1. Swine Flu Scams - be on the lookout for fraudulent emails and Web sites trying to take advantage of the current swine flu outbreak. BBB suggests you avoid opening email from an unknown source and do not click on any links in the body of the email or open any attachments.
2. Insight Broadband Scam - Two different emails are going around using Insight’s name. One claims it is updating its database and asks you for your personal information. The other states that you have a harmful virus in your system. If you receive either of these emails, delete them! This is a scam! Inisight is not sending out such notices.
3. Some Decker College Students - may be eligible for partial paybacks from the State of KY. The state is offering the money to students who haven’t received a refund or had their debt forgiven and who were enrolled in Decker College in Kentucky and Indianapolis when the school shut down in September 2005. To claim the refund, students must contact: Kentucky State Board for Proprietary Education at P.O. Box 1360, Frankfort, KY 40602.
4. 2010 U.S. Census Scam - Scam artists are taking advantage of the U.S. Census to try to get your personal information. Before you answer any questions, here is how you can tell the difference between a con artist and an official U.S. Census worker. When they come around and knock on your door, census workers will have identification, a handheld device and a confidentiality notice. U.S. Census workers will not ask for your social security number, your banking and financial information, or money.
5. BBB is receiving numerous calls on Mortgage Foreclosure Rescue Scams. Some of these scam artists contact those who need help directly, others advertise on tv, in the newspaper, or on telephone poles. Either way, all they want is your money. They offer to save your home, but they want a hefty amount of money up front. BBB recommends if you are having trouble paying your mortgage, contact your mortgage company directly. For more information on foreclosures, go to www.hud.gov/foreclosure.
6. Habitat for Humanity’s - good name is being used in a work-at-home job scam. A consumer was offered a job after answering a newspaper ad. She was sent a check, which she was told was a donation, and was instructed to keep $350 of it as her payment and wire the remainder to another Habitat for Humanity official. The check was fake.
7. CareerBuilder Scam - Be careful when posting your resume online. You may get a fake job offer. The disclaimer on this job offer was so "out there," we had to share: "The content of this email has been approved by CareerBuilder. This email is intended for the use of the individual address named above and may contain information that is confidential, privileged or unsuitable for overly sensitive persons with low self-esteem, no sense of humour or irrational religious beliefs. While there are legitimate jobs on the websites, be careful who you respond to, and the information you give them."
8. American Publications advertises a "legitimate opportunity to earn extra income from the comfort of your home." The work-at-home company has an F rating with BBB. Consumers complain they paid $30 for materials that either were never received or did not live up to the company’s marketing promises. The program enlists customers to help sell copies of "The American Home Workers Guide Book," which is supposed to list companies that hire home workers. Similar lists are available for free on the internet.
9. Think and Lose is advertising on TV. The company’s website states, "Lose weight faster and easier than ever before!" and "Guaranteed or you don’t pay!" Complainants allege problems with billing and difficulty in obtaining refunds. This Las Vegas company has 45 complaints and the BBB’s lowest rating.
10. BBB Torch Award Nominations - The BBB Torch Awards honor local businesses and non-profit organizations for their outstanding commitment to fair, honest, and ethical marketplace practices. Currently, BBB is accepting nominations for these prestigious awards. Please send in your nominations to Attn: Torch Awards, BBB, 844 South 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40203.