Better Business Bureau
QUINCY — If you have a college student who just started classes, now’s a good time to talk about avoiding fraud while they’re on campus. One might be tempted to assume that scammers mostly go after older adults, but BBB’s 2023 Scam Tracker℠ Risk Report shows this isn’t necessarily the case. Young people are also…
Read Full Article QUINCY — As your kids get older, they’ll spend more time online. Now is a good time to start teaching them about protecting their personal information. Adults aren’t the only ones who can be targeted by a scam online: Children are at risk too. While Better Business Bureau does not collect information from people under…
Read Full Article Are you looking for a trustworthy tutor for your child this school year? Each student’s academic needs are unique, but many kids can benefit from having a tutor to help keep them motivated and learning. A wide variety of tutoring options are out there to personalize support to each student. Tutors can specialize in different…
Read Full Article QUINCY — What’s a verification code, and why are they so important? Six-digit verification codes are a form of two-factor authentication, a process that helps keep your important online accounts secure. For example, you might get a text message or email with a six-digit code that you must enter when you log into your bank…
Read Full Article QUINCY — It’s almost time to go back to school, and families are stocking up on everything their kids need to have a great year. School supplies can add up, so it makes sense to search for the best deals. Make sure you’re not falling for a too-good-to-be-true price from an untrustworthy vendor. Plenty of…
Read Full Article What do you do if someone pretending to be a worker from a utility company knocks on your door? This is known as a utility impostor scam, which can happen any time of year. They are especially common during extremely cold or hot weather when people can’t go without their heat or air conditioning. A…
Read Full Article QUINCY — It’s tempting to blast the air conditioning in the muggy July heat, but for many, running the AC at full tilt all day is cost-prohibitive. Air conditioners eat up a lot of energy, accounting for six percent of the nation’s electricity use and costing homeowners a collective $29 billion annually. Steps can be…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Shoppers love the deals they can snag during Prime Day (scheduled for July 16-17 this year), and many other major retailers join in on the trend around this time of year by offering mid-summer savings. When you’re on the hunt for deals this summer, make sure you’re extra aware of scammers who might…
Read Full Article QUINCY — You might have heard of “phishing” phone calls or messages, where a scammer pretends to be someone from your bank, tech support or a government agency to get your personal info or money. But what happens when you get a scam call that seems like it’s from someone you know? Emergency scams, sometimes…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Swimming season has officially kicked off, and, with some hotter-than-normal temperatures in the region lately, a dip in the pool sounds extra refreshing. If you’re considering adding a backyard pool to your list of summer projects, research contractors carefully before taking the plunge. Investing in a pool is a big decision, but a…
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FOWLER, Ill. — Dorothy Williams says just because she’s old doesn’t mean she will fall for a scam. “I am tired of people thinking it’s OK for them to come out here, I’ll give you money and they can do whatever the hell they want to my house,” she said. “I may be 82, but…
Read Full Article QUINCY — June, recognized as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, is a good time for older adults and their loved ones to take extra safeguards against scams and fraud. Older adults, especially those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, can be more susceptible to scams. Scam awareness is a complex mental task, and it’s harder for those…
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'They really got me': Golden man explains how phishing scam starting on YouTube page cost him $7,200
GOLDEN, Ill. — One of the customer service employees at GameStop in Quincy finally helped convince Jason Blentlinger he might be the victim of a scam. Blentlinger, who lives in Golden, recently visited GameStop four times in four days to buy various gift cards. He was sending them to someone imitating a person connected with…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Phishing is one of the oldest and most common tactics scammers use to steal money and personal information from people. A new Better Business Bureau (BBB) study shows that phishing scam reports to BBB Scam Tracker nearly doubled last year, reaching a record high of more than 9,000. Phishing has been around for…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Summer is on our doorstep, and the last thing you want is for the air conditioning to stop working in the middle of a sweltering day. Good HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) contractors are in high demand during the summer, so now is a great time to make sure everything is working…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Sports fans have a lot to appreciate right now with the baseball, UFL and soccer seasons in full swing – but be on the lookout for counterfeits and scams when buying tickets. There’s plenty of team spirit to go around this spring and summer, and buying online is the easiest way for many…
Read Full Article QUINCY — A cross-country road trip is an American summer staple, but if you’re hitting the road this summer, make sure you keep track of your tolls. Better Business Bureau (BBB) has received reports of phishing text messages that impersonate road toll collection services to trick people into paying for fake outstanding tolls. The texts…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Figuring out what to do in the aftermath of a scam can be incredibly stressful. Better Business Bureau’s Scam Survival Toolkit can help guide survivors of scams through recovery. Scams affect people of all walks of life. BBB often shares tips on how to avoid scams, but you might still be at risk…
Read Full Article As you start to spruce up your lawn for the summer, make sure you’re working with a trusted lawn care or landscaping service. A beautiful yard takes hard work, and sometimes you need to call in the professionals. Whether you’re looking for help with spring to-dos like yard cleanup, weed control or seeding, or if…
Read Full Article While prospective college students await their highly anticipated acceptance letters this spring, they’re also starting to think about finding financial aid. Some companies offer scholarship opportunities or help finding aid for a fee, but are they really the best option for students? For students struggling to pay for tuition, a sudden scholarship offer or a…
Read Full Article QUINCY — You may be making plans to clean up the physical clutter in your house this spring, but what about the digital clutter on your phone or computer? Spring cleaning season is a great time to check in on your digital cleanliness. Keeping your phone, computer and other devices organized and secure helps ensure…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Spring weather might inspire you to get started on home improvement projects you couldn’t complete during the winter months. Hiring the right contractor is one of the most important things you can do to make sure your project goes smoothly. BBB commonly receives reports from consumers who paid a deposit for home improvement…
Read Full Article As you and your family plan for warmer weather and all the summer fun that comes with it, make sure you vet potential summer camps for your kids carefully. Summer camp is a safe environment for kids to develop social skills, grow a bit of independence and experience the outdoors. At a top-quality camp, parents…
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QUINCY — Jeremy Farlow simply wanted to buy a vehicle for his daughter. He lost $250 to a scam on Facebook … and a little pride as well. “I’m super embarrassed,” Farlow said. “So many warning signs.” The Better Business Bureau said the number of virtual vehicle vendor scam reports increased in 2023 in a…
Read Full Article QUINCY — SAT and ACT scores are a big deal, and high school students and their families invest significant time and money into preparing for these college admissions tests. Scammers know this, and BBB has received reports of scammers taking advantage of students by tricking their families into paying for bogus SAT and ACT prep…
Read Full Article September 09, 2024
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