Don O'Brien
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.…
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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…
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