BBB Says West Texas Beware: Are You Falling for Scam Websites?

West Texas Residents: Beware of Scam Websites!

Scammers are lurking online, and West Texas residents need to be extra cautious. As a lifelong West Texan, I’ve personally fallen victim to online scams more than once, and it’s a hard lesson to learn. Now, I find myself constantly wary of any website that asks for personal information.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Abilene, led by John Riggins, is doing everything possible to protect our community from the growing number of scams. However, the onus is on us to remain vigilant and avoid falling into their traps. You can learn more online, just read the BBB Tip: Smart Online Shopping to stay alert to new and commonly used scam tactics.

Scammers are notorious for creating lookalike websites, with URLs that closely resemble the real deal. A slight misspelling, a swapped letter, or even a misleading subdomain can trick you into giving away your personal information.

These fake sites often look nearly identical to legitimate ones, making it difficult to tell the difference at first glance. Scams involving fake streaming services, DMV impostors, and even fraudulent postal service websites have been rampant lately—even the BBB itself has been impersonated!

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Here are some key tips the BBB suggests to help you stay safe:

• Check the domain name: Always ensure the URL is correctly spelled and doesn’t have any swapped letters.
• Look for poor design: Many scam websites have low-quality visuals or odd layouts that just don’t measure up to reputable businesses.
• Be cautious with email links: Phishing emails often link to fake websites. Hover over the link to check its legitimacy before clicking.

In West Texas, scammers are always looking for someone to fall into their schemes. Don’t let yourself be the next target—always double-check websites before entering your information.

For more advice and a full list of tips, visit our local BBB or reach out to John Riggins, who is committed to protecting Abilene and West Texas from online threats. Stay alert, and remember: "If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t!"