I think we’ve all received a phone call or email announcing we’ve won some money, won a sweepstakes, or have millions awaiting in an African bank account. Alarm bells begin to sound when someone starts asking for personal information – like a birthdate, social security number, or a prepaid VISA gift card – and we know it’s probably a scam. But there are many citizens who’re unaware of current scams – and the elderly are especially vulnerable. That’s why we’re pleased to share the Better Business Bureau’s announcement that they’ve implemented a free, online database called Scam Tracker. Now available in all 112 BBB’s in the United States and Canada, this database collects information from consumers and processing data about scams currently being conducted. It’s as easy as searching a key word then seeing if your information matches a current scam. For example, we went to Scam Tracker and typed in “won sweepstakes” in the keyword search. There are two scams showing in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including a Publishers Clearing House announcement that the recipient won $1 million dollars. The catch is in the fine print – which Scam Tracker provided – this was Publisher’s Clearing House in India. I don’t think I was aware PCH existed in India, so there you go. Consumers can report a scam and BBB will check it out before allowing it on the Tracker. Once confirmed, it will go live almost immediately. People can search scams locally, statewide or nationally. Not everyone is computer savvy or aware of everything that’s going on, so please share this information. It might keep someone you love from being scammed out of their hard-earned money, retirement savings or social security income. Here’s the link and address to the BBB’s Scam Tracker: https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/us/
