Things to Know to Avoid Being Scammed

You got duped. Deceived, hoodwinked, bamboozled. You went against your gut (and you didn't check BBB.org) and someone just walked away with your valuable money or time. Getting scammed is not a great feeling. In an effort to avoid getting this, familiarize yourself with these six ways to avoid getting scammed!

1. Do Not take someone at their word. Always do your homework. Ask lots of questions and check with your BBB. If a business tells you they are accredited with BBB, double check. It’s always best to be skeptical and thorough when dealing with businesses and solicitors.
2. Do Not become emotional. Never allow yourself to get wrapped up in the story a solicitor is telling you. Scammers feed on people who allow their emotions to dictate their actions. If you believe their tragic or sad or exciting story, the scammer is more likely to make money off of you.
3. 

   Know common persuasion tactics. Scammers like to try to ignite emotion in their victim. They either manipulate the victim’s emotions or use fear to get what they want. If you get an unexpected phone call and are being asked for money (recently people were getting phone calls from the IRS demanding immediate payments with the threat of jail time if the payments were not made immediately) ask questions. If you have an uneasy feeling about something call your BBB. Never blindly hand out your personal information or money.
4. Do Not act impulsively. Downloading files, clicking pop-ups, signing up for trial offers, and opening emails from unknown senders are all behaviors to avoid if you want to protect yourself from a scam or from being hacked.  
5. Do Not be afraid to be rude. Often the people who end up scammed are those who feel bad about hanging up the phone or shutting the door in someone’s face.
6. Always protect your personal information. This last tip is vital. Always shred personal documents or keep them locked up. Shred credit card offers that come in the mail. Anything that has your social security number or your banking information on it needs to be destroyed. Never use the same password for all of your accounts and change it frequently.

What other ways can you think of to help avoid scams! Comment Below!

Maine Attorney General Warns Businesses of Phone Scam

Earlier this week, we told you about the homework folder phone scam that was plaguing Vermont business owners. Well, in true scammer fashion, they never rest. BBB has just learned of a new phone scam affecting small business owners in Maine.

The Maine Attorney General issued a warning last week that phone scammers were calling businesses and claiming to be from the Maine Office of Tourism. The callers claimed to be selling advertising space on a publication that was to be produced by the Maine Office of Tourism. The scammers demanded an upfront cash payment to be made over the phone immediately.

Businesses should know that these caller are not affiliated with the Maine Office of Tourism, nor are they subcontractors of the organization. If you receive a call, Attorney General Janet Mills advises you to hang up.

BBB recommends that you never give out personal information, over the phone, to someone you don’t know. If the caller requires you to pay by money order, you should also consider that as a giant red flag.

Vermont Attorney General Warns Businesses of Homework Folder Scam

Last week, the Vermont Attorney General's Office warned business owners of a phone and email scam. The calls and emails come from an out-of-state business claiming to raise money for a local school. The scammers tell the business owner that they will support the school by buying a local advertisement, which will be placed on a homework folder. In turn, that folder will be given to the student at no cost.

The business may be using the names, "PNM," Production Network Media and "PMC," Production Media Company, according to the Vermont Attorney General. In the past, "American Youth Group" and "Student Relations Inc." have also used this model to solicit funds from local businesses.

If your business has been a target of this scam, please file a complaint with the Vermont Consumer Assistance Program, www.uvm.edu/consumer.