scam squad

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast. https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-the-tri-counties

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Between booking flights, hotels, a rental car, and things to do, planning a vacation can get stressful. It’s one reason many travelers turn to vacation packages, which bundle multiple aspects of your trip. Vacation packages are simpler to purchase and can save you money too. To get the best deal and to avoid unpleasant surprises, BBB recommends the following tips when booking a vacation package.

● Count the cost. The best way to know if you’re getting a good deal on a vacation package is to check the price for booking each part of the vacation separately. If a vacation package costs more than purchasing hotels, flights, rental cars, etc., separately, you might want to make your bookings instead.

● Be flexible to get the best deal. Getting a better value for your vacation package is easier if you can be flexible with your dates. This is also true if you’re flexible with your destination. Is your heart set on Cancun, but it’s outside your budget? Why not consider a travel package that takes you to a lesser-known beach in Mexico? The same goes for airport choices. Being open to departing from any nearby airport might save you hundreds of dollars.

● Know that you can extend travel dates (usually). If you’re offered a package with pre-established dates, know that most packages allow you to extend your trip or modify the dates as you see fit. You’ll pay more for different dates, but it can be done. However, if you can’t extend your trip for the package you’re interested in, you can always find your way home. Taking advantage of the travel package and adding your travel plans to the end of your trip is still an option.

● Book early or last minute. You can also get a good deal by booking your trip early or scoring a last-minute deal. If last-minute travel plans sound stressful, consider blocking off the time earlier in the year and hunting up your travel package the week before.

● Read the fine print. Always read and re-read the fine print when booking a vacation package to ensure you know exactly what is included and what isn’t. Airfare and your hotel might be included in the price, but what about land transfers, tips, activities, amenities, and food? The last thing you want is to assume your package is all-inclusive, only to discover you’ll need to pay for more than you expected after arriving at your destination.

● Check the refund and cancelation policies. Get to know how cancelations and refunds are handled if your trip is interrupted by illness, bad weather, or other unforeseen events. You’ll find this information in the fine print as well.

● Think about loyalty points and travel rewards. If you travel regularly, you might want to earn points through a loyalty program you use or redeem travel rewards for your next trip. This isn’t always possible when booking vacation packages. However, it might be if you book a vacation package through the company you get rewards from. For example, if you have plenty of sky miles saved up through your favorite airline’s loyalty program, try booking a vacation package through them.

● Watch out for scams. As always, you’ll need to watch for bad actors when searching for a good vacation package. Book through reputable vendors and be wary of travel companies you haven’t heard of before. Research to ensure they have a good business reputation before booking a trip. Read plenty of reviews, keeping a close eye out for complaints and reports of scams.

Until Next time!

A Podcast from 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 are on a fitness journey

and have decided to purchase a fitness tracker. Having a fitness tracker can raise

awareness of your activities throughout the day. The benefits of a fitness tracker are

also connecting you to friends and an extended community of fitness enthusiasts. See

BBB's tips on choosing a fitness tracker.

 

Within a couple of weeks, you start receiving messages from a member of your fitness

application social group. The sender begins by asking about your fitness goals, and

then the conversation becomes more personal. Questions are asked about your family,

where you work, and your hobbies. After creating a bond, the scammers start sharing

fake personal stories with you.

 

"He told me he was a single dad working overseas to provide for his daughter," one

victim said. "I really believed him, and once I sent him money the first time, he continued

to ask repeatedly. When I refused to send more money, he threatened me and my

family. I am now out of $100,000, and I know it will be difficult to get any of that money

back."

 

Signs of the scam:

 

● Moving fast. Scammers will begin to ask personal questions quickly. (Are you

married, where do you work, etc.).

● Emotional stories. The scammer may have a sick, elderly parent or child needing

medical care.

● Specific instructions when asking for financial help. The scammer will request

you wire money or use a prepaid debit card.

● Ask to communicate differently. As the scammer develops a relationship with a

victim, they will ask for email contact or a personal cell phone number to connect

outside the app.

 

Tips to avoid fitness app and other social app scams:

 

● Do not post a picture of yourself as a profile. Use an avatar or free stock photo as

a protective measure to avoid scammers targeting certain groups of people (ex:

senior community).

● Do not share personal information (marital status, employment) with a stranger.

The more the scammer knows about you, the more information they have to

manipulate you out of your identity and money.

● Think before accepting requests from strangers. Being a part of a community is

rewarding but can also be dangerous. Only connect with people you already

know.

● Avoid clicking on unsolicited links. Clicking on a link may lead to downloading

malware onto your device. The downloaded malware can lead to scammers

collecting personally identifiable information that can be used for identity theft or

tracking your digital footprint.

● Share with a family member or close friend. If uncomfortable or unsure about the

communication you receive, share your concerns with someone you know.

Receiving a different perspective is always helpful when in doubt.

 

Until next time!

For more scam warnings, visit  https://www.youtube.com/c/ScamSquad/videos

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