With summer here, it’s a great time to sit out by the pool or hit the lake in a boat. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.
But your skin isn’t the only thing that needs protection this summer. The Better Business Bureau has put together a list of popular summer scams that can put a serious burn on your pocketbook if you’re not too careful.
Here are five types of scams the BBB is warning consumers about this summer:
Too-good-to-be-true travel deals. Summer is the biggest travel season, and scammers know that travelers are going online and looking for great deals. Whether you’re looking at a vacation rental property or a deal on airfare, the No. 1 tip for shopping online is that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is!
Moving scams. If you’re moving over the summer, make sure that the moving company you hire is licensed and check out their reviews on the BBB’s website. Often, the price quoted can be significantly lower than the price you’ll end up having to pay. Also use caution when house-hunting online, as online rental scams are on the rise as well.
Ticket rip-offs. With the proliferation of online classified sites like Craigslist, it’s easier than ever for a crook to scam people out of their money for fake or nonexistent tickets to sporting events and concerts. Never wire money or send cash for tickets, and be careful of ticket print-outs, as scammers will sometimes sell the same print-out to multiple unsuspecting buyers.
Door-to-door scams. That salesperson knocking on your door may be up to no good. From selling faulty products to offering door-to-door breast exams, be wary of door-to-door salespeople using high-pressure or unscrupulous tactics.
Summer job scams. Students looking for summer jobs are easy prey for online job scams. Use caution when replying to online help-wanted ads, especially if they ask for too much personal information, charge an “interview fee,” or want you to wire money for a background check.
Source: www.Findlaw.com
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