We’ve been warning everyone for years about protecting yourself from scam artists, but sometimes, the online pitches just seem so legit, you know? The website looks professional, there’s contact with people—what could be wrong with it? According to the Better Business Bureau, could be nothing, but it could be EVERYTHING.
The Bureau has come up with a list of nine top scams for 2011, both online and in person, plus the Scam of the Year. Yes, you probably think you know what they are, but let’s review anyway, shall we? Just in case we’re tempted by that too-good-to-be-true offer?
Job scams: Want to work at home? Be a secret shopper? All you have to do is fill out the forms and oh, yes, give an unknown person on the other end of the line your Social Security number and a copy of your paycheck, so you can get paid. OK, sure.
Sweepstakes and lottery scams: You’ve seen these kinds of scams. You have won a TON of money, but in order to get it, you must send along a small sum for “administration.” Don’t believe it!
Social media/online dating scams: Even if it looks like a friend sent you a link to the latest funny video, think twice. If it prompts you to upgrade to Flash player, it could be a scam. And be more guarded about your personal info on dating sites, etc. And make sure the people you socialize with really are who they say they are.
Home improvement scams: That contractor who comes to YOU to do some work should be vetted before he or she starts. The work they do might not last or might not ever be finished, and you’ll be left holding the bag. The BBB says home improvement scams are usually right near the top on their naughty lists.
Check-cashing scams: Someone has taken you up on your Craigslist posting of an old bicycle for sale. They send you a check for more than the price you settled on, and they ask you deposit the check and then just send the difference back. Don’t do it! The check likely won’t clear, and you’ll already have sent the difference. AND you’ll still have that old bicycle.
Phishing scams: An e-mail asks for personal information to verify a transaction you made, for instance. But when you click on the link to see what’s going on, BOOM! You’re infected with a virus. Bye-bye online security!
Identity theft scams: How about this one? You’re in your hotel room and you get a phone call in the middle of the night from the “front desk.” Their computers crashed and they need your credit card again to finish the transaction for your room. When morning comes, your credit card is maxed out by scammers on a shopping spree.
Financial scams: Taking advantage of desperate people, scammers use mortgage relief programs to cadge more money out of you and leave you more in debt than when you started. It might look and sound like a government agency helping you, but look again.
Sales scams: Those penny auction sites should always be viewed suspiciously. Not all are bad, of course, but some are being investigated as a form of online gambling. The BBB says arm yourself with knowledge about exactly how the auction works before you begin.
And the scam of the year? You’ll have to ask the BBB about that one. Click here.
Final advice: Be safe, be wary, be a smart shopper!
