ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – As Memorial Day approaches, the Better Business Bureau is reminding people to do careful research before getting involved in military programs and charities.
In 2022 alone, veterans lost more than $290 million to text, email and robocall scams.
“Donating to a charity is a great way to support the families of fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen, but consumers should take extra precautions to avoid being taken in by scammers,” says Dennis Horton, regional director of BBB. “More and more military personnel are being targeted by scammers. »
To avoid possible scams this holiday weekend, BBB suggests:
- Get as much information as possible before paying. If you can’t find any business reviews online, be wary because it’s likely a scam. Check out their company profile at bbb.org.
- Anyone considering donating to many great military causes should check out the charity reviews on BBB’s Give.org.
- Never transfer money to someone you don’t know. Wire transfers and transfers through banking apps are difficult to track, which is why fraudsters use and request them frequently.
- Use credit cards. Where possible, use credit cards. It’s easier to track transactions, complain about fees, and discuss them with your credit card company.
- Be careful what you click on. Do not click on links in emails from unknown addresses or enter information on unknown websites.
If you encounter a scam, even if you don’t lose money, report it to BBB Scamtracker.
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