BBB issues warning for scam websites

BBB serving Northern Indiana has issued a warning for consumers about possible scam websites allegedly based in Northern Indiana.

BTOXFI, MilaniCarter and KBKSRE have all been investigated by the BBB after multiple reports from consumers of unfulfilled orders. Consumers also have reported being unable to reach customer service for these websites.

The websites all have northern Indiana residential addresses listed, but complaints have been received from all over the country. At this time, the BBB cannot verify the legitimacy of these businesses as attempts to reach out to the companies have been unsuccessful.

Use BBB’s tips to avoid fake websites:

• Pay attention to contact information and shop policies. Legitimate online stores should provide you with a physical address and working phone number in the contact section. If those elements are missing, it’s best to take your business elsewhere.
• Do a search for reviews and potential scams. If you still can’t tell if a website is real or fake, try typing the website name along with the word “scam” or “reviews” into your web browser. If other people have been victims of a fake site, you’re likely to find reports when you search for scams.
• Look closely at the domain name. One way fake websites trick people is by using a domain name that is extremely close to a real business’ or organization’s domain name. Upon closer examination, you might notice that two letters are swapped or it’s just slightly misspelled.
• Watch out for tricky subdomains. Sometimes attackers hope you will confuse a subdomain with the real domain name of their website. For example, a scammer might use the domain name netflix.com.movies.com hoping you won’t notice the real domain name is actually movies.com.
• Be careful with links in emails. Phishing scams are extremely common. A scammer might send you an email that looks like it comes from a reputable business in hopes that you’ll click on the links without a second thought. Always hover over links in unsolicited emails and even in emails that come from a brand, business, or person you think you know.

If you spot a scam, whether you’ve lost money or not, report it to BBB’s Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your story can help other consumers avoid similar scams.

About BBB

BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. BBB services to consumers are free. BBB provides objective advice to businesses and consumers, BBB Business Profiles on millions of companies, charity reviews, dispute resolution services, scam alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Visit bbb.org for more information.