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New populist BBB wins Dutch vote; Rutte coalition down
Read full article: New populist BBB wins Dutch vote; Rutte coalition downA new populist party riding the anger among Dutch farmers and rural communities at government policies to rein in agricultural pollution appears to be the big winner in provincial elections.
Fake scammer posing as Eminem asking for donations from Metro Detroiters
Read full article: Fake scammer posing as Eminem asking for donations from Metro DetroitersThe fake scammer posing as Eminem is hitting up Metro Detroiters for donations, and now the imposter is playing on their emotions to rip them off.
Help Me Hank: Here’s how scammers are targeting UIA members in Michigan
Read full article: Help Me Hank: Here’s how scammers are targeting UIA members in MichiganIt’s a new email scam, and millions in Michigan are being targeted. If you’ve collected unemployment, you may receive an email that appears to be from UIA asking for personal information. However, if you look closely, you may notice misspellings.
Refunds issued after Help Me Hank investigates closure of Luxury Med Spa in Farmington Hills
Read full article: Refunds issued after Help Me Hank investigates closure of Luxury Med Spa in Farmington HillsA popular medical and day spa in Farmington Hills closed without warning -- leaving some people out a lot of money.
Demanding answers from owner of Luxury Med Spa in Farmington Hills after sudden closure
Read full article: Demanding answers from owner of Luxury Med Spa in Farmington Hills after sudden closureA popular medical and day spa in Farmington Hills closed without warning -- leaving some people out a lot of money.
Customers want answers after Luxury Med Spa in Farmington Hills closes without warning
Read full article: Customers want answers after Luxury Med Spa in Farmington Hills closes without warningFormer clients of a popular medical and day spa in Farmington Hills reached out to Help Me Hank to investigate after the business closed without warning -- leaving some out a lot of money.
Fake Eminem scammer who targeted Taylor man tries to trick woman from Washington
Read full article: Fake Eminem scammer who targeted Taylor man tries to trick woman from WashingtonThe Eminem scam continues to grow after Help Me Hank first exposed that a high-tech thief was pretending to be the rapper to steal people’s identities.
Scammers target victims by threatening to turn off power during winter storm
Read full article: Scammers target victims by threatening to turn off power during winter stormThieves are making threats about power shutoffs amid a winter storm -- and it’s all in an attempt to reveal a victims personal information.
‘Cramming’ bills scam: What it is and what you can do to protect yourself
Read full article: ‘Cramming’ bills scam: What it is and what you can do to protect yourselfAutomatically paying bills means that, chances are, you might never actually open them -- which means you may not even know what you’re paying for.
Beware of scammers trying to take child tax credit payments
Read full article: Beware of scammers trying to take child tax credit paymentsThe first child tax credit payments go out next week, and experts are already warning that along with the money comes the threat of scam artists trying to take it.
Red flags to look for amid tax scam season
Read full article: Red flags to look for amid tax scam seasonAccording to the Better Business Bureau, tax scams are still a problem this year. If you haven’t filed your taxes yet this season, don’t put it off any longer! The IRS discovers cases of identity theft because personal information is stolen and a fake claim for a refund is filed. “The IRS is not going to contact you and give you those high pressure tactics,” Blankenship said. “There are unfortunately people out there that they’re banking on the fact that you’re not going to look into them any further, especially if they look professional,” Blankenship said.
Experts warn of scams involving prepaid gift cards
Read full article: Experts warn of scams involving prepaid gift cardsThe caller said all he had to do was buy $480 in eBay gift cards. Prepaid gift cards are being requested in several different types of scams, including government employee impersonation scams, secret shopper scams and puppy scams. The Better Business Bureau scam tracker showed that Americans lost nearly $3 million involving payments with prepaid gift cards in 2020. “Whenever you purchase a prepaid gift card, unfortunately it’s just like cash, you can’t get that money back,” Blankenship said. Click here for more information on prepaid gift card scams.
Scam Alert: ‘Like Farming’ on Facebook
Read full article: Scam Alert: ‘Like Farming’ on FacebookYou may have seen a Facebook post that claimed a free Jayco RV would be given away to someone who shares and comments on the post -- or you’ve seen posts similar to it. RELATED: Better Business Bureau warns consumers of ‘going out of business’ online shopping scamMelanie Duguesnel, with the Better Business Bureau, said that by liking the page, you’re potentially giving your personal information away. The BBB is warning people that “Like Farming” scams are still going strong. The free RV scam is so popular that Jayco has a post pinned to the top of its Facebook page to let people know they aren’t running a giveaway. READ: More scam coverageTo prevent from falling for these scams, use your good judgement and don’t “Like” every post on your feed -- that’s what scammers are hoping you’ll do.
Work from home scams: How to spot a fake job posting
Read full article: Work from home scams: How to spot a fake job postingDETROIT – With so many people looking for work, scam artists are turning to posting fake job opportunities in hopes of taking advantage of people desperate for a job and money. The Better Business Bureau is urging residents to pay attention to job postings online. You can report a complaint to the Better Business Bureau here. Michigan’s attorney general outlined four specific types of COVID-19 vaccine scams circulating in the state and explained how they’re targeting residents. Gretchen Whitmer to warn Michiganders about scammers looking to capitalize on the COVID-19 vaccine excitement.
Scammers using excitement surrounding COVID-19 vaccine to target Michigan residents
Read full article: Scammers using excitement surrounding COVID-19 vaccine to target Michigan residentsThe delivery of COVID-19 vaccines in the state of Michigan is exciting and promising news for millions, but it’s also a call for scammers to try to capitalize on the moment. Scams involving the COVID-19 vaccine have the attention of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses are rolling out to Michigan hospitals and clinics this week, and scammers know that. That’s now how distribution of the vaccine will work, medical officials said. Anyone who has questions about the vaccine or any suspicious contact about the distribution should contact a trusted medical professional.
Better Business Bureau warns of COVID-19 vaccine scams
Read full article: Better Business Bureau warns of COVID-19 vaccine scamsThe Better Business Bureau is sounding the alarm in hopes you won’t be fooled. Read: How Henry Ford Hospital played key role in Moderna vaccine studyCon artist are offering up ways to get a vaccine by telling people they can take part in clinical trials. Watch out for red flags -- if you haven’t inquired about a clinical trial and you get a message about one, delete it. Once a COVID-19 vaccine is approved, Henry Ford says it is prepared to receive and store the vaccine -- which requires storage at extremely low temperatures. Drug companies Pfizer and Moderna have both developed promising COVID-19 vaccines that are nearing approval in the U.S.
Better Business Bureau warns of texting scams offering money to participate in COVID study
Read full article: Better Business Bureau warns of texting scams offering money to participate in COVID studyScam artists have found many ways during the coronavirus pandemic to try and con people out of their money or personal information. The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a new text message claiming to offer $1,200 for participation in a local COVID study. “We have heard from consumers that there’s a text message going around that says if you participate in the study, you’ll earn $1,200,” said Melanie Duquesnel, president and CEO of eastern Michigan Better Business Bureau. The difficulty is that you cannot, through a text message, determine if they’re a reputable company.”Click here to view the Better Business Bureau Scam TrackerWhen it comes to phishing scams, beware any unsolicited communication. Never click on links or download anything from a text message or email.
How your Facebook ‘likes’ could make you a target for scams
Read full article: How your Facebook ‘likes’ could make you a target for scamsYou may have seen a Facebook post that claimed a free Jayco RV would be given away to someone who shares and comments on the post -- or you’ve seen posts similar to it. RELATED: Better Business Bureau warns consumers of ‘going out of business’ online shopping scamMelanie Duguesnel, with the Better Business Bureau, said that by liking the page, you’re potentially giving your personal information away. The BBB is warning people that “Like Farming” scams are still going strong. The free RV scam is so popular that Jayco has a post pinned to the top of its Facebook page to let people know they aren’t running a giveaway. READ: More scam coverageTo prevent from falling for these scams, use your good judgement and don’t “Like” every post on your feed -- that’s what scammers are hoping you’ll do.
Watch out for online shopping scams as holiday shopping season kicks into high gear
Read full article: Watch out for online shopping scams as holiday shopping season kicks into high gearDETROIT – Holiday shopping season is kicking into high gear and because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, more people will be shopping online. Melanie Duquesnel is the president of the Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Michigan. “If a deal appears to be too good to be true, it probably is,” Duquesnel said. The scammers call and when you answer you get a recorded message claiming to be from Amazon stating there is a problem with your Amazon account. Scammers also send emails or texts, asking you to verify your personal information -- all so they can steal it.
Better Business Bureau wants you to be wary of scammers pretending to be with the government
Read full article: Better Business Bureau wants you to be wary of scammers pretending to be with the governmentDETROIT – The Better Business Bureau is issuing a warning about scam artists who are taking advantage of people by targeting their cellphones. Scammers are pretending to be from the government, a police agency, or even COVID-19 contact tracers. They’re trying to get your information to sell, or your money. “They’re trying to bait you into being fearful,” Duquesnel said. Walk away.”If you have given away any personal information, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.
Scammers pretending to be from Amazon have been spoofing the Better Business Bureau’s phone number
Read full article: Scammers pretending to be from Amazon have been spoofing the Better Business Bureau’s phone numberDETROIT – Con artists are posing as Amazon employees, calling people, and claiming to need information about their account, according to the Better Business Bureau. The scammers have been spoofing the Better Business Bureau’s number while making this scam calls. READ: Better Business Bureau warns consumers of ‘going out of business’ online shopping scamHow does the scam work? Amazon will never ask you to disclose sensitive personal information or offer you a refund you don’t expect. Amazon will also never send you an unsolicited message that asks you to provide personal information.
Better Business Bureau warns consumers of ‘going out of business’ online shopping scam
Read full article: Better Business Bureau warns consumers of ‘going out of business’ online shopping scamDETROIT – The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about an online shopping scam involving “going out of business” advertisements. Melanie Duquesnel, president of the Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Michigan, said the difficulty they’re finding is that clients are not getting the product but yet they’re getting charged for it. READ: Scammers use multiple methods to target victims -- Here’s what to watch out for“Just because an advertisement is on Facebook doesn’t mean that it’s a 100% trustworthy business,” Duquesnel said. With more people buying cars, RVs and boats online, the BBB says vehicle shipper and escrow scams are going up. How do you know that you’re going to get your money back?” Duquesnel said.
Seal coating scammers targeting Metro Detroiters who are home due to coronavirus pandemic
Read full article: Seal coating scammers targeting Metro Detroiters who are home due to coronavirus pandemicSeal coating scams typically take place this time of year, but now thieves are going door-to-door and targeting people who are home because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Police and officials with the Better Business Bureau issued a warning about the scam in Metro Detroit. With more people staying at home during the pandemic, scammers are having more success going door-to-door, experts said. Melanie Duquesnel, of the BBB, is urging residents to be cautious if anyone shows up at the door and offers a great deal. You can watch the full Help Me Hank report in the video above.
Tracking new election scam targeting voters in key swing states, including Michigan
Read full article: Tracking new election scam targeting voters in key swing states, including MichiganHelp Me Hank is tracking a new election scam thats targeting voters in key swing states, including Michigan. Its a key state for both sides, but now a new election scam is targeting Michigan voters, including those in Metro Detroit. Melanie Duquesnel, of the Better Business Bureau, is tracking the robocall scam. Voters think theyre getting a recorded call from politicians asking for a donation. In reality, the calls have been edited using the candidates actual words and splicing them together to make people think theyre asking for credit card or personal information.
Stimulus uncertainty and the money conversations you should be having
Read full article: Stimulus uncertainty and the money conversations you should be havingDETROIT – Many people are hurting financially and with the debate raging over the next possible stimulus -- it’s a good time for many people to look at their finances. READ: Money saving resources during coronavirus pandemicMany credit card companies are waiving late fees. Some debt consolation companies are offering assistance. The details hidden in the fine print could cost you big time in the future. READ: Financial expert helps you manage your money during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisisWatch the video for the full report
Watch Local 4 News at 4 -- Aug. 2, 2019
Read full article: Watch Local 4 News at 4 -- Aug. 2, 2019DETROIT - Here's what is coming up on Local 4 News at 4:GM plantIt's the end of the line for the General Motors Warren Transmission plant. NYPD choke-holdThere's a new ruling in a controversial police case in New York City. BBB helping natureWe've been bringing you stories about people helping our birds, bees and butterflies. Delta sign languageDelta is expanding it's customer service for the hearing impaired. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.