The BBB is constantly investigating scams affecting local businesses and consumers.  Our relationship with the media allows us to place a spotlight on fraudulent practices and warn consumers of unethical behavior.  If you think there is a scam proliferating in your business' industry, please let us know so we can investigate.  If you didn't see us on TV last month, here are some investigations we launched to local media: 

 Job Scams: A consumer responds to a job posting for a "work-at-home" opportunity. They receive a letter in the mail with a check ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 that looks legitimate.  They are told to immediately deposit the check.  The consumer is then told they are to be a "secret shopper," to purchase a variety of items from a local store and to fill out a survey rating that store.  Their last mission is to "shop" a money-wiring service by wiring $2,000 to their "employer" and report on that company's service as well.
Unfortunately the check is fake, and those funds will be removed from the consumer’s account; leaving the victim responsible for the funds they withdrew for the wiring service as well as the merchandise.
-  ABC 13 
-  CBS 8 
-  Univision 

Lottery Scam:  a check for $3,000-$5,000 is sent to a consumer with an explanation that the funds are for lottery winnings or a prize promotion.  The victim is given a reason to deposit the check promptly and then send back a portion of the alleged funds for taxes, registration or confirmation.  The checks are fake, bounce, and leave the victim responsible for the funds they withdrew from their account, generally over $1,000. 
-  CBS 8: 
-  ABC 13 
-  Fox 5 
-  Univision 

Other Hot Topics:
-  ID Theft Affecting College Bound Students:  ABC 13
-  Cell Phone Radiation Scam:  ABC 13
-  Tips on Gold Buying:  CBS 8