BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Taxes can be confusing.That’s why the Better Business Bureau, along with the Greater San Marcos Partnership and City of San Marcos, have teamed up to host a Lunch & Learn dedicated to the subject of S[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] News San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]

Reports of fake parking tickets are on the rise as consumers were reportedly scammed by tickets that looked surprisingly real.

The Texas Pride Disposal complaints KPRC 2 viewers have been sharing all week are enough to fill a garbage can.

Scammers are finding new ways to get personal information from potential victims, including through "surveys."

The holiday shopping season is in full swing - and so are thieves, working hard to trick you. More people are already being targeted by mail delivery schemes. Amy Davis explains you should know to protect both your packages and your personal information.

Experts say online scams around the holidays are growing because of Americans' increased reliance on e-commerce for shopping.

If you plan to make charitable donations before the end of the year, be sure to vet the group you plan to give to.

Before you buy just about anything these days you probably check the reviews. Are you getting the best information when looking around? Or, what about if you need help dealing with a bad business? We are looking into what you need to know about backgrounding a business with the Better Business Bureau.

Solar Panel Problems: From warranty issues to high electric bills, Investigator Amy Davis explains the struggles one family is facing two years after they paid to put panels on their roof.

Here are five ways to help you find a cost-effective and reliable moving company.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning people who are trying to get their student loans forgiven of potential scammers.

How many times have you googled a company’s name to get information? We have a warning about what might pop up in those search results.

You buy smart video security systems to keep an eye on your home when you are away. But you could be exposing your home to thieves if you are not careful. The KPRC 2 Investigates team explains 4 things you can do to protect yourself.

Nearly half of all Houstonians pay rent every month instead of a mortgage. So, many of you may relate to our first question about renters insurance. Also today, the warmer weather is nice but it also means the prime season for roofing scammers. What you need to know if someone knocks on our door offering to help you.

PS: Target Gift Card Scams

When you hire someone to do a job at your house that you can’t do, you have to trust that they’ll do the job right. A Humble woman says she’s out nearly $800 and has nothing to show for it after she hired someone to clean her air ducts. It’s a common crime that happens in communities all over the country and we want you to know what to look out for.

The FDA is warning consumers about a proliferation of fake at-home Covid test kits. Here's how to make sure you're buying the real thing.

With the holiday season upon us, the Better Business Bureau is offering advice for people who are shopping online and expecting deliveries.

When you buy a car online, you are buying it sight unseen. No test driving and no kicking the tires, so it's already a little risky. One online car buying company is standing out from the others - and not in a good way. Complaints about the used car company Vroom are skyrocketing. Hear from two customers who can't even drive their cars and what the company has to say about the increase in complaints.

The Better Business Bureau is putting Florida residents on high alert for potential scammers when it comes to home repairs.

Here’s what to watch for before you “add to cart.”

The BBB says complaints actually went down last year, but the amount of money lost went up by 33% compared to 2019.

One person said they got the runaround when they asked for a refund.

One person said they got the runaround when they asked for a refund.

The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas and the FBI are warning of an increase in ransomware, alerting individuals to be wary of unknown or misleading emails, texts, and phone calls that could lead to individuals installing ransomware on their devices.

Multiple Houston residents have come forward with allegations about being duped at a...

Sara Eriksen recently hired a moving company for nearly $4,000 to help her make the transition from California to Houston.

A Poudre Valley Hospital ICU Nurse shows off her vaccination card after getting the first round of Covid-19 vaccines at UC Health Poudre Valley Hospital on December 14, 2020 in Fort Collins, Colorado. For starters, sharing a photo of your vaccination card on social media makes you a potential target of identity theft, according to the Better Business Bureau. If you want to post about your vaccine, there are safer ways to do it, the Better Business Bureau advised. And, they can go a long way toward building confidence and encouraging others to get vaccinated. With supply so constrained, "there's some inherent conflict there," said Steven Thrasher, a professor and Daniel H. Renberg chair of social justice at Northwestern University.

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)The Better Business Bureau is warning those who have received their COVID-19 vaccine to not share a photo of their vaccination card on social media. According to the BBB, sharing a photo of a vaccination card poses a threat of identity theft as it displays self-identifying information including a person’s full name, date of birth, and where they received the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, the BBB warns that photos of COVID-19 vaccination cards shared on social media can help scammers create phony versions. Scammers in Great Britain were caught selling fake vaccination cards on eBay and TikTok,” the BBB said in a release. Posting photos of your card can help provide scammers with information they can use to create and sell phony ones.”AdBefore sharing news that you’ve received the COVID-19 vaccine, BBB recommends the following:

We are learning more about COVID vaccine scam warnings. Know the rules about COVID vaccine distributionCrooks are also lying about how you can get your vaccine. Right now there is NOT an option to send a COVID vaccine to your home. Be aware, the vaccine will always be freeYou should never have to pay out of pocket for anything related to the COVID vaccine. Make sure aging parents know the vaccine guidelinesJust like other scams, the most common victims are often our aging parents.

The name of President Donald Trump on a stimulus check during the first round of payments earlier this year issued by the IRS to help combat the adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. Also be wary of any messages asking you to "verify" your personal information, according to Moody's office. "The IRS will not call, text or email anyone to verify their information," the Identity Theft Resource Center wrote in a recent blog warning of stimulus check scams. There's also been an uptick in cash advance offers at a very high interest rate that adds up to be much higher than the stimulus check, says Quentin Rhoads-Herrera, director of professional services at cybersecurity firm CRITICALSTART. "If anyone offers a cash advance on your stimulus check, be very aware of the underlying terms and conditions of that offer," says Rhoads-Herrera.

Online shopping scams are on the rise as thieves look to take advantage of the increase in people shopping online during the pandemic. Online shopping scams, like the one Black fell for, are on the rise as thieves take advantage of the surge of people flocking to the internet during the pandemic. To lure you onto the sites, scammers pay for ads on Facebook, Google and other websites. So far this year, the FTC has received more than 37,000 reports of online shopping fraud, amounting to $27 million in losses. You can also report the site on the Better Business Bureau and FTC websites, which could help others from being scammed.

But if you've been tagged in a "Secret Sister" or "Secret Santa" gift exchange on social media, you should know the Better Business Bureau is warning that it's a scam — and illegal. Once people stop participating in the gift exchange, the gift supply stops as well, and leaves hundreds of disappointed people without their promised gifts.”TINY TURKEY DAY? Postal Inspection has said that these gift exchanges are a form of gambling, making them illegal. Report social media posts promoting a secret gift exchange so others don't get scammed either. Keep the gift exchanges between family, friends and coworkers.

It’s called the “Secret Santa” or “Secret Sister” and it’s a gift exchange, usually amongst women. It works like this:Secret Sister social media recruitment post (Copyright 2020 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.) Secret Sister social media post (Copyright 2020 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.) • Report social media posts. Some pyramid schemes try to win your confidence by claiming they’re legal and endorsed by the government.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, online furniture sales has skyrocketed. Return shipping for heavy items, such as furniture, can get costly. Typically, there are three kinds of shipping offered by furniture retailers and each one may have a different cost. Front door delivery: the packaged product will be shipped to your front door and no further. If you are thinking about one of these options, carefully read the financing plan.

You can easily create your own home gym, with equipment such as a treadmill, stationary bike, weight machine, etc. While there are many options, it is also important to be cautious and research carefully before making an expensive equipment purchase. Research the company that you are purchasing from and make sure that other customers were happy with their product. Visit BBBHouston.org to find reports on businesses selling gym equipment. Also, only seek out local transactions on these types of sites and inspect the equipment before buying.

BBB on Homes: September marks National Preparedness MonthSeptember is National Preparedness Month, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s theme for this year’s National Preparedness Month is “Disasters Don’t Wait. Every year, the greater Houston area prepares for possible hurricane and tropical storm damage, but if you have not yet been affected by storm damage, you should still prepare in case of future disasters. You will need these documents should you face storm damage or have a medical issue during or after the storm. Following a disaster, if you experienced storm damage, you may need to hire a business to help with repairs. Check with the BBB at BBBHouston.org to read customer complaints and reviews on various companies before you hire them.

GHBA Remodelers Council: May is National Home Remodeling MonthThis master bath with frameless glass shower doors has dual showerheads. Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close GHBA Remodelers Council: May is National Home Remodeling Month 1 / 1 Back to GalleryAccording to National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), in 2019, more than a million Americans spent approximately $158 billion on home improvements. So, throughout the month of May, NAHBs campaign May is National Home Remodeling Month will focus on the importance of working with qualified remodeling professionals. Homeowners are doing spring cleaning and thinking of ways to increase their quality of life possibly by home remodeling. The best way to ensure your home dreams become reality is through the work of a professional home remodeler.

BBB on homes: Spring storm repair follow tips before hiring a contractorWith the recent spring storms affecting this area, some homeowners may need to deal with home repair issues, such as hail damage, etc. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas is warning homeowners affected by natural disasters to beware of storm chasers and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack the proper licensing for your area, offer quick fixes, or make big promises they cant deliver. The BBB also has these specific tips for victims of natural disasters:Contact your insurance company. Some storm chasers use tactics such as the good deal youll get only if you hire the contractor on the spot.

BBB on Homes: Figure out a plan to organize, clean your homeImage 1 of / 1 Caption Close BBB on Homes: Figure out a plan to organize, clean your home 1 / 1 Back to GallerySpring can be a great excuse to tackle that unwanted clutter around the house, and with so many people staying at home during this time, it is especially important to better organize and clean your home. If you need to hire a professional to organize, clean your home, or perform yard work, visit BBBHouston.org to find a trustworthy BBB Accredited Business near you. The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send homeowner questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org.

BBB on Homes: Follow cybersecurity tips for you homeImage 1 of / 1 Caption Close BBB on Homes: Follow cybersecurity tips for you home 1 / 1 Back to GalleryWith so many people working out of their homes these days, its essential to enhance your homes cybersecurity to prevent hackers or malware from getting into your network. To prevent these issues, the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips:Shore up your network. Your homes wireless network is like a moat preventing attacks on your valuable information. Without it working as it should, your homes computer systems are open to attack. A great way to ensure network safety is to practice password smarts, update security defaults, and set up a firewall.

BBB on Homes: BBB offers tips for hiring house-cleaning serviceWith news of Covid-19/coronavirus cases across the country, many people are seeking ways to sanitize their environments, especially their homes. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas provides the following tips on hiring a cleaning business or individual cleaning professional:Do your research. If you want something specific, communicate that up front so the cleaning company is prepared to accommodate your request. Keep in mind the least expensive cleaning services may not be giving you the best deal for your money. Put away jewelry and other valuables and warn the cleaning business about pets living in your home.

BBB on Homes: Avoid home-repair scams this springSpring is around the corner, and now is the perfect time to start planning out those home improvement and maintenance projects that have yet to be completed. At the same time, the Better Business Bureau is warning homeowners to be on the lookout for home improvement scams. This is the time of year when less-than-reputable or unqualified contractors arrive promising a variety of services at cut-rate prices. Here are some tips from the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas on how consumers can avoid costly mistakes and scams:Always check the companys BBB Business Review. Look into the contractors standard of work and professional affiliations, verify insurance, and check to see if licensing is needed.

BBB on Homes: After a disaster, choose a contractor with careFollowing the recent explosion in the northwest Houston area, the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas has received many questions from the public about selecting and vetting contractors for home repairs. If you are concerned about possible structural damage in your home, have an engineer, architect or building official inspect it. Require a written contract agreement with anyone you hire. Once you have found a contractor, request proof of a current insurance certificate covering workmans compensation, property damage and personal liability. While many companies may ask for a deposit, BBB suggests that no more than one-third of the job be paid up front.

BBB on Seniors: Follow 10 simple steps to protect yourself in 2020The start of a new year brings the opportunity for a fresh start. People are resolving to exercise and eat healthy to get in shape, but what shape are your finances and personal information in? Check your credit report for free at AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228. Review it closely for errors and report any inconsistencies you see. If you get a call from the Social Security Administration that your Social Security number has been suspended because it has been used in a crime, hang up. Dont call back a number you dont recognize even if your caller ID says the Social Security Administration or SSA.

BBB on Homes: Choose a trustworthy tax preparer and how to avoid scamsTax season will be underway soon, and taxpayers who are seeking assistance in completing forms should begin their search for a trustworthy and qualified tax preparer. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas is encouraging taxpayers to properly research professional tax preparers or accountants before hiring, to help avoid mistakes, scams and even tax identity theft. The BBB offers these tips on choosing a trustworthy tax preparer and how to avoid scams:Verify credentials. Ideally, your tax preparer should be a certified public accountant, a tax attorney or an enrolled agent. Know how to contact your tax preparer year round.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Fans looking to score Texans playoff tickets should be careful before clicking the purchase buttonJulie Bach lives in Houston, but she and her girls are huge Buffalo Bills fans. When the Bills clinched to play a playoff game in Houston, Bach decided to buy two tickets, which never arrived. Someone posted in a group saying they couldn't go to the game, and they were looking to sell tickets. Now, Bach will be inside NRG Stadium watching the Bills and Texans. "If these people try to sell you tickets, do not buy it," Bach said.

BBB on Homes: Keep an eye out for rental scams this seasonWhether you are planning a holiday trip, looking for a good deal for your next family vacation, or have just decided you need a getaway, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns people to plan ahead to avoid rental scams. An in-depth investigative study by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) finds that fraud is widespread in the online rental home and vacation rental market, with 43% of online shoppers encountering a fake listing and more than 5 million consumers losing money to such scams. Many consumers look for rental listings on free classified listing sites like Craigslist in the U.S., as well as Facebook Marketplace. Scams also frequently appear on vacation rental websites such as Airbnb, VRBO and HomeAway.com. In addition to warning consumers of red flags that may signal apartment or vacation rental scams, the report recommends that rental unit owners should watermark photos used for rental postings, which will make it more difficult for scammers to copy photos of other properties posted online.

BBB on HomesImage 1 of / 1 Caption Close BBB on Homes 1 / 1 Back to GalleryFew things pull at a person's heartstrings like an adorable puppy or cuddly kitten. And BBB Scam Tracker has seen an increase in people losing money to pet scams this holiday season. Check with the Better Business Bureau at BBBHouston.org to find local animal shelters and breeders. The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas.

BBB on Homes: Set a good budget every holiday seasonWith careful planning, consumers can make the most of their holidays without straining their budgets. Give gifts that provide a returnA calculated gift giver understands that gifts should provide a return. Create a holiday budgetYou dont want to let your holiday spending get away from you, so its important to develop a plan and a firm budget. The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org.

BBB on Homes: Your unclaimed rewards could be a hoaxFree cash you didnt know you had? You are given a phone number to call to find out how to get your reward. The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips on how to protect yourself from unclaimed asset scams:Monitor your accounts. The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org.

Its not exactly a new concept but, around this time of year, you typically see the idea floating around: Its usually called something like a secret sister gift exchange. Users were encouraged to invite others to participate in the holiday gift exchange, then promised they would receive information on where to mail the gifts, a BBB statement reads. But these gift exchanges are really pyramid schemes and theyre considered illegal, BBB experts said. Once people stop participating in the gift exchange, the gift supply stops as well, and leaves hundreds of disappointed people without their promised gifts.But wait. If you participate in a scam, You will receive little to no money back on your 'investment' or gift exchange, the BBB said.

BBB on Homes: Prepare your home for colder weatherAs cooler weather begins to settle into our area, its time to start preparing your home for the winter weather ahead. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers tips for winterizing your home:Do your research. The BBB can provide lists of BBB Accredited Businesses in specific industries, as well as Business Profiles on ones youre considering. Inspect your homes caulking and weather stripping to prevent air leaks. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas.

BBB on Homes: Be aware of current cybersecurity risksWith October comes Halloween, but it is also National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Consumers tend to be less wary in social media channels, and scammers are taking shocking advantage of that fact. Security analysts reported this month that over half of all social media logins are fraudulent, and one-fourth of new account applications are fake. In social media, dont be too quick to click on ads that offer improbably good deals. However, using your private phone number for that purpose could expose you to some risks.

Posting on social media is a quick and easy way to get an alert out about a lost pet, but it could also put you at risk for scams.The Better Business Bureau is tracking reports of a scam that targets people searching for lost cats or dogs. Victims reported getting a text from someone who claimed they found the animal, but the person on the other end would give excuses when they were asked to send a picture. The BBB says the scammers also tried to pressure victims into sending money in exchange for pets. "If someone is truly trying to help you find your pet they're not going to threaten you or cause you to act quickly. Playing on a sense of fear and emotion is huge with this scam," said Kayla Gilbert, Community Outreach Specialist with the BBB.Limit how much detail you provide if you post about a lost pet online.

BBB on Homes: Here are ways to keep the scary out of Halloween prepShopping for Halloween should be fun, not terrifying. Before you head out to your nearest Halloween store, check what items you have in your home. You may find an old costume you can re-purpose, or Halloween decorations you can put out. Compare prices on Halloween costumes and home/yard decorations from various retail or online stores. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas.

BBB on Homes: October is National Cyber Security Awareness MonthOctober is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, so it can be a good time to be learn about the newest technology scams, especially those affecting you at home. Reports on BBB Scam Tracker indicate that people have been charged anywhere from $80 to $100 to activate their new device. The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips on how to protect yourself from tech scams:Make sure you are visiting an official website. The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org.

BBB on Homes: Real estate scam targeting home buyersThe Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas is issuing an alert on an online scam affecting home buyers across the country. The scam is a form of spear phishing where scammers insert themselves into a real estate transaction and can steal tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. First, scammers hack the email accounts of the people or companies involved in a real estate transaction, including the buyer and seller, real estate agent, or title company. The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org.

BBB on Homes: Beware of those offers of free deductiblesIf you are ever approached by a company promising to save you your insurance deductibles on storm damage repairs, beware. At the Better Business Bureau, we sometimes see these offers after a major storm event. The BBB offers the following tips for homeowners who may need to hire a contractor following storm damage:Never agree to any offers for free repairs. The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org.

But for some couples in the Houston area, one of the central elements of their wedding receptions didnt go right at all. They didn't get the big, extravagant and expensive cakes they paid for in advance from Edible Designs Cakery and Desserts in far West Houston. Photo provided to KPRCThe $1,600 cake Johnson ordered from Edible Designs was a wedding gift from her grandparents, she said. What the owner saidChannel 2 Investigations' Bill Spencer spoke with Edible Designs Cakery and Desserts operator Adam Longoria by phone. BBB alertThe BBB started getting complaints about Edible Designs Cakery and Desserts in early June, said Denisha Maxey, the senior director of dispute resolution with the BBB in Houston.

However, dont get yourself into trouble by getting a loan without thinking it through and doing the right research. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips:Do your research. If you are not confident about your credit score, try to build your credit rating before you apply for a loan. Do be aware that every time you apply for a loan, there is a note left on your credit score. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas.

HOUSTON - Parents from across the U.S. have contacted KPRC 2 Investigates about a toddler pageant program that conducts shows across America. The Baby Miss America Pageant has fans, detractors and, now, a warning from the Houston Better Business Bureau. According to Sammie Savoie, the director and CEO of the Baby Miss America Pageant, three people have received refunds. Glad for what it has done for my daughter," the mother of Baby Miss America 2017 said. The pageant's CEO disputed one parent's claim of how many photos they actually received, "There's a big difference in '2 photos' and the actual '18 photos.'

BBB on Homes: Consumers report appliance-repair scamWhen something goes wrong with one of your household appliances, your first reaction might be to call customer service or a warranty provider. However, the Better Business Bureau is seeing increasing reports of scammers fooling consumers with fake customer service phone numbers. However, according to one report to the BBB, some scammers are even posing as fake repair professionals. The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org.

BBB on Homes: Lock down key guidelines for security companiesMillions of homeowners seek to secure their homes, families and belongings with a home security system (also called a burglar alarm). Each year, the Better Business Bureau receives inquiries from consumers researching alarm system companies. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers tips for researching security companies:Choose a reputable business. The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org.

BBB on Homes: Air conditioning maintenance hot topic this time of yearSummer is here, and everyone is feeling the heat. During these hot summer months, its essential to make sure your air conditioning system is up and running smoothly. The best way to deal with air conditioning issues is to prevent them from occurring. Research air conditioning contractors by visiting BBBHouston.org, where you can read complaints and customer reviews and check if the business is BBB Accredited. Clear the area around the air conditioning unit of debris to make sure the unit can pull enough air in.

The Better Business Bureau has asked DIRECTV to pull its ads featuring actor Rob Lowe over claims about the quality of the company's satellite television.

Staying safe online this holiday shopping season Now that the holiday season is in full swing, it's time for a crash course in consumer security. Only conduct business on secure sites and check with the Better Business Bureau if you're unsure. Jill Schlesinger has what you need to know in her look at the business week ahead.

MoneyWatch: Employers add 209K jobs; Alert issued for text-message scam Some economists were expecting better numbers from July's jobs report. Also, the Better Business Bureau has a new alert for a scam carried out over text messages. Jericka Duncan reports on the day's top MoneyWatch headlines.