State Police Issue Alert For Driveway Paving Scam State Police Issue Alert For Driveway Paving Scam
State Police Issue Alert For Driveway Paving Scam With warmer weather approaching, the New York State Police Department is cautioning homeowners to be wary of “driveway paving scammers.” New York State Police issued a scam alert this week after receiving reports in the Hudson Valley of fraudsters who have already started making the rounds, looking for their victims. According to police, the driveway scam typically involves scammers collecting money upfront and never performing the work, or workers showing up unexpectedly and starting work on a driveway without the consent of the homeowner, and then demanding payment.  On Wednes…
Warning Issued For Surge In Online Puppy Scams Warning Issued For Surge In Online Puppy Scams
Warning Issued For Surge In Online Puppy Scams Purchasing a furry friend for the family during the holiday season has always come with risks, but a new report from the Better Business Bureau shows that scams involving online pet purchases are on the rise. The BBB’s Scam Tracker page has reported a surge in entries regarding fake pet and puppy scams for this holiday season. Reports have increased by 39 percent since the BBB released an in-depth investigative study to increase consumer awareness in 2017. More than 16,500 complaints have been received regarding illegitimate sellers and “businesses” selling pets. What’s more alarming are t…
Facebook 'Secret Sister Gift Exchange' Is Illegal Scam, Better Business Bureau Warns Facebook 'Secret Sister Gift Exchange' Is Illegal Scam, Better Business Bureau Warns
Facebook 'Secret Sister Gift Exchange' Is Illegal Scam, Better Business Bureau Warns A Facebook post that resurfaces around the holiday season has been declared as an illegal scam, according to the Better Business Bureau. The post discusses the “Secret Sister Gift Exchange,” where participants are instructed to send one gift in order to receive up to 36 gifts in return. However, it’s easy to see that the math just doesn’t add up. “These gift exchanges, while they look like innocent fun, are really pyramid schemes – and are considered illegal,” the BBB warns. The gift exchange first became popular in 2015. Users were encouraged to invite others to participate in the exchang…
Scam Alert: Central Hudson Urges Caution To Customers Scam Alert: Central Hudson Urges Caution To Customers
Scam Alert: Central Hudson Urges Caution To Customers Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation is urging its customers to stay vigilant in the fight for scam prevention. As part of the Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) “Utility Scam Awareness Week,” Central Hudson is working to increase awareness of scam prevention methods during the week of Nov. 17. "Central Hudson is taking part in this important awareness campaign and is working together with UUAS to help our customers avoid becoming victimized," said Charles A. Freni, President and CEO of Central Hudson, adding that scammers often represent themselves as utility company employees …
Scam Alert: Eversource Issues Warning To Customers Scam Alert: Eversource Issues Warning To Customers
Scam Alert: Eversource Issues Warning To Customers Eversource Energy is warning its customers of the increased number of scams involving utility services that often come with the holiday season. Scammers have been posing as Eversource employees to obtain money, demand personal information for identity theft or use deceptive tactics to persuade customers to switch energy suppliers, Eversource officials say. “We always want to protect our customers from scams, and that’s why it’s critical we continue to raise awareness and educate the public about all the different tactics these scammers use,” said Eversource Senior Vice President a…
Warnings Issued For Text, TV 'Smishing' Scams Warnings Issued For Text, TV 'Smishing' Scams
Warnings Issued For Text, TV 'Smishing' Scams Officials are warning of new “smishing” scams that have been making the rounds. The Federal Trade Commission issued an alert cautioning consumers of new scams that have been using text messages, not the traditional emails. One such scam involves the fraudster offering to provide major savings on television services. The scams involve the victims sending back personal information, or infecting devices with malware. According to the Better Business Bureau, this new scheme is called “smishing” which stands for SMS fishing, as opposed to “phishing,” which involves email. “We’re kind of condit…
State Attorney General Declares Price Gouging Emergency In Dutchess State Attorney General Declares Price Gouging Emergency In Dutchess
State Attorney General Declares Price Gouging Emergency In Dutchess Dutchess County is among 12 counties in New York to be warned of price gouging following the Halloween storm that caused expansive flooding in the region. New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert, warning homeowners and businesses to be on high-alert for potential price gouging after the Thursday, Oct. 31, storm that brought heavy rains and whipping winds to upstate New York. On Friday, Nov. 1, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency in 12 counties that saw widespread power outages and road closures, including Dutchess. Other counties included in Jam…
Here's How To Avoid This Auto Dial From Your Smart Device Scam Here's How To Avoid This Auto Dial From Your Smart Device Scam
Here's How To Avoid This Auto Dial From Your Smart Device Scam Officials are warning people to think twice before asking Alexa, giving a command to Siri or using auto-dial systems as a new smart device scam has been making the rounds nationwide. Scammers nationwide have put millions at risk by creating fake customer service numbers and using tech to bump them to the top of search results, sometimes by paying for ads. Then when one uses an auto-dial system, they wind up speaking with fraudsters, not an actual company that can assist them. Once on the line, the scammers will push for gift card deals or attempt to get credit card information. According t…
Ryan Heilimann, Successful Business Owner In Area, Dies At 37 Ryan Heilimann, Successful Business Owner In Area, Dies At 37
Ryan Heilimann, Successful Business Owner In Area, Dies At 37 Ryan Allen Heilimann, a successful and highly regarded business owner in the area, died unexpectedly on July 1 at St Francis Hospital of Hartford. He was 37. The Staatsburg resident was a son, brother, grandson, nephew and uncle and owner of his own business. He was a caring and fair boss to his employees as well as an honest, detail-oriented professional to his customers, according to his obituary.  He was a fun, loyal teammate to all those he played hockey with from his start at age 12 with the Dutchess Hawks to FD Roosevelt High School varsity to juniors with the Troy, NY Uncle…
State Attorney General Issues Alert On Scams As Tax Day Nears State Attorney General Issues Alert On Scams As Tax Day Nears
State Attorney General Issues Alert On Scams As Tax Day Nears As April 15 approaches, the State Attorney General has issued an alert regarding tax scams. “Tax season is ripe with opportunity for scammers to prey on hardworking New Yorkers,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “These bad actors use a wide range of tactics to illegally cheat residents out of their money, including individuals who impersonate the IRS and businesses that bait-and-switch their tax preparation services." Tax scams come in many different forms, but some of the most common types include: Scammers impersonating the U.S. Treasury Department, the IRS, the Taxpa…
Don't Fall For It: FBI Issues Alert For Advance Fee Schemes Don't Fall For It: FBI Issues Alert For Advance Fee Schemes
Don't Fall For It: FBI Issues Alert For Advance Fee Schemes The FBI is issuing an alert regarding the increased number of advance fee schemes that many are falling victim to. An advance fee scheme is a scam that involves a victim paying money to someone in anticipation of receiving something in return of greater value, like a loan, a contract, an investment or a gift. But in such a scheme, the victim receives little or nothing in return. In many cases, these schemes are crafted to seem authentic and present a genuine “opportunity” — like the chance to reclaim lost funds, lottery winnings, or other financial benefits. Con artists are limited by nothi…
Don't Be A Victim Of Credit Card Fraud: Here Are Steps To Take From FBI Don't Be A Victim Of Credit Card Fraud: Here Are Steps To Take From FBI
Don't Be A Victim Of Credit Card Fraud: Here Are Steps To Take From FBI The FBI is warning consumers in the area to be wary of falling victim to scammers involved in credit card fraud schemes. The Bureau issued an alert this week, offering a series of tips to avoid becoming the latest victim of credit card fraud. According to the FBI, "credit card fraud is the unauthorized use of a credit or debit card, or similar payment tool (ACH, EFT, recurring charge, etc.), to fraudulently obtain money or property. Credit and debit card numbers can be stolen from unsecured websites or can be obtained in an identity theft scheme." Tips provided by the FBI include: Don’t …