This is straight from the BBB in Richmond.
BBB Sees Telephone Scams Increase
Consumers are Often Targeted During the Holiday Season
Richmond, VA – In the past two weeks several area consumers have notified BBB that they have received calls from someone with a heavy accent who claims they are with “Better Business Bureau.” Individuals are being advised they have won large amounts of money. Today a consumer reported being told they would receive $2.5 million. The telephone number on the consumers’ Caller ID is 876.251.0555 and is coming from Jamaica.
“Unfortunately scammers prey on consumers who may make a hasty and emotional decision during the holidays,” warns Tom Gallagher, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau Serving Central Virginia. “They may use various stories to try and lure you into sending them money. BBB is not going to call you to say you have won anything. Do not give out any personal information and do not give money to persons unknown to you.”
BBB Advice to Consumers:
• Hang up and don’t call the scammer back. We all like to have the last word, but returning the phone call may just give the con artist information he can use.
· Do not give your personal information out to someone who has contacted you, whether it’s by phone, email, social media or at your front door.
• If you are unsure about a communication received, be sure to contact the company or agency directly using a verifiable telephone number.
• Check your bank account and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized transactions.
• If you think you’ve been scammed, notify your bank and credit card companies immediately. Also contact Equifax, Experian or TransUnion and put a fraud alert on your account. You only need to contact one and they will alert the others.
• Contact your local BBB if you need help at 804-648-0016.
• Check out companies before you do business with them at Richmond.bbb.org. There you can subscribe to our consumer newsletter Start With Trust to stay aware of the latest scams.
