The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning to consumers:
The Better Business Online (BBO) has absolutely NOTHING to do with the Better Business Bureau.
The BBO site gives information advising consumers against most business opportunities and work-at-home offers, but then offers to sell a guide about work-at-home promotions. "The BBO has even swiped the BBB logo," the BBB says. "BBB attorneys have contacted this company. We're ticked off that somebody would steal the good name of the Better Busines Bureau to sell this kind of information."
They also released their latest product/scam warnings;
1. Cancer "cures" can bring up big bucks for shysters, the BBB reports, and to address this issue, the FDA sent warning letters to 23 U.S. companies and two foreign individuals who allegedly are marketing fraudulent claims to prevent and cure cancer.
The FDA also is warning consumers against using products like tabliets, teas, tonics, black salves and creams that are being sold online under names such as Virgin Salmon Oil, Lung Cancer Tea, Cat's Claw, Bloodroot Extract, Shark Cartilage and E-Mune, plus over 100 more.
2. Premier Credit/Premier Credit of North America operates a collection agency out of Indianapolis. Consumers are alleging harassing, and in some cases confusing phone calls by this company. Complainants have reported that Premier has stated or implied they are employed by the state or federal government. Consumers from at least eight other states, along with Indiana, have filed over 60 complaints against this company, which has the BBB's lowest rating.
3. Shopping Disbursement, Frontline Consumer Research Group, International Communications Research and United Evaluation & Marketing Services are sending letters to consumers offering employment as a mystery shopper. The consumer's first job is always to shop either Western Union or MoneyGram.
An Attica consumer received one of these letters with a $3,320 check -- which turned out to be counterfeit -- to "cover" the assignment. "This is one of the fastest growing scams around," the BBB says. "Don't fall for it. You will only lose money, not make it."
4. Kinoki Foot Pads were sold on TV claiming to "detox your body."
In 2009, the Federal Trade Commission charged Yehuda ("Juda") Levin, Baruch Levin, and their company (Xacta 3000 Inc.) with deceptive advertising. The case was settled with a stipulated agreement under which the company were barred from promoting or selling any dietary supplement, food, drug, or medical device, and from helping others do the same. The defendants agreed to a judgment of $14.5 million, which represented the total revenues from the sale of the pads.
5. Magic Jack is an Internet Service Provider advertising a free 30-day trial period. After accepting the offer, consumers allege funds were withdrawn from their accounts before the end of the trial period. Consumers also allege experiencing difficulty in contacting the company and receiving refunds. So far over 436 complaints have been filed against this West Palm Beach, Fla., company.
6. "AT&T," "Finance Central Federal" and "WIBC" are fraudsters using legitimate companies' names to call consumers saying they are either conducting surveys, or claiming to need information to reactivate credit cards. This is all about identity theft. Don't answer these questions. Just hang up.
For more info from the Better Business Bureau see the bbb.org
For more tips and info to avoid falling victim to scams see blogs:
Scams & Hoaxes
Known Scams, and how to avoid fraud.
The Better Business Online (BBO) has absolutely NOTHING to do with the Better Business Bureau.
The BBO site gives information advising consumers against most business opportunities and work-at-home offers, but then offers to sell a guide about work-at-home promotions. "The BBO has even swiped the BBB logo," the BBB says. "BBB attorneys have contacted this company. We're ticked off that somebody would steal the good name of the Better Busines Bureau to sell this kind of information."
They also released their latest product/scam warnings;
1. Cancer "cures" can bring up big bucks for shysters, the BBB reports, and to address this issue, the FDA sent warning letters to 23 U.S. companies and two foreign individuals who allegedly are marketing fraudulent claims to prevent and cure cancer.
The FDA also is warning consumers against using products like tabliets, teas, tonics, black salves and creams that are being sold online under names such as Virgin Salmon Oil, Lung Cancer Tea, Cat's Claw, Bloodroot Extract, Shark Cartilage and E-Mune, plus over 100 more.
2. Premier Credit/Premier Credit of North America operates a collection agency out of Indianapolis. Consumers are alleging harassing, and in some cases confusing phone calls by this company. Complainants have reported that Premier has stated or implied they are employed by the state or federal government. Consumers from at least eight other states, along with Indiana, have filed over 60 complaints against this company, which has the BBB's lowest rating.
3. Shopping Disbursement, Frontline Consumer Research Group, International Communications Research and United Evaluation & Marketing Services are sending letters to consumers offering employment as a mystery shopper. The consumer's first job is always to shop either Western Union or MoneyGram.
An Attica consumer received one of these letters with a $3,320 check -- which turned out to be counterfeit -- to "cover" the assignment. "This is one of the fastest growing scams around," the BBB says. "Don't fall for it. You will only lose money, not make it."
4. Kinoki Foot Pads were sold on TV claiming to "detox your body."
In 2009, the Federal Trade Commission charged Yehuda ("Juda") Levin, Baruch Levin, and their company (Xacta 3000 Inc.) with deceptive advertising. The case was settled with a stipulated agreement under which the company were barred from promoting or selling any dietary supplement, food, drug, or medical device, and from helping others do the same. The defendants agreed to a judgment of $14.5 million, which represented the total revenues from the sale of the pads.
5. Magic Jack is an Internet Service Provider advertising a free 30-day trial period. After accepting the offer, consumers allege funds were withdrawn from their accounts before the end of the trial period. Consumers also allege experiencing difficulty in contacting the company and receiving refunds. So far over 436 complaints have been filed against this West Palm Beach, Fla., company.
6. "AT&T," "Finance Central Federal" and "WIBC" are fraudsters using legitimate companies' names to call consumers saying they are either conducting surveys, or claiming to need information to reactivate credit cards. This is all about identity theft. Don't answer these questions. Just hang up.
For more info from the Better Business Bureau see the bbb.org
For more tips and info to avoid falling victim to scams see blogs:
Scams & Hoaxes
Known Scams, and how to avoid fraud.
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i received this message, didn't know who to report it to. sounds like a scam to me....
-----Original Message-----
From: OFFICE OF THE SENATE PRESIDENT [mailto:info@diamondbankplc.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 2:25 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients
Subject: ATM PAYMENT NOTIFICATION
Office Of The Senate President,
International credit Settlement,
ATM Sweepstake.
Attention: Category "A" Beneficiary.
This is to officially inform you that we have verified your contract/ inheritance file and
found out that your among the lucky beneficiaries of the ATM sweepstake
and why you have not received your payment is because you have not fulfilled
the obligations given to you in respect to your ATM sweepstake and
Contract/inheritance payment. Kindly re-confirm the following:
1) Your Full Name:
2) Phone:
4) Your Address:
5) Profession, Age and Marital Status:
Kindly Contact This Office, the Atm Payment Department (CBN) Account Officer
Dr Kennedy Martins
Diamond Bank Plc
Email:atmdept@diamondexpressng.com
This office has been mandated to issue to you an ATM card valued at $1.2m as
initial payment for this first fiscal year 2008.
Note: because of impostors, we hereby issue you our code of conduct, which
is (ATM-Y2K8) so you have to indicate this code when contacting this office
by using it as your subject.
Kind Regards,
Alhaji Musa Bello
International Credit Settlement
Office Of The Senate President,
Federal Republic Of Nigeria
Yes, it most certainly is a scam -don't respond or click on any embedded links.
If you suspect fraud, contact the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, at http://www.ic3.gov
Also report phishing scams by sending email to phishing-report@us-cert.gov
For more info on how to forward a phishing scam correctly see the appropriate government website here:
http://www.us-cert.gov/nav/report_phishing.html
Recieved a letter said I won at a casino that I was at with in the last year The letter is from "International award claim department" 120 Casino Sq. Niagara Falls.New York 14301 a phone # to call to claim winnings is 1-289-888-2699 how do I find out if it is a scam
Brenda -this is a scam. If you have any doubt -type in the international claim department in your browser and you will find more info. When in doubt you can contact the casino you were at and ask them if they have any promotions going on with an "international" company...They send out scam notices hoping some of them will reach people who have recently visited the casino and believe it to be true...unfortunately it's not.
This company says they can modify my home loan 100% garaunteed. they want a $1,500 payment up front to start the process, is this company for real?
loan Review Inc.
Jesse -Without knowing the company all I can tell you is to check them out thoroughly with your State AG's consumer protection office and/or online for complaints. A Red Flag is -Why do they need money up front??
I can refer you to Pat Cray, a mortgage specialist, for a second opinion. I have heard from others that she is reliable and trustworthy: She lives near me in Florida. Get a second opinion and/or see what she has to offer. Her info is:
Pat Cray, CMPS®
Gold Coast Lending
Commercial & Residential Mortgage Specialist
Toll Free: 888-499-1888
Email: patcray@patcray.com
I hope this helps...
I like to know if the company American modification Agency is legitmate. Thanks
Anthony - you should check with the Better Business Bureau in your area and you can also check with your state AG's office. And do a search online, it's amazing sometimes what we can learn through Yahoo, Google, and browsers on our own.
Also check at http://www.msfraud.org to see if they have anything on them. I have not received anything on this particular company.
good luck!
Denise
I purchased a Apple Ipod for my son at Walmart also purchased the extended warranty for the product. Cost was 296.38, my sister also purchased an Apple Ipod but a cheaper one she accidently washed my neice's sent it to Apple and it was replaced not once but twice, Funny when I accidently washed my son's 300.00 Ipod and sent it to Apple they said they would not cover it. Then I contacted Walmart Care Plan and guess waht they won't cover it either. I would like to know why I purchased this 2 year plan if it doen't cover accidents what good is it. Kids are the major users of the Ipod and guess what they are going to drop it, wash it, and lord knows what else. What if it was droped in a mud puddle would it be covered then, I don't think so. But it did cover the cheaper Ipod for the same damage, bet if it were a Nano I would not have any problem getting it fixed.
I will never buy from Apple again and I certainly will never purchase electronics at a Walmart, with or without the so called extended warranty that they sell you.
Thanks for sharing Jamie. Whatever happened to "the customers' always right" attitude. Seems now-a-days nobody takes that extra step to help others.
I am in receipt of a few Official looking letters stating: "We have just received your Order of Authorization for delivery of the available ***$852.000.00 in Cash and Awards* Win-Opportunity for which you are CONFIRMED eligible to receive by Entrant Validation No. 2195263856. However they did not receive the required $19.99 Report fee along with the Authorization, your opportunity to receive the available Prize Payments has been temporarily placed On Hold.
THIS IS THE REAL EYE CATCHER:
"Joe Bca, The Reporting Center confirms that all procedures are now in place to transfer the entire $EIGHT HUNDRED AND FIFTY TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS IN MONEY AND PRIZES*** Directly To You --provided you have complied with all of the procedure directives as detailed On Report and are finalized Winner.
How are places allowed to continue to try to trick the general public into such things that some people would fall for it. This is the address I was sent stamped on the envelope that was supposed to send the money and documents in;
T.R.C.Receiver Services
Administrative Processing Center
P.O. Box 9000
East Meadow, NY 11554-9000
RECIEVED A CHECK FROM SECRET SHOPPERS IN THE AMOUNT OF 4,350.00 I KNOW IT'S A SCAM BUT IT'S OUT THERE BE AWARE. IT LOOKS REAL BUT IT IS COUNTERFEIT.I RECEIVED THIS CHECK ON APRIL 20,2009 SO IT IS STILL OUT HERE MAKE KNOW MISTAKES BE ALERT.IT HAS WELL FARGO& COMPANY AS THE ISSUING BANK AND SECURITY FEATURES INCLUDED,COLOR BACKGROUND AND MICROPRINTING IN THE BORDER LOOKS VERY REAL SAYS OFFICIAL CHECK SIGNED CONTROLLER I.D. AND NUMBER.STAY AWAY!THIS IS REALLY STARTING TO SHOW UP EVERYWHERE.
I Received A Letter In The Mail From A Reporting Center/A Division Of CRF Awards COMPILATION AND REPORTING AGENCY OUT OF LONG ISLAND,NY FROM A DIRECTOR:JASON M.ROBERTS STATING THAT I AM SUPOSE TO RECEIVE $852,000.00 NOTICE OF ORDER AND PENDING PAYMENTS,THE GAVE ME THIS BIG CODE NUMBER UNDERNEITH,PLUS A VALIDATION NUMBER 2210257842 BUT THE WANT ME TO SEND THEM $19.99 FOR PROCESSING TO SEND ME THE FUNDS BY VARIOUS SWEEPSTAKES THEY CLAIMED THAT I HAVE WON.SO IS THIS A SCAM OR WHAT BECAUSE I HAVE RECEIVED ABOUT 20 DIFFERENT LETTERS LIKE THIS IN THE MAIL.
Yes, it is a scam. Do not send any money.
I recieved a letter, Final claim notice. Sent a check for 3,680 dollars.Told me to put in an account. To recieve 50.000 dollars.It is from AMERICAN FIDELITY ASSURANCE CONSUMERS AND MERCHANDISE REWARD PROGRAM.137 EAST 38TH street newyork NY 10018. tel. 1888-247-4136. fax 1905-698-1200. gAVE ME A CLAIM NO.and how to claim. are they real or a scam.
SCAM...This sounds like one of the many types of check cashing scams -see this blog and video;
http://www.givemebackmycredit.com/blog/2008/10/scams-are-on-the-risebeware-of.html#more and search for check cashing scams on this blog.
I recevied a e-mail letter from Google Incorporations/Google Promotion Award Team it was a Google Anniversary Winning Notification saying We wish to congratulate you on your winning prize A winning cheque will be issued in your name by Google Promotion Award Team in the sum of 450,000.00 (Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Great British Pounds Sterling) also a certificate of prize claims will be sent along side your winning cheque. they want all infor name,numbers,country,sex,age,ever won a lottery?,preferred method of receiving your prize.(1)Cash pick-up you coming to united Kingdom to pick up prize or (2) courier delivery of your certified winning cheque name and other winning documents safely to you. sincerly Dr. Leslie Spears Google Promotion award Team
My mother has mailed out numerous checks to these supposed you have won the opportunity for cash and awards, she just needs to send processing fees to complete paperwork before sending the check. Also, they ask you if you want to have direct deposit of your prize if so they need your banking info also. Please do not fall for this!! They are preying on the elderly most of the time. I have had to throw away these notices because my mother argues with me to send the money even if it means overdrafting or doing without medications. Someone needs to stop this CON.
I also received a letter today from Director Jason Roberts of TRC in New York, with 3 different addresses and 2 P.O boxes wanting me to buy the $19.99 report. I noticed 2 other people have received the same thing as I did.
Should I report this to the Attorney General in our state of Indiana?
Thank you