Better Business Bureau and Better Business Bureau Ethics Foundation Inc

06/13/2026

🚨 Childcare Providers: Watch Out for Fake Check Scams!

Scammers are posing as parents who urgently need childcare and offer to pay in advance with a check. The catch? The check is for more than the agreed amount, and they ask you to send the "extra" money back.

⚠️ If someone sends you a check and then asks for a refund of part of it, it's a scam.

Protect yourself:
✔️ Be cautious of urgent requests from people you've never met.
✔️ Never accept a check for more than your services cost.
✔️ Never send money back by wire transfer, payment app, gift card, or cryptocurrency.

Remember: Even if a check appears to clear, it can still be fraudulent, leaving you responsible for the lost money.

Report scams www.bbb.org/scamtracker/reportscam

06/12/2026

Looking for a speaker for your club, organization, senior group, church, or community event?
Pamela Rybka with BBB's ScamGuard program is available to provide FREE educational presentations on the latest scams, fraud prevention tips, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

📞 To schedule a presentation, contact Pamela Rybka at 419-578-6000 ext. 134.

This program is offered free of charge through the Better Business Bureau of Northwest Ohio & Southeast Michigan and the BBB Community Partnership Foundation.

Together, we can help build a more informed and scam-resistant community. 🛡️

06/12/2026

🧹 Decluttering your home? Turn unwanted items into cash safely!
Whether you're selling furniture, electronics, clothing, or home décor online, taking a few precautions can help protect you from scams.

Online marketplaces, like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, EBay, or Poshmark, make it easy to sell your gently used clothing, furniture, home items, or electronics. Here are BBB's tips for avoiding scams while successfully making sales.

06/11/2026

⚠️ Think that CAPTCHA is keeping you safe? Scammers are now using fake CAPTCHA screens to trick people into installing malware on their own devices.

🚩 Red Flag: A CAPTCHA should NEVER ask you to press keys like "Windows + R," "Ctrl + V," or run commands on your computer.

If a CAPTCHA asks you to:
❌ Run commands
❌ Paste code
❌ Download software

Stop immediately.

If you've already interacted with one:
🔹 Disconnect from the internet
🔹 Run a security scan
🔹 Change your passwords
🔹 Enable two-factor authentication

Stay alert and help protect yourself from phishing scams.

06/10/2026

From fake job offers to online shopping scams, reporting what you see helps protect others from falling victim to the same tactics.
Check it out and learn how you can use Scam Tracker to stay one step ahead of scammers. Link to the interview in the comments!
www.bbb.org/scamtracker

During a recent interview with Bowling Green, OH Police Division Chief Justin White, the conversation turned to the proliferation of scam reports they are getting from area residents and what we should do if we're contacted by one of those "bad actors"

On Wednesday mornings show we followed up on that discussion with the President of the Better Business Bureau and Better Business Bureau Ethics Foundation Inc of Northwest Ohio and Southeastern Michigan, Lane Montz.

Click the link in the comments section if you missed this mornings show on 88.1 WBGU-FM to hear Lane's thoughts as well as a description of a Scam Tracker online tool designed and created by the Better Business Bureau to allow consumers and businesses to report, investigate, and avoid scams.
Thanks Lane for being a regular contributor to The Morning Show BG!

06/10/2026

We’re highlighting a recent conversation featuring Our CEO Lane Montz discussing one of the BBB’s most powerful tools in the fight against fraud: the BBB Scam Tracker.
The Scam Tracker system allows consumers to report scams in real time and helps others stay alert to emerging fraud trends in their communities. It’s a simple but powerful way to turn individual experiences into public protection.
If you haven’t used it before, you can explore it here: www.bbb.org/scamtracker

Every report helps build a clearer picture of what scammers are doing and helps others avoid becoming the next target.

Lane Montz from the Better Business Bureau in to talk about the BBB's scam tracker system!

06/10/2026

⚽️ FIFA Events Are Coming!
As excitement builds for upcoming FIFA matches across North America, BBB is reminding consumers and businesses to stay cautious.

Major sporting events bring big opportunities but also increased scam risks, including fake tickets, fraudulent travel deals, phishing emails, and social media marketplace scams.

💡 Quick tips:
✔ Buy tickets only from official or verified sources
✔ Use credit cards for added protection
✔ Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true
✔ Verify travel, lodging, and refund policies before purchasing

🏢 Businesses should also stay alert for phishing attempts, fake orders, and fraud during high-demand periods.

If you spot something suspicious, report it at BBB.org/ScamTracker.

Helpful resources:
FIFA Official Site: https://www.fifa.com
FIFA Tournaments: https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments
FIFA Tickets: https://www.fifa.com/tickets

Stay informed. Stay protected. Enjoy safely! ⚽️

06/09/2026

⚠️ Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly.

If someone says you must pay immediately or risk losing money, pause and verify before taking action.

Have you ever received a suspicious call or text? Tell us how you spotted the scam.

06/08/2026

Motivational Monday,
✨ Keep going — even when progress feels slow. Every step forward matters.

06/07/2026

The BBB Torch Awards celebrate businesses that demonstrate integrity, honesty, and ethical practices every day — not just in words, but in action. ✨ Now’s your chance to recognize them!
We encourage you to nominate a business that deserves to be celebrated for doing things the right way.

Let’s shine a light on the businesses that make our community stronger. 🏆

https://tinyurl.com/3zwuunhs

Deadline June 30th, 2026!

💬 Who would you nominate?