Alerts

Consumer Fraud - Scams

Many Scammers target seniors.  AARP reports that one should take the following steps to protect yourself:  (1) Check your credit report at lease once a year and correct any errors, (2) Don't give out your Social Security number unless it's absolutely required, (3) Carefully get rid of papers with personal information. Shred charge receipts, bank statements, expired credit cards, credit offers.  (4) Don't give out your credit card or bank account number over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you are able to independently confirm you are dealing with an actual representative of a legitimate business.  To learn more go to www.aarp.org and enter scams in the search box. You will get a big list of scams and how to avoid them. 

AARP has issued a list of 9 Warning Sign of a Scam.  You can accesss the article at http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourmoney/articles/9warningsigns.html

 

Identity Theft

The Federal Trade Commision advises that you can deter identity theft by safeguarding your personal information.  The following link takes you to a brochure that briefly describes how to prevent idenity theft.    Identity Theft Brochure   More information may be obtained by going to www.ftc.gov/idtheft

2010 Census - Better Business Bureau

BBB Alerts Consumers about U.S. Census Workers:

Be Cooperative, But Cautious

 

The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is underway as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households nationwide. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the US and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race and other data. 

 Most people are rightfully cautious and won’t give out personal information to unsolicited phone callers or visitors, however the Census is an exception to the rule. Households are actually required by law to respond to the Census Bureau’s information requests.

 Unfortunately, people may also be contacted by scammers, who impersonate Census workers to get access to banking and financial information. Law enforcement in several states have issued warnings that scammers are already posing as Census Bureau employees and knocking on doors asking for donations and Social Security numbers.

 The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? Your BBB offers some advice:

 For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.

  • If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, he or she will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see identification and a badge before answering questions. Never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.
  • Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Don’t give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if he or she claims it’s needed for the U.S. Census. Census workers won’t ask for this information or solicit donations.
  • Eventually, census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home. However, they won’t contact you by e-mail, so look out for e-mail scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an e-mail supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

 

Sheri Sword | Vice President of Communications

 Tel: 937-222-1534, ext. 2277

Fax: 937-222-3338

Email: ssword@dayton.bbb.org

www.bbb.org | Start With Trust

 Better Business Bureau

15 W. Fourth St., Ste. 300

Dayton, Ohio  45402

WCCS reports on Meals on Wheels

  Warren County Community Services (WCCS) reported, in their Sept./Oct. 2009 newsletter, that there is a private, for profit business providing meals delivered to your home for a fee of $30.00 per week.  This for profit business is passing out flyers in local communities about ordering thee meals.

WCCS would lke you to know that Seniors do not have to pay this fee for WCCS Measl on Wheels.  WCCS provides Mealso on Wheels 7 days per week and asks only whatever donation the senior feels thay can afford. 

For more information on on WCCS Meals on Wheels call 513-695-2234.