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Credibility Bureau

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Return Fraud

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What is return fraud?  Return fraud is when someone purchases an item, uses it and then returns it even though there is nothing wrong with it.  Return fraud is also when an individual steals an item and returns it thereby creating a profit for themselves. These two examples of “return fraud” can be detrimental to a business if it is not controlled.  In order to cut down on return fraud, make sure you have a solid system in place for your employees. Require that the customers bring in a receipt and/or only give them store credit. Keep the customers happy so that they are repeat customers but also make sure your business is protected. 

Money Fraud

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Have you ever accepted a bill at the register that did not look or feel quite right to only find out later it was a counterfeit?  Sometimes, the businesses are not even aware that they have accepted counterfeit money until it is rejected by their bank. Unfortunately, the “money” is worthless.  What makes matters even worse, you may even give up the real currency by giving change to the counterfeit bills. Here are a few ways to detect counterfeit money prior to accepting it.  Look for the image of an eagle o the Federal Reserve seal. This will only be on denominations of $5.00 or larger. If you run your finger over the printing of a bill, the printing should be raised.  If the texture is smooth, you may have a counterfeit bill. For additional ways to spot counterfeit money visit the U.S. Currency website at www.uscurrency.gov.  

Payroll Fraud

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Payroll Fraud is one way an employee may try to fraud their employers.  Payroll fraud is more common in smaller businesses but can happen in large businesses as well.  One way an employee may commit payroll fraud is to request a payroll advance and simply not pay it back.  If you are not keeping track of your employee’s hours, an employee may lie about their reported hours and/or have a co-worker clock in or out for them without your knowledge.  A few ways to avoid payroll fraud is to do a background check on employees prior to their start date. Another solution is to hire a payroll service to do payroll for the business.  This allows the employer to approve all payroll PRIOR to it getting processed, thereby eliminating or cutting down on payroll fraud.  

Grandparent Scam

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A great quote that I read in the past is “grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation”.  A grandparent’s heart towards their grandchildren is huge and there is nothing most grandparents would not do for their grandchildren.  Unfortunately, criminals know this as well.  The criminals are using their victim’s grandchildren to con money out of them.  The scam goes like this…the criminal makes a phone call to an older individual.  When the individual picks up the phone, the criminal will say something like “Hi Grandma/Grandpa, do you know who this is?  Once the elder person uses the name of one of their grandchildren, the criminal is in.  The criminal then proceeds to tell the grandparent that they are in need of money for rent, food, car repairs, etc. and ask the grandparent to wire the money to them.  The criminal then proceeds to say something like “please don’t tell my parents, they will be very angry”.  With an open heart, the grandparent opens up their wallet for the “grandchild” and the criminal receives the money.  If you feel that you have been a victim of an elder fraud crime, please contact your local authorities.

Identity Theft

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According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about 9 million Americans have experienced identity theft.  Identity theft is where your personal information such as your driver’s license number, social security number, name or credit card information is used without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.  U.S. News and World Report states that if you feel that you were a victim of identity theft, you should take the following 10 steps to minimize the damage once you realize you may be a victim:

  • File a report with the Federal Trade Commission
  • Contact your local police department
  • Notify the IRS and identity theft insurance, if applicable
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit reports
  • Freeze your credit
  • Sign up for a credit monitoring service, if offered
  • Tighten security on your accounts
  • Review your credit reports for mystery accounts
  • Scan credit card and bank statements for unauthorized charges
  • Open new credit card and financial accounts

Debt Elimination Fraud

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In today’s society, debt is high and so is your chances of debt elimination fraud.

Have you ever received a flyer or a solicitation call asking if you would like to reduce your debt?  Have you been told; we can help you reduce your debt if you pay a small fee and sign up for our program?  If so, you may have experienced debt elimination fraud.  If you sign up for these “programs”, your lenders may not recognize these arrangements as being permissible and may even take legal action against you.  Your lender is the best person to work out any sort of payment arrangements with you should you be having trouble making your payments.

If you believe you have been part of a debt elimination scam, please contact the following:

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP or www.ftc.com
  • Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at http://www.ic3.gov if the scam was presented via the internet or email
  • Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) or your local police department fraud division– contact their local office if the scam was presented by an individual
  • U.S. Postal Inspection Service – https://ehome.uspis.gov/fcsexternal/default.aspx – if the scam was presented through the United States Postal Service

Credibility Bureau

The Credibility Bureau was established to provide consumers with the necessary information to find a credible business. Consumer have the ability to submit a review based on their experience with a particular business.

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