Compiled by Zan Deery, Communications/Investigations
8/10/09
zan@spokane.bbb.org
800-356-1007 or 509-455-4200
www.bbb.org
Readers of these tips should take into consideration the importance of the practice in question and the total performance of a company.
For complete information and BBB reports, please visit
www.bbb.org
TIP NUMBER ONE
Resurgence of “Bail from Jail” Phone Scam Using #416-777-7775
Another BBB brought to our attention that the above scam is once again making the rounds all over the United States. Relatives and/or friends are receiving random phone calls from scammers stating they are your family or friend in jail and need bail money. Amounts can be anywhere from $2-5,000.
The victim is desperately asked to send the bail money using Money Gram to an unknown location. Money Gram www.moneygram.com warns of this type of scam, which is similar to the Grandparent Scam.
The most recent SCAM PHONE NUMBER being used to purport this scam is 416-777-7775, (area code for Toronto, Canada). Here are tidbits of a real scenario that was reported to BBB:
At first, we believed the call then we soon realized it was fraud when we Googled the # and found fraud posts about this scenario. At first we believed them because my nephew lives so close to Canada, he could easily drive to Canada. I recently returned from vacation in Canada, and realized you must have a passport and visa to drive across the border. This was my first clue something was wrong.
BBB ADVICE
We recommend using caution when sending money this way to pay for bail. Money Gram warns that the person will be at a loss for the money sent. All that is required to receive or pick up money sent via Money Gram is the reference number. Law enforcement recommends that you do not send money without verifying who EXACTLY you’re sending it to. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be your relative in jail and in need of bail money, or in need for any reason, prior to sending money you should verify that they are truly your relative or friend. Get specific details, end the call, and contact the exact jail directly to ask and/or confirm the situation PRIOR to sending any money.
TIP NUMBER TWO
MT INSURANCE COMMISSION OFFERS TIPS on Insurance Claims Due to Storms: GOOD Tips for Many Claims Situations, Really
In the wake of recent thunderstorms that pounded Butte-Silver Bow Montana, the Commission of Securities and Insurance offers advice for consumers who suffered losses or damage due to the storm.
Montanans who sustained damage from the recent hail storms should contact their agent as soon as they can accurately assess the damage.
Tips for Consumers for Coping with Hail Damage:
* Contact your insurance company immediately to report losses.
* Get instructions from your adjuster BEFORE calling anyone to repair or replace damaged property. Your insurer's visual inspection of your loss may be required before claims are paid. Ask your adjuster if any portion of your damage won't be covered before you hire someone to do the repairs.† For example, if you sustained broken windows and wind driven rain caused damage in your home that damage is probably not going to be covered under your homeowners policy.
* If your home is damaged or is currently awaiting repairs, take steps to protect your home from further damage and document the state of your home with photos or video. Buy the materials you need to secure your property and minimize your losses. Cover your windows with plywood and move your vehicles into a garage or carport if possible.
* Beware of downed power lines, especially near water, to avoid risk of electrocution.
* When returning home, do not drive through flooded areas or through road barriers -they are there for your safety.
* Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses. If someone offers something that is too good to be true, it probably is. Don't get scammed. Only hire licensed and reputable service and repair people. Get references and use local businesses, when possible. Ask for a list of BBB accredited businesses from Your BBB at: www.bbb.org
* Take precautions if the damage requires you to leave your home for an extended period of time. Let your agent or insurance company know of your temporary forwarding address and phone number.
* Take pictures of your damage. When an entire community is affected by a loss of this nature, it may take some time before an adjuster can look at your property.
Montanans needing insurance information can call BBB for a list of accredited businesses that offer this service. For assistance with claims, contact the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance office at 800-332-6148. If you believe you have been treated unfairly in getting a claim paid, as for the Policyholder Services Department.
TIP NUMBER THREE
StoresOnline of UT Settles Claims with WA AG
Promise of easy money and a free lunch proved costly for Washington consumers
All they wanted was to start an online business. But many Washington residents who agreed to pay thousands of dollars to a company called StoresOnline claim they were suckered. After accusing the company of deceptive sales practices, the Washington Attorney General’s Office announced an agreement that provides refunds for StoresOnline customers, who include many elderly and people on limited incomes.
The agreement requires StoresOnline and its parent company, Imergent, Inc., of Orem, Utah, to pay up to $75,000 in restitution to customers in Washington, as well as $25,000 in civil penalties and $75,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs. The companies, which cooperated with the investigation, also agreed to restrictions that prohibit them from engaging in deceptive business practices in the future.
The state’s complaint against StoresOnline and Imergent accused the businesses of violating the state’s Consumer Protection Act by misrepresenting services and omitting facts during sales presentations, using high-pressure sales tactics and having an unfair refund policy.
FULL WA AG RELEASE: http://atg.wa.gov/pressrelease.aspx?id=23550
BBB REPORT: http://www.bbb.org/utah/business-reviews/training-programs/storesonline-inc-in-orem-ut-2000585
REFUNDS
Consumers are eligible for restitution if they live in Washington state and purchased products or services from StoresOnline between Jan. 1, 2005 and the settlement date. Those who have filed complaints with the Attorney General’s Office will be sent a claim form with instructions on how to request a refund.
Consumers who have not filed complaints but believe they are eligible for restitution should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Resource Center at 1-800-551-4636 to request a claim form; calls are answered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. A claim form will also be available on the Attorney General’s Web site soon at http://atg.wa.gov/settlements.aspx.
If claims exceed $75,000, eligible consumers will receive a prorated refund.
TIP NUMBER FOUR
FBI WARNS OF ON-GOING PROPERTY FOR SALE/RENT SCAM
Just last week, Your BBB was contacted by local media, which relayed our “very own” property for sale scam operating on Craigslist listing an already occupied property’s photo on Craigslist falsely claiming that it was up for grabs, when it was not. The scam utilized real images and addresses, but scam contact info regarding the potential transaction.
FULL FBI RELEASE:
http://www.fbi.gov/page2/july09/housingscam_072909.html
BEWARE that this scam is not only taking renters/buyers for a ride, but also property owners and landlords, too.
TIP NUMBER FIVE
Taurian Worldwide, Inc. aka Commercial Solutions Consulting Agency Complaints Reflect Services Paid for not Rendered
The BBB is warning consumers about a local company that offers foreclosure rescue and debt resolution services. Taurian Worldwide, Inc. also doing business as Commercial Solutions Consulting Agency (CSCA) has an F rating with the BBB due to its business practices and failure to respond to complaints.
Consumers allege that they have paid the company for foreclosure rescue and debt consolidation services that were not rendered. Complaints also state that calls to the company were not returned and complainants were unable to reach company representatives once they paid their fees.
BBB ADVICE
If you are in debt and finding it difficult to pay your bills, talk to your lender first. You can also talk to a non-profit credit counselor who can advise you on how to use credit wisely; help you establish a workable budget, keep track of your bills and manage your money; and, if appropriate for your situation, arrange a repayment plan with your creditors.
The Federal Trade Commission and the BBB offer the following advice:
• Don’t pay any business, organization, or person who promises to prevent foreclosure or get you a new mortgage.
• Send your mortgage payments ONLY to your mortgage servicer.
• Beware of con artists who use names, phone numbers, and websites to make it look like they’re part of the government.
• If you’re having trouble paying your mortgage or you’ve already gotten a delinquency notice, free help is a phone call away. Call 1-888-995-HOPE for free personalized advice from housing counseling agencies certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
EXTRA TIP FOR THE WEEK!
People are Asking about FACEBOOK Privacy
Recently, it was brought to the public’s attention that third-party groups are accessing peoples’ Facebook profiles and are taking photos to use for their own ad purposes…ads that aren’t connected to or in partnership with Facebook.
This tip is about Safety and Security on Facebook:.
If you have a Facebook account and want to change the privacy toggle and prevent and safeguard your actions, photos, posts, etc. from appearing in ads to other users, follow this click trail at your account:
Click on SETTINGS up at the top where you see the Log out link. Select PRIVACY SETTINGS. Then select NEWSFEEDS and WALL. Next select the FACEBOOK ADS tab (at the top). There is a drop down box, select NO ONE. Then SAVE your changes. (Do REPOST)