Scams heat up in summer, BBB warns

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is advising consumers to use caution when booking hotels and making summer travel plans, especially at unfamiliar destinations.

The BBB says that fraudsters are employing a wide array of methods to steal money and personal information from their victims.

• High pressure door-to-door sales tactics – Even though many legitimate companies use door-to-door sales, there are many illegitimate salespeople as well. It’s important to do your research and not to sign anything with open-ended completion dates or blank spaces.
• Vacation scams – Summer is a popular time for vacations, and a popular time for scammers to offer too-good-to-be-true deals. Double check with airlines, hotels, and tour operators directly. 
• Unscrupulous movers – Summer is also the peak time for moving, so many fraudsters seek to prey on residents during the busy season. Consumers are reminded to always review companies on bbb.org. A company unwilling to send an estimator to your home ahead of time is always a red flag and the lowest estimate can sometimes be unrealistic and contain lots of hidden fees.
• Online ticket scams – When you’re looking for some great summer shows, always make sure the seller is reputable. Scammers often print the same ticket multiple times, selling copies to victims.
• Employment scams – Summer employment is a top priority for college and high school students, but you should always be wary about companies that demand fees for training and background checks. Jobs advertised as ‘no experience needed’ can also be red flags.
• Shady contractors – Many fraudsters posing as landscapers and contractors attempt to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners during the summer. Residents should be particularly wary of contractors who approach them, claiming ‘they were in the neighborhood’. 
• Opt-out lawn care contracts – If you have a contract in relation with your lawn care, some companies will need you to go through a number of steps to cancel the contract when you no longer need or want it.

For bureau information or to report a problem, go to bbb.org.