Better Business Bureau Warns of Emerging Scams and Provides Consumer Protection Tips

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has been actively warning consumers about various scams and providing valuable tips for protection. One of the recent warnings involves the “brushing” scam, which indicates a more serious problem for victims. In this scam, individuals receive unsolicited packages, often with no clear sender, and are then targeted by scammers who use these deliveries to gain trust and extract personal information.

Additionally, the BBB has highlighted the dangers of fraudulent QR codes that are popping up across the country. These QR codes can lead to phishing sites, malware downloads, or other malicious activities, emphasizing the need for caution when scanning QR codes.

The BBB also maintains a comprehensive database of reported scams through its Scam Tracker. This resource allows consumers to search and view scams, helping to protect others from falling victim to the same schemes. Recent reports include online purchase scams and debt collection scams, with details on the locations and amounts lost.

In terms of consumer protection, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance (BBB’s Give.org) provides standards-based charity evaluations to help donors make informed giving decisions. This includes 20 standards addressing governance, results reports, finances, and truthful and transparent representations, ensuring that charities meet high standards of accountability.

For businesses, the BBB offers accreditation and ratings, such as those seen with Freedom Debt Relief, LLC, which has been accredited since 2015 and has a strong customer review profile despite some service-related complaints.