Scam Alert Archives

Missouri Secretary of State warns investors against scams relating to war in Ukraine

March 17, 2022 5:28 AM Ben Fein

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has warned Missourians to be aware of possible scams relating to the war in Ukraine, in a release.

SCAM ALERT: COVID-19 testing scams remain a threat as testing decreases in Missouri

February 14, 2022 6:40 PM Zola Crowder

The Better Business Bureau is warning you to not fall victim of a COVID-19 testing scam even as testing demand has dramatically decreased in Missouri in the past month.

BBB warns consumers about Valentine’s Day scams

February 10, 2022 6:41 PM ABC 17 News Team

As many of us prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day, the Better Business Bureau wants you to know the top Valentine’s Day scams.

Police in Boonville warn against scammers using local or well-known phone numbers posing as Amazon

February 7, 2022 5:49 PM Chanel Porter

The Boonville Police Department warned the public Monday about people receiving calls from a local or well-known phone number claiming to be Amazon.

Experts say beware of scams on Cyber Monday

November 29, 2021 11:58 AM Erika McGuire

COLUMBIA, Mo., (KMIZ) Cyber Monday is known for its deals but it also creates opportunities for scammers. The National Retail Federation says that Americans will spend between $10 and $11 billion dollars this Cyber Monday. The Better Business Bureau says shoppers should be cautious to avoid potential misleading websites, advertisements and untrustworthy sellers. If a

BBB recommendations to shop safe and smart this holiday season

November 24, 2021 4:01 AM Zola Crowder

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) As people are starting their holiday shopping early with a labor shortage and supply chain issues, shopping scams are even more popular this year as people choose to buy online. Electronics, toys and other products will be, or already are, in short supply, and retailers are struggling to staff up for the holidays. Product shortages

BBB study shows complaints about vehicle service contract industry are on the rise

November 18, 2021 3:50 AM Zola Crowder

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A new study by the Better Business Bureau shows complaints against the vehicle service contract industry are on the rise. For more than 20 years, the St. Louis region has been the “epicenter” for the industry. Companies that work in the St. Louis region usually market the selling of contracts to millions

BBB warns of employment scams increasing amid the pandemic

November 11, 2021 4:14 AM Zola Crowder

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A recent study by the Better Business Bureau shows employment scams have been on the rise throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020 BBB estimated 14 million scam victims with $2 billion in direct losses related to job scams. Losses reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center linked to employment scams increased

SCAM ALERT: Better Business Bureau provides clues to spot a scam

November 4, 2021 5:15 AM Zola Crowder

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) How people get scammed has changed over the years, and the Better Business Bureau has adjusted on how to spot a scam. There are several red flags to keep an eye out for, including when on a website, dealing with unknown calls or texts, dealing with identity theft, and paying for something.

Airfare scam risks increase as travel returns for summer

April 29, 2021 2:31 PM Zola Crowder

The BBB Scam Tracker is receiving reports of con artists creating fake airline ticket booking sites or customer service numbers.

Lack of digital spring cleaning could lead to tech scams

April 1, 2021 2:50 PM Zola Crowder

Spring is a time of year when many people thoroughly clean their homes, however, the Better Business Bureau said it can be even more important to do some ‘digital spring cleaning.’

COVID-19 survey scams surface as vaccine rollout continues

March 25, 2021 2:47 PM Zola Crowder

Some scammers are using COVID-19 surveys to steal money or personal information from people, according to the Better Business Bureau.

BBB warns of standardized test prep scams

March 18, 2021 1:50 PM Zola Crowder

The Better Business Bureau is warning parents to watch out for ACT and SAT test prep scams.

New FBI reports shows Missourians lost over $100 million last year from internet crimes

March 17, 2021 9:54 PM Karl Wehmhoener

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The FBI released a new report on the ‘Internet Crime Complaint Center 2020 Internet Crime Report,’ the report also shows statistics for regarding COVID-19 scam complaints. The FBI took information from 791,790 complaints of suspected internet crime—an increase of more than 300,000 complaints from 2019—and reported losses exceeding $4.2 billion. The report

Spring weather could bring home improvement scams to Mid-Missouri

March 11, 2021 1:56 PM Zola Crowder

With spring just around the corner the Better Business Bureau is suggesting homeowners watch out for scams as people begin to make repairs after winter weather.

Scammers using U.S. Attorney’s Office in Jefferson City for scam

March 4, 2021 8:27 PM Karl Wehmhoener

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) U.S. Attorney’s Office in Jefferson City is warning residents that scammers are using the office’s title in an attempt to scam residents. Officials say the scammer claims to be with Cyber Crimes and said they (the receiver of the call) had a phone that was identified as a phone used in

DEFENDERS: Adults 18-24 more likely to get scammed, BBB says

March 1, 2021 3:09 PM Deborah Kendrick

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Adults ages 18-24 are becoming the next target for scams. The Better Business Bureau recently released a report that focused on the impact of scams in the wake of the pandemic and the demographic groups most at risk. According to the BBB, adults ages 18-24 reported the highest median losses ($150) and

Shelter Insurance reports fake check scam

February 3, 2021 5:59 PM ABC 17 News Team

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) An insurance company headquartered in Columbia is warning of fake checks. Shelter Insurance says it has received several reports about this scam. Here’s a break down of what happens. Scammers are targeting people applying for jobs, not Shelter Insurance customers. A fraudulent check is sent to the victim to buy office supplies.

DEFENDERS: BBB advises not to share coronavirus vaccine card on social media

February 1, 2021 6:13 PM Deborah Kendrick

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Better Business Bureau is advising people to not share their coronavirus vaccination card on social media. The BBB said it can increase your risk of identity theft and other scams. When posting the photo on social media scammers are able to see your full name, birthday and where you got your

Tax season could expose unemployment fraud cases

January 28, 2021 2:11 PM Zola Crowder

This tax season experts are warning the public about signs that they’ve been victims of identity or tax fraud with a pandemic-related twist.