Better Business Bureau: Avoid online scams while donating to tornado relief efforts, buying festival tickets and more

CHICAGO (WLS) — The devastation in the south after a series of deadly tornadoes last week has many people wanting to turn around. However, tragedy is often a magnet for scammers looking to take advantage of people’s generosity.

Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau, shared the organization’s recommendations to avoid such pitfalls.

To help those looking to support relief efforts, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips:

• Is the appeal for disaster relief clear? Look for appeals ahead and be clear about which disaster relief services you are supporting.

• Has charity experienced disaster relief? Support experienced organizations that are ready to provide quick and effective assistance. Beware of organizations that are formed overnight after a disaster.

• Should you donate items? Donating money is the easiest way to help and gives charities the flexibility to channel resources to affected areas. Instead of donating food, consider supporting food banks near the affected area. Visit Feeding America, which works with food banks across the country.

• What about crowdfunding requests? When participating in crowdfunding, it is safest to give to someone you know personally and trust. Also review the platform’s policies and procedures, keeping in mind that while some crowdfunding sites take steps to vet posts, others do not.

The following organizations are BBB-accredited charities that are now announcing that they are collecting funds to help with tornado relief efforts:

And, as the weather heats up, door-to-door scams are also emerging from hibernation along with fake utility and security representatives.

It’s also the season for home improvement tricks and the inevitable storm chasers.

The BBB says scammers are preparing tips:

• Be wary of high pressure red flag sales tactics, upfront fees, and handshake deals.

• Anyone who forces you to pay or sign a contract without letting you do your due diligence on BBB.org and other sources is someone you probably don’t want to do business with.

• Get a written contract with detailed pricing, materials, and timelines. Illinois law requires a written contract for all projects costing $1,000 or more.

• You can get multiple estimates in writing.

• Do not allow any stranger into your home unless you have checked the company. Always alert neighbors, family, or friends when there is scheduled work to be done inside your home.

Spring also heralds the return of outdoor festivals.

The excitement of baseball home openers and mega concerts in Chicago gives scammers lucrative opportunities to steal fans’ money, identities, tickets and entertainment. BBB also expects sweeping scam attempts due to this year’s big artist line-up: Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Madonna, Dave Matthews, Bruce Springsteen and many more. In addition, Lollapalooza, Pitchfork, Ravinia, Summerfest and other places are very popular. Many online platforms are already flooded with tickets for sale.

Here are BBB tips for baseball and concert fans to reduce your risk of losing money and identity theft:

• Buy tickets at the box office or from the venue’s official site, and be careful because imitation sites may appear first in internet searches.

• Only deal with safe websites. It will start with “HTTPS” and have a “lock” symbol in the address bar.

• Fake websites will offer tickets at low prices to trick people into entering their credit card information. Scammers can use your credit card to make large purchases. You will not receive your ticket.

• Fake tickets with fake barcodes look very professional with a copy and pasted logo of the actual ticket company. You cannot access when you arrive at the concert and the scammer is long gone.

• Another sneaky trick: Fraudsters copy and paste an actual ticket and then “sell” it to multiple buyers, all of whom get a surprise at the gate when they realize the ticket is invalid.

• Use extra caution when buying tickets sold on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or other free online listings. Scammers are skilled at providing realistic tickets and fake receipts.

• Use payment methods with protection. Always use a credit card, so you have recourse if the tickets are not as promised. Debit cards, wire transfers, or cash transactions are money lost if tickets are fraudulent.

• Know the refund policy. Only buy tickets from a ticket seller that provides clear details about the terms of the transaction. Find out what happens if an event cancels or changes dates.

• Red flag: Scammers are using high pressure to make a quick sale knowing people are desperate to see the show.

• Be very alert for high transaction fees on the last page of your purchase. Many low-rated ticket sellers collect all of your information before sometimes showing an overcharge at the end of the transaction.

For official Merchandise:

• Purchase merchandise only at the concert venue, ballpark or from authorized MLB vendors.

• Know the refund policy. You should only purchase Merchandise from someone who discloses the terms and conditions of refunds or exchanges.

• Be aware that unlicensed and unofficial clothing is often made from inferior materials that shrink and ink can run and cause problems in the wash.