Eastern MA, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont BBB Id Theft News

BBB Advice on Student Security - What Every College Student Should Know

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT

As college students get settled on campus, fighting fraud may not be at the top of their list of priorities. College students are susceptible to identity theft, however, and Better Business Bureau recommends that they take seven simple steps to protect themselves on campus.

Scam Alert: BBB Warns of an Email Phishing Scam

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a new email scam designed to steal your money. Be on the lookout for an email claiming to be from someone you know who is stuck in another country. They are asking you to give them a loan to pay for their hotel bills and airfare home and request that you respond via email.

This Memorial Day, BBB Warns of Scams that Target the Military

Thu, 26 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

With Memorial Day approaching, the thoughts of many Americans turn to our servicemen and women, as well as their families. Since members of the military protect us at home and abroad, BBB wants to protect them against con artists and scams.

BBB Advises Consumers on Handling Debt Collectors—both Legitimate and Phony

Wed, 25 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Consumers who owe money or are behind on their bills may be legitimately contacted by debt collectors to pay off debts. The BBB warns consumers, however, that phony debt collectors are lurking. In a recent release of the top complaints reported to the Better Business Bureau, collection agencies ranked 5th in number of complaints received. With more than 15,000 complaints, consumers need to be aware of the best practices for when it comes to handling debt collectors.

BBB Warns of Scams in Wake of Osama's Death

Fri, 06 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

In the aftermath of the death of Osama bin Laden this past weekend, Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to watch out for a slew of cyber-scams that have popped up in the past few days.

BBB Advises Internet Surfers to Use Caution When Using Wi-Fi Networks that Aren't Their Own

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Protecting your identity is important and with Wi-Fi networks popping up nearly everywhere, many consumers don’t realize the dangers that come with using a Wi-Fi connection that is not their own. According to a recent poll conducted by Wakefield Research and Wi-Fi Alliance, 32 percent of respondents said they have tried to get on a Wi-Fi network that was not their own, a startling 18 percent more than a December 2008 poll. The Better Business Bureau, along with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), urges consumers to think ahead before surfing the Web on a Wi-Fi hotspot.

BBB Warns of Phishing Email Received from Epsilon Data Breach

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Just days after millions of customers' email addresses were stolen in one of the largest data breaches in U.S. history, the Better Business Bureau is seeing one of the first Epsilon data breach phishing scams.

Tips for Giving to Earthquake Relief Efforts in Japan

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT

As we learn more about the 8.9-magnitude earthquake that hit near the northeast coast of Japan on Friday, the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance warns that—as occurred following the tsunami in 2004, Katrina in 2005 and the earthquake in Haiti just last year—fraudulent charities will likely emerge to try and scam donations from well-meaning Americans. BBB WGA urges givers to make sure their donations will go to legitimate and reputable charities and relief efforts that have the capability to help those in need.

Car Issues, Debt Collections, Scams Highlight Top Consumer Issues of 2010

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Today, members of the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation joined leaders from the Attorney General's Office, Federal Trade Commission, and Better Business Bureau to announce each agency's Top 5 consumer issues of 2010 – and offered tips to consumers to avoid similar issues in the future. Automobile issues, including insurance claim denials, and dealer and service complaints, along with debt collections and scams, were among the top Massachusetts consumer issues of 2010.

Don't Pay for Free Advice on Scholarships for College

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Millions of people depend on grants and scholarships to pay for college. Navigating the process of applying for financial aid can be confusing and some companies claim they can help, but only end up providing information and assistance the student can already get for free elsewhere. The Better Business Bureau recommends doing your research before paying a company to find financial aid for college.

BBB Lists Top 10 Scams and Rip-Offs of 2010

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT

The Better Business Bureau today released a list of the top 10 scams and rip-offs of 2010. Job hunters and those struggling to make money and get out of debt were common targets of fraudsters, hackers and deceptive businesses in this tough economy.

Seven Scams that Target Small Businesses

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Being vigilant against fraud is not only important for a company’s bottom line, it also strengthens customer trust in the business. Becoming a victim of fraud can have a negative financial and reputational impact on a business and the Better Business Bureau recommends owners train their staff to look out for seven common scams that prey on small companies.

Identity Theft Continues to Victimize Millions Each Year

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT

When something happens 10 million times per year, it’s worth noting, and in recent years, that’s how many victims of identity theft have reported the abuse to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Further, ID theft has remained the number one complaint to the FTC for the past five years.

Five Steps to Take When a Collector Comes Calling for a Debt You Don't Owe

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT

If a debt collector is contacting you about a debt you know you don’t owe, explaining your case can be an uphill battle. Whether it’s a matter of mistaken identity, an honest error or identity theft, the Better Business Bureau recommends taking five steps to fight back against erroneous debt collectors.

BBB's Top Ten New Year's Resolutions for a Consumer-Savvy 2010

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT

The New Year is here and, because of the rough economy, it’s more important than ever to resolve to be a savvy consumer. Better Business Bureau offers the following ten New Year’s resolutions to fight scammers, prevent identity theft and save money in 2010.

Don't Get Ripped Off When Buying Electronics Online: BBB says know the red flags of a scam site

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT

This holiday season, everyone will be on the hunt for the best deals. Better Business Bureau warns online shoppers that some deals online for electronics are too good to be true. BBB is advising holiday shoppers to keep an eye out for five red flags of unscrupulous consumer electronics stores.

FTC - Giving the Bounce to Counterfeit Check Scams

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT

It’s your lucky day! You just won a foreign lottery! The letter says so. And the cashier’s check to cover the taxes and fees is included. All you have to do to get your winnings is deposit the check and wire the money to the sender to pay the taxes and fees. You’re guaranteed that when they get your payment, you’ll get your prize.

FTC - Before You File for Personal Bankruptcy: Information About Credit Counseling and Debtor Education

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT

The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 launched a new era: With limited exceptions, people who plan to file for bankruptcy protection must get credit counseling from a government-approved organization within 180 days before they file. They also must complete a debtor education course to have their debts discharged.

FTC - Electronic Check Conversion

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT

The next time you write a check to your local merchant, the cashier may hand it back to you after the payment has been processed – electronically. Or maybe you’re mailing a check as payment to a company. That payment, too, may be processed electronically. Why? More merchants and companies are using electronic check conversion, which converts information from your paper check into an electronic payment from your bank account. In fact, NACHA – the Electronic Payments Association – estimates that more than 1.7 billion paper checks were converted through in-store and mail-in transactions in 2005.

FTC - Businesses Must Provide Victims and Law Enforcement with Transaction Records Relating to Identity Theft

Mon, 01 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) spells out rights for victims of identity theft, as well as responsibilities for businesses. Identity theft victims are entitled to ask businesses for a copy of transaction records — such as applications for credit — relating to the theft of their identity.

FTC - FIGHTING BACK AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT

Mon, 01 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT

COMMON WAYS ID THEFT HAPPENS: Skilled identity thieves use a variety of methods to steal your personal information, including:

FTC - Financial Institutions and Customer Information: Complying with the Safeguards Rule

Sat, 01 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT

Many companies collect personal information from their customers, including names, addresses, and phone numbers; bank and credit card account numbers; income and credit histories; and Social Security numbers. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLB) Act requires companies defined under the law as “financial institutions” to ensure the security and confidentiality of this type of information.

FTC - Pretexting: Your Personal Information Revealed

Wed, 01 Feb 2006 06:00:00 GMT

When you think of your own personal assets, chances are your home, car, and savings and investments come to mind. But what about your Social Security number (SSN), telephone records and your bank and credit card account numbers? To people known as “pretexters,” that information is a personal asset, too.