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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...
Tag Archives: Scam
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 Scams, Animals
Tagged Scam, online scams, puppies for sale, wiring, Cameroon
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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
FTC refunds money to consumers hurt in foreclosure relief scheme
The Federal Trade Commission announced today that it was mailing 341 refund checks totaling over $107,000 to Spanish-speaking consumers who lost money to scammers promising to stop foreclosures or help them obtain mortgage loan modifications. In a summary judgment order, … Continue reading
Posted in Scams
Tagged Dinamica Financiera, foreclosure, FTC, loan modification, Scam, scammers, scams
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Dealing with Phony Debt Collection Calls
Recently, several consumers have notified BBB about phone calls from individuals pretending to be debt collectors and threatening legal action or arrest. The consumers are told they must pay an outstanding debt over the phone immediately. In some cases, the … Continue reading
Posted in Scam Phone Calls, Scams, Top Tips
Tagged BBB, Better Business Bureau, collections, debt collector, news, phone call, Scam, tips
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Beware of the “My awful trip!” scam
New twist on the grandparent scam tries to convince you your friend is in trouble A BBB employee received the following email this week, with the subject line “My awful trip!!!”: I’m writing this with tears in my eyes, I … Continue reading
Posted in Scam Phone Calls, Scams, Top Tips
Tagged BBB, Better Business Bureau, email scam, Grandparent scam, Scam, vacation scam
3 Comments
An Alleged Fake Pay Day Loan Debt Collection Operation Collects Almost $5 Million From Victims, According to FTC
The Federal Trade Commission announced yesterday that a U.S. District Court has stopped an alleged fake operation that collected almost $5 million in payday loan debts from consumers that did not really owe. According to the FTC release, the scammers … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged BBB, Better Business Bureau, debt collector, debts, fraudulent phone calls, FTC, payday loans, phony debt calls, Scam
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The Texas Highway Patrol Association Charged with Illegally Soliciting Charitable Donations
The Texas Attorney General charged the Texas Highway Patrol Association and two of its affiliates with illegally soliciting charitable donations and falsely claiming, in part, that donors’ contributions to THPA and its affiliates would benefit the families of fallen state … Continue reading
Posted in Scams
Tagged BBB, Better Business Bureau, charitable, charity, giving, Scam, Texas Attorney General, Texas Highway Patrol Association, THPA
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Scam Effecting Midland Residents
Yesterday the Midland Chamber of Commerce sent out an email notifying people of a donation scam targeting Midland companies. Here is what the email said: Midland ISD has informed the Chamber of a marketing scam. A company identifying themselves as … Continue reading
Posted in Scams
Tagged BBB, Better Business Bureau, chamber, charity, donations, midland, midland isd, Scam, scams
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