{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Class Action Lawsuit Scams to Watch Out For!","description":"A podcast by 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\u2019ve likely heard ads on the TV or radio about the Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit for U.S. military veterans and their families exposed to tainted water at the camp. Marketing agencies and law firms spent over $40 million advertising the lawsuit. Now, scammers are jumping on board too, hoping all the media attention makes it easier to trick people, especially military personnel, into falling for common scam tactics. How the scam works You receive an email or phone call telling you you qualify for compensation for the Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit. The email may claim you are entitled to tens of thousands of dollars. You need to click a link or call a number to get your compensation. For example, one recent target told BBB Scam Tracker: \u201c[The caller] said they were representing Camp Lejeune and needed information about my brother who served in the military. Since he died years ago from cancer, they said I had $5,000,000 waiting in compensation from the Marines.\u201d From here, the scam takes several different forms. Clicking the link could download malware onto your computer or mobile device, putting you at risk for identity theft. In other versions, scammers direct you to a website with a form that asks for personal information. In yet another variation, the scammers are after your money and personal details. They claim you need to pay an upfront fee, so they can file your case and receive your money. If you pay them, they\u2019ll continue to ask for more \u201cfiling fees\u201d until you become suspicious. As soon as you realize the con, the scammer will disappear with your information and money. How to avoid class action lawsuit scams \u25cf Don't believe in promises of quick cash with minimal effort. Scammers love to promise that fast cash is in your immediate future. The reality is even well-deserved compensation will take time to receive. It\u2019s worth noting, too, that veterans who served at Camp Lejeune can apply for VA disability compensation and health care benefits without filing a lawsuit or getting help from a lawyer. \u25cf Never click on links in suspicious emails. Be wary of unsolicited emails in general. Please don\u2019t click on the links they contain, as they could lead you to fake websites or download malware onto your computer. \u25cf Stay alert to variations of this scam. Emails aren\u2019t the only way scammers may try to contact you about this and other class action lawsuits. Keep your eye out for similar scams sent via text messages, phone calls, or even mail. \u25cf If you think you deserve compensation, apply through official channels. Visit VA.gov\/CampLejeune for official information on how to apply for compensation. You can file for disability compensation online and learn what steps to take to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. \u25cf Only work with reputable representatives. If you are ready to file a claim or appeal and need help, don\u2019t settle for working with the first lawyer who pops up on a TV ad. Instead, do thorough research before choosing a legal representative. Get to know all your options, including working with an accredited attorney or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). Until next time! ","author_name":"Your Moment of Trust","author_url":"http:\/\/yourmomentoftrust.libsyn.com\/website","html":"