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A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Check use may be declining,
but check fraud is still a serious problem. Watch out for this scam, dubbed “check
washing,” which involves stealing checks from mailboxes and then altering them.
Fortunately, you can do a few things to protect yourself and your business.

How the scam works:

You send a check in the mail as payment for a service or product. However, a few days
or weeks later, you are contacted by the company you paid. They say they never
received a payment. Then, you discover the check you sent has been cashed, either for
the amount you wrote it for or for a much higher amount. What happened?
Scammers use many techniques to intercept mail, sometimes directly from your or the
post office’s big blue mailbox. Scammers have even been known to sneak into post
office boxes with stolen keys. Individuals can fall victim to this scam, but scammers
mostly target businesses, which typically write checks for larger amounts and have a
predictable schedule for paying and mailing bills.  Once scammers find an envelope containing a check, they use household chemicals to “wash off” the name and amount you wrote down, replacing it with a name and dollar amount of their choice. Usually, they use fake identities to cash the check later on. And even if no one cashes your check, you are at a much higher risk of identity theft once it’s found its way into scammers’ hands.

How to avoid check-washing schemes

● Take advantage of electronic payment methods. If you can use electronic means
to make payments and receive them, do so. That will eliminate the possibility of
falling victim to check washing.

● If you must mail a check, take precautions. Drop it off at the post office using the
lobby mail slot instead of leaving a check in the mailbox with the flag up. If you
need to use a blue box, drop off the mail before the day’s last pick-up time. Don’t
leave unsent mail in your mailbox overnight; retrieve your delivered mail
promptly, advises the United States Postal Service.

● Put a hold on your mail. If you are going out of town, have your mail held at the
post office until you return. If you run a small business that isn’t open on
weekends, consider asking the post office not to deliver mail on Saturdays.

● Improve your mailbox security. Installing highly visible cameras near your mailbox
and using a locked mailbox are two additional ways to avoid falling victim to this
scam.

● Keep an eye on your checking account. Monitor your bank accounts carefully to
ensure no one cashes a fraudulent check from your account. If you notice
suspicious activity, notify your bank immediately.

● Use “positive pay” services. Many banks offer “positive pay” services for business
checking accounts. You can pre-authorize checks for a specific amount by their
check number. This will at least stop scammers from withdrawing more money
than the specified amount.

● Always report check fraud. If you think your check was intercepted in the mail, let
your bank know right away. Then, file a report with the Postal Inspection Service
and your local police department.

For more information:

Read about more ways scammers use checks to commit fraud in BBB’s Fake Check Scams
Study. Get more advice on how to avoid scams at BBB.org/AvoidScams.
If you’ve been a victim of check fraud, you can also report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
Your reports help build public awareness and reduce scammers’ effectiveness.

Until next time!

Check out this episode!

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David gives the latest interest rates and Santa Barbara sales stats. He and his co-host Patt, discuss Open House etiquette. While David stresses that you should feel free to ask the Open House Realtor questions about the house you’re viewing, he advises that it’s a good idea to let the realtor know if you’re already working with another realtor.

Then David and Patti shift their attention to The Fur Babies at Home segment. David discusses the benefits of feeding your dog a raw food diet and then discusses his new organic dog treats, Chowdees. To purchase chowdees dog treats, go to https://www.chowdees.com

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A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Auto Repairs in Santa Barbara for Supporting this Podcast

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Electric bicycles— or e-bikes –
allow riders to go farther and faster than a standard bicycle. Riding an e-bike instead of
driving a car can help you lower your carbon footprint, save on gas money, and stay
active.

E-bikes come in many models and price ranges, so finding the right one for your needs
requires research. BBB recommends the following tips to help you pick the right e-bike
for your budget.

Tips for buying an e-bike

● Think about what you need. First, think about your riding style. Will your e-bike
be for recreation or commuting? Do you need to haul groceries or a child? Will
you be riding on dirt roads or pavement? Will you be riding on flat ground or
steep hills? How many miles will you cover on a trip? Knowing the answers to
these questions will help you narrow down your choices.

● Get to know e-bike classes. E-bikes are divided into classes. With class 1 electric
bicycles, the motor only runs when you pedal and stops running when you reach
20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes do the same but also have a throttle-powered mode.
Class 3 e-bikes work like class 1 bikes but assist up to 28 mph. Think about how
you intend to use your e-bike but check access rules too. E-bike regulations vary
from state to state and determine where to use the bike.

● Choose the right type of electric bicycle. There are many different kinds of
e-bikes. The style you pick depends on how you plan to use your bike.

○ Commuter bikes usually come with fenders, lights, and other accessories
that make them safer to use in traffic. Some come in foldable models,
making them easier to stow on public transportation.

○ Cruiser models are more comfortable and allow the rider to sit upright.
These are generally for recreation and don’t always come with
accessories that would make them suitable for long-distance trips.

○ E-mountain bikes have thicker frames and bigger tires and are suitable for
off-roading and steep inclines.

○ Performance road bikes are more lightweight and designed to tackle
longer distances with dropdown handlebars that help you maintain anaerodynamic posture.
○ Cargo bikes are robust and built to haul bulky items or even an extra
passenger.
● Understand the motor options. E-bikes come with either a hub-drive motor, which
sits in the wheel’s hub, or a mid-drive motor on the bike’s bottom bracket where
your pedals are. Mid-drive motors have a more natural feel, while rear-wheel
hub-drive motors make you feel like you are being pushed along.
● Need more power? Consider a high torque number. The lower the torque
number, the less powerful the bike will feel. If you are cruising city streets, this
may not be a problem, but if you plan to ride trails, gravel paths, or steep inclines,
you might need a higher torque rating.
● Be sure the battery meets your needs. Review battery ratings and determine how
many miles you can ride before recharging. Does this cover your commute
distance and other needs? Find out how many charge-discharge cycles you can
expect your battery to last. Quality e-bikes generally last for at least 1,000 full
cycles. For an average rider, the battery will last for about three to five years
before you need to replace it.
● Get the right size bike for you. Be sure you fit comfortably on the e-bike model
you are considering buying. You should feel comfortable when riding and be able
to mount and dismount without falling over. It’s always best to check out an
e-bike before buying. If you are shopping online, carefully compare the e-bike
measurements to those of a similar style bicycle you know you feel comfortable
on.
● Think about maintenance. Like any vehicle, your e-bike will need periodic
maintenance and perhaps even repairs. Always understand your warranty and
the type of tune-up and repairs needed. Purchase your e-bike from a company
that is happy to answer your questions and offers good customer service. This
will come in handy if you ever need a repair.

Until next time!

Check out this episode!

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This podcast is brought to you by BBB of the Tri-Counties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs for supporting this podcast.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust!

Summertime means grilling season is in full swing. But before you can host that backyard BBQ, you need a grill.

These tips will help you pick the right kind of grill at a price that fits your budget.

Tips for buying a grill

● Start by choosing a fuel type. Grills come in various budgets, so start by
narrowing your search according to fuel type. The most common options include 1.  Gas Grills, 2.  Charcoal or specialized ceramic grills, and 3. wood pellet grills.  

Gas grills are popular because of their convenience. These grills light with
the touch of a button and the turn of a few dials. If you want a gas grill, you
must decide between natural gas and propane. Natural grills plug into your
existing natural gas line, so you’ll never run out of fuel. Propane grills use
a cylinder that will need to be refilled. However, propane will be
significantly cheaper if you don’t have a natural gas line at your home.

Basic charcoal or specialized ceramic grills give you greater control over
cooking temperature. The bigger you build a fire, the higher the
temperature. Charcoal grills offer more classic grilled flavor than gas grills,
but they have a steeper learning curve.

Wood pellets. Pellet grills are designed to make food taste like cooked
over a wood fire. They often have digital thermostats that allow you to be
precise with the cooking temperature.

How to Choose the Right Grill:  

● Set a budget. Grill prices range from hundreds to thousands – to even tens of
thousands of dollars. Be sure to set your budget and know how much you can
spend before you start shopping. This will help you further narrow your options.

● Choose the right size. If you cook for a family of four, a two-burner gas grill or
most small to medium charcoal grills will work fine. Many grills are measured in
square inches. Grills around 400-500 square inches are a good choice for most
families. If you’re grilling for a crowd, you may need something larger.

● If you are new to grilling, start simple. A basic starter grill that only costs a couple
of hundred dollars will allow you to improve your grilling skills and decide if you
want to invest in something fancier.

● Check for solid construction. The more solid the grill, the more grilling seasons it
will last. Give assembled grills a jostle to see if they feel shaky or unstable. Grills
with welded joints are usually sturdier and more stable than carts assembled with bolts.  

Check out this episode!

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A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties

A BIG Thank you to Ayers Auto Repairs in Santa Barbara for making Scam Squad possible!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust!

After more than three years of relief, the payment pause on student loans is coming to an end. The U.S. Department of Education recently announced that student loan interest will resume September 1, 2023, and payments will be due starting in October. This student loan news affects millions of Americans, which creates an excellent opportunity for scammers. In fact, BBB has already received multiple reports of scams related to student loan repayment citing “new 2023 guidelines.” Get to know the signs of a scam and always be sure to do your research before sharing any personal information.

How the scam works:

 You receive an email, letter, or phone call from someone claiming you are eligible for “student loan consolidation,” “payment reduction program,” or a similar service. This new benefit is allegedly part of “the new 2023 guidelines,” and the scammer may even claim to represent the Federal Student Aid (FSA) department. If you respond, the scammer will ask you for personal information to “confirm your identity” or to “check your eligibility.” This information might include your Social Security number, name and address, and even your FSA.gov login information. One student loan holder reported the following experience: “I received an email stating that the Student Loan Department has been trying to contact me to tell me all of my student loans are eligible for forgiveness under the new 2023 guidelines. They wanted me to call the number between 11-7pm in Albuquerque, New Mexico and give them information in order to process forgiveness.” At this point the loan holder reached out their student loan company and learned that the email was scam. After “verifying your identity” the scammer will offer you an enticing plan to reduce your loan repayment. If you agree, you may end up making payments a third-party in vain for months or even years. None of your payments will go towards your student loan. And even if you don’t make a payment, sharing personal information puts you at risk for identity theft.

Tips to avoid student loan forgiveness scams

● Get to know the terms of your student loan and the relief program before acting. Always do your research before sharing personal information. Be sure to understand the ins and outs of your specific loan and how student loan terms impact you. You may have to research who your current loan servicer is since it may have changed. Reach out to them to explore all your repayment options and make sure your contact information is up to date. For information, go straight to official government websites, such as ED.gov and studentaid.gov.

● Never pay money for a free government program. Scammers often trick victims into paying for free government programs – or they claim you can get additional benefits, faster benefits, etc., for a fee. A real government agency will not ask for an advanced processing fee. These are all red flags of a scam.

● Be wary of out-of-the-blue calls, emails, or text messages claiming to be from the government. Generally, the government will not contact you using these methods unless you grant permission.

● Watch out for phony government agencies or programs. If you speak to someone claiming to be a government representative offering you student loan relief, research before you agree to anything. Scammers often make up look-alike government websites that sound similar to legitimate agencies or programs.

● Think something seems suspicious? Reach out to the agency directly. If you have any concerns about an alleged government representative’s legitimacy, hang up the phone or stop emailing/texting. Then, find the official contact information (look on ED.gov and studentaid.gov or other official sites) and call to verify. Then, report suspicious calls or messages.

● Be careful, even if the information comes from a friend. Even if a close friend or family member you trust sent you the information regarding student loan relief, make sure the claims are real first. During the COVID-19 pandemic, BBB received many reports of hacked social media accounts being used to spread government impostor scams. For more information Read more on BBB.org about scams targeting recent college graduates and government impostors. Get further insight by reading BBB’s tips on loans and credit repair services. If you’ve spotted a student loan forgiveness scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams.

Until next time!

Check out this episode!

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This Podcast is brought to you by BBB of the Tri-Counties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast. https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-the-tri-counties

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Between booking flights, hotels, a rental car, and things to do, planning a vacation can get stressful. It’s one reason many travelers turn to vacation packages, which bundle multiple aspects of your trip. Vacation packages are simpler to purchase and can save you money too. To get the best deal and to avoid unpleasant surprises, BBB recommends the following tips when booking a vacation package.

● Count the cost. The best way to know if you’re getting a good deal on a vacation package is to check the price for booking each part of the vacation separately. If a vacation package costs more than purchasing hotels, flights, rental cars, etc., separately, you might want to make your bookings instead.

● Be flexible to get the best deal. Getting a better value for your vacation package is easier if you can be flexible with your dates. This is also true if you’re flexible with your destination. Is your heart set on Cancun, but it’s outside your budget? Why not consider a travel package that takes you to a lesser-known beach in Mexico? The same goes for airport choices. Being open to departing from any nearby airport might save you hundreds of dollars.

● Know that you can extend travel dates (usually). If you’re offered a package with pre-established dates, know that most packages allow you to extend your trip or modify the dates as you see fit. You’ll pay more for different dates, but it can be done. However, if you can’t extend your trip for the package you’re interested in, you can always find your way home. Taking advantage of the travel package and adding your travel plans to the end of your trip is still an option.

● Book early or last minute. You can also get a good deal by booking your trip early or scoring a last-minute deal. If last-minute travel plans sound stressful, consider blocking off the time earlier in the year and hunting up your travel package the week before.

● Read the fine print. Always read and re-read the fine print when booking a vacation package to ensure you know exactly what is included and what isn’t. Airfare and your hotel might be included in the price, but what about land transfers, tips, activities, amenities, and food? The last thing you want is to assume your package is all-inclusive, only to discover you’ll need to pay for more than you expected after arriving at your destination.

● Check the refund and cancelation policies. Get to know how cancelations and refunds are handled if your trip is interrupted by illness, bad weather, or other unforeseen events. You’ll find this information in the fine print as well.

● Think about loyalty points and travel rewards. If you travel regularly, you might want to earn points through a loyalty program you use or redeem travel rewards for your next trip. This isn’t always possible when booking vacation packages. However, it might be if you book a vacation package through the company you get rewards from. For example, if you have plenty of sky miles saved up through your favorite airline’s loyalty program, try booking a vacation package through them.

● Watch out for scams. As always, you’ll need to watch for bad actors when searching for a good vacation package. Book through reputable vendors and be wary of travel companies you haven’t heard of before. Research to ensure they have a good business reputation before booking a trip. Read plenty of reviews, keeping a close eye out for complaints and reports of scams.

Until Next time!

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