Joe Knows Better

Romance scams take more money per victim, than most any scam followed by the Better Business Bureau. It's not rare to see complaints of people losing $50,000, $100,000 and more to people they've never met, or in many cases, even talked to! Joe looks at how scammers try to gain trust, promise lives together, but all the time, just want your money.

With more homeowners searching for contractors after storms, fires, and unexpected damage, BBB is seeing a rise in cases where people pay upfront and never see the work completed. A few minutes of research can save you from major headaches later.

Looking for a loan? Pause before you apply. BBB is seeing reports of online loan scams targeting people who need quick cash. These scams often promise fast approval, then demand upfront fees or payment through gift cards or cash — a major red flag.

Scammers are now using AI and deepfakes to make it look like celebrities are promoting products they’ve never endorsed. And BBB is seeing new complaints, including fake Oprah weight-loss ads that are costing consumers hundreds of dollars.

With so many holiday packages arriving, it’s easy to lose track and that’s exactly why scammers are sending fake delivery texts. These messages claim there’s a “problem” with your package to trick you into giving up money or personal information.

Travel coming up? Is your rental real? Are you contacting the real travel company or is it a scam site? Better Business Bureau warns of 3 scams that could take your money. 

If you’re shopping for a new appliance, phone, TV, or computer, chances are you’ll be offered a service contract or protection plan, sometimes even for things like a basketball! But are they actually worth the extra money? Before you say yes, here’s what to consider to make sure you’re really getting the protection you need, not just another unnecessary expense.

The holidays bring deals, gifts… and scammers ready to cash in.  From fake social media ads to bogus “secret sister” gift swaps and too-good-to-be-true temp jobs, the BBB has officially released this year’s naughty list of holiday scams. Don’t let a scam steal your cheer (or your money).

As end-of-year giving ramps up, so do donation scams — especially in the wake of disasters like Hurricane Melissa. Scammers know people want to help, and they’re using it to cash in. Before you donate, take 30 seconds to verify the charity.

Fake jobs, shady online deals, and “bank” calls that aren’t real — scammers are everywhere, and they’re after your money.  And the costliest? Bank and credit card imposters — over $800,000 lost in just one month! 

From “I Do” to “I Got Scammed”? Not on our watch.  The average wedding costs $34,000, but it could cost way more if you get stuck paying twice. Joe breaks down how to hire the right people for your perfect day.

Scammers know many people don’t understand how Cryptocurrency works. Don't fall for it. Joe joins Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes in warning consumers how to avoid this common scam.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joins BBB's Joe Ducey to break down how too protect yourself from scams using voice-cloning technology to mimic the voices of family members, friends, or even coworkers!

Hunting for a Labubu?  Be careful — fake listings and scam sites are popping up everywhere. These viral plush creatures are hard to find and often pricey, which makes them the perfect bait for online scammers. BBB is hearing from buyers who never received their orders or ended up with fakes.

Renting an apartment just got trickier—and more expensive. BBB Scam Tracker reports show frustrated renters losing cash on fees for properties they didn’t even want—or worse, ones that weren’t legit in the first place.

The BBB is warning about fake collectors harassing people for money they don’t even owe. Some are even threatening liens or lawsuits (which they legally cannot do). Know your rights!

BBB Scam Tracker reports that online pet scams are costing buyers thousands. Don’t let your dream pet turn into a costly scam. Learn how to spot the red flags and protect your money. Don’t let your dream pet turn into a costly scam. Learn how to spot the red flags and protect your money.

Think Before You Click: A New Study Reveals How Scammers Get Everything They Need When you hear someone’s been scammed, your first thought is usually about how much money they lost. But a new survey shows an even bigger risk: the personal information victims are handing over...

Job scams are evolving—and they’re costing victims more than ever. Scammers are posting fake jobs, then tricking applicants into sending thousands, often through crypto. One victim lost $6,000 after being told to “deposit your own money to clear a negative balance.”

A new wave of fake invoice scams is making the rounds—the message tells you to call for a refund… but that’s exactly how the scammers reel you in. Some even claim to be from the Better Business Bureau!

Traffic ticket text scams are back—and sneakier than ever! If you get a text claiming you owe a toll or traffic fine, don’t click the link. Scammers are using official-sounding messages to trick Arizona and California drivers into visiting fake websites that can steal your personal info.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joins BBB’s Joe Ducey to expose the warning signs of moving scams—like low quotes that lead to your belongings being held hostage.

Some sound like other popular sites or have crazy, catchy names and even crazier deals. They may be eye catching, but can also be big money wasters. BBB Scam Tracker shows complaints about having to buy tickets twice and showing up at hotels that don't haves your booked room.

In this episode of Joe Knows Better, Joe Ducey teams up with Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to break down how fake celebrity endorsements are tricking consumers out of their money—and how you can protect yourself.

They packed their bags, booked a dream rental—and got scammed!

Fake vacation listings are on the rise, even on trusted sites. Joe Ducey from the Better Business Bureau is here with tips to keep you from falling for the trap.

Don’t let your dream project turn into a nightmare. BBB is warning homeowners about a growing trend: contractors demanding large upfront payments—and then disappearing. In some cases, they start the job and vanish halfway through. In others, they never show up at all.

Scammers are getting sneakier—posing as employers and convincing job seekers to open crypto or investment accounts with their own money. Some victims never even realize it's a scam until their savings are gone.

BBB Scam Tracker is seeing complaints about third-party websites charging travelers for forms that are actually free on the official site. Some users thought they were renewing their passport—only to end up paying for paperwork help, not the actual renewal.

Getting a collect call from jail? It might not be what it seems. Scammers are posing as inmates and tricking people into accepting the charges—then hijacking their phone line to rack up even more fees.

Summer = peak moving season… and scammers know it. Some shady movers are demanding more money mid-move and even holding stuff hostage. 

Getting calls about a debt you don’t recognize? That “collector” might be on the FTC’s banned list of over 225 forbidden debt collectors.

One wrong click could cost you $11… or $500. Fake websites, no refunds, and scammers hiding behind social media ads are all too common.

Think you won $1 million from Publisher's Clearing House? Think again.

Scammers are using fake PCH calls to trick people—especially seniors—into paying fake “fees” to claim a prize.

Home warranties can offer peace of mind—especially when it comes to big-ticket repairs like appliances, plumbing, or air conditioning. But with an average cost of $600 per year, are they really worth it?

Don't pay to get money! Some online lenders are charging large upfront fees.

Don't fall for it!

While timeshares can be easy to buy, they’re often difficult to sell—and that’s where scammers step in. BBB Scam Tracker reports show fraudulent resellers asking owners to pay thousands of dollars upfront, with promises of a fast sale that never happens.

Party City, Joann, and now restaurant chains like Red Lobster are facing closures and bankruptcy. What happens to your gift cards? Joe Ducey from the BBB warns: use them NOW before it's too late! Don't get caught out – learn how to protect yourself.

Why are people getting package deliveries they never ordered! Packages are showing up at local doorsteps and homeowners have no idea why. It\s a scam called "brushing". Why is it happening and what to do if you're targeted.

It's one of the nastiest scams that's been around for years, and it's back! BBB Scam Tracker shows texts threaten that people will be exposed for their video viewing habits, unless they pay up!

Romance scams, online shopping scams or investment scams? Which scam took the most money from consumers last year. BBB has the numbers and shows which age group is now losing the most money.

Texts claim you didn't pay a toll road fee. But if you click the link, you could end up paying a lot more...

Big checks are being sent out. Are they real or fake? Joe gets two checks in the mail. Are they real or will they end up costing more if you cash them? What to do if you get a random check.

BBB Scam Tracker is seeing complaints from travelers seeking customer service numbers for airlines and other travel businesses. Instead, they're being connected to scam sites hiding at the top of those searches.

Most people never think they would fall for a scam. Joe Knows Better! So how likely are YOU to be a scam victim? Joe looks at a common scam area. Which is real, which is the scam? You make the call.

Taxes. We gotta pay 'em, but should we have to pay to pay 'em? Joe Ducey with the Better Business Bureau shows you how to file for free!

Are old tires being sold as new? Hearing about car owners spending hundreds on tires and finding out they are NOT new. I'll show you the one easy way to know when your tire was made!

BBB is seeing homeowners report losing thousands of dollars to contractors hired for various projects. The big problem? They pay a lot of money upfront, and never see the contractor again.

They're cute and popular gifts for the holidays. But too many people are complaining to the BBB that they lost money to fake online dog sellers. Sellers ask for upfront money and then demand more for added needs. You need to know who you're dealing with before sending anything.

Don't lose your money shopping online! Online shopping is usually among the top complaints to BBB Scam Tracker. The scams grow as the holidays approach with fake sites and other ways to take your money. Here's how to spot them.

Most people never think they would fall for a scam. Joe Knows Better! So how likely are YOU to be a scam victim? Joe looks at a common scam area. Which is real, which is the scam? You make the call.

Tollgate Trickery! Beware of a new texting scam targeting drivers. Don't fall victim to this sneaky scheme. Learn how to spot it and protect your wallet.

Are you receiving suspicious invoices for services you don't recognize? Be wary! These could be invoice scams designed to trick you into paying for something you never ordered.

Looking for a job? Scammers are looking for you! Here are some Joe Knows Better tips for spotting the latest employment scams.

Can you trust your Facebook friends? Not always! Scammers are hacking accounts and messaging "friends" with testimonials about free government grants. Here's a Joe Knows Better tip for keeping your money safe!

Storm chasers are out promising damaged home repairs for a great price, but beware! Joe takes you step by step on how to get those needed home repairs.

Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors with fake sweepstakes and jackpot scams. These fraudsters promise large cash prizes, vacations, or luxury items, but first, they ask for upfront fees, personal information, or bank details.

Joe discusses phone battery saving tips during heatwaves, tune in now to stay informed.

Joe discusses scams in Crypto, tune in now to stay informed.

A few things to look out for with the expansion of Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Trying to score cheap tickets for March Madness? Here are a few things you should look out for.

Traveling for spring break? Avoid getting scammed by following these helpful tips!