Nashville, TN – The White House recently revoked the freeze on many types of U.S. visas and announced new immigration legislation.
But like all big news stories, the situation has created new opportunities for scammers. With many people confused by changing immigration regulations, con artists are preying on visa-seekers by posing as U.S. government officials.
How the scam works
You receive an email that looks like it’s from the U.S. Department of State. It looks official, and even includes the U.S. seal.
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BBB says Don’t Get Tricked by this Phony Free Netflix Offer
January 29, 2021 |
Nashville, TN – Between the winter weather and COVID-19 Coronavirus, most people are spending a lot of time at home. Streaming services, such as Netflix or Hulu, are more popular than ever. BBB Scam Tracker has gotten numerous reports of a text message con tricking would-be watchers with “free” Netflix for a year.
How the Scam Works
You receive a text message that says something like this: “Due to the pandemic, Netflix is offering everyone a free year of service to help you stay at home. Click the link to sign up.” Sounds great, right? If you click, you’ll be taken to a website to fill out your personal information and add a payment method.
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BBB announces Top five scams to beware in 2021
January 12, 2021 |
Nashville, TN – The COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic caused specific scams to grow exponentially in 2020. Better Business Bureau (BBB) experts warn these top five schemes may continue to be an issue as the new year begins.
BBB has seen the number of consumers falling for common scams soar last year. Cybercriminals will continue to use those same schemes as the new year progresses.
“Unfortunately, during the pandemic, we’ve seen con artists become more aggressive,” says Robyn Householder, President, and CEO of BBB Serving Middle TN and Southern KY. “Whether it’s online or over the phone, we must remain vigilant.”
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BBB releases Tips for Charitable Giving after Nashville Explosion
December 28, 2020 |
Nashville, TN – After a disaster, such as the explosion in Nashville Tennessee, people want to help in any way possible, and that often means contributing to fundraisers to help the survivors and businesses affected.
Sadly, fraud often follows these moments of vulnerability to deceive donors.
In addition, there are often campaigns set up by well-meaning individuals who may not be able to deliver on promised relief activities.
BBB Wise Giving Alliance urges donors to give thoughtfully and avoid those seeking to take advantage of the generosity of others. Here are BBB WGA’s tips for trusted giving.
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BBB Tip: Is that Santa app safe? Better check it twice
December 23, 2020 |
Nashville, TN – Apple’s App Store and Google Play list dozen of holiday-themed apps: children can video chat live with Santa himself, light the menorah, watch Santa feed live reindeer, track his sleigh on Christmas Eve, or relay their Christmas wish-lists.
This holiday season, when COVID-19 Coronavirus is causing kids to skip the traditional in-person visit with Santa, apps may play a more important role than ever. Before allowing a child to download any app, be sure what data its collecting and set permission requirements.
BBB National Programs’ Angela Tiffin, Senior Attorney for the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) recommended these tips to keep in mind this holiday season.
 BBB gives Parents Tips on using Santa Apps this year.
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BBB warns of Counterfeit Product Scams
November 28, 2020 |
Nashville, TN – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says it’s hard to resist a great bargain, especially on luxury goods and other high-priced items, but when it comes to counterfeit merchandise, consumers get scammed in a myriad of ways.
Counterfeit products are rarely of the same quality as the original.
They steal from designers and innovators who create original work, take business away from honest retailers, and reproduce tax revenue.
In some cases, counterfeit goods finance illegal activities and even exploit child labor.
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BBB issues Scam Alert, That deal on a Game Console may be a Scam
November 23, 2020 |
Nashville, TN – With many people shopping for gifts on a budget this holiday season, scammers are taking advantage of the demand for pricey gaming consoles by promoting fake deals on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 PRO, and the new PlayStation 5. Be sure to use caution when buying a console online.
You find a popular gaming console for sale online at a reduced price. Hoping to save some money, you research the seller’s website and find a few positive reviews. Convinced, you make your purchase via PayPal or another online payment method. You receive an email confirmation with shipping information and a tracking number.
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BBB gives Tips for handling Telemarketing Calls
November 3, 2020 |
Nashville, TN – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the district of Minnesota announced Wednesday it is charging 60 defendants for their roles in a $300 million nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme that defrauded more than 150,000 elderly and vulnerable adults in all 50 states.
Over the course of 20 years, the defendants allegedly carried out their scheme using a network of fake magazine sales companies that operated telemarketing centers. The telemarketers reportedly used deceptive sales scripts designed to defraud consumers by manipulating and pressuring them into making large and repeated payments to the companies.
Watch the U.S. Attorney’s Office press conference on Wednesday, October 28th, 2020.

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BBB Warns of Medicare Enrollment Cons
October 16, 2020 |
Nashville, TN – Medicare open enrollment period has started and Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Middle TN and Southern KY warning the public to be cautious this year.
Con artists in past years have targeted seniors during this time in hopes of confusing them and stealing their information or money.
With many changes and new technologies being introduced to daily life because of COVID-19 Coronavirus, it is more important than ever to stay updated on how the Medicare open enrollment period works.
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Better Business Bureau gives School Internet Safety Tips
September 19, 2020 |
Nashville, TN – Several school districts returned to in-person instruction only to shut back down for cleaning, to do a hybrid learning schedule, or not come back to in-person instruction until after winter break.
Now, as we approach the school year’s halfway point, teachers, administrators, and families may turn lax or forget to remind students about digital hygiene.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky wants to remind everyone to stay safe while online and avoid being easy targets for online scammers.
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