ROANOKE, Va. – The Better Business Bureau is sounding the alarm on three scams you need to know about.
1. Fake Streaming Service Activation Prompts
If you have a smart TV, you need to be aware when you’re setting it up. As you sync up your accounts with smart TV apps, it sometimes requires visiting an activation page online.
The Better Business Bureau says if you put the address directly into your computer or phone’s web browser, you’ll be directed to the official YouTube link to activate your account. But some people just search for the website, and that’s how they get scammed.
“A lot of crooks have figured out that they can pay to be at the top and they can put what appears to be your activation page and it’s not. It actually is taking you to where you’re going to try to sign in and then it’s going to tell you you have to pay a fee in order to do that,” said Julie Wheeler, Better Business Bureau Serving Western VA.
Here’s how to stay safe:
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Always double-check that you are visiting an official website.
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Be wary of ads and sponsored links.
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Be careful with your login information. Legitimate customer service reps generally do not ask for passwords over the phone or through an email.
2. Phony products on social media
The BBB also is warning about misleading ads on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok promoting customized gifts. The Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker has gotten numerous reports about purchases being far different from what people thought.
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Wheeler says…
