Be on the Lookout for Many Summer Scams

Officials in the Hudson Valley are warning everyone to be on the lookout for a number of ongoing summertime scams.

The official start of summer is just days away, with that comes fun in the sun, vacations, barbeques, and more. However, your summer could be ruined if you get scammed.

The Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs posted on their website a number of popular summer scams that they fell everyone in the Hudson Valley should be aware of.

• Vacation scams: Fake travel agents and websites use too-good-to-be-true deals only to take your money. Whether it’s a fake timeshare rental or a bogus Florida vacation, don’t let a vacation scam take you for a ride. Make sure the offer is legitimate by verifying the name, address and reputation of the company.

• Moving scams: What is the mover’s reputation? Before moving your household goods movers are required to give you the booklet entitled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. Copies of this booklet can be downloaded from the website www.protectyourmove.gov.

• Concert ticket scams: Be wary of sellers who offer a sad tale as to why they cannot use the tickets, only accept cash, want the money wired, and/or pressure you to act quickly.

• Door-to-door scams: What are the address, name and reputation of the company that shows up unsolicited to pave your driveway or clean your chimney? Get all promises in writing. Never sign a contract that has an open-ended completion date or blank spaces.

• Employment scams: Be wary of employers who require fees for training and background checks.