While it would be nice if all businesses and customers operated in a trustworthy and ethical fashion, the truth of the matter is, they don’t.
Your Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois is here to provide advice on how you can be a smart, educated consumer in the many facets of online scams and fraud – many of which share the same red flags.
• Get everything in writing and always read the fine print.
While it’s natural to want to avoid reading the fine print, it’s important that customers understand their rights. Whenever signing a contract, especially on the internet, your BBB recommends reading the fine print carefully.
• Never wire money to someone you don’t know.
Many scams bill victims by convincing them to wire money. The reasons for wiring money can vary and include mystery shopping, paying fees to win a lottery and — if the target is a small business owner—overpayment for goods or services. Scammers know it’s extremely difficult to track money sent via MoneyGram or Western Union. More troubling for victims is that it’s nearly impossible to get your money back. Even if you’ve been given a check to supposedly cover the amount you’re wiring, never send money to someone you don’t know personally.
• Know where to complain.
If you’ve been ripped off online, there are any number of organizations and government agencies that want to hear about it. You can file a complaint with:
• Your Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org
• The Federal Trade Commission and your Attorney General’s Office
• Always check businesses out with the BBB.
Research businesses you can trust at www.bbb.org and consider using the BBB’s FREE online service called eQuote to obtain estimates, proposals or general information from BBB Accredited Businesses.
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