Noteworthy News

Timely Reminder to Check your Credit Score

March 13, 2023

Rockford, IL – March 10, 2023 – When we spring forward and change our clocks for Daylight Saving Time this weekend, the Better Business Bureau recommends that people check their credit. It’s free and easy. “Don’t assume your credit is safe, even if you pay your bills on time,” says Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau, “Your credit report significantly impacts all aspects of everyday life. It will determine your mortgage rate. It could decide whether or not you get that job you applied for, or if you succeed in renting an apartment.“
Identity theft is so serious and so prevalent, it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. “Even children’s identities can be compromised, so monitor everyone in the family.” adds Horton.
 

Tax Tips 2023

February 28, 2023

Tax season is here again! Before you start stressing over those forms, though, read this guide for what you need to know about filing taxes in 2023. 
 
Dates to know
Take a note of these important dates as you start preparing your 2022 taxes.

• The tax filing deadline is April 18, 2023.
• The extension deadline is Oct. 16, 2023. 

Make sure you have all the forms and information you need well in advance so you can get your return filed in time. 
 
Changes to the tax code
Here are some important tax code changes to note as you prepare to file.
 

Scammers Close In as Tax Season Opens

January 26, 2023

Filing season marks the return of Tax Schemes
Read this BBB Alert to learn how to protect yourself and file safely.

Virtual Bank Robbers Sending Victims Fake Banking Notices

November 7, 2022

Rockford, IL – November 2, 2022 – Have you ever wondered why you are getting texts, emails, or even voicemails from a credit union or bank you don’t even do business with. Scammers use a shotgun approach to push impostor emails and texts from banks trying to rob personal identity and drain victim accounts.

The Better Business Bureau says that one of scammers' favorite tactics is impersonating a person or organization you know and trust. “That's the premise of this new text message scam, which has been popping up in recent BBB Scam Tracker reports,” says Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of BBB. “This time, con artists are impersonating your bank.”

Don't Get Caught in a Cryptocurrency Scam

October 20, 2022

Scammers follow the money, and this holds true for digital money as well. There are dozens of scams that use cryptocurrency to con people out of their money and their information. As a non-regulated currency, stolen crypto is virtually impossible to reclaim. Here are five crypto scams to know:
 

All You Need to Know about Money Market Accounts

October 4, 2022

Money market accounts offer many convenient features of checking accounts, with an attractive rate of return to help your money grow. Here’s all you need to know about money market accounts. 
 

BBB Alerts Consumers to “Check Washing” Fraud

September 21, 2022

For Scammers, it's a Blank Check to Steal Money!
Rockford, IL – Sept. 21, 2022 – BBB is alerting consumers to sign checks only with indelible black ink after a growing trend in what authorities call “check washing.” Scammers can take you to the cleaners by washing checks in a simple bath of household chemicals to erase the original name and dollar amount written on the check.

Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau says, “Scammers wash and then write in any name and any sum of money they want, cash it, and in an instant, your money can be gone. The process leaves a blank space where the “Pay to” name and dollar amount used to be. A simple $25 birthday check can be converted into a $2,500 check. Experts estimate it’s a $815 million business and growing. “

Scammers Go into Overtime to Cash in on Sports Betting Excitement

September 19, 2022

Fan fever runs hot for betting and micro betting
Rockford, IL – Sept. 13, 2022 – With all the excitement of the new NFL and college football season, Better Business Bureau is alerting sports fans about sports betting scams. “The popularity of sports betting has exploded, and scammers developed more tricks to score a touchdown with your hard-earned cash,” says Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau.

“A new, hot-targeted type of betting, called micro betting, is taking hold,” notes Horton. “Micro betting is wagering on the outcome of very specific, individual short-term plays during the game, such as who will get the ball or how many yards will be gained. You are not just betting on which team will win.”
 

Get-rich-quick scheme uses “Deepfake” technology to impersonate celebrities, politicians, business leaders

July 25, 2022

Rockford, IL – July 20, 2022 – New technology makes it nearly impossible to tell fake video or audio clips from real ones. The Deepfake technology creates fake videos and photos and can even edit verbal messages. As the software used to create these “deepfakes” becomes more widespread, scammers will use it to their advantage to steal money and sensitive information. Fake ads and endorsements are common on the internet, but now scammers with the proper technology can create an altered message making a video endorsement look real. 
“Seeing is no longer believing when it comes to what you may be viewing or hearing on the internet,“ says Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau. Click here to continue reading.

How to Protect Yourself against Zelle Scams

July 14, 2022

Zelle is the latest tech to be targeted by scammers. As with anything that is widely used, scammers have latched onto the tech and are targeting consumers. Here’s what you should know.

The Basics

Zelle is a popular person-to-person payment service because it has the backing of major banks and hundreds of credit unions. It works similar to many payment apps — you log into your bank or credit union account and send money by entering the recipient’s phone number or email address. Click the Title to learn how to protect yourself.