The Better Business Bureau always takes a look back at the previous year, and compiles its top 10 scams list.
According to the I-Team, the list are schemes that have been around as long as the BBB, 100 years. The only thing different is the technology.
This list is made up of what the BBB calls their "most audacious, the most egregious" scams of last year. They are scams that hurt many people, and seem to be more prevalent even as consumers get savvier.
The top scam of the year is the Newtown, Connecticut charity scams. Within hours of the deaths of these school children, folks were asking for money for victims' families. The FBI has already made an arrest. Here's some advice: stick with legitimate, well-known charities.
The same advice applies for fending off the Hurricane Sandy storm chaser scam. This one pops up after a tragedy to fix your roof, or remove trees.
Two others are the mystery shopping and car ad scams. They have different target audiences, but they both fall under the heading of fake check scam. Ultimately you are sent a big check from some employer you met over the internet to shop, test out customer service or to drive a car with a logo on it.
When you get paid you're overpaid and asked to return some of the money through Western Union. All along it's a bad check, and you're on the hook for it when the bank figures it out.
When it comes to sweepstakes or lottery scams, especially ones claiming you won a big overseas lottery, you have to ask yourself a question: Did you play?
And what about the emergency scam? It's the one where someone you know – a friend or family member – has an emergency overseas and their wallet has been stolen. Did they go to London and not tell you – probably not.
Finally, despite what lands in your inbox, the president is not going to pay your utility bill -- ever.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-16 02:32:39 GMT
A local man says Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Reed's ex-girlfriend got him fired from his city job. The man told the FOX 5 I-Team about the federal whistleblower lawsuit he's filed and why he wants the city to pay up.
A local man says Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Reed's ex-girlfriend got him fired from his city job. The man told the FOX 5 I-Team about the federal whistleblower lawsuit he's filed and why he wants the city to pay up.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 6:39 AM EDT2013-05-15 10:39:34 GMT
Summer is a break for kids, but you still need to keep them busy. So you sign them up for camp, hoping to keep the kids entertained at a safe camp and all at an affordable price.
Summer is a break for kids, but you still need to keep them busy. So you sign them up for camp, hoping to keep the kids entertained at a safe camp and all at an affordable price.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 5:04 AM EDT2013-05-15 09:04:58 GMT
The amount of money many of us pay in taxes in a given year is often times larger than any purchase we'd make. Where does that really money go? Well, there is a way to find out.
The amount of money many of us pay in taxes in a given year is often times larger than any purchase we'd make. Where does that really money go? Well, there is a way to find out.
Monday, May 13 2013 10:41 PM EDT2013-05-14 02:41:06 GMT
Some $5 billion in Medicare money each year goes to pay for ambulance rides to a doctor. An industry insider claims a lot of those rides are a waste of your tax dollars.
Some $5 billion in Medicare money each year goes to pay for ambulance rides to a doctor. An industry insider claims a lot of those rides are a waste of your tax dollars.
Monday, May 13 2013 6:56 AM EDT2013-05-13 10:56:00 GMT
It's pretty normal these days when you're apartment hunting to be asked to pay an application fee. Those fees can be pretty steep, and can be at least $50 for every application.
It's pretty normal these days when you're apartment hunting to be asked to pay an application fee. Those fees can be pretty steep, and can be at least $50 for every application.
Monday, May 13 2013 6:48 AM EDT2013-05-13 10:48:33 GMT
We're always talking about the benefits of good credit when you make a big purchase. But, what if you don't have good credit and still need to buy a car?
We're always talking about the benefits of good credit when you make a big purchase. But, what if you don't have good credit and still need to buy a car?
Friday, May 10 2013 8:24 AM EDT2013-05-10 12:24:28 GMT
There is a businessman in metro Atlanta making quite a name for himself for computer repairs. But not for his great work, but rather for work that never gets done.
There is a businessman in metro Atlanta making quite a name for himself for computer repairs. But not for his great work, but rather for work that never gets done.
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Sunday, May 19 2013 7:55 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:55:43 GMT
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day!
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day! FOX Consumer Reporter Steve Noviello thinks you will find these apps useful, and perhaps you'll even save a buck or two!
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:28 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:28:00 GMT
They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover. A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover. A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:18 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:18:53 GMT
What's better than Friday? FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY! This week, we got a visit from Masala Fresh Indian Street Food, and just like always, Good Day's Buck Lanford was more than willing to have a taste.
What's better than Friday? FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY! This week, we got a visit from Masala Fresh Indian Street Food, and just like always, Good Day's Buck Lanford was more than willing to have a taste.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:17 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:17:48 GMT
Can you smell what The Rock is cookin' next? He's ready for Fast & Furious 6, which opens in theaters on May 24!
Can you smell what The Rock is cookin' next? He's ready for Fast & Furious 6, which opens in theaters on May 24! The Rock --- who almost never goes by his real name, Dwayne Johnson-- joined Good Day to give us a sneak peek.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-05-17 14:18:11 GMT
Need some great advice about... well, anything? Ask Wendy! Wendy Williams has a brand-new book (called, of course-- Ask Wendy) that offers advice on all the "drama" in your life.
Need some great advice about... well, anything? Ask Wendy! Wendy Williams has a brand-new book (called, of course-- Ask Wendy) that offers advice on all the "drama" in your life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:54 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:54:05 GMT
For most women, there's a big difference between the wedding you wish you could have, and the wedding you can actually afford. So how can you have your dream wedding and not break the bank?
For most women, there's a big difference between the wedding you wish you could have, and the wedding you can actually afford. So how can you have your dream wedding and not break the bank? We got some tips from an expert.
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:21 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:21:44 GMT
American Idol Season 12 is almost officially over, and now, all that's left is part two of the giant finale.
American Idol Season 12 is almost officially over, and now, all that's left is part two of the giant finale. Good Day's Paul Milliken never met a red carpet he didn't like-- so who better to break down the final performances of the season live from downtown L.A. bright and early!
