BBB of the Tri-Counties and the Santa Barbara County DA's Office Join Forces
SPECIAL EDITION!!
Richard Copelan, President of BBB of the Tri-Counties and Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson from the County of Santa Barbara join forces and interview each other!
Vicki asks Richard about BBB's Scam Tracker:
Richard informs us that the new and improved BBB Scam Tracker was recently rebuilt with the help of Capital One & Amazon and dexcribes how it can be used to search for scams and report them.
Vicki asks how people can file business complaints:
Richard invites listeners to file complaints at bbb.org Copelan describes how people can differentiate between outright scams (which usually involve nefarious activities) and complaints--which may involve the questionable practices of a legitimate business. If you have a complaint, you can report it at bbb.org. Or, if you live in the Southern CA Tri-Counties area and want some personal attention, you can call the BBB at 805-963-8657. When a consumer files a business complaint, the business in question has a chance to respond to the complaint. An investigation is launched and the results can result in a poor rating by the BBB.
Vicki asks how business can beome BBB accredited:
Businesses are thoroughly vetted before they can become accredited. They must have been in business for six months or more and be properly licensed. To find out if a business is BBB accredited, go to bbb.org
Vicki asks if the BBB works with charities, in addition to businesses:
Richard explains that there is a subdivision for charities called the Wise Giving Alliance.
Richard asks about the GOOD NEWS that Vicki reports on at the end of Scam Squad episodes.
Vicki reports on good news to remind listeners that sometimes justice prevails. She says that it's extremely important to report scams to the FBI, the FTC and local law enforcement. These organizations become a library of information on scams which may lead to the formation of a Task Force. The Task Force sometimes investigates scams that start in other countries such as Nigeria and India. They have had some success in prosecuting and shutting down large scam rings in foreign countries. They also go after money mules in the US who conspire with the foreign fraudsters.
Richard asks Vicki about Romance Scams:
Vicki says that the hardest part is convincing a person that they are being scammed. If your new online friend sends you a photo of himself or herself, do an online search to try and verify their identity. She reminds people that if they meet someone online it may be all well and good; however, the minute the person asks for money, cut off all contact because it's a scam. She also urges friends and family to be gentle and non judgemental; the victim of a romance scam is likely to experience embarassment and shame.
Richard asks about Vicki's community outreach:
Vicki and her colleagues give presentations to help people avoid scams at retirement homes, clubs and groups of all types. If you live in Santa Barbara County you can request a presentation by calling the Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442.
Richard asks Vicki about the legal process involved in reporting crimes and scams:
Vicki says that you should make your initial complaint with your local police or sherriff's department. The Santa Barbara County DA's office also has a Civil Complaint Department.
Richard and Vicki agree that by working together, they will be able to get more accomplished and that educating consumers is KEY! Show less
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