If you're not familiar with the term "scareware," it is when a web page you are viewing disguises itself as a pop-up window claiming you need to install a security update. It "scare"s you into clicking on a link that downloads mal"ware" onto your computer. The window is VERY official looking:

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Are you hoping to buy your first home this year? If so, check out the special event that we have coming up during National Consumer Protection Week on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 – you won’t want to miss it!

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This Sunday, January 9th at 7pm, NBC Dateline will debut a new series called "The Hansen Files" featuring investigative reporter Chris Hansen. The first episode was done with the help of the Better Business Bureau to expose a nationwide scheme involving less than trustworthy air duct cleaning companies.

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These five holiday season scams are sure to steal your cheer. As you shop for your friends and family, look out for the common threats that BBB sees every year…

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According to recent investigations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the amount of inaccurate charges added to cell phone bills is on the rise. The billing of hidden or unexpected charges is called bill “cramming” or bill “shock.” BBB wants you to know how to prevent these additional fees from popping up on your monthly statements.

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With Shred Day coming up this weekend and next weekend, it's important for consumers to remember that “Green Marketing” is becomming more and more popular. All kinds of products and events are being labeled or advertised with claims they are environmentally friendly. But which claims are truthful? Here's a few red flags that a product may not be as advertised:

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Phishing attempts seem to change just as fast as the weather. Case in point, this week several consumers reported to BBB they received a message in their personal email inbox from "PayPal" titled "Unauthorized access on your PayPal account!" Of course if you're a PayPal user, this could turn on the panic button, but luckily one consumer did not own a PayPal account and knew it was fake. Here is what the message looks like:

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Identity theft continues to be a concern for consumers and businesses. That’s why BBB is offering you FREE shredding and recycling at the annual 2010 Fall Shred Day next month, as part of National Protect Your Identity Week (October 17-23, 2010).

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With today's announcement from Blockbuster that it has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, many consumers may wonder what this specifically means to them as a customer. The answer in this case is, not a whole lot. According to Blockbuster, their online and retail stores will remain open while the company attempts to restructure and reorganize to help alleviate the debt it has accumulated.

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Facebook users need to be careful about clicking links in status updates that say "OMG This GUY Went A Little To Far WITH His Revenge On His EX Girlfriend." It's a bait technique for a clickjacking attack that is making its way through thousands of profiles. Clickjacking occurs when someone clicks on a link which redicts them to a mechanism designed to register mouse clicks and spam your contacts. Here is what this one looks like:

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Employee fraud costs businesses $400 billion in annual losses, and 76% of frauds are committed internally by employees. To help businesses gain knowledge on how to reduce fraud in the workplace, BBB is hosting a Business Seminar on Fraud Prevention next week in the following locations:

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Recently we have sent a press release and appeared on local television stations to talk about scams that commonly target senior citizens. Just to show you the length scammers will go to, we received the following email last week from a concerned consumer whose neighbors were the target of a scam...

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While the main portion of the 2010 Census has been completed, there are still loose ends that need to be tied up. That being said, consumers may still be visited by a Census worker or see them about in their neighborhood. BBB wants consumers to be aware of the final phases the Cenus Bureau is undertaking to prevent any misunderstandings.

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BBB has received over 10 inquiries in the past week from consumers in the Corpus Christi area regarding timeshare opportunity meetings that seem to come with strings attached. Consumers called regarding flyers in their mailboxes promising free trips to Las Vegas or cheap round-trip airfare to those who came to a meeting at local hotels or restaurants.

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As many Americans are seeking employment, BBB is warning job-seekers to watch out for red flags of employment scams to avoid losing money and sensitive information. Do your research to conduct a safe, fruitful job search.

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With more and more consumers making the switch to iPhones, BlackBerrys and other smartphones, security questions seem to be popping up regarding the applications you can download for each device. The obvious answer would be "if you're careful, everything will be fine," but BBB hears about scammers everyday that come up with clever ways to fool victims who take the right precautions.

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The summer season has officially arrived and that means vacations are right around the corner. With credit cards replacing traveler’s checks in popularity while away from home, it’s important to make sure your personal information stays safe. According to a 2009 Javelin Strategy and Research study, 43% of all fraud cases were due to lost or stolen checkbooks, debit cards and credit cards. BBB advises consumers on the go to keep these tips in mind…

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Most consumers and business owners receive unsolicted offers via e-mail, phone or mail. However, faxes can be used to push questionable offers as well, and we came across such an example today. The fax offered businesses a credit card or line of credit loan for what seemed like little work on the part of the business.

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Warmer weather in Central Texas is sure to have consumers thinking about summer plans. Whether you are looking to rent a vacation home or put your second home up for rent, Better Business Bureau is here with some advice to keep you from getting scammed.

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According to the Small Business Administration, over a recent 15-year period, small businesses created some 65 percent of the net new jobs in the private sector. As part of National Small Business Week, BBB reminds small business owners about free resources available online from BBB and several federal agencies to help them stay strong in a tough economy.

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