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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!

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!

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!

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!

This podcast is brought to you by BBB of the Tri-Counties

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

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

Summertime means grilling season is in full swing. But before you can host that backyard BBQ, you need a grill.

These tips will help you pick the right kind of grill at a price that fits your budget.

Tips for buying a grill

● Start by choosing a fuel type. Grills come in various budgets, so start by
narrowing your search according to fuel type. The most common options include 1.  Gas Grills, 2.  Charcoal or specialized ceramic grills, and 3. wood pellet grills.  

Gas grills are popular because of their convenience. These grills light with
the touch of a button and the turn of a few dials. If you want a gas grill, you
must decide between natural gas and propane. Natural grills plug into your
existing natural gas line, so you’ll never run out of fuel. Propane grills use
a cylinder that will need to be refilled. However, propane will be
significantly cheaper if you don’t have a natural gas line at your home.

Basic charcoal or specialized ceramic grills give you greater control over
cooking temperature. The bigger you build a fire, the higher the
temperature. Charcoal grills offer more classic grilled flavor than gas grills,
but they have a steeper learning curve.

Wood pellets. Pellet grills are designed to make food taste like cooked
over a wood fire. They often have digital thermostats that allow you to be
precise with the cooking temperature.

How to Choose the Right Grill:  

● Set a budget. Grill prices range from hundreds to thousands - to even tens of
thousands of dollars. Be sure to set your budget and know how much you can
spend before you start shopping. This will help you further narrow your options.

● Choose the right size. If you cook for a family of four, a two-burner gas grill or
most small to medium charcoal grills will work fine. Many grills are measured in
square inches. Grills around 400-500 square inches are a good choice for most
families. If you’re grilling for a crowd, you may need something larger.

● If you are new to grilling, start simple. A basic starter grill that only costs a couple
of hundred dollars will allow you to improve your grilling skills and decide if you
want to invest in something fancier.

● Check for solid construction. The more solid the grill, the more grilling seasons it
will last. Give assembled grills a jostle to see if they feel shaky or unstable. Grills
with welded joints are usually sturdier and more stable than carts assembled with bolts.  

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties

A BIG Thank you to Ayers Auto Repairs in Santa Barbara for making Scam Squad possible!

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

After more than three years of relief, the payment pause on student loans is coming to an end. The U.S. Department of Education recently announced that student loan interest will resume September 1, 2023, and payments will be due starting in October. This student loan news affects millions of Americans, which creates an excellent opportunity for scammers. In fact, BBB has already received multiple reports of scams related to student loan repayment citing “new 2023 guidelines.” Get to know the signs of a scam and always be sure to do your research before sharing any personal information.

How the scam works:

 You receive an email, letter, or phone call from someone claiming you are eligible for “student loan consolidation,” “payment reduction program,” or a similar service. This new benefit is allegedly part of “the new 2023 guidelines,” and the scammer may even claim to represent the Federal Student Aid (FSA) department. If you respond, the scammer will ask you for personal information to “confirm your identity” or to “check your eligibility.” This information might include your Social Security number, name and address, and even your FSA.gov login information. One student loan holder reported the following experience: “I received an email stating that the Student Loan Department has been trying to contact me to tell me all of my student loans are eligible for forgiveness under the new 2023 guidelines. They wanted me to call the number between 11-7pm in Albuquerque, New Mexico and give them information in order to process forgiveness.” At this point the loan holder reached out their student loan company and learned that the email was scam. After “verifying your identity” the scammer will offer you an enticing plan to reduce your loan repayment. If you agree, you may end up making payments a third-party in vain for months or even years. None of your payments will go towards your student loan. And even if you don’t make a payment, sharing personal information puts you at risk for identity theft.

Tips to avoid student loan forgiveness scams

● Get to know the terms of your student loan and the relief program before acting. Always do your research before sharing personal information. Be sure to understand the ins and outs of your specific loan and how student loan terms impact you. You may have to research who your current loan servicer is since it may have changed. Reach out to them to explore all your repayment options and make sure your contact information is up to date. For information, go straight to official government websites, such as ED.gov and studentaid.gov.

● Never pay money for a free government program. Scammers often trick victims into paying for free government programs – or they claim you can get additional benefits, faster benefits, etc., for a fee. A real government agency will not ask for an advanced processing fee. These are all red flags of a scam.

● Be wary of out-of-the-blue calls, emails, or text messages claiming to be from the government. Generally, the government will not contact you using these methods unless you grant permission.

● Watch out for phony government agencies or programs. If you speak to someone claiming to be a government representative offering you student loan relief, research before you agree to anything. Scammers often make up look-alike government websites that sound similar to legitimate agencies or programs.

● Think something seems suspicious? Reach out to the agency directly. If you have any concerns about an alleged government representative's legitimacy, hang up the phone or stop emailing/texting. Then, find the official contact information (look on ED.gov and studentaid.gov or other official sites) and call to verify. Then, report suspicious calls or messages.

● Be careful, even if the information comes from a friend. Even if a close friend or family member you trust sent you the information regarding student loan relief, make sure the claims are real first. During the COVID-19 pandemic, BBB received many reports of hacked social media accounts being used to spread government impostor scams. For more information Read more on BBB.org about scams targeting recent college graduates and government impostors. Get further insight by reading BBB’s tips on loans and credit repair services. If you’ve spotted a student loan forgiveness scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams.

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!

When planning your summer vacation, consider renting an RV or camper. Over the past few years, camping has become more appealing as a vacation option and caused a massive rise in RV sales and prices. RVs and campers allow vacationers to travel and see multiple sights – while maintaining a private space, they can control. You should consider many factors before renting an RV, especially if you are a first-timer.

Tips for renting an RV or camper:

 To get the most out of your RV rental and to make sure your vacation goes off without a hitch, follow these tips:

Get to know different RV classes. One of the biggest decisions you’ll need is what kind of RV you want to rent. Both towable RVs (often called campers) and motorized RVs are available. If you want a camper, you’ll need a vehicle to pull it. If you prefer a motorized RV, consider what kind of transportation you’ll need (if any) after the RV is parked. Motorized RVs come in three classes: A, B, and C. You generally don’t need a special license to drive any RVs, but there are significant differences in how each class drives. Class A RVs are the largest and can measure up to 45 feet in length. They are also the hardest to maneuver because of their large size and may not be suitable for someone who has never driven an RV before. Class B RVs fall between 16 and 22 feet long and best suit couples or individuals. They are also the easiest to drive since they handle large trucks or vans. Class C RVs are in-between, usually sleeping four to six people and measuring 21 to 35 feet long. A Class C RV drives like a moving truck with no rear-view mirror capability. Once you’ve decided what kind of RV suits you and your traveling companions, you can narrow your search to specific models within a class. Knowing what type of RV you’ll rent will help you plan other aspects of your trip.

Budget your trip. Depending on the size of the RV, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $300 per night on average. Luxury Class A RVs can cost considerably more per night. However, coming up with a trip budget involves much more than just the rental price per night of the RV. You’ll also need to factor in insurance, gas, campground fees, food, and any additional activities you have planned for your trip. Remember that RV rental companies often allot you a certain number of miles and generator time. You’ll be charged additional miles or time if you exceed the designated amounts.

Choose a booking company. Once you know what kind of RV you want to rent and how much you can spend, you can browse options with different booking companies. Here, too, you have several options. Some booking companies own their vehicles and offer standardized rates and experiences. Others work more like Airbnb; they have various RVs owned and leased by individuals. Policies vary from business to business, and while some companies include mileage and insurance in their booking price, others offer them as add-ons that must be paid for separately. Be sure to read up on each booking company’s policies and review past customer reviews before you do business with them.

Take a walkthrough. When you find an RV or camper interested in renting, taking a walkthrough tour is essential. Not only will you be able to see if the RV measures up to its online description, but you can also learn how to operate the RV. Take advantage of a walkthrough to find out how the generator and electrical hook-ups work, how to dump water tanks, how to operate the awnings, or any other basic functions you need clarification on.

Purchase insurance. If insurance isn’t included in the basic price of your RV rental, be sure to purchase it separately. Most states require at least liability insurance for motorized RVs. Your standard car insurance policy usually covers campers, but check with your insurance company. A good insurance policy will give you peace of mind and protection in case of accidents, bad weather, or theft.

Plan your route. Start planning your route by deciding where to park your RV during your journey. If you want to park at a U.S. National Park, you must book well in advance, sometimes a year or more. You’ll also need to book for state parks and privately-owned campgrounds in advance. If you are new to driving an RV, you might want to choose pull-through parking spaces instead of spaces you’ll have to back into. In addition, some hotels and other tourist destinations offer RV parking for visitors. After you know where you’ll park, double-check your chosen route to ensure it doesn’t include any narrow roads, low bridges, or tunnels that the RV won’t fit in or under. Keep the height of your RV in mind when you make pit stops, too. First-time RV drivers sometimes forget common low clearance situations, such as fast-food drive-throughs.

Know what to bring. Amenities vary from one RV to another, so make sure you know what’s included before you start packing. Some booking companies include sheets, utensils, and cookware, while others don’t. Knowing what is included will help you avoid packing non-essentials. Packing a tool kit and a first aid kit is a good idea if these aren’t already on board the RV. Learn to set up campsites.

Many seasoned RV renters advise arriving at your campsite early. It’s much easier to park and set up electric and water hookups with plenty of daylight. Read the RV manual before your trip to understand how to hook up at a campsite and how to dump wastewater. Remember that dumping wastewater can be a messy experience, and many campers prefer to pay for on-site dump services. This may be a preferable option if your campground provides this service. Other campers use public restrooms and showers to avoid dumping waste at all. Until next time

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

Use caution when hiring a home improvement contractor, especially following a major storm, flood, or weather event when many homeowners are trying to repair their homes. However, contractor scams can happen anytime, so be wary of high-pressure sales tactics, upfront fees, and fly-by-night businesses. Con artists will take homeowners’ money and deliver (or not deliver) less than quality work.

How the scam works:

Home improvement scams can start with a knock on the door, a flyer, or an ad. The contractor may offer a low price or a short timeframe. One common hook is when the scammer claims to be working in your neighborhood on another project and has leftover supplies.

Once started, a rogue contractor may "find" issues that significantly raise the price. If you object, they threaten to walk away and leave a half-finished project. Or they may accept your upfront deposit and never return to do the job. Following a natural disaster, scammers persuade homeowners to sign over their insurance payments.

Tips to spot this scam:

• Watch out for "red flags." Say no to cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics, high upfront payments, handshake deals without a contract, and on-site inspections. Not all “storm chasers” are con artists, but enough are that you should be cautious any time a home contractor contacts you first…especially after a natural disaster.
  
  
• Ask for references and check them out. Bad contractors will be reluctant to share this information, and scammers won’t wait for you to do your homework. If you can, get references from past customers, both older references to check on the quality of the work and newer references to ensure current employees are up to the task. Check them out at BBB.org to see what other customers have experienced. And always get a written contract with the price, materials, and timeline. The more detail, the better. 

• Know the law. Work with local businesses that have proper identification, licensing, and insurance. Confirm that your vendor will get related permits, and make sure you know who is responsible for what according to your local laws and that your vendor is ready to comply. 

To report a scam, go to BBB Scam Tracker.

Be sure to check out more scam warnings on Scam Squad

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Coumties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara, CA

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! How can you choose the best moving option – one that fits both your needs and your budget? Knowing your options (and the perks and downfalls of each one) can help you save money and safely transport your belongings.

Option 1: Full-service moving companies

Hiring a full-service moving company is a lower-stress way of getting all your belongings from Point A to Point B, advises Nerd Wallet, a BBB Accredited Business. Professional movers manage the logistics of loading, driving, and unloading your things for you. Some full-service movers even offer extra services like packing.

Trained movers can safely pack and transport large and/or delicate items (think pianos and antique furniture). They can also move items into hard-to-access areas, such as upstairs or down long, narrow driveways. Best of all, all the heavy lifting will be done for you.

The downsides of hiring a full-service moving company are the cost and the time it takes to complete a move. This is usually the most expensive way to move your belongings. If you are making a long-distance move, it may also take movers several days to deliver your items.

Option 2: Shipping your belongings

If you’ve managed to whittle your belongings down to a few boxes or suitcases, shipping them is a cheap and easy way to move—especially if you are moving across the country, points out Consumer Affairs.

Big-name package shippers often charge a premium to ship large or heavy boxes. But other companies, like long-distance bus lines, may offer cheaper services. Some shippers will pick up boxes from your home and drop them off at your new address for an extra fee.

While cost and ease are two big pros of this method, there are a few cons too. Boxes shipped by ground may take several days or even a few weeks to arrive at their destination. In addition, this isn’t a good option if your boxes contain fragile items.

If you are flying to your new home city, check with several airlines before you buy your ticket. Some airlines offer reasonable prices on additional checked bags, but you’ll probably need to do some searching to find the best deal.

Option 3: DIY truck rentals

If you have larger items but still want to move DIY, a truck rental company could be a good choice. Truck rental companies will provide you with a truck or trailer of an appropriate size, but you’ll be responsible for the packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

This option is less expensive than hiring professional movers. Depending on how far you are going, it may be cheaper than hiring a moving container service. Move.org has calculated average prices for DIY moves.

That said, loading and unloading a truck is physically demanding. If you have any large or unwieldy items, they could be damaged if they aren’t packed, loaded, and unloaded correctly. To address this, you can always hire movers to help you load and unload the truck.

You’ll also need to feel comfortable driving a moving truck, which is probably much larger and heavier than your regular vehicle. This can be stressful even for very capable drivers, and you might need to purchase extra insurance in case of accidents or damage. If you choose this route, add gas, insurance, and lodging to the truck rental company's quote for an accurate view of the total cost.

Option 4: Moving container services

Moving container services could be an ideal option if you don’t feel comfortable driving a rental truck to your new home. Moving container services bring a portable storage container to your home. You fill it up. Then, the company transports it to your new location, where you unload your belongings.

These companies usually give you a few days to load and unload. They can also store your container for a fee if you need time to find a new house in your new city. They are less costly than a full-service moving company, and you don’t have to worry about driving a big truck to your new home.

To take advantage of moving container services, you’ll need space. If your current or new home has no parking or a driveway on a steep incline, this option might not be feasible. Some moving container services offer movers to load and unload your items if you pay an extra fee. However, in many cases, paying the fee will make the moving container service more expensive or even more expensive than a full-service moving company. To get an idea of pricing for this option, see this article on Move.org.

For more information

Learn more by reviewing the BBB Moving Resources page.

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!

This year’s college graduates are getting ready to start their new lives! It’s a big transition that includes several important changes. Grads may be moving to a new city, finding a new place to live, or searching for a new job. Graduation also often means new financial responsibilities, such as starting payments on student loans.  College graduates are navigating many life changes, and scammers are eager to exploit their inexperience. The following tips can help new grads avoid common scams.

Know the terms of your student loans

One of the most common ways scammers target college graduates is with fake loan
forgiveness opportunities. You may receive an unsolicited email, phone call, or text
message stating that you can qualify for lowered payments through a debt forgiveness
program. Fill out a form and pay a fee to use the company's services. Some of these
companies are real, but they pitch their services with false claims and incomplete
information. Other companies are fakes, only hoping to get their hands on your personal
information and money.  Scammers may also contact college grads regarding student loan repayment hiatus in response to COVID-19. See the latest U.S. information on loan repayment. Check Canada's latest student loan information.. Scammers may claim that to take advantage of the program, you must complete a form or pay a fee. You may not need to do this, so check your facts before giving anyone your information.

Understanding the ins and outs of your student loan - what kind of interest you owe,
when you need to start paying (in most cases, you won’t need to make a payment until
six months after you’ve graduated), and for how long you’ll be expected to make payments - will protect you from these scams.

Be wary of unsolicited messages about unpaid tuition

Some con artists contact graduates or their parents, claiming some of their tuition was
left unpaid. The graduate’s degree will be revoked if it isn't paid immediately. Scammers
may ask you to send money via wire transfer or prepaid debit cards. Whether you are contacted by phone, email, or text message, be wary of anyone who contacts you out of the blue. Government agencies, as well as most higher education facilities, will contact you by mail initially. Suppose you aren’t sure if a message is legitimate, research to verify the person’s claims. Ask to contact them later. Then, investigate by looking up information on the official website or calling your school’s bursar’s office. Don’t give in to pressure to make a decision right away.

Do research before accepting jobs or job interviews

Scammers may offer recent graduates high-paying, easy, entry-level jobs. Con artists
are skilled at drawing new grads in by promoting unrealistic wages for generally labeled
job positions, such as “virtual assistant” or “customer service rep.” They may ask for
your personal information, including your bank account and Social Security number,
claiming they need it to set up direct deposit or file taxes. In other cases, scammers
require you to pay for training. In yet another version, you may be “accidentally”
overpaid with a fake check and asked to send back the extra funds.  If you are considering a job with a company you aren’t familiar with, do some research before you complete an application or agree to an interview. Ensure the company has legitimate contact information and the position is posted on their corporate website. Scammers often steal the names of real companies for their phony job postings.  For tips for avoiding scams while job hunting, check out BBB’s report on employment scams.

Watch out for rental scams

Find a gorgeous apartment in a trendy neighborhood at an affordable price. There’s a
good chance that it’s a scam. According to a survey by Apartment List, 43% of people
looking for a rental online have encountered a bogus listing. In many cases, scammers copy the photo and description of real property. Then, they post it online with their contact information and try to get a deposit and the first month’s rent from the victim. If you want to rent a home or apartment, find out how much other rental properties in the area cost before signing a lease. Scammers often lure victims by promising low rents, extra amenities, and a great location. It may be a scam if the price seems much better than elsewhere. Also, be sure to see the apartment or house in person. Don’t send money to someone you’ve never met for an apartment you haven’t seen. If you can’t visit an apartment or house yourself, ask someone you trust to go and confirm that it is what was advertised. Finally, read the lease agreement documents before you sign. Don’t be embarrassed to consult with friends or family members who may be more knowledgeable on the subject if you have doubts or questions. See this BBB investigation for more tips on rental scams.

Until next time!

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties

A BIG Thank you to Ayers Auto Repair in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Artificial intelligence (AI) is the hot new thing. It’s revolutionizing medical research, challenging the art world, and even helping small business owners streamline and automate tasks. But as with anything new and popular, scammers are quick to take advantage. When evaluating AI products for your business, be on the lookout for scams. 

How the scam works 

You get an unsolicited call, email, or text message claiming to offer AI services for small businesses. You may even stumble across a convincing looking ad on social media or be sent one by a friend. The services sound amazing. You’ll pay a reasonable amount upfront, and once the AI is set up, you can expect incredible benefits, such as automating all your marketing needs. If the ROI sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is. 

One small business owner reported signing up for a “free” trial of what appeared to be a promising new AI product. They lamented, “The company charged me $144 plus $12 ‘processing fee’ before the free trial was up… When I explained the situation over email… the 'Sr Success Manager' denied a refund and would not put me in contact with anyone else at the company. I informed him that the company was partaking in misleading and false advertisement, and he failed to respond to my email.” 

If you engage with scammers offering phony AI services, you’ll likely lose any money you pay them. At the very least, your business information could fall into the hands of unscrupulous individuals and put you at risk for identity theft, business email compromise, and other cons. 

How to avoid AI scams 

● Research before you hire. Get to know a company before you do business with them. This requires thorough research. Review their website and social media accounts. If anything looks unprofessional or if contact information is missing or doesn’t work, steer clear. Do an internet search for reviews and complaints. Search the company name along with the word “scam” to find reports or any dishonest business practices. You can also look up companies at BBB.org. 

● Understand the AI services you need. Don’t let someone you’ve never met sell you on a service you’ve never heard of before. AI technology is relatively new, so you’ll need to do some research to understand how it works and exactly how it can benefit your business. It’s best practice to first have a use for AI clearly in

mind, and only then reach out to reputable companies for the service. 

● Watch out for aggressive sales tactics and far-fetched promises. These are two of scammers’ most effective tactics. If someone pressures you to buy a service, telling you you’ll miss out if you don’t act right now, or if they promise you your business will make hundreds or thousands of dollars with little to no effort on your part, it’s probably a scam. 

● Ask for references. If a company reaches out to you, ask them for references and contact them. Look up the references online to make sure they are real people, with real businesses. If you can’t find their information, or if the service provider refuses to give you references, find another company to work with. 

● Safeguard your money and personal details. Never enter your sensitive personal information on a website you aren’t familiar with. Don’t send your details via email to someone you don’t know. Keep your money safe by refusing to send funds via wire transfer or prepaid debit cards. If you do purchase a service online, only use your credit card. Credit cards offer extra protection against fraudulent charges. 

For more information 

Discover a similar scam offering fake marketing services to small business owners. Learn more about AI in the BBB Business Tip: AI for small business. Where to start? Then, visit the BBB small business page to get the latest news and tips for small business owners. 

See BBB's artificial intelligence HQ for more AI tips and resources. 

If you’ve been targeted by an AI scam, report it at BBB.org/ScamTracker – even if you didn’t lose any money. Your report helps build awareness about common scam tactics so other business owners can spot a scam before it’s too late. 

Until next time!

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

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair for Supporting this Channel!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Buying refurbished items can save you money, but it’s important to research before you take the plunge. While many reputable businesses offer quality pre-owned electronics, appliances, and other products for a fraction of their original price, BBB Scam Tracker has received reports of con artists ripping off consumers by promising a great deal on “like-new” devices that they don’t plan on delivering. How the scam works: You find a website that sells refurbished items ranging from car parts to cellphones to hair dryers. The site looks legit, and they are selling a high-dollar item you want for a price that fits your budget. You decide to purchase through the website or a payment app like PayPal (a BBB Accredited Business). Then, a few days after receiving your order confirmation, you wonder why you haven’t received a shipping confirmation. You reach out to the company, and they respond with an excuse. They may claim they are understaffed or have had a problem with their supply chain. Still, they assure you the item will be shipped soon. As more time passes, it eventually becomes clear that the seller has no intention of shipping anything. Each time you try to contact them, they either have more excuses or become impossible to reach. One consumer reported, “I was told multiple times the delay was from the owner being in a major car crash or dealing with a catastrophic medical accident. They even told me they were moving shop (more delays) and then that they had moved personally, which slowed delivery.” Unfortunately, the item you ordered doesn’t exist, and you’ve li lost the money you paid for it.

How to avoid refurbished product scams:

● Carefully examine a website before making a purchase. Before doing business with an online retailer, examine their website carefully. Not only should it have quality photos and typo-free content, but it should also have working contact information. In addition, you’ll want to research to find customer reviews and complaints. If you find reports of scams or no reviews at all, think twice before making a purchase. Always double-check the URL you are visiting to ensure you aren’t on a fake website.

● Understand what the term “refurbished” means. Keep in mind that refurbished means different things to different manufacturers. It can mean the product had shipping damage and was returned; it could refer to an open box product, a demo model, or an item that was broken and returned to the manufacturer. Find out what a company means by refurbished before you commit to a purchase. Remember that unauthorized third-party resellers are a big risk, especially if they don’t offer returns. Even if a reseller claims the manufacturer has refurbished the item, there’s no way you can confirm it. Buying under these circumstances is a big gamble.

● Ask about return policies. It can take a while for problems to show up, so make sure you have the option to return a refurbished item. If you can’t return it, or the return window is only a week or two, it may not be worth the risk.

● Inquire about warranties. Some manufacturer-refurbished items have an extended warranty, but this isn’t always true. Find out if the item you’re interested in qualifies for a warranty and what the conditions are. Warranties can come in handy if the refurbished item does have issues down the road. Know that anything marked “as-is” won’t have a warranty.

● Buy refurbished products from the manufacturer when possible. When a manufacturer gets a returned product, they recondition it to be like-new. They use original parts and trained repairmen to get the job done. An item refurbished by a third party may not get the same treatment. It could be repaired by someone who isn’t an expert with the brand, or it might contain different parts. Either issue means it won’t be in like-new condition when you buy it.

● Use a safe payment method. Always make online purchases with your credit card. If an online retailer doesn’t deliver on their promises, it will be easier to dispute the charges, and you’ll be more likely to get your money back. Until next time!

A Podcast 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! Buying refurbished items can
save you money, but it’s important to research before you take the plunge. While many
reputable businesses offer quality pre-owned electronics, appliances, and other
products for a fraction of their original price, BBB Scam Tracker has received reports of
con artists ripping off consumers by promising a great deal on “like-new” devices that
they don’t plan on delivering.

How the scam works:

You find a website that sells refurbished items ranging from car parts to cellphones to
hair dryers. The site looks legit, and they are selling a high-dollar item you want for a
price that fits your budget. You decide to purchase through the website or a payment
app like PayPal (a BBB Accredited Business).

Then, a few days after receiving your order confirmation, you wonder why you haven’t
received a shipping confirmation. You reach out to the company, and they respond with
an excuse. They may claim they are understaffed or have had a problem with their
supply chain. Still, they assure you the item will be shipped soon.

As more time passes, it eventually becomes clear that the seller has no intention of
shipping anything. Each time you try to contact them, they either have more excuses or
become impossible to reach.

One consumer reported, “I was told multiple times the delay was from the owner being in a major car crash or dealing with a catastrophic medical accident. They even told me they were moving shop (more delays) and then that they had moved personally, which slowed delivery.” Unfortunately, the item you ordered doesn’t exist, and you’ve li lost the money you paid for it.

How to avoid refurbished product scams:

● Carefully examine a website before making a purchase. Before doing business with an online retailer, examine their website carefully. Not only should it have quality photos and typo-free content, but it should also have working contact information. In addition, you’ll want to research to find customer reviews and complaints. If you find reports of scams or no reviews at all, think twice before making a purchase. Always double-check the URL you are visiting to ensure you aren’t on a fake website.

● Understand what the term “refurbished” means. Keep in mind that refurbished means different things to different manufacturers. It can mean the product had shipping damage and was returned; it could refer to an open box product, ademo model, or an item that was broken and returned to the manufacturer. Find out what a company means by refurbished before you commit to a purchase. Remember that unauthorized third-party resellers are a big risk, especially if they don’t offer returns. Even if a reseller claims the manufacturer has refurbished the item, there’s no way you can confirm it. Buying under these circumstances is a big gamble.

● Ask about return policies. It can take a while for problems to show up, so make sure you have the option to return a refurbished item. If you can’t return it, or the return window is only a week or two, it may not be worth the risk.

● Inquire about warranties. Some manufacturer-refurbished items have an extended warranty, but this isn’t always true. Find out if the item you’re interested in qualifies for a warranty and what the conditions are. Warranties can come in handy if the refurbished item does have issues down the road. Know that anything marked “as-is” won’t have a warranty.

● Buy refurbished products from the manufacturer when possible. When a manufacturer gets a returned product, they recondition it to be like-new. They use original parts and trained repairmen to get the job done. An item refurbished by a third party may not get the same treatment. It could be repaired by someone who isn’t an expert with the brand, or it might contain different parts. Either issue means it won’t be in like-new condition when you buy it.

● Use a safe payment method. Always make online purchases with your credit card. If an online retailer doesn’t deliver on their promises, it will be easier to dispute the charges, and you’ll be more likely to get your money back.

Until next time!

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

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

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Using green cleaning products in your home can reduce toxins, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that are bad for your health and the environment. Green cleaners are more popular than ever, so shoppers have plenty of choices. But navigating the seals, certifications, and marketing claims can be confusing.

Tips for choosing cleaning products that are effective and safe for you and the environment:

● Check the packaging for eco-friendly labels. Products that display the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice label have safer chemical ingredients. According to the EPA, products with the label are “rigorously reviewed ingredient-for-ingredient, adhere to strict performance standards, and are evaluated to ensure the potential of adverse human and environmental health impacts is minimized.”

● Be wary of "greenwashing": Watch out for companies that label their products with vague phrases like “green" or “all-natural," warns the EPA. This is called "greenwashing." Instead, look for the Safer Choice label or specific, verifiable claims. You can search for Safer Choice-certified products here.

● Make sure product claims are substantiated: According to the Federal Trade Commission, if a product makes specific claims, such as "VOC-free" or "non-toxic," the company should be able to prove its product doesn’t have that ingredient nor any other ingredient that causes the same kind of risk. If you see a misleading green marketing claim, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

● Try homemade cleaners. Many basic ingredients in your pantry, such as baking soda and white vinegar, make excellent cleaners. This article from greenamerica.org explains the ten basic ingredients that will tackle most cleaning jobs.

● Choose products with minimal, recycled, or biodegradable packaging. Being green isn't just about chemicals. It's also important to consider how a product is packaged. For example, if you use paper towels for cleaning, buy a recycled paper brand. Also, always choose biodegradable cleaning products when possible. Also, companies that use less plastic and offer refillable containers are a good choice.

This week we stop and kick it with Nick Mariotti of the psychedelic pop group Paloma. Paloma has just released a brand new single titled “Lips.” Nick compares his music career to the battle royale format in video games and as well as playing pickle ball with Jamie Foxx.

Check out their latest single on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2AXEUPZh0RD0zKHEQRiARq?si=gFtZGdraQPiP0sdgT8PODQ

And on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/palomamusic?ref=clipboard&p=a&c=1&utm_campaign=social_sharing&utm_medium=text&utm_source=clipboard

Episode sponsored by PMTLIFESTYLE.COM
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In this episode, Kru Jonathan Puu goes over what it's been like in regards to re-opening Pu'u Muay Thai after shutdown. The decisions that have been made on re-opening safely with the help of consulting an Epidemiologist (and what that is for those that don't know) who happens to be part of the Muay Thai community. Also covering how Contact Tracing could affect martial arts if an academy doesn't follow strict protocols at this time, what to do about it, and the steps we took to mitigate exposure to the community using SCIENCE-BASED protocols... because we care about you, our students, our community, and our team.

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Article mentioning study in Norway: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/25/health/coronavirus-gyms-fitness.html
Our re-opening, Phase 1 protocols: http://www.muaythaiventura.com/phase-1-reserving-a-class-what-to-expect-cv-19-protocols/

Submit your Questions, Shoutouts, and request to be featured: https://podcast.puumuaythai.com

COVID-19 has presented some new challenges that have been met with the Camarillo Smiles usual response: learn, assess, implement. And in a big way. Going above and beyond to provide a clean and safe environment for our team and our patients.