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
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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
Continue Reading 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
Continue Reading 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
Continue Reading 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.
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The BBB Scam Tracker is receiving reports of con artists creating fake airline ticket booking sites or customer service numbers.
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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.’
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Some scammers are using COVID-19 surveys to steal money or personal information from people, according to the Better Business Bureau.
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The Better Business Bureau is warning parents to watch out for ACT and SAT test prep scams.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Internal Revenue Service is warning about a new wave of COVID-19 related scams regarding stimulus checks. The IRS says scammers are contacting people trying to get them to verify personal or financial information before issuing an economic impact payment. The IRS says it will not contact you to request any personal
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COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A second round of stimulus checks are getting sent to most Americans, and scammers are trying to monetize. The Better Business Bureau is getting reports of con artists who tell people they need to either pay for their stimulus checks or provide personal information to receive it. In some of the online
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COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) More and more people are buying puppies at an all-time high. The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased the demand for pets as people look for support during a time of loneliness. With this rising demand, pet scams have also increased significantly. In November of 2020, the Better Business Bureau reports 337 complaints
Continue Reading MEXICO, Mo. (KMIZ) Mexico Public Safety Department is warning residents of a phone scam over the past several weeks. Residents are reporting that an automated message is claiming that the person’s social security number has been hacked and shut down. The automated message then tells the person to push a button to speak with someone.
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