Tri State Better Business Bureau
New Rules Allow Debt Collection Robocalls from the Feds
Your BBB® receives many inquiries on third party collections.
The Federal Communications Commission released its final rules allowing the federal government and some third party contractors to make debt-collection robocalls to wireless lines...
Avoid These Scams Aimed at College Students
Most high school around our area are now back in session; colleges will soon follow. If you are an incoming freshman or a returning college student, be aware that according to a new study conducted by BBB® millennials are more likely to be scammed than baby boomers...
Protecting Yourself Against Medical Identity Theft
Many consumers take steps every day to protect their identity and financial information, but what about probably one of the most sinister forms of identity theft, medical id theft? Your BBB® wants to provide information today to help consumers spot the signs of medical identity theft and arm them with some tools to prevent it...
Refinancing Your Vehicle
Perhaps you bought your dream car or truck, and suddenly, you’ve fallen on tough times and you’re having difficulty making those payments. Maybe it’s time to consider a loan modification. Your BBB® wants to provide you with information that may help in reducing your monthly payments...
SIM Swapping Scams
Your BBB® has learned of a type of scam occurring. We wanted to make our readers aware that if your phone stops working, it could just be your battery, or something much more sinister. “SIM swapping” involves changing the small, removable chip in most phones that contains network and billing information...
Tips to Avoid Romance Scams
This past week we had a couple of visitors in our office where the ex-wife is involved with a possible romance scam with someone claiming to be a General located in Nigeria. Unfortunately, your BBB® has seen this movie before.
The General seems to have his funds tied up and is unable to pay for a plane ticket to come to the US to see his honey...
Considering Pet Insurance? Check Out These Tips
Many consumers care for their household pets as if they were another human family member. Some are looking closer at the ingredients in their food, considering special supplements for their aches and pains or providing special household items to help with disabilities or needs, but what about pet insurance...
Telemarketing Sales Rule Amendments Put New Limits on Telemarketers
In a Press Release dated June 27, 2016, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that certain amendments to the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) have taken effect. Your BBB® would like to let readers know about the new amendments which prohibit payment methods “exploited by con artists and scammers...
Watch Out for Pop-Ups Claiming to Be Your ISP
Your BBB® is receiving calls daily from people who are having their important computer files held for ransom. Our advice is to never believe any pop-up messages on the computer, or phone calls stating there is a problem with your computer. I have also told callers that the only entity that can know if your computer is a danger to others is your Internet Service Provider...
Beware of Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams
Recently our BBB® heard about a common scam resurfacing in our area. This scam, and some very similar, have been around for many years, but new twists or popularity seem to cause increases in victims from time to time.
The scams we are discussing are sweepstake and lottery scams, which can be very tempting to unsuspecting consumers...