Summer Scams: The BBB’s Hot Five
CHICAGO, IL -Â Summer for most people is the perfect time to go to a concert or take a vacation. For con artists, warm weather means their scam efforts heat up. Nationwide there are thousands of victims and millions of dollars lost to scammers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers of popular summer scams.
“Scammers have been putting a lot of effort into convincing consumers that they are the real deal”, said Steve Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “Avoid being scammed by learning who you are dealing with and taking the appropriate measures.”
The Top 5 Summer Scams of 2015 are:
- Vacation Scams
Vacation clubs, free vacation offers, travel points and airline miles are just a few ways that scammers are trying to rip off consumers. Scammers are calling consumers with “free” vacation offers, and in return taking their personal information, debit or credit card which sets them up for identity theft.
Scam Protection:Book directly with an established hotel or reputable travel agent. Find an accredited agent at www.bbb.org. Keep an eye out for bad spelling and grammar. These are indications of scammers. Pay only by credit card and get refund policies in writing.
- Moving Scams
BBB records show in the past 12 months nearly 300 consumers have filed complaints against movers. The BBB warns of scammers who take advantage of the peak season.
Scam Protection: Know your rights and research them as a consumer for interstate moves or for moves within Illinois. Research the company thoroughly. All interstate movers must, at minimum, be licensed by the federal government and are assigned a motor carrier number you can verify.
- Ticket Scams
Concert season takes place in the summer and with that comes an increase in ticket scalping. Scalpers are looking to take advantage of last-minute ticket buyers.
Scam Protection: Know the difference between a ticket broker and a scalper. A ticket broker is a legitimate, licensed reseller. A ticket scalper is unlicensed and engaged in illegal activity.
- Phony Job Scams
For high school and college students, finding a summer job is a priority. The BBB is warning consumers that seasonal job postings may not be as advertised.
Scam Protection: Red flags for employment scams include no interview or application, no job details, non-existent website, or a contract and fees are required.
- Door-To-Door Sales Scams
Consumers need to watch for individuals who try to skirt various city ordinances that regulate door-to-door solicitors. They offer deals for everything from air conditioning repair to driveway paving.
Scam Protection: Door-to-door salesmen are required to have a permit. Ask to see it. Resist high-pressure sales tactics such as the “good deal” you’ll get if you buy now. Pay by credit card or check but never pay in cash.
“Before giving any organization your personal or financial information, review the business on the BBB website,” added Bernas. “If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
For more tips, visit www.bbb.org/chicago, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or add us on Pinterest.
