The Better Business Bureau's Top Ten Scams for 2011 still include tried and true door-to-door tactics. But there's a new wave of schemes that use technology to cheat people out of their money.
The BBB says that online scammers prey on the public's growing eagerness to embrace new technologies such as social media and online commerce.
"Many people view their online personas as separate from their real-life ones, and don't take the same precautions to protect their identities, their computers or their money" said Lynda Pasacreta, president of the BBB of Mainland B.C.
The BBB is encouraging people to research businesses before handing over their money and examine offers very closely, especially if they seem too good to be true.
The BBB's list of Top Ten Scams for 2011
Social network scams
With social network sites like Facebook and Twitter becoming more popular, users are often targeted with schemes that look like advertisements and personal messages.
Fraudulent work-at-home job offers, deceptive "free trials" and computer viruses are sent through tweets or Facebook posts.
Phishing, vishing and smishing
Phishing scams send emails that look legitimate, often claiming that account information needs to be updated. People will be directed to a website where they are prompted to enter personal information online.
Vishing attacks come via telephone, usually through a recorded message that tells users to call a toll-free number where they will be asked to enter credit card information.
Smishing scams send text messages to mobile phones that ask users to register for or download a service that ends up being a virus.
Relative scam
This phone scam targets grandparents who think they are aiding their grandchildren by sending money for an emergency situation. The con artists will often say "it's me, your favourite grandchild" or "Grandma, do you know who this is?" Other scammers search Facebook profiles to find out when grandchildren are out of town before claiming to have been in a car accident or arrested while on vacation.
Not-so-free trial offers
Online ads may tempt you to try out a diet product, acne cream or teeth whitener and claim to offer free trials. Many websites do not discloses the billing terms and conditions of the trial. The BBB advises to always review websites thoroughly before handing over any of your debit or credit card information.
Job scams
In tough economic times, scammers target the unemployed through work-at-home, online and mystery shopper job scams. Online job-seekers are told they must purchase a start-up training kit that never arrives. Mystery shoppers are sent a fake cheque, told to deposit it, allowed to keep a small percentage of the money as their wage and then wire the rest back to the con artists.
Investment scams
This scam convinces people to become part owners or investors in a business opportunity. The promoter convinces people to invest their money in a deal that appears lucrative, and then recruit their friends to as well, for a hefty commission.
These schemes are likely pyramid schemes for completely fake companies.
Overpayment scams
Online buyers and sellers on Craigslist and Kijiji are potential targets for overpayment scams. A person selling merchandise is contacted by someone claiming to be interested in buying the product. The fake buyer arranges payment by cheque and offers to overpay for the product, requesting that the extra money be sent back to them. The cheque turns out to be fake and the seller loses money and the product.
Advance fee loans
Ads that guarantee loans online convince people to complete credit applications for loans of up to $100,000. They claim that the money will be sent once a fee is paid. After payment, the loan is never received as promised.
Business directory scams
Small business owners are often targets of scammers sending unauthorized invoices for unordered packages and phony business directories. The BBB says businesses should watch out for suspicious looking bills and research the company before paying.
Door-to-door scam
Door-to-door scammers offer unbelievable deals on home and property contracting. The fraudulent workers use high pressure sales tactics to frighten people into expensive yet substandard -- and often unnecessary -- work. After completing the shoddy work, the contractors leave no way to contact them when the product fails.
Have you a been taken in by any of these scams? Let us know in our comments section.
