Liberty1 Financial Scam warning comments that BBB has a few resolutions for you to follow in 2023 that will help you protect yourself from scammers, prevent identity theft, and find trustworthy businesses and charities that you can trust.
There is an excellent tool on the BBB website called the BBB Scam Tracker, which is located at bbb.org/scamtracker; you can use it to report scams or to find out if that email, text, or phone call from the IRS or the debt collector was legitimate or if it was just a scam. Since the BBB Scam Tracker program was started, hundreds of thousands of scam reports have been filed throughout the country. This tool is used by the Better Business Bureau to track scams and to report fraudulent activity to the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance for analyses and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
As a citizen of the 21st century, you cannot afford to make mistakes. Taking preventive measures is one of the best ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft.
To empower consumers to have a safe, scam-free 2023, the BBB has provided the following resolutions to assist them:
1. Before You Buy, Always Check a Business Out With BBB
Not all businesses meet BBB Accreditation Standards, and not all of those businesses qualify to display the Accredited Business seal on their websites and in their shops. The BBB Business Profiles are available on bbb.org for nearly 4 million companies throughout North America.
2. With “Job Offers” That Promise Easy Money, Be Skeptical
It is a common occurrence for scammers to target people looking for work. Beware of any job opportunity, work-at-home scheme, or business opportunity that promises big money for little effort and no experience.
3. Read The Fine Print, Especially With “Free” Trial Offers
Consumers have reported to BBB repeated charges to their credit or debit cards after signing up for a “free” trial offer online, sometimes amounting to hundreds of dollars per month. It is essential that you read the terms and conditions of any “free” trial offer before providing your credit or debit card information.
4. Always Keep Your Computer Safe
Liberty1 Financial recommends installing an anti-virus program on your computer and ensuring your operating system and software are up-to-date to avoid scams. Don’t open attachments or click on links in emails unless you’re sure they’re from a trustworthy source.
5. To Someone You Don’t Know, Never Wire Money
Scammers know that tracking money sent via wire or placed on pre-paid cards is extremely difficult. Once you have wired the money, it is almost impossible to retrieve it.
6. Defend Yourself Against Identity Theft
Liberty1 Financial advises shredding papers containing sensitive financial data and disposing of computers, cell phones, and digital data securely. The Better Business Bureau offers tips and checklists on what to shred, and it hosts annual Secure Your ID events across the country.
7. Ask BBB For Help
You may contact the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-central-east-texas if you disagree with a business, or you may want to use the BBB Scam Tracker if a scammer has defrauded you.
8. Set A Budget And Stick To It
At BBB.org, you can find information on creating a budget to help you get out of debt and stay out of debt this year.
9. To Avoid A Scam Fight Fake Check Fraud
There are plenty of scammers who will create professional-looking phony checks. Be highly cautious of checks that claim that you have won the lottery, are eligible for a government grant, or have landed a job as a secret shopper.
10. Get Everything In Writing
Put all verbal agreements in writing to limit miscommunication and misunderstandings between what you expect and what you get.
There are many positive companies out there. If you notice fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, report them through BBB’s Scam Tracker. Please don’t give up on a company you can trust; always look for the BBB seal, a sign of a better business.
About Better Business Bureau (BBB)
There’s no charge for most of the BBB services to consumers. BBB sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior, and most services are free. There are over 5.3 million BBB Business Profiles, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust at BBB.org. In the United States, Canada and Mexico, there are over 100 local, independent BBBs. BBB Serving Central East Texas serves 19 counties.
