Fraudsters Fire Up Fear Factor on Money and ID Thefts

July 1, 2022

Law Enforcement Impostors text/email altered police badges to trick victims
Rockford, IL – June 30, 2022 – Scammers are impersonating both local and national law enforcement officers to increase threat levels to steal your money and identity. Better Business Bureau says to watch out for a new twist in these scams. Con artists are using doctored images online of “police badges” and other fake but “official-looking” credentials to gain your trust.
“This new trick makes the con artist more believable,” says Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau. “It can take people off guard as an extra scare tactic. Fear can cloud judgment, and it’s easy to think it’s important to follow instructions because it’s the police.”
How the scam works. Click on title to read complete article.

Big Money Questions Before Marriage

June 29, 2022

No matter how well you and your significant other jibed while dating, marriage brings new things to think about—and money is one of them. Ironing out any potential sources of friction makes for a happier couple. Get the conversation rolling and ask these questions before marriage: Click on title for full article.
 

NEW BBB STUDY REVEALS SCAMMERS IMPERSONATING GOVERNMENT AGENCIES SPIKING

June 2, 2022

Scammers Use Threats and Fake Grants

Rockford, IL – June 2, 2022 – A new Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) study update released today shows scammers are pretending to be the Social Security Administration, IRS, Medicare or some other government agency to trick you out of money. They threaten arrest if you don’t give up your bank account info to pay a fee right away. Con artists also might say you are eligible for a government grant, but a fee is required to obtain it.

"These are all scams, do not respond to these impostors,” says Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau. “The con artists want your money and personal information to steal your identity. BBB is warning the public to use caution if they are contacted by a government agency demanding money or offering a government grant for a fee.” Click Title Above for full article.