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A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties:

https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-the-tri-counties

A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for Supporting this Podcast

How to avoid fake invoice scams:

● Be wary of unsolicited emails, especially if you don’t remember doing business with the company they claim to come from. Even if you do business with a company, be careful if you receive an email you didn’t ask for or authorize. Scammers love to impersonate companies that are well-known and trusted by consumers.

● Know how invoices will be delivered. If you sign up for a service or subscription, ask how the company will deliver its invoices. That way, you won’t be fooled if scammers send you a copycat invoice through a different channel. BBB Accredited Businesses promise to adhere to BBB’s Standards for Trust, so look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal. It’s the Sign of a Better Business.

● Train your staff to spot a fake invoice. As a small business owner, you may not personally look at every invoice from your accounts department. Ensure your employees know how to differentiate a real invoice from a scam.

● Don’t give in to scare tactics. Scammers will use a sense of urgency to get you to give up sensitive information or make payments without thinking. If someone tells you you’ll lose hundreds of dollars if you don’t act now, don’t be easily intimidated. Always do proper research before agreeing to any transactions – especially unexpected ones.

● Have questions about a Geek Squad message? Reach out to Best Buy. Customers can call 1-888-BESTBUY to confirm whether a suspicious email is real. Also, check out BestBuy.com/StopFraud for more resources to help spot cybercrime, fraud, and tech support scams. Until next time!

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A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Counties https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-the-tri-counties A BIG thank you to Aers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast! https://www.ayersrepairs.com

You’ve likely heard ads on the TV or radio about the Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit for U.S. military veterans and their families exposed to tainted water at the camp. Marketing agencies and law firms spent over $40 million advertising the lawsuit. Now, scammers are jumping on board too, hoping all the media attention makes it easier to trick people, especially military personnel, into falling for common scam tactics.

How the scam works:

You receive an email or phone call telling you you qualify for compensation for the Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit. The email may claim you are entitled to tens of thousands of dollars. You need to click a link or call a number to get your compensation. For example, one recent target told BBB Scam Tracker: “[The caller] said they were representing Camp Lejeune and needed information about my brother who served in the military. Since he died years ago from cancer, they said I had $5,000,000 waiting in compensation from the Marines.” From here, the scam takes several different forms. Clicking the link could download malware onto your computer or mobile device, putting you at risk for identity theft. In other versions, scammers direct you to a website with a form that asks for personal information.

In yet another variation, the scammers are after your money and personal details. They claim you need to pay an upfront fee, so they can file your case and receive your money. If you pay them, they’ll continue to ask for more “filing fees” until you become suspicious. As soon as you realize the con, the scammer will disappear with your information and money.

How to avoid class action lawsuit scams: 

● Don’t believe in promises of quick cash with minimal effort. Scammers love to promise that fast cash is in your immediate future. The reality is even well-deserved compensation will take time to receive. It’s worth noting, too, that veterans who served at Camp Lejeune can apply for VA disability compensation and health care benefits without filing a lawsuit or getting help from a lawyer. BBB Accredited Businesses promise to adhere to BBB’s Standards for Trust, so look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal. It’s the Sign of a Better Business.

● Never click on links in suspicious emails. Be wary of unsolicited emails in general. Please don’t click on the links they contain, as they could lead you to fake websites or download malware onto your computer.

● Stay alert to variations of this scam. Emails aren’t the only way scammers may try to contact you about this and other class action lawsuits. Keep your eye out for similar scams sent via text messages, phone calls, or even mail.

● If you think you deserve compensation, apply through official channels. Visit VA.gov/CampLejeune for official information on how to apply for compensation. You can file for disability compensation online and learn what steps to take to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

● Only work with reputable representatives. If you are ready to file a claim or appeal and need help, don’t settle for working with the first lawyer who pops up on a TV ad. Instead, do thorough research before choosing a legal representative. Get to know all your options, including working with an accredited attorney or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO).

For more information For more ways to avoid email scams, see the BBB Tip: How to recognize a phony email and the BBB Tip on phishing scams. For more information about how to receive compensation related to a stay at Camp Lejeune, visit VA.gov/CampLejeune. You can also report your experience at BBB.org/ScamTracker to help boost public awareness about this and similar scams. Until next time!A

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A Podcast from BBB of the Tri-Counties: 

Beware of BBB imposters!  BBB does sometimes reach out to consumers and businesses; however, BBB will never ask for passwords or information to access your personal device.  Also, watch out for phony invoices that look as if they are from the BBB.  

If you are unsure if it’s really the BBB calling, tell the caller you will call them back and end the call. Then check the phone number on BBB.org and call directly. If you receive a call from someone requesting payment information or permission to access your computer, hang up and report it to BBB Scam Tracker.

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

 

Check out this episode!

A Podcast by BBB of the Tri-Countiea https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-the-tri-counties

A Big Thank you to Ayers Automotive Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast! https://www.ayersrepairs.com

Scammers can target victims through any device connected to the internet, and your TV is no exception. BBB Scam Tracker has seen an influx of reports about scammers catching people off guard with pop-ups on their smart TVs. Their objective is to steal your personal information and money. How the scam works: You open a familiar service on your smart TV. However, you can’t log in. Instead, a pop-up appears, telling you there is a problem with your device or your streaming subscription. You need to call a phone number or visit a website to fix it. Don’t fall for it! If you call the number, scammers pretend to be customer service representatives. They will insist you pay an activation fee or allow them remote access to your smart TV. These con artists will get your credit or debit card number if you pay the fee. If you give them access to your device or click on a link they provide, the scammers may install malware on your TV and use it to gain access to sensitive personal information. Sometimes scammers ask you to “fix” the issue by paying them in gift cards. One consumer reported that after calling a number that appeared in a pop-up on their smart TV, a scammer instructed them to purchase three $100 Xbox gift cards to add “anti-hacking protection” to their account. After buying the gift cards and contacting the number again, it became clear they were dealing with scammers. 

How to avoid smart TV scams:

● Double-check any fees you have to pay. If scammers ask you to pay an activation fee, antivirus protection fee, or any other kind of fee, do some research.

● Check before you call. If a “customer service” phone number appears in a pop-up, double-check it before you call. Contact a streaming service or TV manufacturer’s website to find their customer support number.

● Never let anyone control your device remotely. Scammers usually ask for remote computer access, but they could also ask for access to your smart TV. Don’t ever give control of your device to a stranger.beforehand. For example, scammers claim you need to pay an activation fee to start using your Roku. However, a quick online search reveals that Roku never charges activation or registration fees.

● Don’t fall for fake websites. Scammers love to create imitation websites using URLs that are just a letter or two off. Fake websites are a threat, even on smart TVs, so double-check the URL. Another way to protect yourself is to avoid clicking on links in pop-ups and, instead, type web URLs directly into your browser.

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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 Repairs in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast. https://www.ayersrepairs.com

Tips for Buying New Tires:

● Assess your current set of tires.

For starters, determine whether you need new tires. Try the “Lincoln test” if you’re unsure. Place a penny upside down into the tread of your tires. If you can see the top of Abe’s head, your tires should be replaced immediately. If the tread falls somewhere on his forehead, you should plan to buy new tires in the next few months. Even if the tread is thick enough, uneven wear, flaking, cracks, bulges, or other damage can all indicate you need new tires. Finally, if your tires are over six years old, vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing them, no matter their condition. 

● Get to know tire types.

The type of tire you need will depend on the weather conditions you drive in and how you use your vehicle. 

○ All-season tires: Most vehicles have all-season tires designed to work reasonably well in most weather conditions. They can handle some mud, snow, and slush.

○ Winter tires: If you live in a climate with frequent snow and ice, winter tires might be a better choice. They are more effective in deep snow.

○ Summer tires: These tires are best for warm weather climates. This kind of tire shouldn’t be driven if temperatures dip below freezing.

○ All-terrain tires: These are used mainly for four-wheel drive vehicles. They are great for off-roading but not meant for extended highway driving.

○ High-performance tires: These are designed with high-speed handling in mind, but they wear out quicker than “regular” tires. They may be a good choice if you drive a sports car. But they aren’t ideal for your everyday grocery store runs.

● Check out tread wear warranties.

You can find treadwear ratings on a tire’s sidewall. The higher the number, the longer the tire is supposed to last. Most tires have manufacturing quality and defect warranties, but some have a tread life warranty. In most cases, if your tires wear out before your reach the mileage number, you can get a credit towards a new set of the same tires. Shop around. Consider cost, convenience, and customer service when choosing where to buy your tires. Warehouse clubs, online sellers, tire dealers, car dealerships, and local shops all sell tires and have their pros and cons. If you’re looking for something specialized and unique, a local tire shop might be your best option, though you’ll probably pay a little more. Warehouse clubs and online sellers may offer more competitive prices, but their selections might be limited. Car dealerships provide convenience, but they aren’t the cheapest option, and you’ll likely have no choice but to buy original equipment tires. In the end, where you purchase your tires will depend on the kind of tires you want and your personal preferences. 

● Only purchase tires from a reputable seller.

Visit BBB.org to see business ratings and read customer reviews. Make sure you only do business with a tire vendor with a good reputation and plenty of positive reviews. A little research goes a long way in finding out if a company is trustworthy or if they employ questionable business practices. Speak with someone on the phone or in person and ask plenty of questions about tire selections, installation, and warranties. Note the level of customer service you receive during this initial interaction to determine how you’ll be treated during tire installation and after the sale. 

● Keep an eye on the fees.

You’ll probably have to pay some extra fees on top of the cost of the tires. You’ll likely see installation charges, disposal fees for your old tires, and taxes on your final bill. Some vendors may ask you to pay for new tire stems and resetting the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Still, others might offer add-on services like filling the tires with nitrogen and road hazard warranties. Review all the fees and add-ons carefully before you agree to buy.

● Inspect new tires upon installation.

Take a good look at your new tires before you leave the shop. Look for any signs of damage and make sure the directional tread is facing the same way on all four tires. After you’ve driven a few miles on the new tires, check the tire pressure for each tire to make sure it matches the numbers indicated in the car’s door jamb. If tires are not within the suggested range, take the vehicle back to the shop for inspection.

● Maintain your new tires to extend their life.

Regularly check your tire pressure, inspect the tires for signs of uneven wear and damage, and get regular tire rotations. These are all easy ways to keep your tires in good shape and make them last for as long as possible.

Until next time!

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