Consumers warned about scams

An international lottery and online banking information are two of the cons.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Better Business Bureau is warning Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties about several scams under way in the area.
Bogus foreign companies are posting job ads calling for an import and export specialist. The ads say the companies are looking for someone to transfer funds from one account to another or to reship stolen merchandise overseas.
Consumers are told that since the employer is in a foreign location, an American contact is needed to handle business in the United States.
In another fraud, consumers are receiving notifications that they are winners of an international lottery. To claim their winnings, the consumer must pay a fee for taxes or administrative expenses. In some cases, consumers receive a fraudulent check from the company.
Another con deals with bank information on the Internet. The National Verification Office of Public Computer Systems is telling consumers that their bank information is on a list for public viewing on the Internet. The consumer is led to believe that their information can be removed by confirming the information on the bottom of their checks.
Consumers and businesses also have received calls from people identifying themselves as federal government officials who tell the victims they qualify for free grant money because they pay their taxes on time, the BBB says in a press release.
Victims have reported giving their bank account numbers so that money may be deducted to receive the free money.
Preventing being a victim
The BBB offers tips to consumers:
UAvoid job listings that use descriptions like package forwarding, reshipping, money transfers, wiring funds and foreign agent agreements.
U Don't be fooled by official-sounding corporate or governmental names.
U Don't forward or transfer money from any personal accounts. Consumers should be aware that this is a form of money laundering.