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A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties: https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-…

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair for Supporting this Channel!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Buying refurbished items can save you money, but it’s important to research before you take the plunge. While many reputable businesses offer quality pre-owned electronics, appliances, and other products for a fraction of their original price, BBB Scam Tracker has received reports of con artists ripping off consumers by promising a great deal on “like-new” devices that they don’t plan on delivering. How the scam works: You find a website that sells refurbished items ranging from car parts to cellphones to hair dryers. The site looks legit, and they are selling a high-dollar item you want for a price that fits your budget. You decide to purchase through the website or a payment app like PayPal (a BBB Accredited Business). Then, a few days after receiving your order confirmation, you wonder why you haven’t received a shipping confirmation. You reach out to the company, and they respond with an excuse. They may claim they are understaffed or have had a problem with their supply chain. Still, they assure you the item will be shipped soon. As more time passes, it eventually becomes clear that the seller has no intention of shipping anything. Each time you try to contact them, they either have more excuses or become impossible to reach. One consumer reported, “I was told multiple times the delay was from the owner being in a major car crash or dealing with a catastrophic medical accident. They even told me they were moving shop (more delays) and then that they had moved personally, which slowed delivery.” Unfortunately, the item you ordered doesn’t exist, and you’ve li lost the money you paid for it.

How to avoid refurbished product scams:

● Carefully examine a website before making a purchase. Before doing business with an online retailer, examine their website carefully. Not only should it have quality photos and typo-free content, but it should also have working contact information. In addition, you’ll want to research to find customer reviews and complaints. If you find reports of scams or no reviews at all, think twice before making a purchase. Always double-check the URL you are visiting to ensure you aren’t on a fake website.

● Understand what the term “refurbished” means. Keep in mind that refurbished means different things to different manufacturers. It can mean the product had shipping damage and was returned; it could refer to an open box product, a demo model, or an item that was broken and returned to the manufacturer. Find out what a company means by refurbished before you commit to a purchase. Remember that unauthorized third-party resellers are a big risk, especially if they don’t offer returns. Even if a reseller claims the manufacturer has refurbished the item, there’s no way you can confirm it. Buying under these circumstances is a big gamble.

● Ask about return policies. It can take a while for problems to show up, so make sure you have the option to return a refurbished item. If you can’t return it, or the return window is only a week or two, it may not be worth the risk.

● Inquire about warranties. Some manufacturer-refurbished items have an extended warranty, but this isn’t always true. Find out if the item you’re interested in qualifies for a warranty and what the conditions are. Warranties can come in handy if the refurbished item does have issues down the road. Know that anything marked “as-is” won’t have a warranty.

● Buy refurbished products from the manufacturer when possible. When a manufacturer gets a returned product, they recondition it to be like-new. They use original parts and trained repairmen to get the job done. An item refurbished by a third party may not get the same treatment. It could be repaired by someone who isn’t an expert with the brand, or it might contain different parts. Either issue means it won’t be in like-new condition when you buy it.

● Use a safe payment method. Always make online purchases with your credit card. If an online retailer doesn’t deliver on their promises, it will be easier to dispute the charges, and you’ll be more likely to get your money back. Until next time!

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 supporting this podcast!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Buying refurbished items can
save you money, but it’s important to research before you take the plunge. While many
reputable businesses offer quality pre-owned electronics, appliances, and other
products for a fraction of their original price, BBB Scam Tracker has received reports of
con artists ripping off consumers by promising a great deal on “like-new” devices that
they don’t plan on delivering.

How the scam works:

You find a website that sells refurbished items ranging from car parts to cellphones to
hair dryers. The site looks legit, and they are selling a high-dollar item you want for a
price that fits your budget. You decide to purchase through the website or a payment
app like PayPal (a BBB Accredited Business).

Then, a few days after receiving your order confirmation, you wonder why you haven’t
received a shipping confirmation. You reach out to the company, and they respond with
an excuse. They may claim they are understaffed or have had a problem with their
supply chain. Still, they assure you the item will be shipped soon.

As more time passes, it eventually becomes clear that the seller has no intention of
shipping anything. Each time you try to contact them, they either have more excuses or
become impossible to reach.

One consumer reported, “I was told multiple times the delay was from the owner being in a major car crash or dealing with a catastrophic medical accident. They even told me they were moving shop (more delays) and then that they had moved personally, which slowed delivery.” Unfortunately, the item you ordered doesn’t exist, and you’ve li lost the money you paid for it.

How to avoid refurbished product scams:

● Carefully examine a website before making a purchase. Before doing business with an online retailer, examine their website carefully. Not only should it have quality photos and typo-free content, but it should also have working contact information. In addition, you’ll want to research to find customer reviews and complaints. If you find reports of scams or no reviews at all, think twice before making a purchase. Always double-check the URL you are visiting to ensure you aren’t on a fake website.

● Understand what the term “refurbished” means. Keep in mind that refurbished means different things to different manufacturers. It can mean the product had shipping damage and was returned; it could refer to an open box product, ademo model, or an item that was broken and returned to the manufacturer. Find out what a company means by refurbished before you commit to a purchase. Remember that unauthorized third-party resellers are a big risk, especially if they don’t offer returns. Even if a reseller claims the manufacturer has refurbished the item, there’s no way you can confirm it. Buying under these circumstances is a big gamble.

● Ask about return policies. It can take a while for problems to show up, so make sure you have the option to return a refurbished item. If you can’t return it, or the return window is only a week or two, it may not be worth the risk.

● Inquire about warranties. Some manufacturer-refurbished items have an extended warranty, but this isn’t always true. Find out if the item you’re interested in qualifies for a warranty and what the conditions are. Warranties can come in handy if the refurbished item does have issues down the road. Know that anything marked “as-is” won’t have a warranty.

● Buy refurbished products from the manufacturer when possible. When a manufacturer gets a returned product, they recondition it to be like-new. They use original parts and trained repairmen to get the job done. An item refurbished by a third party may not get the same treatment. It could be repaired by someone who isn’t an expert with the brand, or it might contain different parts. Either issue means it won’t be in like-new condition when you buy it.

● Use a safe payment method. Always make online purchases with your credit card. If an online retailer doesn’t deliver on their promises, it will be easier to dispute the charges, and you’ll be more likely to get your money back.

Until next time!

Check out this episode!

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A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-…

A BIG thank you Ayers Automotive Repairs of Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! Using green cleaning products in your home can reduce toxins, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that are bad for your health and the environment. Green cleaners are more popular than ever, so shoppers have plenty of choices. But navigating the seals, certifications, and marketing claims can be confusing.

Tips for choosing cleaning products that are effective and safe for you and the environment:

● Check the packaging for eco-friendly labels. Products that display the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice label have safer chemical ingredients. According to the EPA, products with the label are “rigorously reviewed ingredient-for-ingredient, adhere to strict performance standards, and are evaluated to ensure the potential of adverse human and environmental health impacts is minimized.”

● Be wary of “greenwashing”: Watch out for companies that label their products with vague phrases like “green” or “all-natural,” warns the EPA. This is called “greenwashing.” Instead, look for the Safer Choice label or specific, verifiable claims. You can search for Safer Choice-certified products here.

● Make sure product claims are substantiated: According to the Federal Trade Commission, if a product makes specific claims, such as “VOC-free” or “non-toxic,” the company should be able to prove its product doesn’t have that ingredient nor any other ingredient that causes the same kind of risk. If you see a misleading green marketing claim, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

● Try homemade cleaners. Many basic ingredients in your pantry, such as baking soda and white vinegar, make excellent cleaners. This article from greenamerica.org explains the ten basic ingredients that will tackle most cleaning jobs.

● Choose products with minimal, recycled, or biodegradable packaging. Being green isn’t just about chemicals. It’s also important to consider how a product is packaged. For example, if you use paper towels for cleaning, buy a recycled paper brand. Also, always choose biodegradable cleaning products when possible. Also, companies that use less plastic and offer refillable containers are a good choice.

Check out this episode!

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A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties: https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-…

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast.

Business owners, con artists want to trick you into claiming tax credits that you aren’t eligible for. The Internal Revenue Service warns about scams revolving around the Employee Retention Credit, a tax credit for businesses that continued paying employees during the COVID-19 shutdowns or had a significant income decline during the eligibility period. While most eligible employers have already claimed this credit, unscrupulous companies are advertising ERC services to draw in businesses that are not eligible for the credit.

What’s in it for them? As always, scammers hope to get their hands on your personally identifiable information for identity theft. In some cases, they may charge you for dishonest services. Your best line of defense is to get to know the scam so that you can spot it first.

How the scam works:

You see an ad online or hear one on the radio that claims the government still owes your business an Employee Retention Credit, which you can claim on your taxes this year. They may ask you to call a number or visit a website for more information. A quick chat with the customer service rep or looking at a website convinces you that qualifying for the ERC is extremely easy. You decide to give it a try! You contact the company, and they tell you to qualify for the credit – without knowing anything about your business or how you handled COVID-19 shutdowns. They ask you to provide sensitive information, including your Social Security number, employer identification number (EIN), and other details the scammer can use to commit identity theft. If you hesitate to provide your personal information, they’ll quickly assure you they only want to help you get the money your business is entitled to. The company charges a service fee in other scam versions to help you get the credit. Unfortunately, if you accept their services and claim a credit you aren’t eligible for – even if you do so in good faith – you could face serious consequences, including paying back the credit with penalties and interest. Ultimately, the IRS will hold you responsible for any inaccurate information on your tax return – not the scammer.

How to avoid tax credit scams:

● Don’t believe marketing materials guarantee you’ll qualify for a tax credit. Anyone who makes guarantees without knowing anything about your business is likely up to no good.

● Think twice about promises of huge refunds. Scammers use the same tactics for many different cons. Tax credit schemes are no exception. Scammers count on an emotional response to a promise of fast, free cash before reason sets in. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

● Don’t pay to get money. While paying a tax professional to prepare your taxes each year is perfectly reasonable, watch out for companies or individuals that charge you fees based on high and optimistic percentages of recovered taxes. Keep in mind that true tax professionals always make conservative estimates.

● Get to know the rules about ERC or other tax credits. Always do your research through a reputable source. For example, a quick visit to IRS.gov reveals that employers eligible for the ERC must have sustained a full or partial suspension of operations due to a governmental order by an appropriate authority, and they need to have qualified as a recovery startup business for the third or fourth quarters of 2021, among other qualifications. A little research can debunk scammers’ claims before you get sucked into their schemes.

● Be careful with your personally identifiable information. Never give sensitive information to someone you don’t know and trust. If you are dealing with a tax professional for the first time, investigate beforehand to find out if they have a solid business reputation before you hand over any personal details.

● Always look for businesses that follow BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust. Trustworthy BBB Accredited Businesses don’t participate in shady practices.

Want to join the ranks and become BBB Accredited? Visit BBB.org/get-accredited

Check out this episode!

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A Podcast from BBB of the Tri-Counties: 

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Your Moment of Trust! The weather is warming in some parts of the country, inspiring people to clean up or clear the clutter. The one area many overlook isn’t the corner of a room or a forgotten closet; it’s the digital device you’re reading this article. The BBB encourages people to check their smartphones, laptops, and tablets and take a few minutes to review these tips.

● Lock down your login: Security is critical to protecting accounts used for work and home. Ensure passphrases for each account are lengthy, unique, and safely stored. Enable 2-factor authentication on all accounts that offer it.

● Update your system and software: Avoid procrastination! The most current software, web browsers, and operating systems are some of the easiest and fastest ways to protect your most sensitive assets.

● Back it up: Protect your personal and workplace data by making electronic copies – or backups – of your most important files. Use the 3-2-1 rule to help guide you: 3 backup copies, two different media types, and one offline in a separate location.

● Clean up your online presence: When did you last use all the apps on your phone or tablet? Do you know the settings on all social media accounts that check in with friends and family? Check up on all your accounts. Then, control your role by ensuring you know who has administrative access to your accounts. Keep all of your passwords private.

● Be careful what you share: Quizzes on social media are fun, and keeping in touch is necessary. However, questions on social media might give away too much information about you, your location, or your family. In addition to following the above-listed tips, small business owners should take time to establish, update, and communicate policies and procedures around topics like record retention. It is also imperative that a cybersecurity strategy is in place and used by all employees. BBB has tips on BBB.org/bizhq on how to avoid online scams when working from home. BBB Secure Your ID Day Did you know that protecting your identity is largely in your own hands? Many identity theft victims can trace the theft to something stolen from their possession. BBB has a few guidelines to help safely dispose of electronically stored data. Before participating in BBB’s Secure Your ID Day or other shredding events, prepare your data. Know what devices to digitally “shred”: Computers and mobile phones aren’t the only devices that capture and store sensitive, personal data. External hard drives and USBs, tape drives, embedded flash memory, wearables, networking equipment, and office tools like copiers, printers, and fax machines all contain valuable personal information and stored images.

● Clear out stockpiles: If you have a stash of old hard drives or other devices – even in a locked storage area – information still exists and could be stolen. Don’t wait: wipe and/or destroy unneeded hard drives immediately.

● Empty your trash or recycle bin on all devices, and be sure to wipe and overwrite: Simply deleting and emptying the trash isn’t enough to eliminate a file. You must permanently delete old files. Use a program that deletes the data, “wipes” it from your device, and then overwrites it by putting random data in place of your information ‒ which cannot be retrieved.

○ Various overwriting and wiping tools are available for electronic devices. Remove any identifying information written on labels before disposal for devices like tape drives. Use embedded flash memory or other methods to perform a full factory reset and verify that no potentially sensitive information exists on the device.

● Decide what to do with the device: Once the device is clean, you can sell it, trade it in, give it away, recycle it, or have it destroyed. Note the following:

○ Failed drives still contain data: On failed drives, wiping often fails; shredding/destruction is the practical disposal approach for failed drives. Avoid returning a failed drive to the manufacturer; you can purchase support to keep it – and then destroy it.

○ To be “shredded,” a hard drive must be chipped into small pieces: Using a hammer to hit a drive only slows down a determined cybercriminal; instead, use a trusted shredding company to dispose of your old hard drives. Device shredding can often be the most time- and cost-effective option for disposing of many drives.

Until next time!

Check out this episode!