Don O'Brien
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…
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…
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QUINCY — The Better Business Bureau is warning Facebook users that sharing a certain kind of attention-grabbing post might put their friends at risk of falling victim to a scam. Don O’Brien, BBB Quincy regional director, said a recent post in one of the Quincy Buy, Sell, Trade groups warned of an 87-year-old man and his dog…
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…
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QUINCY — A website purporting to be the home of a long-time Quincy car dealer is scamming people searching for used cars. The Better Business Bureau has received complaints in the last month from people in Louisiana and Texas attempting to buy a vehicle from Bob Oberling Used Cars, 2731 N. 12th, which no longer…
Read Full Article March 31, 2025
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