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

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.

How to identity a fake website

Scam websites can usually be recognized by URLs, which may look like an actual website, but some significant differences exist.

You could notice something is misspelled, or another word is added to make it seem associated with an actual website.

Also, when dealing with a website, the BBB said legitimate online stores should give you access to a physical address and working phone number. If you can't find that information, it's best to find a website that will.

Another thing to look out for is poor design quality. If a website has low-quality visuals and odd layouts, it could be warning signs of a fake website.

How to spot fake text messages

Scammers have started sending out messages, usually pretending to be an organization you recognize and might even trust.

The key is to not click on any links from a number you don't recognize, especially if it has a message claiming you won something.

Just like with fake websites, you will want to look out for spelling or grammar mistakes. BBB recommends you look up phone numbers before you call or answer the phone and never reply to a number you don't recognize.

Choosing the right payment option

In this day and age, there are new ways to pay someone, including peer-to-peer payment apps like Zelle, CashApp, and Venmo. The Better Business Bureau has figured out how to know when these payment methods are safe and when to avoid them.

Unlike traditional banking systems, most P2P apps won’t cover your funds in case of fraud. Once the money is sent and you realize there could be an error, you might have trouble getting the company to help you.

BBB said the best way to protect yourself from scammers is to think carefully about who you send money to using peer-to-peer payment apps.

Also, scammers tend to take advantage of the timing of money sharing apps. This form of payment can take a few days to process a transaction, so scammers will “send funds” that they know will never go through.

How to know you are a victim of identity theft

According to BBB, the earlier you notice identity theft, the faster you can take action to minimize the damage to your finances.

It is crucial to keep an eye out for signs, including making sure all the transactions on your account are yours, noticing your card getting declined, regular bills not coming in through the mail, and any other suspicious activity in your bank account.

You will also want to take action if the IRS rejects your tax return, if your credit score increases or decreases quickly, you are suddenly denied medical coverage, or if debt collectors call about debt you don't have.

If you think you are a victim of identity theft, then you can visit identiytheft.gov to report the matter and get a recovery plan just for you.