Better Business Bureau

Carol Beddingfield
June 26, 2011

Chamber Chatter
Do you get as frustrated as I do trying to determine if an offer is legitimate or is simply a scam?

When in doubt and especially before you commit any money, check out the company at the Better Business Bureau of North Alabama.

The purpose of this organization is to help steer you towards trustworthy companies and away from scam artists. Education and awareness will help you safeguard your money.

The 2010 top ten scams that were reported to the BBB nationwide include the following:
1) Lottery or Sweepstakes scam – Usually these include a check that looks real. Never deposit the check or send matching funds to gain the remainder of the fake jackpot.
2) Government Grant Scams – This type of scam is very prevalent due to the storms of April 27th. Be sure to check with the BBB for the company’s history and only give your information to a certified branch of the government such as FEMA.
3) Caller ID Spoofing – Technology today will allow a con artist to trick you by using family and friends caller id numbers
4) “Free” trial offers- These website ads actually cost consumers as much as hundreds of dollars, month after month.
5) Job Hunter Scams – False employers ask for personal information claiming to check individual’s credit report.
6) Work from Home – These scams claim to teach you how to make money online; assemble items, but you can end up losing hundreds of dollars
7) Home Repairs/Roofers –Roofing company complaints increased by 40% in 2010. Be careful of door to door salesman.
8) Mystery Shopping – Never pay a company to be a mystery shopper. If the company is legit, they will pay you without upfront funds.
9) Over Payment Scams – Small businesses should be aware of this scam. The pretend customer will send a check for more than the purchase amount and then demand that the company refund. Of course the scam artist original check is no good.
10) Phishing Scams – Computer hackers use fake emails from governmental offices, banks, and even friends to obtain personal information or to infect your computer with a destructive virus.
Call the Better Business Bureau of North Alabama if your deal seems to be too good to be true. The phone number is 256-533-1640.