BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio – The Better Business Bureau is warning Greater Clevelanders about several scams going around, including cryptocurrency and tax-related scams, along with fake ways to help people in Ukraine during Russia’s invasion.
In separate announcements, the BBB said cryptocurrency related scams were increasing and that tax season could spawn scams like fake refunds and government agency impostors. The Ukraine war has also created opportunities for scams, the agency said.
Recently a woman in Garfield Heights was messaged on Instagram by someone using her friend’s account who claimed she was making money by investing in Bitcoin and creating referral videos. The woman sent her own referral video and gave the friend access to her Instagram account, which she was then locked out of.
The BBB said the Garfield Heights woman’s Instagram was then used to further spread the scam. The number of scams the BBB tracks involving cryptocurrency doubled in 2021 and has tripled from two years ago, according to the agency.
People should also be on the lookout for tax scams. Recently, a Beachwood resident got a suspicious text message claiming he had a tax refund that needed to be claimed with a link to click, which ended up being a scam.
The BBB said to also look out for scams claiming to offer money from the government or fake officials who try to get individuals to pay taxes over the phone.
The IRS won’t call a person to demand payment or take payment in prepaid debit…
