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Stay tuned for expert advice from BBB professionals who investigate scams, local businesses and consumer trends. We work hard to help you find trustworthy businesses and we are proud of this blog as another way we can help you watch where your money goes...
Category Archives: Scams
FTC wins settlement from bogus tech support operators
Maybe you’ve gotten one of these calls before: Someone calls out of the blue, claiming your computer is riddled with viruses and wanting to “fix” it remotely. The caller uses technical jargon that may or may not sound convincing, depending … Continue reading
Looking for a place to rent? Don’t fall for Nigerian rental scam!
With rental properties in short supply in the Midland area, scammers are taking advantage. A consumer recently informed BBB that someone on Craigslist was trying to rent property that belonged to her. A prospective tenant forwarded her an e-mail message … Continue reading
Posted in Scams, Too Good To Be True
Tagged Craigslist, Nigerian rent scam, rent, rent scam, rental, rental scam
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Do your homework before signing up for work-at-home
BBB advises consumers to be cautious about work-at-home opportunities The ability to work from home is an attractive proposition, especially when a company promises high income for little effort. But Better Business Bureau advises consumers to be careful about accepting … Continue reading
Posted in BBB Investigation, Scams, Too Good To Be True
Tagged advance fee, counterfiet check, identity theft, Maxwell Gates Enterprises, Operation Empty Promises, Preston Lord Enterprises, pyramid schemes, wiring, work at home, work-at-home jobs, work-at-home scams, work-from-home jobs
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FBI issues advisory about Microsoft Explorer 8 vulnerability
Better Business Bureau warns consumers and businesses about vulnerability to scams Better Business Bureau is urging all consumers and businesses to pay close attention to a Cyber Security Advisory issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding a vulnerability in … Continue reading
Job seekers beware: avoid potential ID theft from online want ads
With jobs in short supply, spotting an online help wanted in your field might appear to be just what the doctor ordered. However, BBB suggests consumers use caution when responding to such ads, especially if a prospective employer asks for … Continue reading
Cameroon puppy adoption scam could chew up your savings
Your BBB recently received a report of a suspicious ad on Craigslist. The seller was advertising dogs to be shipped to the Midland/Odessa area, but the consumer was asked to wire $160.98 to Douala, Cameroon via Western Union. Serious red flag, … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Scams
Tagged Cameroon, online scams, puppies for sale, Scam, wiring
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Tips to avoid charity scams after West and Boston tragedies
In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings and the fertilizer plant explosion in West, many people are looking for ways to donate funds to help people affected by the tragedies. Your BBB offers the above tips to avoid charity … Continue reading
Posted in BBB Rewind, Scams, Top Tips
Tagged BBB Rewind, Bost, Boston, Boston Marathon explosions, Boston Marathon tragedy, charity, charity scams, donations, scams, West
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FTC files first mobile cramming case against Georgia company
The Federal Trade Commission filed its first case challenging mobile “cramming” on April 16 against Wise Media, LLC, Brian M. Buckley and Winston J. Deloney. Mobile cramming is a practice where unauthorized charges are added to a person’s cell phone … Continue reading
Posted in Scams
Tagged Brian M. Buckley, cramming, Federal Trade Commission, FTC, scams, Winston J. Deloney, Wise Media
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Hays County man gets 25-year sentence for theft after scamming elderly victims
Robbie Dale Walker was sentenced to 25-years in prison on April 9, 2013 in Hays County state District Court after pleading guilty to first-degree felony theft. He was also ordered to pay $255,000 in restitution. The case was prosecuted by the … Continue reading
