DailyFinance.comhttp://www.dailyfinance.comDailyFinance.comhttp://o.aolcdn.com/os/df/2013/img/2-dailyfinance_logo_m.pngDailyFinance.comhttp://www.dailyfinance.comen-usCopyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/How to Avoid Getting Scammed When Donating to Disaster Victimshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/19/how-to-avoid-getting-scammed-when-donating-to-disaster-victims/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/19/how-to-avoid-getting-scammed-when-donating-to-disaster-victims/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/19/how-to-avoid-getting-scammed-when-donating-to-disaster-victims/#commentsFiled under:

disasterWhile your heart might want to help disaster victims in Japan or elsewhere, Better Business Bureau officials say that you should also keep your mind on your wallet.

Natural disasters bring out con artists and schemers, Cindy Dudley, director of Business Services for the BBB, said in a recent statement that bears repeating.

"People want to help and often feel that charities with the name of the disaster are an express way to channel funds directly to the victim," she said.

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]]>charitydonationearthquakehaitijapanscamtsunamiDawn FallikSat, 19 Mar 2011 12:00:00 ESTThieves Use Low-Tech Glue in Latest Scam: Jamming ATM Keyshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/18/thieves-use-low-tech-glue-in-latest-scam-sticking-down-atm-keys/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/18/thieves-use-low-tech-glue-in-latest-scam-sticking-down-atm-keys/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/18/thieves-use-low-tech-glue-in-latest-scam-sticking-down-atm-keys/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bank tellerGlue is the weapon of choice in a new ATM scam that drains victims of their money at machines that have touchscreens.

Thieves glue down the "enter," "cancel," and "clear" buttons on an ATM's keypad. When victims go to use the keypad, they enter in their number and...realize the keys are stuck. When they go into the bank to complain, the scammers swoop in and withdraw money, using the touchscreen.

Continue reading Thieves Use Low-Tech Glue in Latest Scam: Jamming ATM Keys


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]]>ATMatm theftscamskimmingDawn FallikFri, 18 Mar 2011 16:00:00 ESTCall-Forwarding Scam Reappears: Don't Be Tricked Into Dialing *72http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/15/call-forwarding-scam-reappears-dont-be-tricked-into-dialing-7/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/15/call-forwarding-scam-reappears-dont-be-tricked-into-dialing-7/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/15/call-forwarding-scam-reappears-dont-be-tricked-into-dialing-7/#commentsFiled under:

Beware of scam phone callsOfficials are warning people to be careful of an old con that's popped up again -- the call forwarding scam.

Victims often think they're doing a kindness to a stranger or for a friend. The phone rings, usually late at night, and callers tell the victim someone has been injured, and to contact an officer at the scene.

How to get the officer? By dialing *72, then a phone number.

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]]>7272 scambetter business bureauFamily MoneyFamilyMoneyscamtelephoneDawn FallikTue, 15 Mar 2011 18:00:00 ESTScammers Preying on Unemployed, Sending Job Offer Emailshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/10/scammers-preying-on-unemployed-sending-job-offer-emails/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/10/scammers-preying-on-unemployed-sending-job-offer-emails/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/10/scammers-preying-on-unemployed-sending-job-offer-emails/#commentsFiled under: ,

job scamIt's a cruel scheme to play on the unemployed: A scammer pretending to be from a human resources department at a construction company emailed consumers offering jobs.

The emails apparently looked official, even displaying a BBB Accredited Business seal, linked to the real business credit report of FBN Construction in Dayton, Ohio.

But BBB officials said there was a catch: Would-be workers were told to go to a website and fill out a personal information form, which was then used to steal credit information from hundreds of applicants nationwide.

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]]>bbbconsumer allyjobsscamtechnologyunemploymentDawn FallikThu, 10 Mar 2011 16:00:00 ESTScams, Identity Theft Tops Among 1 Million Consumer Complaints to FTChttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/08/scams-identity-theft-tops-among-1-million-consumer-complaints-t/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/08/scams-identity-theft-tops-among-1-million-consumer-complaints-t/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/08/scams-identity-theft-tops-among-1-million-consumer-complaints-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

scams ftc identity theftAbout 1.3 million consumers complained to the Federal Trade Commission last year, saying they had problems with identity theft, Internet auctions and fake sweepstakes and lotteries.

The number of complaints leveled off in 2010 after years of sharp increases.

The top complaint, for the 11th year in a row, was identity theft. From concerns about public hot spots to fake IRS agents calling for personal W-2 information, con artists have been coming up with new ways (and some tried and true ones) to get people to hand over personal information and take their money.

Debt collectors were also high on the list, with people complaining about being harassed and false accusations.

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]]>debt collectionfraudFTCgrandparentsidentity theftscamDawn FallikTue, 08 Mar 2011 17:30:00 ESTDebt Collectors, Unauthorized Charges, Loan 'Modifiers' Top Gripe Listhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/07/debt-collectors-unauthorized-charges-loan-modifiers-top-grip/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/07/debt-collectors-unauthorized-charges-loan-modifiers-top-grip/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/07/debt-collectors-unauthorized-charges-loan-modifiers-top-grip/#commentsFiled under: , ,

gripe listRude debt collectors brought in the top number of complaints to one Attorney General's office last year. Next on the list? Telemarketing scams, say BBB officials.

The Better Business Bureau and Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster released a list of its top 10 scams for 2010, and most involved consumers releasing personal information such as credit card, debit card or bank information -- only to see money disappearing from their accounts.

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]]>home repairmortgagescamtelemarketingDawn FallikMon, 07 Mar 2011 16:30:00 ESTPenny Auction Site Wavee Crashes and Takes Purchases With Ithttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/04/penny-auction-site-wavees-crashes-take-purchases-with-them-say/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/04/penny-auction-site-wavees-crashes-take-purchases-with-them-say/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/03/04/penny-auction-site-wavees-crashes-take-purchases-with-them-say/#commentsFiled under: ,

online auction illustration waveeAfter receiving 442 complaints over three years, Better Business Bureau officials are warning consumers to be careful using the penny auction site Wavee.

Complaints against the site come from around the country, including Tennessee, New Jersey, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida, Oregon, California and Hawaii. The BBB issued a statement urging "caution" when taking part in site sales and auctions.

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]]>consumer allyonline biddingpenny stocksSitejabbertechnologyWaveeDawn FallikFri, 04 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST'Cash Rebate Card' Text Messages Too Good to Be True, Says BBBhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/25/cash-rebate-card-text-messages-too-good-to-be-true-says-bbb/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/25/cash-rebate-card-text-messages-too-good-to-be-true-says-bbb/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/25/cash-rebate-card-text-messages-too-good-to-be-true-says-bbb/#commentsFiled under:

cell phone scam text messageTechnology is giving scam artists new ways to target consumers. This time, it's fake rebate cards offered through text messages.

A Texas resident received a text message saying "You have been chosen to receive a $100 cash rebate card" and given a phone number to call.

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]]>scamTextingDawn FallikFri, 25 Feb 2011 16:00:00 ESTSweepstakes Scam Asks for Donations, Swindles Consumershttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/23/sweepstakes-scam-asks-for-donations-swindles-consumers/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/23/sweepstakes-scam-asks-for-donations-swindles-consumers/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/23/sweepstakes-scam-asks-for-donations-swindles-consumers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

sweepstakes junk mail consumerMailboxes nationwide are full of promises for cash prizes, but the IRS and the Better Business Bureau say the only cash that's being spent is by victims.

A Missouri marketing firm, Precision Performance Marketing, sends sweepstakes letters that BBB officials say makes it look like those on the receiving end have "already won cash prizes or were on the brink of winning."

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]]>bbbcharityscamsweepstakesDawn FallikWed, 23 Feb 2011 13:00:00 ESTRental Scams Still Dogging Craigslist Users: Bewarehttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/23/rental-scams-still-dogging-craigslist-users-beware/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/23/rental-scams-still-dogging-craigslist-users-beware/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/23/rental-scams-still-dogging-craigslist-users-beware/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

rent craigslist scam rentalRental scams are still haunting consumers -- targeting renter and landlord alike -- and giving rise to new warnings, especially for those using the free classified site Craigslist.

The Better Business Bureau is reporting an increase in complaints about rental scams and suggests those on both sides of the lease should be careful.

Continue reading Rental Scams Still Dogging Craigslist Users: Beware


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]]>apartmentscraigslistfraudlandlordrentalsscamDawn FallikWed, 23 Feb 2011 10:00:00 ESTReputable Rare Coins Accused of Scams Targeting Seniorshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/16/reputable-rare-coins-accused-of-scams-targeting-seniors/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/16/reputable-rare-coins-accused-of-scams-targeting-seniors/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/16/reputable-rare-coins-accused-of-scams-targeting-seniors/#commentsFiled under:

coinsFrom failing to deliver coins people ordered to misrepresenting their value, attorneys say a Minnesota company routinely lied and cheated customers across the country.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson filed suit against Reputable Rare Coins (RRC) this week, accusing the company of fraud and engaging in deceptive trade practices. She says the company knew much of its audience were senior citizens.

In the lawsuit, Swanson gives several examples of shoddy behavior. In one case, a 91-year-old Texas woman paid RRC $50,000 for 140 Swiss Franc coins. She never received the coins or a refund of her money.

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]]>Coinsconsumer allyelder scamsscamDawn FallikWed, 16 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST'Clerk Employee' Calls Saying You've Missed Jury Duty Are a Scamhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/11/clerk-employee-calls-saying-youve-missed-jury-duty-are-a-scam/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/11/clerk-employee-calls-saying-youve-missed-jury-duty-are-a-scam/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/11/clerk-employee-calls-saying-youve-missed-jury-duty-are-a-scam/#commentsFiled under:


Beware of scam phone callsScam callers claiming to be government employees are trying to steal personal information by pretending to collect information for a jury pool.

In the scam, officials identify themselves as a "clerk employee" and warn that the person on the receiving end has missed jury duty. They then ask for identifying data, such as a Social Security number, said state officials.

"It is critical that our citizens understand that they will never receive an unsolicited call from the ... jury office about jury duty, nor will anyone ask for a juror's Social Security number," said West Palm Beach Clerk and Comptroller Sharon R. Bock. She put out a warning this week about the scam.

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]]>fbijuryjury duty scamphone scamsscamDawn FallikFri, 11 Feb 2011 13:30:00 ESTValentine's Day Dilemma: Dating Service Complaints on the Risehttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/11/dating-service-complaints-on-the-rise-read-the-fine-print-befor/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/11/dating-service-complaints-on-the-rise-read-the-fine-print-befor/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/11/dating-service-complaints-on-the-rise-read-the-fine-print-befor/#commentsFiled under:

Make sure your dating service isn't ripping you offIt's no fun being single on Valentine's Day, when everyone seems coupled up and completely, utterly, annoyingly in love. But don't let your self-bought bag of chocolate hearts turn into an empty bank account.

"People are willing to pay to find true love," said Tom Bartholomy, president of the Better Business Bureau in North Carolina. The amount people will spend on U.S. online dating services this year is nearly $1 billion, he says.

Complaints against dating services as a whole have been on the rise, particularly when people try to get out of online contracts.

Continue reading Valentine's Day Dilemma: Dating Service Complaints on the Rise


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]]>lovematch.comonline dating feesscamvalentines dayDawn FallikFri, 11 Feb 2011 09:00:00 ESTConsumer Ally Alert: Big Snow Could Mean Roof Clearing Ripoffshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/09/consumer-ally-alert-big-snow-could-mean-roof-clearing-ripoffs/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/09/consumer-ally-alert-big-snow-could-mean-roof-clearing-ripoffs/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/09/consumer-ally-alert-big-snow-could-mean-roof-clearing-ripoffs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

winter weather scams snow roof clearingWith much of the Midwest and East Coast still reeling from recent storms, officials say unethical contractors are taking advantage of consumers who hire them to clear snow and ice from roofs.

As the flakes fall, roof snow removal services appear on flyers, neighborhood bulletin boards and on faxes. It doesn't mean the crews are legit, Connecticut Better Business Bureau President Paulette Scarpetti said in a statement.

Continue reading Consumer Ally Alert: Big Snow Could Mean Roof Clearing Ripoffs


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]]>bbbbetter business bureauconsumer alertconsumer allyripoffroofroof clearingscamsnowsnow removalwarningDawn FallikWed, 09 Feb 2011 12:00:00 ESTHollywood Video, Movie Gallery Collection Calls Anger Consumershttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/04/hollywood-video-movie-gallery-collection-calls-anger-consumers/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/04/hollywood-video-movie-gallery-collection-calls-anger-consumers/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/04/hollywood-video-movie-gallery-collection-calls-anger-consumers/#commentsFiled under:

hollywood videoFormer Hollywood Video and Movie Gallery customers say they are getting calls from a collection agency demanding payment for unreturned videos and games. The rental company started closing stores nationwide in 2009 and declared bankruptcy in February 2010.

Consumers say the agency is charging "excessive fees" and making negative credit reports without proper notification and dispute options.

Continue reading Hollywood Video, Movie Gallery Collection Calls Anger Consumers


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]]>collection agencieshollywood videoMovie GalleryDawn FallikFri, 04 Feb 2011 14:30:00 ESTAmerican Shingle Roofing Company CEO Arrestedhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/03/american-shingle-roofing-company-ceo-arrested/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/03/american-shingle-roofing-company-ceo-arrested/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/03/american-shingle-roofing-company-ceo-arrested/#commentsFiled under:

american shingle roofersThe CEO of the American Shingle Roofing Company -- accused of bilking hundreds of people in 10 states out of their money -- turned himself in to Georgia authorities.

Carlton DeWayne Dunko surrendered to the Bibb County Sheriff's Office on a charge of "theft by conversion," posted $64,800 bond and was released Tuesday night, said sheriff's Capt. Mike Smallwood.

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]]>American Shinglebbbbetter business bureauGeorgia investigationKansas investigationMissouri investigationroofingscamsTennessee investigationDawn FallikThu, 03 Feb 2011 14:06:00 ESTCollege Aid Companies Charging for What Should Be Free, Says BBBhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/02/college-aid-companies-charging-for-what-should-be-free-says-bbb/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/02/college-aid-companies-charging-for-what-should-be-free-says-bbb/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/02/college-aid-companies-charging-for-what-should-be-free-says-bbb/#commentsFiled under:

bbb logo free college adviceCollege is expensive and financial aid funds are shrinking. But that doesn't mean that you have to pay a company to help find scholarships and grants.

The Better Business Bureau says it's hearing complaints from college students and their parents about being bilked by companies that promise financial help but don't deliver. Most of the time, the companies charge for filling out basic forms, and in the past, parents have found that the forms weren't even filed.

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]]>better business bureaucollege loansfinancial aidDawn FallikWed, 02 Feb 2011 13:00:00 ESTHow to Keep Your Personal Data Better Protectedhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/02/how-to-keep-your-personal-data-better-protected/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/02/how-to-keep-your-personal-data-better-protected/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/02/how-to-keep-your-personal-data-better-protected/#commentsFiled under: ,

a man looks into a computer - personal privacyBe careful of public hot spots. Turn off your wireless router when not in use. And don't forget to change your router's pre-set password and "NETGEAR" identifier.

Officials say these tips and others are part of "Data Privacy Day," created to remind people about how to keep their personal data private in an increasingly-networked world. Facebook also plans to send a message to users reminding them to review privacy settings on the site.

For her part, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says many computer users just don't know how vulnerable their information is and what they need to do to protect it.

Continue reading How to Keep Your Personal Data Better Protected


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]]>computeridentity theftpersonal dataDawn FallikWed, 02 Feb 2011 11:00:00 ESTConsumer Ally Scam Alert: Microsoft Is Not Calling Youhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/01/consumer-ally-scam-alert-microsoft-is-not-calling-you/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/01/consumer-ally-scam-alert-microsoft-is-not-calling-you/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/01/consumer-ally-scam-alert-microsoft-is-not-calling-you/#commentsFiled under: ,

People surfing the web - MicrosoftPeople pretending to be Microsoft employees are calling homeowners and telling them their computer has a "serious virus." But to "fix" the problem, people are being told to pay a fee and give the caller remote access to their computer -- and, as a result, expose all their private data.

Better Business Bureau officials in Oregon, Washington and Alaska are warning residents about the calls.

Microsoft's website clearly states the Redmond, Wash.-based company does not send unsolicited emails or make unsolicited phone calls requesting personal or financial information.

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]]>Microsft Corp.microsoft scamtelemarketing scamsDawn FallikTue, 01 Feb 2011 15:30:00 ESTDuct Cleaners Faked Mold and Mildew Damage To Scare Up Contracts, AG Sayshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/01/27/duct-cleaners-faked-mold-and-mildew-damage-to-scare-up-contracts/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/01/27/duct-cleaners-faked-mold-and-mildew-damage-to-scare-up-contracts/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/01/27/duct-cleaners-faked-mold-and-mildew-damage-to-scare-up-contracts/#commentsFiled under: ,

duct cleanersAn Illinois company is being accused of scaring consumers with phony mold and mildew pictures to get them to buy air duct-cleaning services that they didn't need.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says that Warranty USA Inc. and Air Duct Cleaning Pros, both based in Schaumburg, fraudulently charged consumers to repair mold and mildew damage in their homes--when the problems didn't actually exist.

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]]>duct cleaningDuctCleaningfraudscamDawn FallikThu, 27 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST