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Authentic shoddy knock-offs

April 25, 2012 By

submitted by Edward Johnson, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving the eastern and northeastern Pennsylvania region

Although it aired many decades ago, some people remember the television show called “To Tell the Truth.” The show dealt with one of life’s eternal questions:  how can you tell what is true as opposed to a lie.

In it, three people sat before a panel. Two of the three were imposters. It was the panel’s job to ask questions to determine the identity of the real person. At the end of the show the show’s host would say, “Will the real John Doe please stand up.” At this command, the real John Doe stood and the imposters were left sitting in their seat. 

When it comes to consumer purchases, it would be nice if we could command that the truth be made known. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. 

The market for counterfeit luxury items is a perfect example. Everything from jewelry and handbags to clothing and sunglasses are ripe with the availability of fake, shoddy products.

For bargain-hunters looking for name-brand items at discount prices online, the Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be on the look out for web-based rip-offs. According to a report by the Department of Homeland Security, the total domestic value of counterfeit merchandise seized during 2011 was $78.3 million, an amount that would have had a value of $1.11 billion had it been legitimate.

The category of seized consumer safety and critical technology goods rose in value by 41% compared to 2010, the report says. Online classified sites like Craigslist or eBay are hot spots for counterfeit luxury item fraud online, and both sites offer “buyer beware” warnings. Some illicit vendors are now setting up their own web sites to fool frugal fashionistas.

The BBB offers the following advice for shopping safely online when looking for deals on designer goods, as well as tips on how to spot a fraud:

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Consumer Troubleshooter

October 4, 2011 By

submitted by Bucks County Consumer Protection Agency

Q. I was selling some furniture on Craig’s List. This guy contacted me and we decided on a price and shipping. The bottom line was $350. He sent me a bank check for $2200 and asked me to send him the difference. Red flag, I know it’s a scam, but the check looks real. I assume it’s a scam and actually would like to know what to do with the check and who to report the incident to?  C.M, Quakertown

A. Looking at the check you would be inclined to think it was real. You are definitely correct in the fact that it is a scam, and after reviewing everything there were several red flags.

First off, why would someone send more money than necessary?  Secondly, the buyer is supposedly from New York State and the bank check is cut in the State of Tennessee. Our office called the bank’s security division and they were aware of the problem and an internal investigation was being conducted.

Check scams are almost commonplace today, and the variations really never seem to end. Some fake checks look so real that bank tellers can be fooled. The scammers use high quality printers and scanners to make the checks look perfect. Many have authentic looking watermarks and are printed with names and addresses of legitimate financial institutions. Many of them also have real account and routing numbers on them. We have seen these fakes come in many forms, from cashier’s checks and money orders to corporate and personal checks.

The bottom line is that you need to protect yourself. If you cash a counterfeit check the bank will hold you responsible for the funds. It is always best to only accept checks from people and businesses you know and trust. If you receive a check we suggest that you proceed with caution. Check with your bank and if they confirm it is fraudulent, then contact the United States Postal Inspector since they investigate mail and wire fraud.

Residents who receive such scams should contact their local post office for the Postal Inspector’s address and number. More information can be found on the Postal Inspection Service Web site at https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov.

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Senior Troubleshooter

October 4, 2011 By

submitted by Bucks County Consumer Protection Agency

Q. I was recently at a senior expo that one of our state representatives put together. I saw numerous tables that had some government agencies represented, along with private vendors offering a number of services for seniors. It was also a great way to meet my state representative and let him know my overall concerns. My reason for writing is that the Consumer Protection table had a great guide for senior citizens. Your office also introduced me to a free monthly fraud alert that is sent to individuals and to organizations like churches, civic groups and even community associations. I was hoping you could explain in more detail what everything is about and help educate more of our seniors.  J.P., Jamison

A. The guide that you are speaking of is called “A Guide for Seniors and Families.” Our hope is to create an awareness of the many ways people are scammed. The guide covers a good portion of potential problems that everyone including seniors may get involved with. It also may help loved ones to identify the many different forms of abuse. Financial, emotional, physical abuse and neglect are some of the most dangerous and serious.

Our office is partnered with the Bucks County District Attorney, Area Agency on Aging, Coroner’s Office, Recorder of Deeds and Network of Victims Assistance (NOVA). The partnership is called The Bucks County Crimes Against Older Adults Task Force. The task force is constantly training professional organizations to identify abuse. The task force is also available to speak to community groups at no cost about the issues stated above.

To set up a speaking engagement or to learn more about the mission of the task force, e-mail us at olderadultstaskforce@novabucks.org or contact NOVA at 215-343-6543. The free monthly fraud alerts are a small part of getting particular information out into the hands of individuals and groups who will email them to their individual members. We have churches, community centers, senior centers and various other organizations that have signed up for the alerts and have agreed to forward the alerts to all their members.

Individuals can also receive the alerts.  If you or your organization would like to receive the current alerts or any previous alerts please go to the Web site at www.crimesagainstolderadultsbucks.org or to sign up for the free fraud alerts call 215-343-6543. The Web site is a very useful tool and contains valuable information for everyone. Remember you can help stop elder abuse. Silence is not golden.

If you suspect elder abuse, call the 24-Hour Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-490-8505. To receive a free copy of the “Guide for Seniors and Families” booklet, call the Bucks County Office of Consumer Protection at 1-800-942-2669.

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All that glitters

October 4, 2011 By

submitted by Edward Johnson, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving the greater Washington, DC region, Eastern and Northeastern Pennsylvania

As global markets are currently seeing rapid declines and prolonged volatility, worried investors are seeking safe havens for their funds. Many are adjusting investment plans to help their money grow.

With the price of gold at an all time high of more than $1,700 per ounce, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to do their homework before making tempting gold transactions. Whether through an online venue, an at-home “gold party,” or your local jeweler, many consumers are looking to sell their gold jewelry for quick cash. However, you cannot trust every dealer.

In 2011 alone, the BBB has received hundreds of complaints against gold, silver and platinum dealers. Consumers need to be on the lookout for not so reputable sellers. Many of the complaints the BBB receives stem from false advertising and delivery issues where the consumer ends up receiving an appraisal for far less than what they thought their gold was worth.

The BBB recommends following these tips to ensure a “golden” transaction of your precious metals:

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Beware of fraud: ask for identification

September 12, 2011 By

Always ask for identification if someone approaches you about your personal or business disaster losses, advises the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). If the person claims to be with a government agency they will have an official ID.  It’s very important not to give out personal or business information unless you are presented with an ID. If you have any questions, ask if you can call the person’s office for verification.

“It is a double tragedy to become a victim of fraud after suffering the effects of a disaster. But disaster survivors become prime targets for fraud, identity theft and other crimes linked to the event,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas J. MCool.

Here’s what to expect from authorized officials:

  • All FEMA and PEMA representatives will be wearing an official picture ID in plain sight on their person. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) follows the same practice.
  • Insurance adjusters should be able to provide identification upon request. Inspectors and adjusters will call to arrange an appointment before visiting a disaster victim or their property.
  • Local building inspectors who ensure compliance with building codes should also have a picture ID.

FEMA, PEMA, SBA or other officials will not ask for your personal or financial information.

For more information, contact the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603.

Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.  The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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