If you are thinking of adding a puppy to the family this holiday season, beware: a popular scam is exploding across the internet that steals the money and breaks the hearts of would-be pet owners.
The problem is pervasive. According to the Better Business Bureau, 80% of sponsored ads links that appear in internet searches for pets may be fraudulent. French Bulldogs and Yorkshire Terriers are the most common dog breeds used in scams, the Better Business Bureau concluded.
----------------------------------------------
Recently I received a phone message on my cell phone saying, "Call the direct biling department number at 1-866-305-4992 to avoid power disconection... Thank you for choosing Pasadena Water and Power goodbye..."
This call did not come from Pasadena Water and Power, who do not have my cell phone number. It is another scam.
---------------------------------------------
This being the holiday season, scammers, spammers and assorted crooks may try to separate you from your money. If you are all unsure, such as the Social Security office calling you (the IRS, Social Security Administration, utility companies, banks and the DMV never phone). DO NOT PAY!
Remember, no reputable company is going to ask you to put money on a prepaid cash card and send them the money.
This holiday season, please be safe, be happy, enjoy the holidays with friends and family and safeguard your finances.