Compiled by Zan Deery, Communications/Investigations

11/9/09

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

“PARKING LOT SCAM” WITH A TWIST

Contact Lot Security and/or Police ASAP to Report Questionable Accidents/Incidents

BBB has been made aware of a parking lot scam scenario that seems to be targeting seniors and goes like this:

A scammer randomly followed another woman into a grocery store claiming that the woman had hit her car five times with her car door. The woman wanted $100 on the spot to “avoid an insurance claim” and settle the supposed “damage.” The scammer refused to exchange insurance cards at which point, the accosted woman refused to comply because she said she wasn’t going to “fall for it” aka the allegation. The scammer then sat on the woman’s bumper and refused to move.

The woman immediately contacted the police, fearing she was a potential victim of a scam duping unsuspecting drivers into paying money for damage they didn’t cause.

BBB ADVICE
Law enforcement agrees and warns against making ANY bullying cash transactions such as these. If in doubt, don’t panic and give in. Go directly to the parking lot’s store security, and contact local police to question the legitimacy of such an accident claim. You can also contact your insurance company for advice. Most car insurance policies require customers to report even minor collisions immediately.

TIP NUMBER TWO

VONAGE PHISHING SCAM CIRCULATING:
DON’T CLICK ON HYPERLINK

It was brought to BBB’s attention that there is a VONAGE phishing scam email circulating in peoples’ INBOXES. Below is the email itself:

Dear Vonage customer,
  
We are sorry to inform you that your online services are expired,
and must be renewed immediately, if you intend to use these services in the future,
and prevent any similarly situations you must take action at once!

xxxxx (HYPERLINK HERE REMOVED FOR SAFETY) the renewal of your Online Services.

BBB ADVICE
VONAGE doesn’t send customers random emails asking for them to re-enter personal info or confirm info they already have! To avoid getting lured into a phishing scam:

• Treat unsolicited e-mail requests for financial information or other personal data with suspicion. Unsolicited means the e-mail wasn't initiated in response to an action by the consumer. Do not reply to the unsolicited e-mail or respond by clicking on a link within the unsolicited e-mail message.

• Contact the actual business that supposedly sent the e-mail to verify if it is genuine. Visit a secure Web site or call a phone number that you know to be legitimate.

• Only enter personal information on a secure Web site that you know to be legitimate. Visa or your card issuer would never ask you to send Social Security numbers, account numbers, passwords, or PINs within an e-mail message.

When entering personal data at a Web site, look for a "locked padlock" in the browser or "https" at the beginning of the Web site address to make sure the site is secure.

• Update anti-virus software and security patches to system software regularly. Phishing emails can contain viruses that may harm your computer if opened.

• Be cautious. Check your monthly statements to verify all transactions. Notify your bank immediately of any erroneous or suspicious transactions.

• Forward any suspicious e-mails to the proper authorities, and to those whose good name is being misused. For example, if the scam is misusing VONAGE, go to VONAGE’s web site and look up how to report, and directly report it to the company.

TIP NUMBER THREE

MASTER INTERNET PROFITS of Fresno, CA Charging Credit Cards despite Pitch of “Free Trial Period”

MASTER INTERNET PROFITS
www.MasterInternetProfits.com
www.affiliatetrainingacademy.com

The Better Business Bureau warns of the above company marketing itself as "Your Profit Gateway." The company, Master Internet Profits at www.affiliatetrainingacademy.com and www.MasterInternetProfits.com says it can help people make money using ads on Google.

The Fresno-based company has a pattern of unanswered complaints regarding their supposed “free trial period.” BBB complaints specifically reflect that credit cards are charged $89, despite the company marketing a free trial period and refunds. Complaints also reflect that customers never get access to the site's training material.

TIP NUMBER FOUR

BOGUS IRS EMAIL SCAM RE-CIRCULATING

SUBJECT line is: “Notice of Underreported Income”

As tax season becomes a closer reality for many, be aware of IRS scam emails circulating in your INBOX, especially the one mentioned above, which is tricky enough to catch you off guard.

FULL STORY HERE
http://www.scambusters.org/irsscam.html 

TIP NUMBER FIVE

Beware of ECO Venture Group, LLC Work at Home Opportunity

ECO Venture Group, LLC
(919) 606-2836
1101 Haynes St Ste 1
Raleigh, NC 27604-1499
www.ecovg.com
www.yourblogprofits.com
www.mybloggingnews.com
Daniel, Boyd, Contact

Eco Venture Group has come onto BBB’s radar. The company asks customers to pay for material that supposedly explains how to make money by working at home. Customer complaints reflect that customers provide a credit card number to cover shipping and later find out they are being billed much more than they agreed to at point of sale.
 
As of the date of this release, the company appears to be shut down. Doors are locked, and no one answers the phone at its physical location, however, consumers are to be wary of any ongoing activity related to this company’s web sites, for the company could merely resurface in another location to continue its questionable activities.

BBB ADVICE
If you paid by credit card, see if you can dispute the charge with your credit card merchant ASAP. As well, file a complaint with your state Attorney General’s Office.

BBB suggests using extreme caution when responding to any such offer. While ads claim high earnings and short hours with little or no experience, BBB files nationwide indicate no evidence of anyone making the promised money.

Rarely if ever, are these ads an offer of legitimate employment. Generally these jobs require upfront fees for information or supplies, and only the person who ran the ad makes any money.

You should be aware that the United States Postal Inspectors regularly investigate these fraudulent schemes, and that you risk investigation and possible prosecution by postal or other law enforcement agencies if you become involved in a mail-related schemes. To contact the U.S. Postal Inspectors mail fraud unit, call 800-372-8347.

MORE INFO ON WORK AT HOME OPPORTUNITIES
http://www.bbb.org/us/article/work-at-home-schemes-408