Your Moment of Trust

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties: https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-the-tri-counties  A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for Supporting this Podcast!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! A new text message scam
seems so innocent that it’s tempting to reply. But con artists are using phony “wrong
number” texts to lure victims into conversation and falling for a scam.

How the scam works

You receive a text that reads something like this: “Hey is this John? It’s Amanda. We
chatted on Tinder before when I came to visit my cousin but we never met irl. I’m
back in town if you want to meet up this time, are you free?”

If you reply to a text like this, even with a polite, “Sorry, wrong number,” the stranger
responds anyway, seemingly ignoring your answer. Usually, you’ll receive a few
compliments and some photos of “Amanda,” who appears to be a scantily clad blonde
woman. However, as the word gets out about this scam, scammers will change up the
names, backstory, and photos.

If you continue to engage with the stranger, who is really a chat bot, it tries to trick you into registering for dating or adult websites. Your new “friend” will encourage you to sign up for a specific website to see more explicit photos, which may involve offering up your credit card number. Considering the dubious nature of this scam, if you hand over your credit card information at any point, you could be putting yourself at risk for fraudulent charges and identity theft.

Even BBB staff has received these texts. “I did a double-take,” says Pam Anson,
Director of Brand Outreach for BBB Serving Greater Cleveland. “It’s a different
approach than most scammers take and I didn’t think anything too seriously until more of my friends started to say that they also received it... It’s obvious that the scammers are trying to elicit a response, such as sympathy, to this woman for receiving a fake number from a friend, but we need to remind consumers that appearances can be deceiving.”

How to avoid chat bot scams

● Ignore texts from strangers. Strangers on the internet can pretend to be
anyone. Question motives behind both solicited and unsolicited messages. If you
receive a text from someone you don’t know, simply don’t reply. It’s the safest
route. If you engage with a scammer, even briefly, they will mark your number as
active and you could receive even more shady texts in the future.
● Block numbers that appear to come from scammers. Unsolicited texts that
look like they come from a chat bot or that ask you to click on suspicious links are
probably not safe. Block these numbers to prevent scammers from contacting
you through them again.

Never give your personal information to strangers. Never share your credit
card or banking information, your full name, home address, or social security
number with someone you never met in person. Remember that any photo you
upload on social media can be stolen and used by a scammer.

For more information

If you have compromised your personal information, you can report the incident to law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission.

For additional romance scam resources visit BBB.org/romance. Read the BBB Tip: Spot
the red flags of fake text messages. Read more about similar scams, such about text
messages with surprise offers.

If you’ve been the victim of a text message scam, report it at BBB.org/ScamTracker.
Your report can help expose scammers’ tactics so others won’t fall prey.

Until next time!

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties: http  s://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-the-tri-counties     A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara  

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! The end of the year is a time to
show appreciation for those who provide necessary services and little luxuries in your
daily life. But this year, the increased cost of goods and services means you may need
to pay extra attention to your tipping budget. Even if you are limited in what you can
give, there’s no need to feel uncomfortable. A little extra thoughtfulness can go a long
way.

Determining who to tip and how much to give can be confusing. To avoid extra holiday
stress, BBB recommends the following tips to help you tip confidently while staying
within your budget.

Tips for holiday tipping

● Consider your budget. Begin planning your tips by looking over your holiday
budget, or creating one, if you haven’t already. Tips aren’t obligatory, so if you
don’t have the extra cash, consider other ways to show your gratitude. According
to the Emily Post Institute, homemade gifts or a simple thank you note are
perfectly acceptable ways to say “thank you” when funds are short.
● Start planning tips early. You don’t want to be scrambling through your purse to
find some extra cash when you see your regular delivery driver pull up. Once you
set your tipping budget, make a list of who you plan to tip and how much. Do this
as early as possible, keeping in mind that tipping before the holidays are officially
here means the recipient will have extra cash for holiday spending.
● Tip with cash when possible. Cash is usually the best way to give a tip. It
means the recipient has access to the funds right away and won’t have to pay
any fees to use the money. That said, if you regularly pay someone via an app
and want to tip that way, you can. Just make sure you include a brief note letting
them know the extra money is a tip for their excellent service.
● Make the tip attractive. For a classic tip, The Wall Street Journal says crisp bills
in an envelope that reads “Thank You” on the outside is ideal. You can even write
a brief thank you note to express your gratitude when appropriate.
● Tip according to the depth of your relationship. Match your tip amount to the
quality and quantity of work the person does for you. If you hire a babysitter
occasionally, an appropriate tip might be the equivalent of one evening’s pay. On
the other hand, if you have a live-in housekeeper, an entire week’s pay would be
suitable.

Know Who NOT to Tip:

Some professionals can’t accept tips because of ethical
reasons, including doctors, lawyers, and government officials. Some companies
don’t allow their employees to accept tips. Don’t be afraid to ask up front if a
professional or company employee can accept tips if you aren’t sure. When
appropriate, a gift is a good alternative.

Tipping by Profession

● Personal service providers. For hairdressers, massage therapists, or any other
personal-service provider you regularly tip, consider upping your tip amount
during the holiday season. If you usually tip 20%, make it 40%. Depending on
your budget, you may decide to tip them the cost of an entire visit. The same
goes for other service providers, like your dog walker or groomer. The equivalent
of one service makes for a generous end-of-the-year tip.
● Nannies, babysitters and caregivers. A similar rule applies to tipping childcare,
home health aides, and similar professions. Tipping the cost of a session, such
as an evening’s pay for a regular sitter, is considered standard. For a live-in
nanny, consider a bonus of up to a week’s wages. For those hired through a
service, make sure you check that they are allowed to accept tips before giving.
● Building staff. If you live in an apartment building, consider tipping cleaners,
superintendents, security, and concierges. Somewhere between $25 to $100
each is a good range for this kind of service.
● Mail and delivery service providers. U.S. Postal Service workers may not
accept gifts of cash or gift cards, but they can accept small gifts worth $20 or
less. Canada Post workers can accept nominal gifts worth no more than $100. In
both countries, FedEx and UPS employees are encouraged to decline cash gifts,
but they can accept small personal gifts when making a delivery.
● Professional service providers. Most professionals, such as teachers, doctors,
lawyers, etc., won’t accept cash gifts, so consider giving them a gift card or
present instead, with a note of thanks.

Until next time!

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties:  https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-the-tri-counties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair for supporting this podcast! https://www.ayersrepairs.com

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Even with inflation
worries this holiday season, most pet owners still plan on spoiling their fur
babies with holiday gifts.

According to a poll by Chewy in 2022 (Chewy is a BBB Accredited Business), more than
90% of pet owners include their pets on their holiday shopping list, and another study
shows that giving to pets makes people happy.

However, with thousands of pet gifts to choose from, ranging from toys and treats to
doggie spa days and advent calendars, how can you choose a good gift for your pet?
BBB recommends the following tips to help you find the perfect gift: one that is safe,
within your budget, and one your pet will adore.

Choosing the perfect pet gift

● Stay within budget. If you are making multiple gift purchases this holiday
season, it’s especially important to plan your holiday budget and then stick to it.
Be sure to include your pets in the budget and then shop for gifts that are within
your means.
● Pick a gift that matches your pet’s personality. Just like people, every pet is
different. Some are more active than others, some are food-motivated, some love
to chew, and some love to run. Take your pet’s personality into consideration to
choose a gift they will really enjoy. The Humane Society has ideas for toys based
on your pets’ personalities and needs.
● Choose a gift that is safe. Most importantly, choose a gift that is safe. Avoid
toys that are small enough to be ingested. Make sure toys don’t have any
ribbons, string, rubber bands, etc., that a pet could swallow. You should also be
able to clean toys, whether that means machine washing them or wiping them
down occasionally.
● Know what’s inside your toys. For many dogs – and some cats – destroying a
toy is much of the fun. Keep this in mind when shopping. Read labels and make
sure what’s inside the toy is also safe. For example, many toy stuffings aren’t
digestible and could pose a danger.
● Check the ingredients in edible gifts. Stick to treats and foods that are made
specifically for dogs or cats. The FDA warns that many human treats contain
ingredients that are hazardous to pets, such as xylitol. If you’re looking for treats
that contribute to dental health, check the Veterinary Oral Health Council website for a list of acceptable chew treats for both dogs and cats. In addition to quality,
keep an eye on quantity. If your dog or cat has a stocking full of pet treats, don’t
let them gobble them up too fast, as this could lead to choking or digestive
issues.
● Weigh the pros and cons of subscription services. Subscription services can
be a fun way to give your pet gifts all year round, but you’ll want to do plenty of
research before signing up. Get to know the company, investigate free trials, and
make sure you know how to stop a subscription before you choose a service.
● Check out pet advent calendars. Pet advent calendars have become incredibly
popular in recent years. These can make good gifts too, but they aren’t always a
bargain. You’ll need to compare calendars to get the best deal. In addition, keep
an eye out for advent calendar scams, which have become especially common
through social media ads.
● Purchase gifts from reputable vendors, especially if you are making a
purchase online. Read consumer reviews before doing business with a company,
and keep an eye out for fake websites while you shop. If you ever need to return
an item that was purchased online, see our tips for hassle-free returns.

Until next time!

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties  https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-the-tri-counties  

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair for supporting this podcast. https://www.ayersrepairs.com

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Supply chain problems, shipping delays, and inflation can make it even tougher to create and stick to a budget during the holidays. This meansthat planning ahead and knowing your sp ending limits are more important than ever. How can you build a holiday budget that will cover buying for everyone on your list while keeping you out of debt? BBB recommends the following steps for calculating your seasonal budget and sticking to it.

How to make and stick to a holiday budget

● Calculate your debt. Before planning gifts and parties, take a look at how much
you owe. Pay close attention to any debt that incurs interest. If you have more
debt than you can pay off before the holidays, then you'll want to keep spending
to a bare minimum. Remember, there are plenty of inexpensive and even free
ways to show friends and family how much you love them during the holiday
season.
● Project your income and expenses. Next, calculate how much money you will
earn this holiday season. Review your income from the past three months to
calculate an average monthly income. Now, you know how much money you
have. Before you start setting aside money for holiday fun, make a list of any
regular expenses you need to address. These might include utility bills,
groceries, gas, and rent or mortgage payments. Don't forget about any annual
fees that might come up around the new year, like HOA fees or your car
registration. Subtract these necessities from your monthly income. Add any
savings you've set aside for the holidays, and decide how much you can spend.

● Set up a separate holiday budget. Next, make a list of holiday expenses you
plan to incur. Include all holiday-related expenses but divide them into categories:
travel costs, holiday parties, decorations, cards, gifts, clothes, professional
photos, gift wrap, etc. Add up the cost of each item and subtract it from your
holiday budget amount. If you have leftover funds, great! If you are over budget,
consider what items you want to prioritize and what items you can modify or cut
from your list. For example, your budget might not allow you to host a 50-guest
holiday bash for the whole block, but you may be able to afford an intimate family
holiday dinner instead.
● Create a gift list. A detailed shopping list can be a huge help when working with
a specific holiday budget. Write down each individual you plan to buy a gift for preparation will help you do your research and find better deals when purchasing
their gift.
● Keep track of your spending. This is one of the most essential tips on this list.
By tracking your spending, you'll always know how much you have left to spend,
when it is okay to splurge on an item, and when you're approaching your budget
limit. Tracking your spending will keep you from making unwise purchases on a
whim and help you avoid taking on unnecessary debt.
● Plan for inflation. Inflation can affect both your gift-giving plans and your daily
expenses. Be sure to factor rising prices into your regular budget for items like
groceries and gas. When working on your holiday budget, it's important to know
that some gifts will cost more than last year, and they may never go on sale
thanks to supply chain delays. Always do a price comparison before you buy a
product, and don't be afraid to scale back on gift-giving this year if you need to.
● Take advantage of sales, rewards, and cash-back offers. Take advantage of
Black Friday deals, Small Business Saturday sales and Cyber Monday offers. If
you are part of a rewards or loyalty program that offers special discounts or
cash-back rewards, save money by using these promos to purchase gifts and
decorations.
● Bundle your shipping. Free shipping may not be as common as last year, so
double-check the store's shipping policies before you click the checkout button.
In some cases, you may be able to get multiple gifts in a single purchase so you
can reach the minimum dollar amount and qualify for free shipping.
● Avoid panic buying. Whatever you do, don't panic buy. Yes, many items will be
in limited supply, but there are still many items you can purchase as gifts. It's
never a good idea to pay more for an item than what it's worth just because it's in
short supply. In fact, that's how many people fall victim to hot toy scams and
counterfeit product scams each year.
● Consider alternative ways to gift. If your budget doesn't allow you to buy the
extravagant gifts you once did, there are still ways to practice meaningful giving
this holiday season. If you are creative, handmade gifts can mean the world to
your friends and family. Is there a new mom or an older person on your gift list?
Consider giving them a gift of service by offering to prepare dinner or clean their situation. Some families cut down on gift-giving by doing a Secret Santa
exchange with a set spending limit.

Until next time!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! When shopping for a team jersey or other sports memorabilia, Watch out for fakes. Scammers know that authentic game-used and/or autographed items can fetch big bucks – especially for items commemorating big games.

When shopping online, it can be hard to trust that a seller or product is genuine. Follow these tips when buying sports memorabilia:

“Game-used” items are highly sought after. Buyers prize items that saw action on

the court or field as valuable parts of sports history. Consumers should be aware that there is a significant difference between “game-used” and “game-issued.” For example, a game-issued jersey was designed for the player to wear, but it may not actually have been worn. There’s nothing wrong with selling that game-issued item—unless the seller scuffs it up and tries to pass it off as game-used for a higher price.

Autographs are even trickier. With the use of autopen, manufacturers can reproduce ink signatures hundreds of times. Again, there’s nothing wrong with selling autopen-signed items as long as they’re not misrepresented as personally signed by the player and priced accordingly. Buyers also need to watch out for online listings that describe items as “hand-signed” without specifying whose hand-signed it. That could be technically correct but still highly misleading.

Outright forgeries can be the hardest to spot, and this issue has plagued collectors for decades. If you don’t have time to become an autograph authentication expert but still want to make purchases, here are some steps you can take.

How the scam works - an example

Victims of this scam typically find fake sports merchandise through a social media ad or a quick web search. These online scam stores have great photos and cheap prices, making them look believable.

Victims report that, at first, the purchase seems normal. The site charges their credit card and sends a confirmation email. However, weeks pass, and the jersey never arrives. The anticipation of having a keepsake of a favorite team is suddenly dashed when the victim tries to contact customer service. They quickly find that neither the company nor the product exists.

One disappointed fan reported the following to BBB Scam Tracker: “This company

advertised selling collector's items of sports merchandise in special boxes. Each box was supposed to have a certain number of team-related items like a jersey, signed football or mini helmet, etc. I paid 69.99 for the top box of Chicago Bears items. What I actually got was a cheap no-brand jersey, an NFL keychain, and a face mask. I went to good to be true. If the price of an item, collectible or not, is significantly less than what it is on other well-known retailers’ sites, this is a red flag that it might be a scam.

● Research the company before you purchase. If the company is unfamiliar,check BBB.org to see if they have a BBB Business Profile or BBB Scam Tracker to see if anyone else has reported them as a scam. Look for contact information on the website, such as a phone number or brick-and-mortar address, as well as a robust social media presence to help determine if the company indeed doesexist.

● Never wire money or use a prepaid debit card as payment. Scammers often request both payment types, and once the money is gone, there is no way to get the money back. Instead, make online purchases with a credit card and only onsecure (https) websites.

● Double-check COAs: Certificates of authenticity (COAs) are the norm for memorabilia purchases, especially for costly items —so it’s likely that scammers will try to provide fake ones. A valid COA should state the qualifications and complete contact information of the issuer. Before you trust a COA, ensure itcontains full and correct details on who issued it, and then make sure they’re alegitimate and reputable authority. If investing in a less expensive purchase that

is not offered with a COA, the buyer should still request a written representation from the seller about the authenticity and origin of the item. It is also essential to establish and get a written statement about the item’s physical condition before you purchase it.

● Take extra care at charity auctions: Some scammers target charities by providing “donations” of fake memorabilia. When considering a bid for an item at a charity auction, be vigilant and watch out for suspicious price valuations and shady authentications. When in doubt about an item, consider donating to the charity rather than an auction purchase.

● Seek a money-back guarantee: If possible, work with a dealer who can guarantee a full refund of your purchase if you ever discover it’s a fraud. Check all terms and conditions of the sale, especially limitations, before buying the item.

Until next time!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! National experts are predicting an increase in spending this holiday season. There is also a concern if many of the items on consumers' holiday lists will be available on the shelf or online and are faced with the disappointing words: “Sorry, this item is currently out of stock.” That’s especially true when there are challenges with supply chains.

But does that mean the words “out of stock” are the end of the line? Not at all. With a little determination and some creative thinking, the item might be found and purchased. Here are BBB’s tips for finding items that are sold out in stores.

How to buy out-of-stock items

● Try a different store. Avoid limiting the search to the most popular brick-and-mortar stores. Consider researching multiple vendors’ websites to see who is carrying stock. If the large chain stores are out of what you need, try a reputable independent shop or a different type of store entirely. For example, when toilet paper was in short supply at grocery stores, some consumers found stock in unlikely places, such as hardware stores, restaurant suppliers, or office supply stores.

● Check websites frequently. If there is an item out of stock when shopping online, don’t give up hope right away. Bookmark the product page and check back daily. Many vendors restock high-demand products on a regular basis.

● Sign up for restock alerts. Many companies offer restock alerts, which are usually sent by email. For example, on Amazon, look for an availability alert on a product's information page. Amazon will send an e-mail when the item becomes available. Keep in mind, you still have to go to the website or store to make the purchase once the alert arrives.

● Go straight to the product’s source. If a brand name item isn’t available from a favorite retailer, check the brand’s official website to see if it’s in stock there. If not, consider getting in touch by emailing customer service or reaching out through social media.

● Take advantage of return policies. If you suspect that an item will sell out quickly but you aren’t sure if you really need or want it, review the store’s return policy. If a store gives you the option to return an item and offer a refund, you may want to purchase the item as soon as it’s available. You can always send it back if it doesn’t fit your needs, but you may regret not purchasing if the stock runs out for good.

● Search for products on resale sites. If a product appears to be gone for good, don’t lose hope just yet. Some resale sites may offer hard-to-find products. That said, watch out for scammers when looking for this year’s hottest toy or a product that is very popular. Con artists prey on desperate shoppers by pretending to have an item that is impossible to find, accepting payments, and then never delivering the product.

● Consider a personal shopping service. Personal shoppers can do the heavy lifting if there is a very specific product you are hunting for. Be sure to read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family members before deciding to hire.

● Try out a subscription service. Subscription services offer regular deliveries of cleaning products, clothing and more. If the local stores are running out of fresh produce, for example, consider a meal delivery service.

● Be patient. Sometimes, despite the best efforts, it just may not be possible to find most popular items. If this happens to you, be patient. You may have to wait a few months until suppliers can meet consumers’ demands.

Until next time!

A podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties  A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast!  

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! You’ve likely heard ads on the
TV or radio about the Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit for U.S. military veterans and
their families exposed to tainted water at the camp. Marketing agencies and law firms
spent over $40 million advertising the lawsuit. Now, scammers are jumping on board
too, hoping all the media attention makes it easier to trick people, especially military
personnel, into falling for common scam tactics.

How the scam works

You receive an email or phone call telling you you qualify for compensation for the
Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit. The email may claim you are entitled to tens of
thousands of dollars. You need to click a link or call a number to get your compensation.
For example, one recent target told BBB Scam Tracker: “[The caller] said they were
representing Camp Lejeune and needed information about my brother who served in
the military. Since he died years ago from cancer, they said I had $5,000,000 waiting in
compensation from the Marines.”

From here, the scam takes several different forms. Clicking the link could download
malware onto your computer or mobile device, putting you at risk for identity theft. In
other versions, scammers direct you to a website with a form that asks for personal
information. In yet another variation, the scammers are after your money and personal
details. They claim you need to pay an upfront fee, so they can file your case and
receive your money. If you pay them, they’ll continue to ask for more “filing fees” until
you become suspicious. As soon as you realize the con, the scammer will disappear
with your information and money.

How to avoid class action lawsuit scams

● Don't believe in promises of quick cash with minimal effort. Scammers love to
promise that fast cash is in your immediate future. The reality is even
well-deserved compensation will take time to receive. It’s worth noting, too, that
veterans who served at Camp Lejeune can apply for VA disability compensation
and health care benefits without filing a lawsuit or getting help from a lawyer.

● Never click on links in suspicious emails. Be wary of unsolicited emails in
general. Please don’t click on the links they contain, as they could lead you to
fake websites or download malware onto your computer.
● Stay alert to variations of this scam. Emails aren’t the only way scammers may
try to contact you about this and other class action lawsuits. Keep your eye out
for similar scams sent via text messages, phone calls, or even mail.
● If you think you deserve compensation, apply through official channels. Visit
VA.gov/CampLejeune for official information on how to apply for compensation.
You can file for disability compensation online and learn what steps to take to file
a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.
● Only work with reputable representatives. If you are ready to file a claim or
appeal and need help, don’t settle for working with the first lawyer who pops up
on a TV ad. Instead, do thorough research before choosing a legal representative. Get to know all your options, including working with an accredited attorney or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO).

Until next time!

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties 

A BIG Thank you to Ayers Repairs in Santa Barbara for Supporting this Podcast

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Retailers and shippers
traditionally hire seasonal workers to fulfill holiday shoppers' demands, whether online
or in person. These jobs are a great way to make extra money, sometimes with the
possibility of turning into a long-term employment opportunity. However, they are
sometimes not all that they seem.

When looking for something part-time or to fill the gap until a better opportunity comes,
the Better Business Bureau has some suggestions to make the seasonal job hunt
successful. According to the 2022 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, employment scams
rose to the second riskiest in 2022. Being proactive in finding the right opportunity is
key, but be careful when a job just seems too good to be true.

Tips to avoid holiday job scams

● Employers will never ask for payment upfront for a job. Beware businesses that
ask applicants to pay for job supplies, application, or training fees. These
expenses are the employer's responsibility - and asking for money is a big red
flag that something is wrong.
● Be wary of job offers that don't require an interview. Even during the peak hiring
season, reputable companies prefer to talk to top job candidates before hiring
them. If a job offer is presented without an interview (on the phone or in person)
or is offered only via the Internet, question the company's hiring practices and do
a little more digging.
● Be wary of big money for small jobs. If an employer promises outrageously good
wages for simple tasks such as reshipping packages, stuffing envelopes, or
answering phones, this is a red flag. These too-good-to-be-true offers are an
attempt to steal your personal information from a fake job application and can
cause problems for you for a long time.
● Never work for a company before they hire you. A legitimate company will not
ask potential applicants to complete complex projects before making an official
offer. Before beginning any work, request an offer letter or written confirmation of
what the job entails, including an official start date and compensation details.

For more information

Read more about employment scams and how to avoid them.
For more holiday tips, visit the BBB Holiday Tips page.

Until Next Time!  

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties:  https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-the-tri-counties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara, for supporting this podcast. https://www.ayersrepairs.com

Welcome to this week's edition of Your Moment of Trust!

Zombie debt is defined as debt that has been “raised from the dead,” so to
speak. It could even be something you never owed at all.  When a person doesn’t pay a debt, the lender will take action – by phone, letter, or even a court case – to collect the money they are owed. In some cases, though, the debtor simply can’t pay or can’t be found. In other cases, the debtor files for bankruptcy and, depending on the kind of debt owed, the debt may be put on hold, renegotiated or discharged completely.  Sometimes, this old debt comes back to life.

Some of the most common scenarios of zombie debt are the following:

● Unpaid debts that are beyond the statute of limitations when you can be taken to
court for payment
● Unpaid debts you owe but forgot about
● Unpaid debts wiped out with bankruptcy
● Debts you already settled with the creditor
● Fraudulent charges from identity theft
● Fake debts “creditors” claim you owe as part of a scam

How does debt come back to life?

Creditors often remove old debt from their ledgers and sell it to third-party collectors. In
some cases, the debts are legitimate, but in other cases, they aren’t. When debts are
sold and re-sold, the records may be incomplete or inaccurate. Think of it as a game of
“telephone.” The more times a debt is passed around, the more chance that the related
information is wrong.

When debt collectors call

The legal treatment of old debt will depend on where you live and the type of debt in
question. Depending on the law, debt collectors are not allowed to sue for old debt if the
statute of limitations has expired, however, they are still allowed to contact you and ask
to pay off the old debt. Check the statute of limitations for each U.S. state and Canadian
province for more information. However, if you start to make payments or acknowledge the debt in some way, the action may restore the collection agency’s legal right to take the matter to court. Never agree to make a payment on a debt you aren’t sure about, even if the collection agency puts pressure on you for payment.

The best way to start is by doing a thorough investigation. Search through old records to
find bank statements and notices of payment. Gather as many facts as possible about
the debt in question. Next, within 35 days of initial contact and without acknowledging
the debt is yours, ask the creditor for a debt validation letter. The Fair Debt Collection
Practices Act (FDCPA) requires the debt collection agency to provide you with written
proof of the debt’s validity or a judgment against you, as well as the name and address
of the original creditor if the debt was resold. Once this information is gathered,
determine if the debt is really yours and if it still needs to be paid.

If you determine the debt was yours, but you already paid it, write a letter to the
collections agency and demand that they cease contact. Include proof of payment if
available. The collections agency is legally required to stop contacting you under the
FDCPA.

If you determine the debt is not yours or is invalid, write a letter challenging its validity
and where applicable, include any proof you may have. If you determine you do owe the funds and you can pay the debt, resolve the issue by first getting a payment agreement in writing and then eliminating your unresolved debt.  If you determine you do owe the funds, but you can’t pay the debt, you can pursue debt relief through bankruptcy or credit counseling.

When deciding what route to take, keep in mind that once a debt is past the statute of
limitations, collectors can no longer sue you to get payment. In addition, the FDCPA
stipulates that any unpaid debts should be removed from a person’s credit score after
seven years. If you decide to begin paying or pay in full an old debt, it could restart the
statute of limitations and affect your credit.

Learn more about ways your identity can be compromised without you even knowing it.
If you need to contact a collection agency to dispute a debt, request a debt validation
letter or ask the collection agency to cease contact, use these templates on Consumer.gov.

Remember that while most debt collection agencies are legitimate, there may be times
when a scammer is phishing for information. For more information on how to avoid this scheme, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams. If you’ve been targeted by a debt collection scam,
be sure to report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker.

This Podcast is Brought to you by BBB of the Tri-Counties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs of Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast!  

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust!

One of scammers' favorite tactics is impersonating a person or organization you know and trust. That's the premise of this new text message scam, which has been popping up in recent BBB Scam Tracker reports. This time, con artists are impersonating your bank.

How the scam works

You receive a text message that looks like a fraud alert from your bank. It claims there is some unusual activity in your account. It may read: "Bank Fraud Alert – Did you approve a transaction for $1,000? Reply YES or NO." If you reply to the text, the scammer now knows they have an active number – and a person to scam.
The scam doesn't end there. The scammer will call you to follow up, and the number will appear in the caller ID as coming from your bank. When you answer, the caller claims to be a bank representative who can help stop the fraudulent charges. To do so, you need to send money to yourself using Zelle or another digital wallet app. The caller walks you through connecting the app to your bank account. Then, they ask you to verify the connection by sharing the code your bank sent.  Don't do it! If you give the scammer your verification code, they can set up an account with your phone number and email – but their bank account information. If that happens,
when you send money to "yourself," you're sending money to the scammer. Disputing the charges will be difficult because the scammer has tricked you into approving the transaction. Sending money through a digital wallet app is like using cash, making it hard to get your money back. One consumer reported this experience to BBB Scam Tracker: "I received two texts stating it was the Wells Fargo Fraud Department wanting to know if I had made a Zelle transfer… I responded no and immediately got another text stating, 'Thank you, no further action is needed, a representative will call you from 800-869-3556.' Within a few minutes, I got a call from an individual stating they were with the Wells Fargo fraud department. The caller ID on my phone said Wells Fargo, and the person said they could reverse the transaction if I sign into my online account and open the Zelle app. I did this and the caller asked if I saw my name. I told him I saw my name in two places. It looked like I would be sending money to myself. The caller said everything was fine and
the money would come back to my account. After the call ended, I got two texts stating funds for $2,500 and $1,000 would be deposited in my Wells Fargo account. I went back into my account and there was no evidence of any deposits. What I did see was $3,500 taken out of my account and a zero account balance."

How to avoid bank fraud scams

● Understand your bank's policies. Know that your bank will never ask you to send
money to yourself. If someone tries to convince you otherwise, it's a scam.
● Watch out for fake caller IDs. Scammers can spoof caller ID names and numbers
to make you think you are receiving a call from a reputable source. If you weren't
expecting to be contacted by your bank, it's best to avoid answering. Instead, call
the number on the back of your ATM card to confirm that there is an issue.
● Never share one-time passcodes. Scammers can use one-time passcodes from
your bank or any other company to access your accounts and change
information. Don't share them with anyone, no exceptions.
● Contact your bank if you suspect a scam. If you receive an unsolicited call, text,
or email that you suspect is a scam, contact your bank immediately and let them
know.
● Don't reply to suspicious texts. Ignore any instructions to reply yes or no if you
receive an unsolicited, suspicious text message. If you reply to a scammer, they
could save your number as "active" and target you with future scams.
For more information
See the related BBB Scam Alert about phony banking texts and calls and review the
BBB Tip on avoiding impostor scams.
If you spot a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker. Your report can help others avoid
falling victim to similar scams.

Until next time!

A podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Tell Alexa to play your favorite
song. Ask Siri about the weather. Use Google Assistant to turn down the air conditioner.
But don’t ask your smart device to look up a phone number, because it could
accidentally point you to a scam.

How the scam works

You need the phone number for a company, so you ask your home’s smart device,
which might be Google Home, Siri, or Alexa, to find and dial it for you. But when the
company’s “representative” answers, you start to notice some red flags. This
representative may insist they can only help you if you make a payment by wire transfer
or prepaid debit cards. Other times, they demand remote access to your computer or
point you to a scam website.

One recent victim reported to BBB Scam Tracker: “I used Siri to look up the United
Airlines customer service line. Somehow, the call was connected to a different
company… The agent pretended to be a United Airlines agent and said he could help
me cancel my flight. The fee was $125. I was convinced it was United Airlines, but the
next day I realized my mistake. They said they would refund my money, but only after I
threatened to call the police. I’m still waiting for a refund.” Read more about airline
booking scams.

In another version of this scam, a consumer tried using voice search to contact Roku
with a question about setting up their device. Instead, someone pretending to represent
Roku charged them an $80 “activation fee” for a service that doesn’t exist. Learn more
about similar cons targeting smart TV owners.

In all versions of this scam, the “representative” isn’t from the company you were
searching for at all. Instead, scammers created a fake customer service number and
bumped it to the top of the search results. These bad actors hope that when consumers
do a voice search using Siri, Alexa, or another device, the algorithm will accidentally
pick their scam number and an unsuspecting victim will contact them directly.

Tips to avoid this scam:

● Be careful when searching for support phone numbers. Rather than doing an
online search or letting your smart device look up a number, use the contact
information on the business's website (always double check the URL) on your
bill, receipt, or in your confirmation email.

Beware of fake ads. Scammers create bad ads with fake customer service
numbers. Using voice search to find a number can make it harder to tell a phony
listing from the real one. Get your information from the official company website
or official correspondence.

● Go straight to the source. For example, if you need to get in touch with Amazon,
use the Amazon mobile app or website. This goes whether you’re seeking
customer service, tech support, or when looking to make changes to your
account. Visit the Message Center on Amazon.com or on the official app to
review authentic emails from Amazon. Remember that reputable companies like
Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information for products or
services over the phone.

● Make payments with your credit card. It’s easier to dispute a credit card payment.
Paying by wire transfer or pre-paid debit card is like using cash. There is almost
nothing you can do to get the money back.

For more information

Check out these tips from the FTC.gov on security and smart home devices. In Canada,
check out these consumer affairs tips.  To learn more about scams, go to BBB.org/ScamTips. If you’ve been targeted by this scam, help others avoid the same problem by reporting your experience on BBB.org/ScamTracker.  Stay one step ahead of scammers by subscribing to BBB's weekly Scam Alert emails.

Until next time!

A podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust!

“Honey, we have a problem with the sink…”  When your significant other says those words, it’s never a good sign.  Having a reliable plumbing system is something that many take for granted. It’s plumbing that allows clean water to flow into your home and dirty wastewater to flow out. When that service is interrupted, and it’s not just a minor problem – you need it
fixed, and fast.  But how do you know whether to grab your tools (or a plunger) and head to the bathroom, or grab the phone and call a (BBB Accredited) plumber instead? When is the
plumbing problem too big for you and best left to the experts? When the situation
threatens your health and safety, your comfort and sense of security, and your home’s
value – you want to be sure it gets fixed correctly.

Safety and health

First and foremost, the health and safety of your family takes priority. Can you safely
and effectively resolve the problem, or does this fix need to be handled by a
professional?

Here are some examples of plumbing situations that could potentially cause safety
risks:

· Sewer backups or standing water – sewer blockages can be caused by something
flushed in the toilet, or by tree roots growing into your pipes. You’ll notice a terrible
smell, and sewage or dirty water may start coming up into your drains, causing a health
hazard.
· Burst pipes – cold weather often results in frozen pipes, and older pipes can rust.
Water rushing into your house can cause structural problems, like a collapsed ceiling or
damaged floors, that compromise your safety.
· Mold – if a leaky pipe has caused mold to grow, you could have a health issue.
Get a plumber to fix the pipe and a mold remediation company to help you get rid of the
unhealthy mold.

Comfort and security

A plumbing issue can also impact you and your family’s comfort and sense of security. If
a plunger won’t fix the problem, maybe it’s time to call an expert.

· Overflowing toilets – if you’ve tried plunging and the water won’t stop flowing, shut
off the valve at the bottom where the water comes in and give the plumber a call.
Nobody wants to be without a bathroom when nature calls.

· Clogged drains – if you’ve tried to unclog your sink or tub but there is no water
getting through, you may have a blockage that requires a plumber’s assistance. Your
teenager isn’t going to like being told that she can’t take a shower, so it’s best to get that
fixed quickly.

· Water heater failure – lack of hot water can impact more than just a hot shower.
You could end up with damaged floors if your tank leaks. A lack of heated water could
also lead to burst pipes in a cold climate. If your heater uses natural gas, you may even
have a safety issue (leave the home and call the police if you smell a rotten egg smell).

· Sump pump problems – if you live in a low-lying area and have a sump pump, you
could have serious water damage if the pump fails. If you notice loud noises or odd
behavior, call in a pro.

· No water/water pressure – If you don’t have any water or your water pressure is
very low, but you don’t know why, tearing down your own walls or digging up your yard
to find the problem yourself probably isn’t the best solution. Call in an expert plumber to
diagnose your problem.

Home value

Other plumbing issues may impact the value of your home when it comes time to sell or
relocate. Consider hiring a plumber if you have these issues and can’t fix them on your
own:

· Outdated pipes and plumbing fixtures
· A septic system that needs to be maintained or pumped
· A leak that has caused water damage or mold
· An outside faucet that leaks water into your foundation
· Upgrading to a new appliance (like a dishwasher or washer) and it isn’t as simple
as you thought.  Although it may seem tempting and less expensive to try to resolve plumbing issues yourself, realize that sometimes it ends up being more costly if your DIY project doesn’t work or isn’t up to code. Hiring a licensed, insured plumber will give you peace of mind that your job is done right.

BBB Accredited plumbers adhere to BBB’s Accreditation Standards and BBB checks to
ensure proper licensure. In addition, by going to BBB.org to find a plumber near you,
you can check reviews and read how the business resolved any complaints. Remember
to look for the BBB Seal- It’s the Sign of a Better Business.

Until next time!

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Recently, BBB Scam Tracker
has received multiple reports of an online shopping scam on TikTok. It’s a sneaky one! It
starts with a disgruntled employee supposedly seeking revenge and ends with victims
ordering hundreds of dollars in phony merchandise.

How the scam works

You come across a TikTok video featuring someone claiming they were recently fired at
a high-end jewelry store. The termination was completely undeserved, and they are
angry. To take their revenge, they are sharing their top-secret employee discount code
with anyone who wants it. This code gives you up to 100 percent off the company’s
merchandise. That’s right, they claim you can get expensive jewelry for free! As long as
you’re willing to pay shipping, that is.

You may notice some red flags when you checkout using the ex-employee discount
code. One consumer reported: “As you add more things from the website to your cart,
the shipping cost increases disproportionately… However, this still seems like a ‘deal’
because you are getting a 100% discount on (faux) jewelry that costs $100-200.”
However, that’s not the only warning sign. The consumer added, “There is no
cancellation mechanism on their website/order confirmation email, no social media, no
address, and no phone number. You can only contact them via an email address.”

If you fall for this scam, you won’t receive the high-quality jewelry you thought you
ordered. You may get cheaply made knockoffs – or nothing at all. Also, you’ll be out any
money you spent on “shipping” too.

The current version of this scam involves a jewelry store, but watch out for other
variations as scammers change their schemes to avoid detection. This con would work
with high-cost items like electronics or designer handbags.

How to avoid online shopping scams

● Don’t fall for deals that are too good to be true. Scammers love to draw people in
with this bait. If a deal seems extraordinarily good, stay skeptical. Research the
company thoroughly before you buy.
● Only shop with reputable companies. It’s always best to shop with companies
you already know and trust. That said, if you come across an appealing item from
an unfamiliar business, it’s especially important to do research. Look up the
company’s website, physical address, and contact information. Read reviews
from customers on third-party websites and review comments left on their social
media pages, too. You can even search the company name and the word “scam”
just to be safe.
● Always make payments with your credit card. When shopping online, use your
credit card to pay. Controlling fraudulent charges (and possibly getting your
money back) will be much easier with this payment method.

Until next time!

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Healthcare scams are as
varied as just about any con out there. The fraudster often poses as a government
authority to persuade you to provide personal information related to your Medicare or
Medicaid account for identity theft. In other cases, the con artist is after your health
insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare information to submit fraudulent medical charges.

How the scam works:

The scam typically starts with an email, text message, or phone call that appears to be
from a government agency. Con artists use a variety of stories. In one common version,
the “agent” tells you that he or she needs to update account information to send a new
medical card. In another version, the scammer asks for your account number in
exchange for free equipment or services. A third version involves a threatening robocall
purporting to be from HealthCare.gov or the Health Insurance Marketplace. You’re told
you must buy health insurance or face a fine. Sure enough, you’re soon asked to
provide personal information. A more recent version has reported Medicare recipients
receiving notices that new Medicare cards with microchips will be sent out and further
verification is required.

Tips to avoid this scam:

● Don't trust a name or number. Con artists use official-sounding names or mask
their area codes by spoofing to make you trust them. Don't fall for it.
● Hang up and go to official websites. You can enroll or re-enroll in Medicare at
Medicare.gov or a marketplace health plan at Healthcare.gov.
● Never share personally identifiable information with someone who has contacted
you unsolicited, whether over the phone, by email, or on social media. This
includes banking and credit card information, your birthdate, Social Security or
Social Insurance number, and, of course, your health insurance number.
● Guard your government-issued numbers. Never offer your Medicare ID number,
Social Security number, health plan info, or banking information to anyone you
don’t know.
● Know the signs. Medicare will never contact you via email, text message, or
phone, asking you to verify personal information.

Until next time!

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust!

You used to have to go to the stadium to root on your local high school athletic team. However, the COVID-19 pandemic changed that. With schools forced to restrict entry to events, they turned to online streaming of games so that people could watch from the comfort of their living rooms. While many attendance restrictions have been lifted, schools are still streaming games. Unfortunately, the scammers have followed. The scammers aim to capture personal information, including credit card and Social Security numbers, as fans log in to watch their team play. How the scam works You want to watch the local high school's football game, or your niece's travel softball team is playing in a tournament out of state. You search on social media to find a link where the game might be streamed, and sure enough, a fan has put in a link where you can watch for free! It's almost time for the game to start, so you eagerly click the link. The next screen asks you to sign up for the streaming service, so you enter your name and email... and then you get asked for a credit card number and potentially more sensitive information. Are you seeing red flags yet? These scammers infiltrate social media with links to fake streams. The posts often will tag the schools involved to make the post appear legitimate. The scammers hope the would-be viewer inputs their information and pays to watch the event. The consumer doesn’t get to watch the game because the scammer has not set up a stream. Instead, whatever data they entered may be compromised. As a new school year begins, Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) reminds consumers to do their research when looking to watch a high school sporting event online. “Fans need to remain diligent in where and how they find the stream of a high school contest,” Matt Troha, an Assistant Executive Director with the Illinois High School Association, told BBB. Troha said fake streaming links posted to social media lure unsuspecting fans. “On Twitter especially, take notice of account names and photos, which often seem random, and look at their follower and following numbers,” Troha said. “Low follower counts indicate the account likely was just started. Look at the content of their posts as most are nothing but tweets to stream games.” Last year, state associations that oversee high school athletics in New Mexico, Indiana, and North Carolina issued warnings about the fake streams. “If you want to watch a specific school’s game online, check with the school to see if it has streaming options available,” said Michelle L. Corey, president and CEO of the BBB office in St. Louis. “While many schools do offer live streaming now, there are others who do not.”

Until next time!

This Podcast is from BBB of the Tri-Counties.

A BIG Thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Like many of us, older adults
are often targeted by con artists. Many victims don’t ask for help until it is too late! Help
your friends, family, clients, or patients avoid fraud by knowing the signs of current or
impending fraud.

Warning signs that fraud may occur:

● Frequent junk mail and spam calls. Incoming junk mail (illegitimate sweepstakes
offers, etc.) or receiving frequent calls from people offering valuable rewards or
asking for charitable donations are signs that fraud could easily occur or may
have already occurred.
● Unfamiliar payments are being made. Checks written or payments made to
unfamiliar or out-of-state companies should be a red flag.
● Acting secretively about phone calls or messages. When someone hides or acts
secretively about phone calls and messages, it could signify that they have
engaged a scammer.
● Sudden problems paying bills or buying food and other necessities. A sudden
lack of funds could mean an individual's money is being drained in some form of
scam activity. The cause should be investigated to rule out fraud.
Tips for helping your loved one avoid fraud
● Become familiar with common scams targeting older adults. Knowing the most
common tactics used to target older adults can help you more quickly identify
when scams occur.
● Emphasize the criminal nature of telemarketing and email fraud. Help your loved
one learn how to identify it and help them understand that these tactics are
illegal. In participating, it is possible they could be pulled into criminal activity
unknowingly.
● Encourage the person to ignore phone calls and messages that appear
suspicious. Don't reply to or click links within emails or text messages they are
unfamiliar with.
● Have a calm discussion about securing accounts and monitoring finances.
Helping older adults monitor their finances can be a great way to prevent scam
activity and identify if it has occurred.
● Help the person change their phone number. If constant calls continue, changing
the person's phone number may be worth changing. Registering the number
with the Do Not Call list is a great first step, although scammers won’t necessarily
follow the Do-Not-Call list laws. If unsafe calls continue, it may be best to change
the phone number.

Recognizing abuse against older adults:

The most common types of abuse are physical, emotional, financial, and verbal. The
National Council on Aging says up to five million older Americans are abused yearly,
and the annual loss by victims of financial abuse is estimated to be at least $36.5 billion.
In Canada, over 10 percent of older adults are victims of crime, and some experience
violent crimes or physical abuse.

BBB recommends that family, friends, and caregivers learn the signs of abuse or
neglect in older adults. Business owners dealing in the industry can share these signs
with employees.

Until next time!

This Podcast is by BBB of the Tri-Counties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Bed Bath & Beyond declared
bankruptcy and closed its physical stores in recent months. It was then acquired by
furniture and home furnishings e-retailer Overstock.com, a BBB Accredited Business,
which rebranded its website and mobile app to Bed Bath & Beyond in the U.S. in early
August. Scammers are taking advantage of the big changes by targeting unsuspecting
consumers with fake "going out of business" sales. Here's what you need to know to
spot the scam.

How the scam works

You see an online ad on social media for massively marked-down Bed Bath & Beyond
products. It's a going-out-of-business sale, and the prices are too good. The website
you are directed to looks legitimate, with the Bed Bath & Beyond logo and product
information. However, a closer look at the domain name or email address reveals you
aren't on the official website.

One consumer shared the following experience: "I saw an ad for Bed Bath & Beyond on
Facebook. The sale seemed safe, and I knew that the company was closing some of
their stores. I ordered a couple items and paid with my debit card. I did not notice
anything fishy with the website. Months later, I had not received any products or
messages from them. I tried to look up my order and found it was not the right website,
so now I have no order number or information about the company."

Shoppers report making purchases and never receiving the products they ordered.
Emails to the impostor company typically go unanswered. However, in some cases, the
scammers reply, only to state the product was accidentally delivered to another state –
an issue they should take up with the United States Postal Service. In reality, the
website was fake, and the discounted products never existed.

Bed Bath & Beyond is working to uncover and remove all impostor websites. "With the
increased attention we've seen surrounding the launch of the new Bed Bath & Beyond
website, scammer sites are more prevalent. To protect consumers, we are diligently
working with federal authorities to help shut down these fraudulent sites," said Jonathan
Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Bed Bath & Beyond.

How to avoid impostor website scams

● Always double-check the URL. Scammers love to build fake websites that look
like the real thing. Often, the URL is only off by a letter or two. Take a moment to
ensure you are on the official website by looking closely at the URL. Bed Bath &
Beyond's official websites are www.bedbathandbeyond.com in the U.S. andwww.bedbathandbeyond.ca in Canada.
● Go directly to the official website instead of clicking on ad links. Con artists can
make ads claiming to be legitimate businesses, but the link takes you to a
completely different website. Look up deals featured in ads by typing the
business's URL directly in the browser bar instead of clicking through an ad. If
you can't find the special deal anywhere, the ad may have been a fake.
● Be wary of deals that sound too good to be true. This beloved scam tactic plays
on people's desire to get a great deal on something. If a price sounds too good to
be true, stay skeptical. Verify the source and the deal before you make a
purchase.
● Use your credit card for online purchases. Credit cards offer certain protections
your debit card doesn't. For example, credit cards will allow you to contest
charges if you accidentally purchase from a fraudulent website.

Until next time!

This podcast is by BBB of the Tri-Counties.

A BIG thank you to Ayers Auto Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust. There's a lot of buzz lately
about verified social media accounts, thanks to Twitter's announcement of the
$8-a-month program and Meta's announcement of their $14.99-a-month program for a
"verified account." Social media has long been a favorite haunt of scammers. In light of
those two facts, businesses and consumers should be alert to how the scammers will
use this latest twist to benefit themselves.

BBB is monitoring reports to BBB Scam Tracker, and recently the BBB Institute for
Marketplace Trust and Amazon (a BBB Accredited Business) partnered to educate
consumers on impersonation scams.  In recent phishing scams, con artists have been going after businesses and individuals with verified accounts – a measure that was supposed to help prevent scams.

How the scam works

You receive a direct message or email that appears to come directly from Twitter,
Instagram, or another social media platform. It states that your verified account has
been flagged, and you must re-verify it. You could allegedly lose your verified account
badge if you don't respond. For example, some Twitter users have reported receiving
direct messages or emails stating that their blue verified badge has been marked as
spam and, if they don’t appeal the decision, it will be deleted.

The scam message asks you to click on a link or download a form to start the appeal
process and re-verify your account. You may download malware onto your laptop or
mobile device if you click. This can collect your personal data without your knowledge. If
you fill out forms or reply with the requested information, scammers may be able to hack
your account or use your personal information to commit identity theft.

How to avoid social media scams

● Understand how social media platforms work. Get to know a social media
platform’s policies before using it. For example, Twitter never sends emails
requesting login credentials, nor do they send emails with attachments. If you are
clear on the platform’s policies and procedures, you’ll be less likely to fall for
correspondence from a scammer – even if it looks legit.
● Be wary of unsolicited messages. Be skeptical about out-of-the-blue messages,
whether it’s a DM, an email, or a message on a messaging app, especially if they
ask you to click on links or open attachments. Instead, go straight to the source –
the platform’s official customer service center – to determine if the message is real.
● Look for the signs of a scam. Poor spelling, bad grammar, pressure to act now,
and scare tactics are all red flags that indicate a scam.
● Always protect your personal information. Never give a stranger your login
credentials or other personal information without verifying their request's
legitimacy. Most reputable companies won’t ask you for your login information.
● Monitor your accounts. Make a point to monitor your social media accounts and
do a search for your name or brand, making sure there are no impostors.

For more information

If a scammer has contacted you, report your experience to BBB Scam Tracker to help
other consumers recognize the con. Read more about spotting fake social media
accounts.

Learn more ways to protect yourself by visiting BBB.org/AvoidScams.

Until next time!

A podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your MOment of Trust!

BBB Scam Tracker has gotten numerous reports of a clever travel scam this summer vacation season. Con artists pretend to own a vacation rental and insist on being paid directly rather than through the official rental platform. If you book with them, you’ll be out of money and face a potentially ruined vacation.

How the scam works:

You search a vacation rental site, such as VBRO or Airbnb, for a place to stay on your
next trip and find a perfect rental listing. The photos are beautiful, and the price is right.
Other times, you discover the rental through a social media post. The scammer may
have shared it to a Facebook group, claiming to be renting “their” vacation home.
Either way, when you message the “owner” about booking, they offer you a deal. If you
book with them directly, paying through a digital wallet, such as Venmo or CashApp,
instead of the rental platform – they can give you a discount. You agree and send an
initial payment. The scammer may reply with a realistic-looking receipt. But once the
scammer receives your money, they stop replying to messages. Unfortunately, the
vacation home may be real, but the person you paid to rent it is a scammer. They don’t
own the property, and your deposit is in the hands of scammers.

One consumer reported this experience: “I booked a long-term rental for June and July
on Airbnb through a female host advertised as Amy. I was contacted soon after by a
man named Sean over text. He requested a phone call and suggested we go through
Venmo instead of Airbnb to avoid fees and to give me a discount…. I decided to cancel
to protect myself, but Sean refused to return my 1st-month rent payment of $2,500. I
have never been able to speak to Amy and believe he is using this profile as a cover-up
to scam people out of money and avoid taxes.”

How to avoid online booking scams:

● Do business with reputable websites. Legitimate websites like VRBO and Airbnb
have certain policies to protect renters and rental owners. If there’s a problem
with your rental, you can open a case, and you may get your money back. If a
seller asks you directly to book outside a website, think twice.
● Research the rental property. Do an online search for the owner's name and/or
the property’s address. Look for complaints online, watching for any reports of
scams or dishonest behavior.
● Pay with a credit card. Whenever possible, use your credit card to make online
purchases. It is easier to dispute fraudulent charges, and you have a better
chance of getting your money back if something goes wrong.
● Save any documents related to your purchase. Save copies of your receipt, order
confirmation page, shipping information, etc. You may also want to save a copy
of the business’ return policy so you know how to proceed if there is a problem
with your order or if it doesn’t arrive within the promised timeframe.

For more information

See BBB’s travel HQ for more tips for planning and booking your next vacation. Read
these tips on avoiding hidden travel fees and spotting hotel scams.
If you spot a scam while booking travel online, report it at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your
report can help other consumers spot a scam before it’s too late.

Until next time!

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Check use may be declining,
but check fraud is still a serious problem. Watch out for this scam, dubbed “check
washing,” which involves stealing checks from mailboxes and then altering them.
Fortunately, you can do a few things to protect yourself and your business.

How the scam works:

You send a check in the mail as payment for a service or product. However, a few days
or weeks later, you are contacted by the company you paid. They say they never
received a payment. Then, you discover the check you sent has been cashed, either for
the amount you wrote it for or for a much higher amount. What happened?
Scammers use many techniques to intercept mail, sometimes directly from your or the
post office’s big blue mailbox. Scammers have even been known to sneak into post
office boxes with stolen keys. Individuals can fall victim to this scam, but scammers
mostly target businesses, which typically write checks for larger amounts and have a
predictable schedule for paying and mailing bills.  Once scammers find an envelope containing a check, they use household chemicals to “wash off” the name and amount you wrote down, replacing it with a name and dollar amount of their choice. Usually, they use fake identities to cash the check later on. And even if no one cashes your check, you are at a much higher risk of identity theft once it's found its way into scammers' hands.

How to avoid check-washing schemes

● Take advantage of electronic payment methods. If you can use electronic means
to make payments and receive them, do so. That will eliminate the possibility of
falling victim to check washing.

● If you must mail a check, take precautions. Drop it off at the post office using the
lobby mail slot instead of leaving a check in the mailbox with the flag up. If you
need to use a blue box, drop off the mail before the day’s last pick-up time. Don’t
leave unsent mail in your mailbox overnight; retrieve your delivered mail
promptly, advises the United States Postal Service.

● Put a hold on your mail. If you are going out of town, have your mail held at the
post office until you return. If you run a small business that isn’t open on
weekends, consider asking the post office not to deliver mail on Saturdays.

● Improve your mailbox security. Installing highly visible cameras near your mailbox
and using a locked mailbox are two additional ways to avoid falling victim to this
scam.

● Keep an eye on your checking account. Monitor your bank accounts carefully to
ensure no one cashes a fraudulent check from your account. If you notice
suspicious activity, notify your bank immediately.

● Use “positive pay” services. Many banks offer “positive pay” services for business
checking accounts. You can pre-authorize checks for a specific amount by their
check number. This will at least stop scammers from withdrawing more money
than the specified amount.

● Always report check fraud. If you think your check was intercepted in the mail, let
your bank know right away. Then, file a report with the Postal Inspection Service
and your local police department.

For more information:

Read about more ways scammers use checks to commit fraud in BBB’s Fake Check Scams
Study. Get more advice on how to avoid scams at BBB.org/AvoidScams.
If you’ve been a victim of check fraud, you can also report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
Your reports help build public awareness and reduce scammers’ effectiveness.

Until next time!