• Shop around for the plan that best fits your student’s needs. There are often special offers for students;
• Compare terms and fees before you agree to open a credit card for your student.
• Find out the interest rate on the card, are they introductoryrates, and if so, how long do they apply?
• Are there annual fees?
• Check into the transaction fees and any other charges that could be incurred.

For more consumer information, go to www.bbb.org or call 1-800-388-2222.

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.

Here are some common ways ID Theft occurs:

• Dumpster Diving. Identity thieves rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it;
• Skimming. Identity thieves steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card;
• Phishing. Identity thieves pretend to be a financial institution or company and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information;
• Changing Your Address. Identity thieves will divert your billing statements to another location by completing a “change of address” form;
• “Old-fashioned” Stealing. Identity thieves steal wallets and purses; mail, including band and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records from their employers, or bribe employees who have access.

BBB wants to remind consumers to be cautious with their debit and credit card information when shopping or going out to eat. Although credit and debit cards are easy ways to pay for purchases, they have different levels of protection. Debit cards are directly linked to your bank account. They don’t offer as much protection against fraudulent use. If you need to dispute a purchase, you are in a weaker position because the merchant already has the money and it will only be returned if you win the dispute. Be sure to check the policies of your card issuer.

The BBB offers these tips for consumers to protect their identities:

• Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal  information before you discard them;
• Remember that when you use your debit card to make a  purchase the funds are immediately pulled from your account. This makes it much more difficult to get your money back if there is a dispute;
• Write “See ID” on the back of your Debit/Credit cards;
• Protect your social Security number. Don’t Carry around your SS card in your wallet or write your SS number on a check. Only give it out if it is absolutely necessary;
• Don’t give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
• Never click on links in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date.
• Don’t use obvious passwords like your birth date, mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your social Security number;
• Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.

Be sure to review your financial statements on a regular basis for charges that you did not make. You should also check your credit report for anything that looks suspicious. You can get your report, for free, atwww.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.

If you fall victim to ID Theft:

• Place a ”Fraud Alert” on your credit reports. This tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. Contact all three consumer reporting companies below:

o   Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

o   Experian: 1-888-397-3742

o   TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

• Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with. Call the fraud departments of each company and follow up in writing with supporting documents. Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and that the fraudulent debts discharged. Keep copies of all documents and records of your conversations about theft.
• File a police report. File a report with police to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.

For more information on ID Theft, contact the BBB at

1-800-388-2222 or go to www.bbb.org.

Better Business Bureau serving Louisville, Southern Indiana, and Western Kentucky

844 South 4th Street

Louisville, KY 40203

A BBB employee received the e-mail this morning. The employee has never shopped on Amazon, so she became suspicious and called the company. A customer relations manager told her that he had received 5 calls on it already, and that Amazon is investigating the fraudulent e-mail. The manager did not know what would happen if you clicked on the link. The link could be a virus or it could be a phishing attempt (to steal your personal information).

Amazon is asking anyone who receives a fraudulent e-mail like this to forward the e-mail to stop-spoofing@amazon.com.

Below are some key points from Amazon.com to help identify e-mails that appear to be from Amazon, but are not:

1. Know what Amazon.com won’t ask for – Amazon.com will never ask you for the following information in an e-mail:

• Your social security number or tax identification number
• Your credit card number, PIN number, or credit card, or security code
• Your mother’s maiden name
• Your Amazon.com password

2. Requests to verify or confirm your account information - Amazon.com will not ask you to verify or confirm your Amazon.com account information by clicking on a link from an e-mail.

3. Attachments on suspicious e-mails – Amazon.com does not send order confirmations or other unsolicited requests that require you to open attachments.

4. Grammatical or typographical errors - Be on the lookout for poor grammar or typographical errors.

5. Check the Web site address – Genuine Amazon.com web sites are always hosted on the “amazon.com” domain–”http://www.amazon.com/. . . ” (or “https://www.amazon.com/. . .“). Sometimes the link included in spoofed e-mails looks like a genuine Amazon.com address. You can check where it actually points to by hovering your mouse over the link–the actual Web site where it points to will be shown in the status bar at the bottom of your browser window or as a pop-up. Amazon never uses a web address such as “http://security-amazon.com/. . .” or an IP address (string of numbers) followed by directories such as “http://123.456.789.123/amazon.com/. . . .”

6. Protect your account information – If you did click through from a spoofed or suspicious e-mail and you entered your Amazon.com account information you should immediately update your Amazon.com password. You can do this through Your Account by choosing the option to “Change your name, e-mail address, or password” found under Account Settings. Even if someone has been able to look at your account, they are still not able to see your full credit card information. However, orders can be sent from your account using your credit card. Contact Amazon immediately if you notice any orders that you do not recognize.

If you submitted your credit card number to the site linked to from the forged e-mail message, you should contact your credit card company. You should also delete the credit card from your Amazon.com account to prevent anyone from improperly regaining access to your account.

BBB ALWAYS recommends, if an e-mail looks suspicious, go directly to the Web site, or call the company directly. When in doubt, do not click on a link in an e-mail.

For more consumer tips, go to www.bbb.org or call 1-800-388-2222.

Some of the most common scams come from salesmen selling meat, magazines, alarm systems, asphalt, or offers of physical labor on homes.

While the low price of these products and services can be luring to your financial taste buds, it’s important for consumers to do their research prior to indulging in an impulse buy. The BBB offers the following advice before making a purchase at your front door:

Do your research. Ask the salesperson for written material about the company and let them know you are going to research them first before doing business with them. Check the company’s Reliability Report with your BBB. Many communities have licensing and permit requirements for food vendors and for selling door-to-door; confirm with your city or county government that the seller is in line with the law.

Don’t fall for empty promises. The seller might claim to offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, but many complainants had no way to contact the seller if they were dissatisfied. Additionally, the seller might claim that the product is a higher grade than it really is.

Never pay with cash. When paying by check or credit card you have at least some way to protect your money—such as canceling the check or reporting it as fraud to your credit card company. If you pay with cash and are dissatisfied, you’re at the mercy of the salesperson. Many scam artists will take your check to the bank right away, making credit cards a safer bet.

Know your rights. If you decide to make a purchase in your home, ask for a dated cancellation form and a dated receipt. The Federal Trade Commission Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel the purchase. Saturday is considered a business day.

Report the bad guys. If you feel that you were ripped off by a door-to-door salesperson, file a complaint with your Better Business Bureau and contact authorities (574-LMPD). Chances are, one of your neighbors could be scammed, too. Also report any unlicensed salesmen to Councilman Doug Hawkins at 574-1125 or Doug.Hawkins@louisvilleky.gov .

For more advice to help you make smart purchasing decisions, visit http://www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-product-purchasing/ or call 1-800-388-2222.

2 – Help wanted ads on employment websites aren’t always legitimate. Scam artists are placing ads looking for job seekers to forward money from one account to another or to reship stolen merchandise overseas Consumers who respond to the ads are told the employer is in a foreign country and needs an American contact to handle business in the U.S.

3 – Job seekers, be wary of www.careersystemsllc.com. The company claims to offer assistance to consumers seeking government jobs. It is managed by the previous owners of Government Careers, Inc. (GCI). In 2010, the Attorney General and FTC filed a  lawsuit against GCI and affiliates were directed to stop engaging in this line of business. GCI was BBB’s third most complained about company in 2009.

4 – Beware of the Best Buy reshipping scam. Con artists are using the company’s name, targeting  unsuspecting job seekers via email with an invite to become a gift wrapper. The job offer is not legitimate and people who accept these fraudulent positions may be asked to do things for which they could be prosecuted by authorities. Legitimate Best Buy jobs are posted on their career website.

5 – Paypal Scam – If you receive an email from Paypal stating your account access is limited, it could be a scam. The email states your account has been accessed by a third party and directs users to a link that asks for personal information. Be careful of these phishing scams and be mindful of what information you are giving out online.

6 – Consumers using Medicare will receive a tax rebate check for $250 as part of the Affordable Care Act, aimed to close the coverage gap, making it more affordable to Senior Citizens. These checks will be mailed by the Dept. of Health and Human Services within 45 days of entering the coverage gap. You will not need to provide personal information to receive the check.

7 – Consumers are being annoyed with hundreds of phone calls through a “telephone denial-of-service” attack. The phone calls divert the consumer’s attention and tie up the phone line while the scam artist drains the consumer’s bank account. The bank tries to contact the victim, but gets a busy signal and continues with the transaction. Scammers get the victim’s personal information months in advance via phishing in an email or phone call.

8 – Beware of “Scareware!” These pop-up boxes warn web surfers that their computer is affected with a virus. The pop-up’s are a part of a scam to scare internet goers to pay for fake anti-virus programs out of fear for their hard drives. BBB advises internet users not to click on any unexpected pop-ups.

9 – A Solid Gold Sound has an “F” rating with BBB. Brides across the country say the photography and video company takes their money and never delivers! The company also operates under A Sensory Sound System. Check out a company with the BBB, ask for names of satisfied customers, make contracts in writing and include dates, products, prices, and all fees. Never pay in full upfront, and pay by credit card in case you need to cancel the purchase.

10 – Car shoppers, beware of websites offering too-good-to-be-true deals on repossessed cars. The scammers use names, numbers, and addresses of reputable car dealers to build fraudulent websites that claim to sell repossessed cars at well below market price. The sites instruct buyers to wire a deposit to an individual rather than the company helping to “avoid taxes legally,” and claim the remainder can be paid upon delivery. After the deposit is paid, victims call the real dealership to arrange pick-up and find they have been scammed.

Some of the most common scams come from salesmen selling meat, asphalt, or construction, magazines, or alarm systems and offers of physical labor on homes.

While the low price of these products and services can be luring to your financial taste buds, it’s important for consumers to do their research prior to indulging in these scams. The BBB offers the following advice before making a purchase at your front door:

Do your research. Ask the salesmen for written material about the company and let them know you are going to research them first before doing business with them. Check the company’s Reliability Report with your BBB. Many communities have licensing and permit requirements for food vendors and for selling door-to-door; confirm with your city or county government that the seller is in line with the law.

Don’t fall for empty promises. The seller might claim to offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, but many complainants had no way to contact the seller if they were dissatisfied. Additionally, the seller might claim that the product is a higher grade than it really is.

Never pay with cash. When paying by check or credit card you have at least some way to protect your money—such as canceling the check or reporting it as fraud to your credit card company. If you pay with cash and are dissatisfied, you’re at the mercy of the salesman.

Know your rights. If you decide to make a purchase, ask for a dated cancellation form and a dated receipt. The Federal Trade Commission Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel the purchase. Saturday is considered a business day.

Report the bad guys. If you feel that you were ripped off by a door-to-door salesmen, file a complaint with your Better Business Bureau. Also report any unlicensed salesmen to the appropriate city or county authorities.

For more advice to help you make smart purchasing decisions, visit http://www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-product-purchasing/ or call 1-800-388-2222.