Don O'Brien
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…
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 QUINCY — Can you recognize AI-made content when you see it? Edited images and videos are nothing new, but generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools are making it faster and easier for people to create text, images and videos from scratch. Some experts are predicting a wave of AI content in scams as generative AI programs…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Planning to go see the upcoming total solar eclipse? Be wary of scams when you’reshopping for eclipse glasses and lodging. The path of totality for the April 8 solar eclipse will cut through southeastern Missouri and southern Illinois. Great American Eclipse estimates that between 43,000 and 172,000 people will travel to Missouri and…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Couples who got engaged during the holidays are likely to spend spring in a whirlwind of wedding planning, attending wedding expos, bridal shows and consultations. The last thing anyone needs during this stressful wedding planning process is to deal with a business that can’t deliver on its promises. BBB often receives complaints about…
Read Full Article QUINCY — It’s tough to keep track of your info in an increasingly connected world. As we rely more on online services for daily activities, it’s more important than ever to be in control of your data. Quite a bit of personal information is already shared on the internet by cell phones, tablets, laptops or…
Read Full Article QUINCY — No one likes doing their taxes, but filing early may help you avoid tax fraud this year. Tax scams are among the types of fraud most frequently reported to BBB, and scammers often impersonate the IRS. Their goal is either to get your personal information for tax identity theft or to trick you…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Better Business Bureau Quincy welcomed two new Advisory Board members to its ranks, effective Jan. 1. “Our new board members share BBB’s commitment to making sure Quincy is a great place to live, give and do business,” Don O’Brien, BBB Quincy Regional Director, said in a press release. “I look forward to working…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Success stories in ads for online dating services can make it sound like true love is just a click (or swipe) away. But all dating services have their limitations – and costs. Plenty of people find happiness using a dating website or app, but some may end up disappointed in the number or…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Taxes can be complicated. If you’ve experienced major life changes, own a business or simply want reassurance that your taxes are being done properly, it might make sense to seek the guidance of a professional tax preparer. You’ll need to trust your tax preparer with your finances and sensitive personal information, so it’s…
Read Full Article QUINCY — On New Year’s Day 2024, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake and aftershocks hit Ishikawa prefecture in western Japan, leaving at least 62 dead and causing serious damage. Donors wishing to support relief efforts in Japan should look for trusted, experienced organizations that are transparent about how donations will be used. It’s important to do…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Happy New Year! Your New Year’s resolutions might be financial, career or health goals, butlet’s resolve to be scam-free this year, too. The best way to protect yourself all year long is to know the signs of scams and fraud. Each year, BBB publishes its Scam Tracker Risk Report, an analysis of the…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Returns are rarely fun or convenient, especially in the rush after the holidays. Insider Intelligence predicts that U.S. retail returns will total more than $625 billion this year, and more than half of small to medium retail businesses anticipate they will receive more returns this year than in 2022. Stores have unique return…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Throughout the holiday season, many people travel to visit friends and loved ones or enjoy a winter vacation. According to Deloitte’s 2023 holiday survey, nearly half of Americans intend to travel for the holidays in 2023, up from last year. Travelers also reported they had fewer concerns about health, finances and flight delays…
Read Full Article QUINCY — If you haven’t started already, now is the perfect time to prepare your home and car for winter weather. It can be overwhelming to decide how to winter-proof your life and what contractors you might need to hire for help. However, a few preventative measures can help you avoid waking up to a…
Read Full Article QUINCY — As the holiday shopping season kicks off, so do holiday scams. Gift card scams are one of the most popular methods scammers used, and they’re becoming more common. Fraud reports to BBB Scam Tracker involving gift cards as a form of payment spiked in the first three quarters of 2023, up 50 percent…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Better Business Bureau (BBB) Quincy is honoring three businesses with TORCH Awards for Ethics in 2023. BBB TORCH Awards recognize organizations committed to exceptional standards for ethical business practices and service to their customers, employees, suppliers and communities. In a press release, Don O’Brien, BBB Quincy regional director, said, “We’re excited to honor…
Read Full Article QUINCY — A busy holiday shopping season is fast approaching — and with it comes holiday shopping scams. Holiday spending is expected to surpass pre-pandemic figures for the first time this year, and shoppers are starting earlier than ever, especially younger ones. Major stores are offering sales even before Black Friday. The chaos of the…
Read Full Article QUINCY — Presidents have designated November as National Family Caregivers Month since 1997 to celebrate the millions of Americans caring for those who need support and medical assistance. In Missouri, one in five adults are caregivers to a friend or family member. In Illinois, that figure is one in six. Around 20 percent of caregivers…
Read Full Article QUINCY — TikTok recently launched a new online store, TikTok Shop. Before you shop, check out these smart online shopping tips to avoid scams on the new platform. TikTok is a social media app with a reputation for trendsetting, and many small businesses already use the platform to advertise their products. More than half of…
Read Full Article Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is recognized every September by organizations around the world to raise funds for children affected by cancer. If you’re planning to donate to the cause this month, do your research first. That way, you can be confident your donation is being put to good use. Major charitable movements can sometimes attract…
Read Full Article QUINCY — September is National Preparedness Month – a great time to check in and see if there’s anything you need to do to make sure you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency or natural disaster. Part of being prepared for a disaster is having a plan for repairs…
Read Full Article QUINCY — If you have a college student who just started classes, now’s a good time to talk about preventing fraud while they’re on campus. Young adults are often less experienced with credit and finances. They are navigating financial life events like loans, scholarships or budgeting for the first time – making them a popular…
Read Full Article QUINCY — As a new school year kicks into gear, be on the lookout for scam streaming links when you’re watching a high school sports event online. While many pandemic-era adjustments to high school athletic events have vanished, live streaming has stuck around. Live streams can be a great way for fans to join in…
Read Full Article QUINCY — People struggling with debt or seeking to fix their credit score often turn to credit relief companies. And some of these companies make big promises, but then don’t deliver, leaving people further in debt. Debt is not inherently bad, but many people find themselves underwater as monthly payments and interest stack up, leading…
Read Full Article QUINCY — You might be planning to hire a tutor this school year to keep your child motivated and learning. Many kids can benefit from a tutor to give them extra support in a subject that’s difficult for them or to prepare them for a tough assignment. Your student’s academic needs are unique. A wide…
Read Full Article If you’re a music lover, you may find yourself looking for last-minute deals on late summer festivals or tickets to a sold-out show. However, junk fees, resale pricing for high-demand shows and unscrupulous sellers can all make ticket prices skyrocket. You should also keep an eye out for counterfeit tickets. You’re more likely to run…
Read Full Article As the final days of summer sweep in, you may be planning a camping trip to close out the season. The right gear can make your camping trip a lot more comfortable, but it’s hard to know what you’ll need and where to get it. The price of high quality gear can also add up…
Read Full Article Picture July in Missouri and Illinois, and you’ll probably think of our characteristic hot, humid weather. On top of that, the southern U.S. and Mexico have been experiencing record-breaking heat recently. It’s tempting to blast the air conditioning on days like these, but for many, running the AC at full tilt all day is cost-prohibitive.…
Read Full Article Vacation rentals are popular among travelers who want to have the comforts of home, like a kitchen or laundry machine, while on vacation. Some consumers who book vacation rentals find themselves victims of a bait-and-switch scam, where the scammer lists a vacation rental under an incorrect address. Some rental owners do this to skirt local regulations…
Read Full Article Prime Day has passed, but many other retailers continue to join the trend around this time of year with mid-summer sales. But buyer beware: Busy shopping seasons are an opportunity for scammers to use phishing messages, fraudulent websites and fake social media ads to get consumers’ money or personal information. Online shopping has been the riskiest scam…
Read Full Article Summer 2023 is shaping up to be a big one for boaters headed to popular destinations like Table Rock Lake or Lake of the Ozarks. If you’re thinking of buying a boat this summer, make sure you’re prepared before you shop. Recreational boating has always been a favorite pastime of people who live near Missouri…
Read Full Article You’re probably familiar with how artificial intelligence can be used to generate text, but did you know AI can generate voices, too? BBB and organizations like the Federal Trade Commission are warning consumers about a new type of scam: fake calls, voicemails and voice messages generated by AI. Researchers at McAfee recently found that scammers need only three…
Read Full Article Peak real estate season is in full swing, and home inspectors are in high demand. An inspection is a critical step in buying a home. Home inspectors can uncover structural or mechanical issues that buyers need to discuss with the seller. However, finding a good home inspector can be intimidating. Licensing and certification requirements for…
Read Full Article Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, Zelle or CashApp are a convenient way to split checks, pay rent or purchase from small businesses. However, scammers are finding creative ways to get money from users. Unlike more traditional banking services, P2P payment apps are less likely to provide reimbursement for fraud – making the risk…
Read Full Article Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in June 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 who have a condition that…
Read Full Article As more people search for remote work opportunities, scammers are looking to cash in. Job fraud is the most common type of scam for people ages 18-34, and it’s on the rise this year. In the first three months of 2023, consumers reported job scam losses of nearly $840,000 to Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker,…
Read Full Article Memorial Day is an emotional time for many who want to honor the sacrifices made by America’s armed forces. Unfortunately, scammers know this, and some use this time of year to take advantage of well-meaning donors. If you plan to donate this Memorial Day, BBB recommends keeping an eye out for lookalike scammers who adopt…
Read Full Article The last thing you want during the summer months is for the air conditioning to stop working in the middle of a sweltering day. Good 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 and catch potential problems before…
Read Full Article Now is a good time to buy a used car, but read BBB’s tips first to avoid pitfalls like subpar vehicles and predatory lending practices. U.S. News & World Report reports May is one of the best months to buy a car because dealers may offer discounts on old inventory after the spring auto show season, especially…
Read Full Article Timeshares and vacation clubs can be known for high-pressure sales. With the sun out and their guard down, vacationers can quickly find themselves on the hook for a lifelong commitment. While they’re easy to get into, these contracts are often difficult to escape. Some predatory companies and scammers are taking advantage of consumers looking for…
Read Full Article While prospective college students await their highly anticipated acceptance letters this spring, they may be starting to think about how they can find financial assistance for their college journey. Some companies offer scholarship opportunities or help finding aid for a fee, but are they really the best option for students? Most scholarship information is free.…
Read Full Article Don O’Brien of the Better Business Bureau is back to talk with Ashley Conrad about the scammers, scoundrels and scumbags who try to take your money.
Read Full Article If your basement is leaking or suffering from foundation issues, it could lead to flooding or water damage after spring storms. BBB has tips to help you find a quality contractor for your basement. Spring weather in the Midwest can be all over the map, and it typically involves a lot of rain. Because the…
Read Full Article Warmer temperatures might motivate you to do spring cleaning around the house this month, but did you know April is Digital Spring-Cleaning Month? Taking a few minutes this month to keep your devices clean, organized and free of unnecessary data can help keep you safe from viruses, spyware and identity theft. BBB ScamTracker℠ received more…
Read Full Article Baseball season kicked off this month, and other sports like soccer and ice hockey are in full swing right now. Buying online is the easiest way for many people to get tickets to their favorite team’s game, but like any online purchase, ticket sales can be susceptible to counterfeits and scams. It’s wise to buy…
Read Full Article April brings warmer weather, and everyone is spending more time outside — including salespeople. Now through September is prime time for door-to-door sales, so it’s a good time to form a plan for how you will respond if someone knocks on your door. Plenty of reputable companies use door-to-door sales, including industries like telecommunications, energy,…
Read Full Article While there’s still a slight chill in the air, many families are already planning what their children will do over the summer. Summer camp is a great way for your kids to have new experiences and make friends in a safe environment. Choosing a summer camp can be a source of anxiety for parents. After…
Read Full Article Deciding on a child care provider can be daunting. It’s a big change for a family to make — and a costly one. Rising child care rates and a shortage of providers have made finding quality care more difficult. When you’re looking for someone to care for something so precious as children, trust is critical.…
Read Full Article Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, has launched a new subscription service called Meta Verified. You may be wondering what that means for you. The most important thing to know is Facebook and Instagram are still completely free for regular users. The subscription service is an optional tool for online creators and influencers to…
Read Full Article With winter nearly in the rearview mirror, thoughts turn to sunny days and a chance to get away from it all. Once the winter’s thaw breaks, people often hit the road. Scammers know this as well and are poised to take advantage, especially around spring break and into the summer travel season. Consumers reported more…
Read Full Article You can’t believe everything you read on Facebook. That’s particularly true when it comes to a new phishing scam that recently popped up in various groups throughout the St. Louis region. The ruse starts with a gut-wrenching post about an injured or lost pet or possibly a missing person placed on a local group page. You want…
Read Full Article Success stories in ads for online dating services can make it sound like true love is just a click away. Meeting people online may sound easy and safe, but consumers need to keep their guard up to avoid being swindled, hurt or worse. Better Business Bureau receives more than 4,500 complaints about dating services every year. Many…
Read Full Article If this is your year to take control of your weight and fitness, more power to you. Most likely, you’ll need a commitment to exercise regularly. Better Business Bureau has tips to help you determine which gym or health club is the best place to keep you on track. Make sure you’re healthy enough for an…
Read Full Article As the holiday shopping season winds down, you may be considering gift cards for friends or relatives who have everything or those who live far away. Gift cards are an easy solution to people who are hard-to-please or already have everything. And they’re everywhere – at the drugstore, supermarket, quick shop and department stores. E-gift…
Read Full Article The holidays are all about celebrating what’s good, but that doesn’t mean scammers are taking a vacation. Better Business Bureau takes this opportunity to remind consumers that con artists see busy, over-burdened shoppers as likely targets for their schemes. Common scams during the holidays are: Online shopping scams Everyone wants to get the best deal on gifts,…
Read Full Article The holiday season officially arrives in Quincy with the Festival of Lights opening this week. Ashley talks to Eric Dooley, who revived this tradition at Moorman-Wavering Park. Click this link to donate or sponsor Festival of Lights. Ashley also checks in with Don O’Brien at the Better Business Bureau about what those nasty scammers are…
Read Full Article Ashley Conrad talks to Don O’Brien of the Better Business Bureau about solicitors and Bob Gough talks to Melissa Shriver-Hackamack about the upcoming Adams County Fair. The Abbey, Utopia, Harvey’s Furniture, Instant Replay, Quincy Warehouse Bargains and The Liquor Booth bring you The Daily Muddy.
Read Full Article Ashley Conrad talks about the personal choice between breast feeding and formula feeding a baby. And Don O’Brien with the Better Business Bureau stops by to talk about how scammers are trying to take advantage of the formula shortage. The Abbey, Utopia, Harvey’s Furniture, Instant Replay, Quincy Warehouse Bargains and The Liquor Booth bring you…
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