Updated ScamTracker Tool - New Features!
The BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust (BBB Institute) partnered with Amazon and Capital One to help people learn about scams, report them, and avoid losing money and/or personal information by enhancing the capabilities of the BBB Scam Tracker online reporting tool.
BBB Scam Tracker was launched in 2015 and it was time to update it to help consumers continue to identify and avoid scams. In fact, in 2021 alone, BBB Scam Tracker saved consumers $31.4 million from scams and $2.5B thanks to scam prevention tips provided by BBB and BBB partners.
The new features include:
An explainer page on how ScamTracker works
Guided Reported Experience, Mobile First, Improved Search Functionality, and Individual Pages for Each Scam Report (SEO benefits)
Updated back cloud back end technology, enhanced data analytics and reporting, API and system-generated reports, social media sharing for individual reports
Added feature to go back and find a business consumers can trust
The URL has not changed. It’s still BBB.org/scamtracker and BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust has really worked hard on bringing these new features online with our partners Amazon and Capital One. They’ve been instrumental in helping educate people on what to look for to avoid falling to a scam as well as reporting it out to friends and family or simply researching whether or not they’re dealing with a scam. It’s a win-win.
Consumer Tip:
Looking for “the” hot toy this holiday season? Watch out!
Every year, there are always a few “must-have” toys on the holiday wish lists.It sells out fast, becomes expensive, and often impossible to find because of a microchip shortage, supply chain issue or it just sells out! On top of that, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles - family members in general, worry about getting their deliveries on time.
Scammers are expected to use the toys' popularity to trick parents out of their money. So after searching high and low from store to store, the search may take families online - where scammers are waiting.A quick search may bring up a page that miraculously has the toy in stock with a great price!
But is it really?
Instead, open a separate browser and research sellers you know and trust.
Don’t be fooled by extra-low prices. Unreasonably low prices are a red flag for a scam on many products. Avoid making a purchase from a retailer that just doesn’t sound familiar because the price sounds too good to be true – it probably is!
If a company seems legitimate but the name is not familiar, be extra careful with personal and financial information. Look for a brick and mortar address on the website and go a step further by checking for a working phone number.
For more information
See BBB.org/onlineshopping for more online shopping tips. For more about avoiding scams this holiday season, check out BBB.org/Holiday.
BBB Business Tip: Black Friday is not just for consumers
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are fast approaching, providing a great opportunity for businesses to capitalize on the busiest time of the year for consumer spending.
Recent shifts in shopper behavior have seen Cyber Monday surpassing Black Friday sales as customers increasingly turn to online marketplaces to comparatively shop for the best deals.
While it is beneficial for businesses to promote their own products during the holiday shopping season, it is also in their interest to take advantage of holiday deals to purchase products for their business needs.
The needs of a business vary widely depending on its industry and typical expenses for material goods. However, businesses that take advantage of holiday deals to purchase products they typically restock throughout the year can drastically reduce their overhead expenses, and it is a great way to prepare to expand their business to new markets, customers or clients.
Businesses specializing in a skilled trade can outfit their employees with upgraded or new tools, technology, or other items to maximize efficiency, while office environments can replenish their stock of supplies or upgrade their computer systems.
Think about it: why should consumers benefit from all the great deals when business owners can beef up their own operations?
Find additional tips on BBB.org/BizHQ for more information. The holidays are a busy time of year for small business owners. Look for additional tips on BBB.org/BizHQ