Vikings, MPD and BBB Warn Fans of Counterfeit Tickets

Burnsville, MN (January 9, 2017)– The Minnesota Vikings, in partnership with the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB), remind fans to be aware of counterfeit or fraudulent tickets circulating prior to Sunday’s Division Playoff game against the New Orleans Saints. These tickets are typically sold over the Internet or offered by ticket sellers near U.S. Bank Stadium on game days.

Because of the Vikings ticket-scanning process, if a fan purchases a counterfeit ticket, he/she may not be able to access the stadium and could be subject to an investigation. If a person is already in the stadium and is caught in possession of a fraudulent ticket, he/she will be ejected and could be subject to arrest.

The only authorized outlets for Vikings tickets are the Vikings Ticket Office, Ticketmaster and the NFL TicketExchange. Purchasing tickets from any other source is done at the buyer’s risk and ticket selling on U.S. Bank Stadium property is illegal.

The Vikings, the MPD and BBB offer fans the following tips:

On Game Day:

·         Always check with the Vikings Ticket Office to see if tickets are available via visiting team and fan returns.

·         The Vikings have two types of authorized tickets: digital tickets accessible through the Vikings mobile app or printed (8.5” x 11”) PDF tickets. Do NOT purchase any Vikings tickets sold on hard ticket stock.

·         Take your time. Scrutinize the tickets closely for inaccuracies or alterations. Cross-check the seat assignment and prices with a stadium map found on the Vikings mobile app.

·         Ask the seller to take a photo with their valid ID prior to the transaction. Ask him/her to walk to the stadium gates with you to ensure the tickets are scanned. If they refuse, move on.

Buying Tickets Online:

·         Only the Vikings Ticket Office, Ticketmaster and the NFL TicketExchange can guarantee the ticket you purchase online will be valid to attend the event.

·         When searching for tickets through online brokers on the secondary market, always look for the BBB Online seal and click on the link to ensure that it is valid. Research the company at bbb.org and be clear on the company’s policy if tickets purchased through the site are fake or not as advertised.

·         When buying from an individual through an online exchange don’t be lured away from the web site by the seller. Even if you met the seller on the exchange web site, the company may not guarantee any lost money if a transaction occurs outside its domain. If you buy tickets through an online auction, choose a seller with a long, continuous history of satisfied customers. Scammers can hijack old accounts, so make sure they have recently bought or sold other items.

·         Only pay with a credit card or through PayPal, which offers some protection and potential reimbursement. Never pay with a cashier’s check, gift cards or wire money to a seller; you’ll have no way to retrieve your money if the tickets do not arrive.

For more information or for media interviews with a member of the Minnesota Vikings, the Minneapolis Police Department or Better Business Bureau, please contact Vikings Executive Director of Communications Jeff Anderson at andersonj@vikings.nfl.net or 952.828.6570, Minneapolis Police Department Public Information Officer Scott Seroka at scott.seroka@minneapolismn.gov or 612.673.3524 or Communications Manager for BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota Dan Hendrickson at dan.hendrickson@thefirstbbb.org or 651.695.2463.

Protect yourself from credit card skimming

Burnsville, Minnesota– December 19, 2017 –Even if you’re choosy about which gas stations you frequent, you can still become a victim of financial thieves that place seamless devices on machines to steal – or ‘skim’ - sensitive financial information. Skimming is a growing problem, and Better Business Bureau® of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB), the Minnesota Department of Commerce and several other local and federal law enforcement agencies say consumers need to remain vigilant to steer clear of this scam which can also lead to identity theft.

In recent years, thieves have increasingly targeted gas pumps to steal credit card data. Skimming devices are placed inside the pump and are undetectable from the outside. Credit card information can now even be obtained from the skimming device via Bluetooth technology so thieves don’t have to go back to the pump to retrieve stolen card numbers. Many gas stations are taking measures to secure their pumps via tamper-resistant security tape and visual inspections, but to avoid having your financial information stolen, pay inside rather than at the pump. Minnesota’s Department of Commerce is also taking steps to tackle this problem.

“To protect consumers, Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Weights & Measures inspectors are on the lookout for skimmers during their regular inspections of gas pumps for accuracy, safety and fuel quality,” said Commerce Commissioner Jessica Looman. “Consumers can protect their money by being aware of signs of tampering and reporting suspicious activity to the station and the Commerce Department.”

To avoid becoming a victim of credit card skimmers:

Give it a wiggle – Skimming devices are often false panels attached to the credit card reader – where you swipe your card. Inspect debit and credit terminals closely. If anything looks damaged or unusual, give it a wiggle. Also watch out for new or suspiciously placed cameras and unusual signage. Don’t hesitate to walk away and if something doesn’t feel right.

Pay inside or pay with cash – Paying inside at gas stations reduces your risk of credit card fraud greatly, and paying with cash is an even safer approach.

See something, say something -- If you notice any suspicious activity (especially someone who is not a station employee or an inspector who is opening up a pump), alert the station attendant.

Keep an eye on your statements – The most vigilant person can still fall victim to skimming, and it’s important to always keep a close eye on your accounts – particularly the itemized breakdown of monthly charges – so that you can report any suspicious activity on your account.

Report fraud immediately – Report any fraudulent activity to your bank or credit card provider as soon as you discover it. Paying with a credit card instead of a debit card, because they offer great protections. Consumers who think that they’ve been victims of skimming should visit IdentityTheft.gov to report identity theft and develop a recovery plan

“Just as it’s important to know what to watch out for as far as these skimming devices, it’s equally important to know what to do if you’ve fallen victim,” said Susan Adams Loyd, President and CEO of BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota.

The FBI investigates a wide variety of credit card fraud schemes to include Internet-facilitated criminal activity. If you believe you’ve been a victim of an online fraud scheme, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center is a reliable and convenient reporting mechanism to submit information using the following website: www.ic3.gov/. Consumers can also file complaints with the FTC (877-FTC-HELP; ftc.gov)

If you notice any suspicious activity (especially someone who is not a station employee or an inspector opening up a pump), alert the station attendant or call the MN Department of Commerce’s Weight & Measures Division at 651-539-1555.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Burnsville, Minnesota– October 12, 2017 –October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, a great time for both citizens and businesses to take stock of their online security measures. Cyber threats targeting personal and business interests continue to increase and it’s important to take whatever steps you can to secure your technology, data and personal information. Better Business Bureau® of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) offers tips for individuals and businesses to consider implementing.

“We know there’s no way to completely guarantee one’s safety from online threats,” said Susan Adams Loyd, President and CEO of BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. “But we also know there are ways you can decrease your exposure.”

For consumers, the best ways to stay safe online include:

·         Protecting your computer – A computer should always have the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a secure firewall.

·         Avoiding suspicious links and attachments – Scammers often seek to spread malware and viruses via email, sometimes sending emails from friends or relatives whose accounts have been hacked. Don’t click on any suspicious links or attachments – especially ZIP files. Even from people you know.

·         Sticking to trustworthy websites – Check on the seller’s reputation and record for customer satisfaction at bbb.org. Look for the BBB seal and other widely-recognized “trust marks” on retailer websites. Always remember to click on the seals to confirm that they are valid.

·         Guarding your personal information – Take the time to read the privacy policy of websites you visit and understand what personal information is being collected and how it will be used. If you don’t see one posted, be aware your information may be sold to others without your permission.

·         Confirming your online purchases are secure – Shoppers should always look in their web address bar for the “s” in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying.

BBB also offers tips on cyber safety for businesses, as well:

·         Watch out for spear-phishing attacks – Scammers will sometime create emails which appear to be from a top company official and request cash transfers or sensitive personal information of company employees. Have a failsafe system in place and train your employees to verify all such requests.

·         Be wary of suspicious links and attachments – Just as they do with consumers, scammers often seek to infiltrate business databases by sending emails containing links or attachments which could download dangerous malware. It’s important to have a secure firewall and strong spam filters. When in doubt, suspect emails should be reviewed by IT professionals.

·         Take inventory of the types of data your business collects - If you collect data that can be reasonably linked to a specific customer, computer or device (e.g., cookie data), consider it personal data. Classify information according to privacy risk, paying particular attention to sensitive categories such as Social Security numbers, credit card or other financial information, and location data.

·         Scale down - Collect and store only the data you need to run your business and to meet legal requirements. You may be able to eliminate data elements you don’t need by changing default settings in your online forms or database software. Remember, you have a responsibility to protect all personal data you collect, so limit your burden and your risk.

·         Lock it up - Review your data security practices to ensure you’re protecting customer data from identity theft and cyber threats.

For further details on different ways small businesses can secure their data and the personal and financial information of their stakeholders, visit bbb.org/council/for-businesses/toolkits/data-privacy-for-small-businesses/.

Be A Good Neighbor - celebrate National Night Out

Burnsville, Minnesota – August 1, 2017 – National Night Out was created as a yearly event for neighborhoods to bolster their defense against crime by meeting local police officers, strengthening community bonds, and educating people on how to keep safe from crime. Tonight, on August 1, 2017, the 34th annual National Night Out will be held in neighborhoods all over the United States. Better Business Bureau® of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) is supporting this effort by providing some simple tips neighbors can use to stay secure and help make their communities safer. 

1.    Get to know your neighbors. National Night Out is the perfect way to meet people in your area. Just knowing who your neighbors are can be of great value, but establishing relationships can really make a difference in keeping your neighborhood safe from crime. 

2.    Neighborhood watch. Form a watch group in your area and report suspect activity. Unfamiliar cars driving slowly or individuals acting suspiciously should raise a red flag and police and neighbors should be alerted. A list with names and phone numbers of homeowners on your block can be beneficial to have at the ready. 

3.    Monitor door-to-door sales. Although many legitimate companies solicit door-to-door, con artists use this technique as well. If your neighborhood is visited by a door-to-door sales person, know that you do not have to answer the door or allow the person into your home. If you choose to answer, do not commit to purchase any product or service until you have checked the company out with BBB by visiting bbb.org. It’s also a good idea to ask if they have a solicitor’s license, if necessary.

4.    Trash and recycling bins. Many people put their collection bins out the night before pick-up. Or they do so just before leaving for work in the morning. In either case, dumpster divers may have an opportunity to dig through your trash for personally identifiable information. Never put financial or personal information in your trash. If you see people going through your trash, call your local police. Do your best to collect your bins the same day sanitation crews have collected trash and recycling.

5.    Shred your documents! Documents with financial or personal information like bank and credit card statements, stock portfolios, tax returns, ATM and credit/debit card receipts, copies of birth, death, and marriage licenses, vehicle titles, deeds and mortgages, pay stubs and insurance policies should all be destroyed by a cross shredder.

6.    Mail boxes. Mail theft is one of the primary ways thieves can obtain personal information they need to perpetrate identity theft. Collect mail as soon as it's delivered, or obtain a locking mail box to give you more security.  Be on the lookout for bills or financial statements that don't show up - this is a sign of possible identity theft.

7.    Home security systems. Professional home security systems may not fit into everyone's budget, but they can be a deterrent to criminals. Some home security products are very inexpensive like motion sensor lights, etched window glass film, tethered safes, patio door reinforcement bars, light timers, and entry alarms.  Also, never leave keys in your car - even when your car is in your garage.

8.    Vacation safety. While on vacation, let police, trusted neighbors, or friends and family know when and how long you will be away from home, and also where and how you can be reached. Having someone check on your home, bring in newspapers and mail, and turn lights on and off can keep your home safe. If you’re going to be away for an extended period of time, you may want to stop newspapers and mail while you’re gone.

By working together with your neighbors, you can create a safe community. Participating in National Night Out is a great first step towards stamping out crime on the street where you live.

State reminds homeowners to do homework before hiring a contractor

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) reminds homeowners to do their homework before hiring a building contractor after a storm ... or anytime.

“There are many companies in Minnesota that specialize in repairing roofs, siding and windows damaged by storms. Most of these contractors are reputable and licensed,” said Ken Peterson, DLI commissioner. “However, sometimes unscrupulous operators try to take advantage of storm victims.”

After neighborhoods experience a wind or hail storm, homeowners may find salespeople for these companies going door-to-door soliciting repair work.

Before signing any document, homeowners should call DLI at (651) 284-5069 or go online to DLI'sLicense Lookup search to verify the contractor is licensed and to learn if the contractor has a history of disciplinary action. Homeowners should also check with the Better Business Bureau and check for lawsuits or judgments involving the company or its owners in the state court system.

Homeowners are cautioned not to sign anything presented by a contractor unless the document is read very carefully and the homeowner has made a firm decision to hire that contractor. Generally speaking, if a homeowner signs a piece of paper it is a contract, regardless of what the salesperson says; the homeowner is then obligated to use the contractor for all repairs approved by the homeowner's insurance company.

Contractors cannot offer to pay the homeowner's insurance deductible. State law prohibits contractors from paying deductibles or offering any compensation as an incentive to hire them to perform storm repair services.

Before hiring a contractor, DLI suggests homeowners ask:

• for the contractor's license number and then contact DLI's CCLD Enforcement Unit at (651) 284-5069 or dli.contractor@state.mn.us to verify the contractor is currently licensed and to determine if the contractor has a disciplinary history;
• the contractor how long and where they have been in business;
• for references and check with former customers to see if they were satisfied with the work; and
• for a local phone number and a Minnesota business address other than a post office box.