BBB Serving Central Indiana
151 N. Delaware Street, Ste. 2020
Indianapolis, IN 46204
www.bbb.org/indy/
 
Contact: Leah McGrath
Sease, Gerig & Associates
317-502-9996
lmcgrath@seasegerig.com
 
 
 
 

For Immediate Release: July 15, 2014

July Hot Topics:

  1. You Can’t Always Trust Caller ID: Be Careful What You Share Over the Phone
  2. Protect Your Home, Not All Security Systems are Equal
  3. Check Your Credit Report Now to Save Money and Headaches Later

(See BBB tips below for these hot topics)

 

 

You Can’t Always Trust Caller ID:

Ever receive a call on your cellphone from your own cellphone number? Don’t Answer!

Schemers use caller ID spoofing technology to impersonate phone numbers of local businesses, residents and you. These calls are robo calls and the schemers use familiar looking numbers in hopes you will answer the call.

What the schemers do is purchase a list of phone numbers and use spoofing technology to trick callers into picking up the phone. They sometimes use your own phone number because it is not blocked.

How to handle this situation:

  • If you receive one of these calls, don’t answer. If you answer they will try to get information from you that could result in identity theft.
  • Don’t always trust that Caller ID is correct.
  • Unless you initiated the call, don’t provide personal information such as your bank account number, credit card or Social Security number over the phone.
  • Remember you always have the right to hang up if you don’t feel comfortable or something seems off. If you are suspicious of the call and want to ensure it is the actual company, call the company with the number the actual company provided to you.
  • Add your phone number to the Attorney General’s Do Not Call List by calling 1.888.834.9969 or fill out this form.
  • If you have a question about a company or want to find an Accredited Business you can trust, visit BBB’s website at: bbb.org/indy/

Protect Your Home - Not All Security Systems are Equal

Thinking about investing in a security system for your home?  With door to door salespeople coming around, some of them might be schemers posing as a security equipment company. 

Better Business Bureau Serving Central Indiana offers these tips to consumers:

  • To ensure you are working with a reputable security equipment company, contact the company directly through the phone.
  • Contact at least three companies before selecting an installer.
  • Ask your family and friends for references and check out BBB’s Accredited Businesses at: bbb.org/indianapolis/accredited-business-guide/
  • Security equipment companies in Marion County must be licensed, but other counties may also require licensing. Be sure to check with your local county/town government to check to see if licensing is required and if there are any ordinances regarding alarm systems that may be in place in your area.
  • Compare bids based on the same information, ask about installation and monthly charges.
  • Contact your insurance company to see if there is a discount on homeowner’s premium.
  • Read through your contract to understand what you are being provided. Understand the length of the contract and ask if you cancel the contract and how it works. Also, ask what your rights are if the company is purchased or acquired by another company.
  • Once you purchase a system, have the installer walk you through your system, so you understand how it works.

Check Your Credit Report Now to Save Money and Headaches Later

Have you checked your credit report recently? With the recent security breaches of many well-known businesses, Better Business Bureau Serving Central Indiana recommends people check their credit reports regularly for any inaccurate or unknown charges. 

AnnualcreditReport.com says: “Credit reports may affect your mortgage rates, credit card approvals, apartment requests, or even your job application. Reviewing credit reports helps you catch signs of identity theft early.”

BBB offers these tips to consumers:

  • Consumers can access each of the 3 credit reports for free every 12 months. You can get them all at once or get one of the reports every 4 months which would allow consumers to check their credit report throughout the entire year.
  • Only check your credit reporting through AnnualCreditReport.com, this is the only authorized source of free annual credit reports under federal law. These three companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion produce the reports.
  • Don’t access report request services through unfamiliar links.
  • Avoid companies that claim they can improve your credit score for free
  • If you find an inaccuracy with your report dispute it with the credit reporting agency.
  • Have a question about a company, contact BBB at: bbb.org/indy/

Schedule an interview or need more information, please contact Leah McGrath at lmcgrath@seasegerig.com or 317-502-9996.