 |
The Better Business Bureau and its partners have released their annual Top 10 Scams to help protect consumers and education them about the schemes makes their way through the public, whether it’s in person or over the faceless-void of the Internet. Here are this year’s most prevalent scams:
1) Health Claim Scams
This was a big one as hundreds of H1N1 vaccine “providers” popped up online when the virus broke out. These online scams also prey on the vulnerable by offering miracle cure for diseases.
2) Not So “Free” Trials
Read the fine print. You may get a month of service free through an email offer, but make sure you’re not locked into a contract that auto-bills you every month and is just about impossible to get out of.
3) Identity Theft
Identity theft is always on the list, but there’s always crooks out there trying to rip off your identity for financial gain. Don’t fall for requests for information or scare tactics by marketers.
4) Home Repair Rip-Offs
Does the repairman say carbon monoxide levels in your home are so high, he needs money to immediately pay for the fix? Take your time and do some research on the company before handing over cash for unnecessary and costly repairs.
5) Small Business Loan and Supply Scams
Many businesses are struggling to keep their heads afloat in this economic climate, but don’t be suckered into “no credit” or “bad credit” loan offers or shady companies that offer office supplies at a cut rate.
6) Free Government Money Schemes
Don’t believe all those online testimonials of how hundreds of people have access easy government grants thanks to a great new service. It usually costs you money, doesn’t get results and offers advice already provided for free from the actual government.
7) Business Opportunities
Hyped up investments from total strangers – or even friends – may sound like a great money making opportunity but, more often than not, you could just be getting tangled up in an illegal pyramid scheme.
8) Cashback Fraud
Be wary anytime you sell something and receive a cheque higher than the agreed price. After you send your own money back to the buyer to return the difference, you could be in for a terrible surprise when the original payment turns out to be fake.
9) Hidden Cell Phone Charges
Think twice before taking that text-messaging IQ test because chances are you’re actually subscribing to a service that will add a chunk of cash onto your cell phone bill each month.
10) Mystery Jobs Scams
If you receive a cheque in the mail and are asked to buy a product with it (while keeping the different for yourself), don’t do it. Same goes for online job offers where you pay money up front.
For more information, visit mbc.bbb.org.