Fake Websites Can Rip Off Consumers; Learn How to Spot an Impostor

Consumer Education Agencies Share Insights for National Consumer Protection Week to Help Buyers Avoid Impostors and Trending Scams

What: Virtual press conference to announce the Metro NY BBB top ten consumer complaint and scam categories from 2024 and news from multiple agencies about scam trends, including the rise of impostor scams.

Who: BBB Metro New York joined by the Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, Internal Revenue Service, New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection, Department of Financial Services, U.S. Social Security Administration, New York City Department of Consumer & Worker Protection, and AARP.

When: Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm ET.

Where: Online video conference; journalists should register to receive login credentials.

Details: Speakers from consumer protection organizations and government agencies will share the latest data and trends on scams and fraudulent business practices, as well as their efforts to protect consumers in 2025.

Speakers:

  • Claire Rosenzweig, President & CEO, BBB Serving Metropolitan New York
    – BBB’s Top Ten Consumer Complaint Categories & Scam Reports in 2024
     

  • Jonathan W. Platt, Regional Director, Northeast Regional Office, Federal Trade Commission
    – Data on Imposter Scams & Tips to Keep Yourself Safe
     

  • Katie Sherwin, Acting Director, NYS Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection
    – Impersonated Government Documents
     

  • Max Dubin, Special Counsel to the Superintendent, NYS Department of Financial Services   
    – Department of Financial Service’s Role in Protecting Consumers
     

  • Melissa Iachán, Deputy General Counsel, NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
    – Enforcement Against Unlicensed Parking Lots
     

  • Judy Weinstock, Assistant Regional Director, New York Regional Office of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
    – Relationship Investment Scams/Pig Butchering
     

  • Nick Moore, U.S. Postal Inspector, New York Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service
    – Impostor Scams and the Postal Service
     

  • Odily Bonilla, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration
    – Protecting Yourself from Government Impostor Scam
     

  • Christopher Westphal, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office IRS Criminal Investigation
    – Tax-preparer Fraud
     

  • Kat Fisher, Associate State Director of Engagement and NYS Fraud Lead, AARP
    – Gift Card Scams

RSVP:  Register online here: Meeting Registration - Zoom

REGISTER NOW!

After the event, media inquiries can be directed to Lucas Fenton at 212-358-2828 or by email to lfenton[at]newyork.bbb.org, or contact Lisa Vazquez at 212-358-2803, or lvazquez[at]newyork.bbb.org.

ABOUT BBB: The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands and charities they can trust for over 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.3 million businesses, and 80,000 times for BBB charity reports on about 12,000 charities, for free at BBB.org and Give.org. Regional, independent BBBs can be found across the United States and Canada. BBB Serving Metropolitan New York, now in its second century of operation, was founded in 1922 and serves New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson Region. Visit BBB.org for more information.