New BBB Scams and Tips to Keep you Protected
By: Karl Wehmhoener
Updated: September 5, 2012
AMARILLO -- New scams are being reported to the BBB.
Here is a full list:
Yellow Page Bills That Should Take A Walk
Calls from local companies regarding phony yellow page invoices have increased. Copycat directory publishers mail bogus invoices for yellow page advertising to businesses regularly. While many of these solicitations have the proper disclaimers stating it is not an invoice, they are misleading. Others may not have the required disclaimers. Invoices resemble well-known directory distributors. The walking fingers logo and the words yellow pages are not registered trademarks, making their use legal.
Disaster Relief
In the wake of Hurricane Isaac, BBB urges givers to check that their donations will go to legitimate and reputable charities and relief efforts that have the capability to help those in need. Donors should be certain donations go to agencies equipped and experienced to handle the unique challenges of providing assistance.
Tips on Helping:
Ask if the charity has a presence at the sight of the disaster or nearby. Ask if the charity is raising money for other groups.
Rely on expert opinion. Go to www.bbb.org/charity <http://www.bbb.org/charity> to research charities and relief organizations
Be cautious about online giving
Be suspicious of claims that 100 percent of donations will assist relief victims.
Are text donations affective?
Bank Card Phishing Scam
BBB has been notified by consumers and financial institutions of a phishing scam. It works like this: Consumers are receiving text messages or phone calls stating their debit card has been blocked. In order to unblock it, the card holder must enter the card number or call a number and provide information to unblock the card. Banks, credit unions and other financial institutions do not contact their customers in this manner. If you receive a text message or phone call requesting information from someone you do not know, do not respond.
What Should You Do When a Business Closes?
There are steps you can take to try to locate a business that has closed its doors.
Go to the last known location to see if the company has posted information. The company may have suddenly moved to another location, even another city, and may still be interested in your business.
Send a letter to the company's last known address asking the owner to contact you.
If the company is part of a chain, inquire at the headquarters location.
If the business is regulated, such as attorneys, doctors, engineers, insurance, specific contractors, etc., contact the licensing agency.
Contact the BBB.
Contact the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court - If the company has filed for bankruptcy, you should file a claim with the bankruptcy court.
Here is a full list:
Yellow Page Bills That Should Take A Walk
Calls from local companies regarding phony yellow page invoices have increased. Copycat directory publishers mail bogus invoices for yellow page advertising to businesses regularly. While many of these solicitations have the proper disclaimers stating it is not an invoice, they are misleading. Others may not have the required disclaimers. Invoices resemble well-known directory distributors. The walking fingers logo and the words yellow pages are not registered trademarks, making their use legal.
Disaster Relief
In the wake of Hurricane Isaac, BBB urges givers to check that their donations will go to legitimate and reputable charities and relief efforts that have the capability to help those in need. Donors should be certain donations go to agencies equipped and experienced to handle the unique challenges of providing assistance.
Tips on Helping:
Ask if the charity has a presence at the sight of the disaster or nearby. Ask if the charity is raising money for other groups.
Rely on expert opinion. Go to www.bbb.org/charity <http://www.bbb.org/charity> to research charities and relief organizations
Be cautious about online giving
Be suspicious of claims that 100 percent of donations will assist relief victims.
Are text donations affective?
Bank Card Phishing Scam
BBB has been notified by consumers and financial institutions of a phishing scam. It works like this: Consumers are receiving text messages or phone calls stating their debit card has been blocked. In order to unblock it, the card holder must enter the card number or call a number and provide information to unblock the card. Banks, credit unions and other financial institutions do not contact their customers in this manner. If you receive a text message or phone call requesting information from someone you do not know, do not respond.
What Should You Do When a Business Closes?
There are steps you can take to try to locate a business that has closed its doors.
Go to the last known location to see if the company has posted information. The company may have suddenly moved to another location, even another city, and may still be interested in your business.
Send a letter to the company's last known address asking the owner to contact you.
If the company is part of a chain, inquire at the headquarters location.
If the business is regulated, such as attorneys, doctors, engineers, insurance, specific contractors, etc., contact the licensing agency.
Contact the BBB.
Contact the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court - If the company has filed for bankruptcy, you should file a claim with the bankruptcy court.
