Let ABC15 Know Newsletter

LET ABC15 KNOW SCAMBUSTER ALERTS

October 2024

Happy Fall from the Let ABC15 Know team (even if it doesn't feel like it yet)! We have an easy way you can get free, one-on-one consumer help. We are taking Let ABC15 Know on the road to the Tempe Marketplace on Wednesday, November 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. It's your chance to talk in person and try to work out your issue with consumer attorneys, as well as experts in rental assistance, landlord/tenant/evictions, family law-child support, car buying and repair, contractor problems and more. The even is first come, first served. See you Wednesday, November 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Tempe Marketplace District Stage!

1. REMODEL NIGHTMARE! Multiple Valley families are speaking out after hiring a construction company for major home remodel projects. They did their research, checked the licenses and got estimates so they felt good. However, each family says, a few months after signing the contract, the communication became difficult or the company owner started missing meetings. Some families paid more than $330k, but they were left with an unfinished, unliveable home and no answers. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors has revoked the company's license, but many of the families are forced to fight in court to be made whole.

2. PUPPY SCAM RESURGENCE: A Valley woman who fell for a puppy scam online shared her experience with the Let ABC15 Know team to warn others. She said she used social media in the past to purchase her other pets, so she thought she knew what to look for when buying a puppy online. The woman said the scammer sounded very convincing. She sent her deposit via Zelle and then the scammer ghosted her and cut off all communication. She was heartbroken, saying the seller preyed on her emotions of wanting a furry friend.

Tips on how to avoid Puppy Scams:

a. Do your research! Only purchase from a reputable dealer.

b. See the pet first, in person, before you buy. If that isn't possible, request a live video call to view the animal, meet the breeder and evaluate the facility.

c. Do a reverse image search of the picture of the pet you are considering. If the same picture appears on multiple websites, it’s likely a fraud.

d. Avoid paying via payment apps, wiring money, or gift card. These payment methods offer no way to get your money back if you are the victim of fraud.

e. Consider reaching out to a local animal shelter. Many shelters are looking for fosters to help relieve animal stress and reduce overcrowding at their facilities.

3. DISAPPEARING DEALERSHIP? Arizona customers are demanding answers after a Valley consignment dealership suddenly closed. Some customers were told their vehicles had been sold, but they never saw a cent from the sale! Others say the dealership still had their vehicles, but when it closed they couldn't get immediate answers as to where their vehicles had gone. They Let ABC15 Know about the situation and we're continuing to push investigators for answers.

CHRISTEL'S CORNER: Do you know how to spot a deepfake video online? AI tools can help improve our quality of life, but scammers are getting creative in using deep fakes to trick consumers. Stay alert and informed on the best ways to protect yourself. As the technology continues to evolve, you need to stay on top of what to look for. Checking for things like lighting in the video; is it off? Does the background match? Also, notice any voice sync issues? Ken Colburn of Data Doctors gives a breakdown of what you need to look for when spotting deep fakes.

PRODUCER KJ'S TOP PICK: Passions and emotions are running high as we near Election Day. Scammers are hoping to prey on those emotions! Every election year we see many types of phishing texts and emails, scam calls, and fake websites posing as legitimate sites all to gain access to your information or your money. But this year scammers are adding some new twists. Many are trying to reel in unsuspecting victims by using the word 'FREE.' You may get an offer of free swag from your favorite candidate. All you have to do is pay the shipping costs. You pay the exorbitant shipping costs, but receive nothing! Fraudsters are also promising a free gift if you fill out a political survey; Be wary. The survey may be used to gather information to better target you for future scams! The best way to protect yourself is to stay calm, trust your gut, check all organizations and PACs for legitimacy, and know what information pollsters do and do not need!

BONUS! CHECK THIS OUT: As part of our partnership with the Better Business Bureau, the Let ABC15 Know team joined in for an episode of their podcast. Check out the video to learn more about consumer investigations, our amazing volunteer team and tips to protect consumers.

If you're a problem solver, we could use your help to help others. Please go to abc15.com/letabc15know, fill out the volunteer form and help us solve problems in the community!

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