scams

Online purchase scams were a problem before the pandemic, when we could shop anywhere we chose. Now, with many relegated to online shopping only, it's gotten worse.

The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled an unprecedented shift to online shopping for consumer goods of all kinds, including vehicles. It's also bringing out the scams.

So you're seeing a lot of phone numbers you don't recognize popping up on your phone's caller ID. Be careful about which ones you answer, and more importantly, what happens when you do.

You may be "plugged in" enough to know about all the latest scams working their way through the Rockford area, but in case you're not (or you have a friend/family member who isn't), the Rockford Police Department wants to make sure you're in the loop.

Have you had the experience where you pay for something with cash, then you're told that due to a coin shortage they can't give you change back from your purchase?

Depending on who you talk to, Rockford is either a hot-bed of robo-calls or one of the few places where you won't be barraged with them.

These scams can and do catch all ages, but they're targeted heavily toward people over the age of 65.

The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) says that online scams are at an all-time high, and Dennis has some great information on how you can avoid being a victim.

One of the most common scams in the U.S. and Canada today involves callers pretending to be government officials who use fear and intimidation to trick victims into turning over personal information or money.

There's been quite the uptick in reports of scam artists knocking on doors and trying to trick, or in some cases, force homeowners into a bad situation.