Credit Card Scam – Local consumers are receiving robo calls that claim to be able to lower their credit card interest rate. Some of these calls are waking people up in the middle of the night! The automated call asks the consumer to enter their credit card number, instantly giving the scam artist access to the account.
Thomasville Furniture Scam – Salesmen are soliciting local home owners to buy furniture out of a white box truck labeled “Thomasville Transport” – alluding to the furniture company, Thomasville Furniture Industries. The furniture is poor quality and not real Thomasville furniture. Authentic Thomasville furniture is sold only in retail stores.
Super-Free-Laptops.com advertises through radio promotions across the U.S. The company offers a free laptop, but consumers must participate in a number of online surveys and buy other unrelated products. Consumers complain they have completed all of the steps and never receive a laptop.
The BBB warns of fly-by-night scammers. These scammers agree to work for homeowners by remodeling a home, paving a driveway, roofing a home, cutting trees, etc. These scammers begin the project, then take the money and run. This scam is the most prevalent during the summer, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters.
NewDiaperClub.com Scam – A new internet company guarantees a one-year supply of diapers, delivered monthly, for $500. But customers are already complaining of late deliveries and even no deliveries at all. Stay away from this diaper service!
The BBB warns of organizations campaigning for “notch babies” social security rights. Due to a government flaw, notch babies (those born between 1917 and 1926) receive less social security benefits. Some scammers falsely seek funds for their “campaigns,” while others claim to be compiling a list to redistribute the notch babies’ compensation. These scammers are just phishing for personal details and stealing money.
Advanced Fee Loan Scam – BBB warns of lending companies that instantly approve loans and charge advance fees before the loan is made. Such fees include insurance fees, processing fees, collateral fees, etc. Fraudulent companies take the fee charge and the consumer never gets the loan. It’s illegal for a company to charge advance fees for a loan.
The BBB warns job seekers of Phony Employment Offers that appear to be from legitimate businesses. A copycat mirrored Ecommerce, Inc.’s website information to send a fraudulent email about an open job. The email isn’t from the real business. By filling out this application consumers can fall victim to identity theft. Don’t fill it out!
Camera Giant Inc. Scam – While ordering from the internet based company, the consumer is instructed to call the business. The business then uses high pressure sales tactics to push additional products – like add-ons, batteries, and SD cards – on the customer. When consumers decline, the salesperson states the camera won’t work without the add-ons or that the camera doesn’t come with batteries or a SD card. This company also sells on the websites www.wisetronics.com and www.mywirelessdeal.com.
BBB Torch Award Nominations – The BBB Torch Awards honor local businesses and non-profit organizations for their outstanding commitment to fair, honest, and ethical marketplace practices. Currently, BBB is accepting nominations for these prestigious awards. Please send in your nominations to Attn: Torch Awards, BBB, 844 South 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40203.