Latest news with #BetterBusinessBureau
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
TSA warns travelers of scams in the airport
HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WHNT) — We all have our routine when we travel, and for many, that looks like charging up your phone before you board your flight. Although the reality is that scammers are everywhere, and they are using this as a way to steal your information. Salmonella outbreak: Cucumber products sold at Walmart, Kroger stores recalled 'Somebody might have left a USB cord, and you're like, 'Oh, wow, this is great….I don't have mine with me…. let me just plug in here,'' said Karen Reeves. 'That's where the malware can be downloaded, either in the cord or the actual USB port.' The TSA is now warning travelers of scammers who are using a tactic known as 'juice jacking.' 'That is where you might plug in to a public port, maybe at the airport, and malware is downloaded onto your phone or someone access your, accesses your sensitive information,' said Reeves. She is the CEO of the Better Business Bureau of North Alabama. She said you should stay away from group charging ports and only plug into the individual port under your seat. 'Bring your own charger with you,' she said. 'Keep that phone locked while you're charging. Another thing, keep your software updated because that's what will help protect your phone and your information as well.' 📲 to stay updated on the go. 📧 to have news sent to your inbox. If you can, she said bringing your own portable charger is the safest method. When it comes to Wi-Fi, she said scammers can also get your personal information if you are on the free, public Wi-Fi. 'Avoid pubic Wi-Fi because you don't know who has access to that, and anyone could access your information,' she said. She recommends you set up a personal hotspot. If you see any type of scam, they ask that you report it to 'Scam Tracker.' You can find it on the Better Business Bureau website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
BBB: New graduates become targets for scammers during end of school season
HONOLULU (KHON2) – While many new graduates enter the job market or search for their first rental property away from home, the local Better Business Bureau warns that scammers may be targeting these young adults. Experts share tips on how to navigate today's job market as graduation season is upon us Cameron Nakashima from Better Business Bureau identified three types: Fake Job Offers Scammers impersonate real companies or create fake ones. They offer remote jobs or 'hiring now' roles via email, text message, or social media. After a short 'interview,' victims are offered the job—but must provide sensitive information or pay for training or equipment. Student Loan Forgiveness Scams: They mimic federal programs or call pretending to be with the U.S. Department of Education. They claim they can reduce monthly payments or eliminate loans altogether—for a fee. Victims are pressured to act quickly and give up FAFSA credentials. Rental Scams Scammers copy real listings or invent fake ones, post them on social sites or rental apps, and collect deposits before disappearing. First-time renters are especially vulnerable because they often don't know what a legitimate lease process looks like. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Nakashima said to prevent falling into these schemes, you need to pay attention. Watch out when people reach out to you – especially via text. Across the board, recent graduates and young adults report the primary method of losing money to scammers is through text messages and with digital payments and payment apps. Do your research on the company. Look up its website, look for the address and contact info – does it all look legit? For example, for student loan forgiveness, that should be a government website (.gov). If its not, that's suspicious. If the website looks good though, you should also check them out on and other online reporting agencies to learn what people and professionals have to say about those businesses. Listen to your gut if something seems off – and get a trusted second opinion. If you feel like something is not quite right about an opportunity or offer but can't put your finger on it, get a second opinion. You can ask a friend of family member or you can even call your local BBB office and we can give you advice based on our database of information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sponsored ad scams costing Upstate residents thousands of dollars, BBB says
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – The Better Business Bureau is bringing attention to a rise in sponsored ad scams. They said the scams impersonate everyday businesses and are costing people thousands of dollars. Upstate BBB President Hunter Jones told 7NEWS more than $110,000 has been lost to sponsored ad scams across the region since April 2024. 'Scammers love using sponsored ads, either fake websites or maybe even impersonating a real business, because they know that they can get in front of you. They can get you to click on their stuff. And they can take you wherever they want you to go,' Jones said. 'People are getting scammed here, 30, 40, 50, 60 dollars per purchase. And it adds up because these scams are so common and they're everywhere.' Jones said scammers have been impersonating companies like JCPenney, Macy's, and online shopping site Halara. He said in a lot of these cases, people click on ads they think are legit while shopping for clothes and other items through Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Then, they're redirected to a fake website to complete the purchase. Jones said people should always verify that the website they are shopping on is secure and matches that of the real company. 'If you've shopped there before, keep those websites saved,' Jones also said. 'Because again, you're comfortable, and you know that you've had a successful transaction there. When you go and shop on these sponsored ads that redirect you somewhere else, that URL is going to be different from the reputable companies.' Jones encourages people to review the company's privacy policy to understand how their personal information will be used. He added that people should verify the company's customer service information. Everyone can double-check this with the BBB. 'Two things people need to be aware of when they're looking at ads in general: if the price looks too good to be true, then it usually is. If you're shopping for something and you know that that price is oddly low, that's a red flag for you,' Jones went on to say. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Stretch Your Dollar: Experts warn that tariffs schemes could trick consumers into paying fake fees
WASHINGTON () — As new tariffs shift the consumer landscape, bad actors could capitalize on confusion, experts warn. BforeAI's PreCrime Labs, a cybersecurity firm, reports that more than 300 registered domain names could be used in plots to take money from unwitting people. Check out these WorldPride events happening this week in DC Some schemes could include someone posing as a mail carrier in an email or text message. They could claim that consumers have a package ready for delivery, but will hold the package until the recipient pays a tariff fee. Tariffs are paid by importers, so a mail carrier would not ask a buyer to pay a fee. The Better Business Bureau offers the following advice to protect consumers in the face of schemes: Never send money to someone you've never met in person Avoid links or attachments in unsolicited emails Don't send personally identifiable information Double-check that transactions are secure Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois Attorney General warns of home and business repair scams
CHICAGO (WMBD) — The spring and summer months can be a scary time for many Illinoisans as it has the potential to bring devastating storms, and with this come scammers looking to exploit those affected. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is warning state residents to be on the lookout for scammers trying to exploit homeowners and businesses in need of repairs, he said in a news release. 'Just as severe weather during Illinois spring months is inevitable, so too are the scammers attempting to take advantage of the devastation left in the storms' wake,' he said. 'I encourage people to use the free resources provided by my office, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, and other reputable resources to ensure they choose a trustworthy contractor when assessing any damage and making repair plans. 'People should be wary of any individual who solicits home repair or insurance adjusting services door to door,' Raoul said. General contractors are not required by state law to be licensed, but many local municipalities may require permits, so people should check with their local government to get more information on permit requirements before hiring anyone, Raoul said. He also said some groups are required to have state permits such as public adjusters, roofers and plumbers. Any work that costs more than $1,000 is required to have a written contract signed by both the contractor and the customer, they must have at least the minimum insurance for bodily injury, property damage and improper home repair, he said. In the release, Raoul gives the following tips to avoid dishonest contractors: Be wary of contractors who go door to door to offer repair services or 'free' inspections. Ask for recommendations from people you know and trust and, whenever possible, use established local contractors. Visit the Better Business Bureau's St. Louis or Chicago websites to see if a business is a member and whether any complaints have been lodged against it. Contact Raoul's Consumer Fraud Bureau to ask whether consumers have filed complaints against the contractor. Even if there is a need to act quickly, shop around. Get written estimates from multiple contractors, and don't be rushed into a deal. Get all terms of a contract in writing, and obtain a copy of the signed contract. Never make the full payment until all work has been completed to your satisfaction. Never pay in cash. Be aware that you have the right to cancel a contract within three business days if you signed it based on the contractor's visit to your home. In the case of disaster repair, if your insurance carrier denies coverage, you have the right to cancel the contract within five days of your insurance carrier's denial and within 30 days of receiving the proof of loss from your insurance carrier. Be aware that public adjusters do not work for your insurance company and may charge additional fees. If you submit a claim to your insurance company, your insurance company will likely provide an adjuster to review your claim at no additional cost to you. If you contract with a public adjuster, pay particular attention to the amount of fees being charged and whether you are obligated to use a specific contractor for repairs. Ask to see the required state and local permits and licenses. Insurance adjusters and roofers must be licensed by state agencies. It should raise a red flag if the roofer or adjuster does not have a required license, or if the name on the license doesn't match the name on the business card or truck. Please visit the IDFPR's website, to search for roofing licenses. Visit the DOI's website or call (866) 445-5364 to verify that a public adjuster is licensed and in good standing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
