{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Watch Out for Phony Fitness Apps: A Warning from BBB of the Tri-Counties","description":"A Podcast from BBB of the Tri-Counties:  A BIG thank you to Ayers Automotive Repair in Santa Barbara for supporting this podcast   Welcome to this week\u2019s edition of Your Moment of Trust! You are on a fitness journey and have decided to purchase a fitness tracker. Having a fitness tracker can raise awareness of your activities throughout the day. The benefits of a fitness tracker are also connecting you to friends and an extended community of fitness enthusiasts. See BBB's tips on choosing a fitness tracker.   Within a couple of weeks, you start receiving messages from a member of your fitness application social group. The sender begins by asking about your fitness goals, and then the conversation becomes more personal. Questions are asked about your family, where you work, and your hobbies. After creating a bond, the scammers start sharing fake personal stories with you.   "He told me he was a single dad working overseas to provide for his daughter," one victim said. "I really believed him, and once I sent him money the first time, he continued to ask repeatedly. When I refused to send more money, he threatened me and my family. I am now out of $100,000, and I know it will be difficult to get any of that money back."   Signs of the scam:   \u25cf Moving fast. Scammers will begin to ask personal questions quickly. (Are you married, where do you work, etc.). \u25cf Emotional stories. The scammer may have a sick, elderly parent or child needing medical care. \u25cf Specific instructions when asking for financial help. The scammer will request you wire money or use a prepaid debit card. \u25cf Ask to communicate differently. As the scammer develops a relationship with a victim, they will ask for email contact or a personal cell phone number to connect outside the app.   Tips to avoid fitness app and other social app scams:   \u25cf Do not post a picture of yourself as a profile. Use an avatar or free stock photo as a protective measure to avoid scammers targeting certain groups of people (ex: senior community). \u25cf Do not share personal information (marital status, employment) with a stranger. The more the scammer knows about you, the more information they have to manipulate you out of your identity and money. \u25cf Think before accepting requests from strangers. Being a part of a community is rewarding but can also be dangerous. Only connect with people you already know. \u25cf Avoid clicking on unsolicited links. Clicking on a link may lead to downloading malware onto your device. The downloaded malware can lead to scammers collecting personally identifiable information that can be used for identity theft or tracking your digital footprint. \u25cf Share with a family member or close friend. If uncomfortable or unsure about the communication you receive, share your concerns with someone you know. Receiving a different perspective is always helpful when in doubt.   Until next time! For more scam warnings, visit  https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/ScamSquad\/videos ","author_name":"Your Moment of Trust","author_url":"http:\/\/yourmomentoftrust.libsyn.com\/website","html":"