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GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A Grand Rapids area company has agreed to stop selling toys and collectibles online for five years after customers made a rash of complaints. Planetary Toys LLC has entered into a legal agreement, called an “Assurance of Voluntary Compliance and Discontinuance” agreement, with the Michigan Attorney General’s office. The agreement came after the Better Business Bureau received nearly 90 complaints against the company for a variety of issues, including not shipping purchased items and sending different items than ordered. “I’m pleased to see this agreement reached without my office having to take additional legal action against Planetary Toys,” state Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a written statement. “I appreciate the work our partners at the BBB are doing to help affected customers.

Local 4′s Hank Winchester went looking for at-home COVID tests and discovered that while they are hard to find in Metro Detroit, it’s not impossible to find them.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – State and local officials are warning Michigan residents about an increase in scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the Better Business Bureau and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released statements on Monday warning residents to be on the lookout for fraudulent COVID-19 testing sites and fake testing kits. The BBB says it is investigating multiple complaints of potentially fake testing sites in West Michigan, although none have been confirmed as of Monday afternoon. She said consumer protection teams are seeing an increase in calls and complaints related to at-home test concerns. “Right now, there is a huge demand for at-home COVID-19 tests, so it’s important to understand there will be attempts to capitalize on that demand.

The FDA is warning consumers about a proliferation of fake at-home Covid test kits. Here's how to make sure you're buying the real thing.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The top scam of the year in the region involved online purchases, the Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan announced Tuesday, Dec. 28. “The biggest mistake consumers across the BBB’s 38-county coverage area made was purchasing a pet online without seeing the animal in person first,” according to press release revealing the top three scams. “This is the only way to avoid pet scams.”

The FBI and Better Business Bureau (BBB) are issuing warnings about gift card scams this holiday season.

Before you make a donation online, you should be certain that money is going to the people you intended.

Traditionally, this is the busiest online shopping day of the year with all kinds of deals to be had. With more business than ever online, how do you know if you are using a reputable website? We spoke with the experts at the Better Business Bureau to get their advice.

We’re talking thousands of dollars. Thieves are preying on your emotions.

The pandemic is making it easier and easier for scammers to take advantage of people, and the hectic holiday season only makes people more vulnerable to scams.

Some local medical employees are in a battle to be paid and now Help Me Hank is coming to the rescue.

Automatically paying bills means that, chances are, you might never actually open them -- which means you may not even know what you’re paying for.

The holiday shopping season is already underway and that means scammers are also making their moves.

Reports of identity theft in the U.S. doubled last year, and the problem isn’t going away anytime soon.

A Downriver man’s checking account was completely wiped out after a phone call with who he thought was a representative of his credit union.

It’s easier than ever to digitally send and receive money right from your smartphone -- the trouble is, scammers know this, too.

Ordering takeout is easier these days than ever before -- but, of course, with the convenience comes the potential for scams.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI – People should be aware of the potential for misleading charities that may solicit donations in the wake of Deputy Ryan Proxmire’s death, according to a press release from the Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan. “We have identified some charities that have sympathetic names, but where 5% or less of the money spent goes to programming. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office said it has verified the foundation will donate 100% of fundraiser proceeds to the Proxmire family. Related: Law enforcement, community hold vigil to honor fallen Kalamazoo County sheriff’s deputyUsing the words “police,” “law enforcement,” “trooper” and/or “sheriff” does not necessarily mean local police are involved in the fundraising, the release said. The BBB suggests contacting local law enforcement to ask how to support them because agencies sometimes have a nonprofit type organization to donate to.

Many people want to offer financial help to those in Haiti and Afghanistan and scammers are taking advantage of that.

Many companies use QR codes to lead consumers to their apps, help them track packages or view menus.

The Better Business Bureau is putting Florida residents on high alert for potential scammers when it comes to home repairs.

The first child tax credit payments go out next week, and experts are already warning that along with the money comes the threat of scam artists trying to take it.

Here’s what to watch for before you “add to cart.”

The BBB says complaints actually went down last year, but the amount of money lost went up by 33% compared to 2019.

Michigan residents who are collecting unemployment need to watch out for a new scam.

One person said they got the runaround when they asked for a refund.

One person said they got the runaround when they asked for a refund.

If you’ve tried to get a quote recently to have work done to your home, chances are you have discovered that contractors are busy and in high demand.

The increased threat of identity theft is why experts are urging people to clean up their devices to protect their personal information.

With COVID vaccines available, more people are looking to get back into traveling and scammers are aware.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI — The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is saying a business claiming a Michigan address to peddle exotic monkeys and birds online is nothing more than pure monkey business. The number is also being used by a separate puppy scam website with a New York address, as well as a cannabis delivery site, Cannabis Plug Universe, in California, BBB investigators say. “It is not uncommon for bad actors to list a fake address in an effort to make themselves appear legitimate,” says Phil Catlett, President of the Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan. “Each year pet scams are among the riskiest scams we see at the BBB,” Catlett said. Also on MLive:Body of man swept from pier found in Lake MichiganPolice seek robber in 2 Kent County bank holdups7-year-old Michigan girl shot during argument between parents

According to the Better Business Bureau, tax scams are still a problem this year. If you haven’t filed your taxes yet this season, don’t put it off any longer! The IRS discovers cases of identity theft because personal information is stolen and a fake claim for a refund is filed. “The IRS is not going to contact you and give you those high pressure tactics,” Blankenship said. “There are unfortunately people out there that they’re banking on the fact that you’re not going to look into them any further, especially if they look professional,” Blankenship said.

The caller said all he had to do was buy $480 in eBay gift cards. Prepaid gift cards are being requested in several different types of scams, including government employee impersonation scams, secret shopper scams and puppy scams. The Better Business Bureau scam tracker showed that Americans lost nearly $3 million involving payments with prepaid gift cards in 2020. “Whenever you purchase a prepaid gift card, unfortunately it’s just like cash, you can’t get that money back,” Blankenship said. Click here for more information on prepaid gift card scams.

MUSKEGON, MI – Muskegon is among the most impacted by scams, according to the Better Business Bureau. The study analyzed scam reports from before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Muskegon (zip code 49440) is ranked No. Scam reports involving masks and other PPE increased significantly in March, April and May 2020. While the number of reports have decreased since then, the number of online purchase scam reports remain high, according to the BBB.

A Poudre Valley Hospital ICU Nurse shows off her vaccination card after getting the first round of Covid-19 vaccines at UC Health Poudre Valley Hospital on December 14, 2020 in Fort Collins, Colorado. For starters, sharing a photo of your vaccination card on social media makes you a potential target of identity theft, according to the Better Business Bureau. If you want to post about your vaccine, there are safer ways to do it, the Better Business Bureau advised. And, they can go a long way toward building confidence and encouraging others to get vaccinated. With supply so constrained, "there's some inherent conflict there," said Steven Thrasher, a professor and Daniel H. Renberg chair of social justice at Northwestern University.

The BBB is warning people should only the P2P apps to send money to people they know. And always double check the profile of the person you are sending money too before actually hitting the second button. Duquesnel also recommends knowing how your bank would handle a mistake or a problem sending or receiving money through a P2P app. If you send money by mistake it is unlikely you will get the money back, and unfortunately scam artists know that as well. “We are seeing an increase in scams being perpetrated through a P2P app.

January is often a month people clear clutter from their homes, making room for new holiday gifts. A popular way to unload unwanted stuff is to sell it online on sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. However, the Better Business Bureau warns that there is an overpayment scam targeting people selling their goods. In this scam, a buyer will ask for the extra money back. The Better Business Bureau recommends never shipping an item before being paid for it, be wary of offers that are too good to be true and watch out for counterfeit emails.

DETROIT – With the COVID-19 vaccine starting to be distributed more widely people are rushing online to get signed up. Here is what you need to look out for when getting signed up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. VIEW: Tracking Michigan COVID-19 vaccine dosesMore: Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phasesThe FBI continues to track any suspicious activity. You may be asked to enter your name, date of birth, and address but it is not necessary to enter your social security number or any banking information. Read more: COVID-19 vaccine questions?

WARREN, Mich. – Customers of Loves Furniture, the company that took over many closed Art Van Furniture locations, are concerned after the company filed for bankruptcy. If you’re a customer who has paid and haven’t received furniture yet, you should call your bank or credit card company immediately. Loves Furniture put blame on the COVID pandemic and the slow down of shipments from overseas. While that may be true, the new revelations of major financial problems won’t help the situation for many. READ: Customers of Loves Furniture report lengthy delivery delaysIn the bankruptcy filing, Loves revealed it has between 100-200 creditors and owes $10 million to $50 million.

The name of President Donald Trump on a stimulus check during the first round of payments earlier this year issued by the IRS to help combat the adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. Also be wary of any messages asking you to "verify" your personal information, according to Moody's office. "The IRS will not call, text or email anyone to verify their information," the Identity Theft Resource Center wrote in a recent blog warning of stimulus check scams. There's also been an uptick in cash advance offers at a very high interest rate that adds up to be much higher than the stimulus check, says Quentin Rhoads-Herrera, director of professional services at cybersecurity firm CRITICALSTART. "If anyone offers a cash advance on your stimulus check, be very aware of the underlying terms and conditions of that offer," says Rhoads-Herrera.

You may have seen a Facebook post that claimed a free Jayco RV would be given away to someone who shares and comments on the post -- or you’ve seen posts similar to it. RELATED: Better Business Bureau warns consumers of ‘going out of business’ online shopping scamMelanie Duguesnel, with the Better Business Bureau, said that by liking the page, you’re potentially giving your personal information away. The BBB is warning people that “Like Farming” scams are still going strong. The free RV scam is so popular that Jayco has a post pinned to the top of its Facebook page to let people know they aren’t running a giveaway. READ: More scam coverageTo prevent from falling for these scams, use your good judgement and don’t “Like” every post on your feed -- that’s what scammers are hoping you’ll do.

The stimulus money would likely start making its way to you by the end of the year or early January, and scammers are already making their move for your money. “A lot of con-artists out there are going to calling, emailing, looking for your personal information. They don’t need you personal information, they don’t need your bank account numbers. “Make sure that you’re being very cautious anytime you’re receiving a text message or email as well. “Either they’re hoping to get your money, or they’re hoping that you’re going to give your personal information.”

Online shopping scams are on the rise as thieves look to take advantage of the increase in people shopping online during the pandemic. Online shopping scams, like the one Black fell for, are on the rise as thieves take advantage of the surge of people flocking to the internet during the pandemic. To lure you onto the sites, scammers pay for ads on Facebook, Google and other websites. So far this year, the FTC has received more than 37,000 reports of online shopping fraud, amounting to $27 million in losses. You can also report the site on the Better Business Bureau and FTC websites, which could help others from being scammed.

The delivery of COVID-19 vaccines in the state of Michigan is exciting and promising news for millions, but it’s also a call for scammers to try to capitalize on the moment. Scams involving the COVID-19 vaccine have the attention of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses are rolling out to Michigan hospitals and clinics this week, and scammers know that. That’s now how distribution of the vaccine will work, medical officials said. Anyone who has questions about the vaccine or any suspicious contact about the distribution should contact a trusted medical professional.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased demand for pets, but that’s also caused a spike in pet scams, according to the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau advises extreme caution when shopping for a pet online, especially in light of scammers’ evolving tactics. At the current pace, the number of pet scams reported to BBB in 2020 will be nearly five times higher than 2017 numbers, when BBB published its first in-depth investigative study on pet scams. For example, one woman from the Traverse City area lost $2,000 to a puppy scam in November which started with a $500 deposit paid through Zelle for a Pomeranian puppy named Moose. 12% of pet scam complaints to BBB were about kittens or cats.

The Better Business Bureau is sounding the alarm in hopes you won’t be fooled. Read: How Henry Ford Hospital played key role in Moderna vaccine studyCon artist are offering up ways to get a vaccine by telling people they can take part in clinical trials. Watch out for red flags -- if you haven’t inquired about a clinical trial and you get a message about one, delete it. Once a COVID-19 vaccine is approved, Henry Ford says it is prepared to receive and store the vaccine -- which requires storage at extremely low temperatures. Drug companies Pfizer and Moderna have both developed promising COVID-19 vaccines that are nearing approval in the U.S.

Increasingly, consumers are finding problematic websites through social media, the BBB reports. Research the store or website at Research the store or website at BBB.ORG and shop at places you know and trust. Cyber MondayJust because it is on social media doesn’t make it true. Beware of offers on social media. Research websites before making a purchase.

Scam artists have found many ways during the coronavirus pandemic to try and con people out of their money or personal information. The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a new text message claiming to offer $1,200 for participation in a local COVID study. “We have heard from consumers that there’s a text message going around that says if you participate in the study, you’ll earn $1,200,” said Melanie Duquesnel, president and CEO of eastern Michigan Better Business Bureau. The difficulty is that you cannot, through a text message, determine if they’re a reputable company.”Click here to view the Better Business Bureau Scam TrackerWhen it comes to phishing scams, beware any unsolicited communication. Never click on links or download anything from a text message or email.

You may have seen a Facebook post that claimed a free Jayco RV would be given away to someone who shares and comments on the post -- or you’ve seen posts similar to it. RELATED: Better Business Bureau warns consumers of ‘going out of business’ online shopping scamMelanie Duguesnel, with the Better Business Bureau, said that by liking the page, you’re potentially giving your personal information away. The BBB is warning people that “Like Farming” scams are still going strong. The free RV scam is so popular that Jayco has a post pinned to the top of its Facebook page to let people know they aren’t running a giveaway. READ: More scam coverageTo prevent from falling for these scams, use your good judgement and don’t “Like” every post on your feed -- that’s what scammers are hoping you’ll do.

DETROIT – Holiday shopping season is kicking into high gear and because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, more people will be shopping online. Melanie Duquesnel is the president of the Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Michigan. “If a deal appears to be too good to be true, it probably is,” Duquesnel said. The scammers call and when you answer you get a recorded message claiming to be from Amazon stating there is a problem with your Amazon account. Scammers also send emails or texts, asking you to verify your personal information -- all so they can steal it.

DETROIT – The Better Business Bureau is issuing a warning about scam artists who are taking advantage of people by targeting their cellphones. Scammers are pretending to be from the government, a police agency, or even COVID-19 contact tracers. They’re trying to get your information to sell, or your money. “They’re trying to bait you into being fearful,” Duquesnel said. Walk away.”If you have given away any personal information, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.

DETROIT – Con artists are posing as Amazon employees, calling people, and claiming to need information about their account, according to the Better Business Bureau. The scammers have been spoofing the Better Business Bureau’s number while making this scam calls. READ: Better Business Bureau warns consumers of ‘going out of business’ online shopping scamHow does the scam work? Amazon will never ask you to disclose sensitive personal information or offer you a refund you don’t expect. Amazon will also never send you an unsolicited message that asks you to provide personal information.

DETROIT – The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about an online shopping scam involving “going out of business” advertisements. Melanie Duquesnel, president of the Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Michigan, said the difficulty they’re finding is that clients are not getting the product but yet they’re getting charged for it. READ: Scammers use multiple methods to target victims -- Here’s what to watch out for“Just because an advertisement is on Facebook doesn’t mean that it’s a 100% trustworthy business,” Duquesnel said. With more people buying cars, RVs and boats online, the BBB says vehicle shipper and escrow scams are going up. How do you know that you’re going to get your money back?” Duquesnel said.

Seal coating scams typically take place this time of year, but now thieves are going door-to-door and targeting people who are home because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Police and officials with the Better Business Bureau issued a warning about the scam in Metro Detroit. With more people staying at home during the pandemic, scammers are having more success going door-to-door, experts said. Melanie Duquesnel, of the BBB, is urging residents to be cautious if anyone shows up at the door and offers a great deal. You can watch the full Help Me Hank report in the video above.

Political robocalls and texts are getting out of control, but there is a way to get them to stop -- for now. If you feel like you’ve received a political scam call, it’s important you report it to local police and the Better Business Bureau who will track the areas being targeted. We’re also seeing robocall scam calls. If you feel like you’ve received a political scam call it’s important you report it to local police and the Better Business Bureau who will track the areas being targeted. If you’ve been the victim of a robocall scam, report it on the BBB.org/ScamTracker.

The Better Business Bureau is getting a steady dose of complaints about hoverboards.com. Here’s what you need to know to avoid getting scammed. More: Help Me Hank

Rental scams are starting to become a serious problem in Metro Detroit as high-tech criminals take advantage of fears about the coronavirus (COVID-19). Hundreds of online advertisements are promoting rental properties across the area, but officials with the Better Business Bureau said beware of potential scams. Criminals are posting fake ads and sometimes saying they can’t show anyone the properties because of the threat from COVID-19. Another red flag is if they demand cash up front or ask for payments through gift cards. You can watch Hank Winchester’s full report and hear from an expert with the BBB in the video posted above.

DETROIT – Absentee voting is presenting an opportunity for criminals to take your personal information. Millions of voters are expecting to vote absentee in November and scammers are aware of that. The BBB is tracking one regarding fake absentee ballot information. The scammer will ask if you want to sign up to get an absentee ballot, then will start asking for personal information. If you have questions about absentee voting you should contact your local clerk’s office or visit the Secretary of State’s website.

DETROIT – Many people are hurting financially and with the debate raging over the next possible stimulus -- it’s a good time for many people to look at their finances. READ: Money saving resources during coronavirus pandemicMany credit card companies are waiving late fees. Some debt consolation companies are offering assistance. The details hidden in the fine print could cost you big time in the future. READ: Financial expert helps you manage your money during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisisWatch the video for the full report

They were trying to protect themselves from thieves when they bought this Walmart gift card. But thieves found them anyway when they swiped their brand new gift card. They said it was already used,” said Jim Lamka, gift card scam victim. We’ve seen gift card scams before, but they usually come from scammers on the phone or in emails. The Better Business Bureau says this one is the most common gift card scam hitting Metro Detroit now.

If you see something on social media called a Secret Sister gift exchange the Better Business Bureau wants you to know that and other gift exchanges like it are illegal. The BBB said those gift exchanges are pyramid schemes and should be ignored and reported to Facebook. A particular post the BBB references told participants they would receive up to 36 gifts in exchange for sending one gift. Postal Inspection Services said that gift exchanges are illegal gambling, according to the BBB. The BBB wants anyone who receives a chain letter by mail, email or social media to ignore it -- especially if it involves money or gifts.

Wholesaler Mother's Lounge sent pregnancy congrats cards to women who weren't pregnant and one who miscarried to shill promos. That would be Mothers Lounge, which sells mom and baby items wholesale out of Utah. Its a marketing packet that was mailed to young women including many who werent pregnant or, even worse, to their parents. And Mothers Lounge doesnt earn flying colors to begin with. I think she was more upset that I wouldnt have told her and told some random in Utah than anything else.

Wholesaler Mother's Lounge sent pregnancy congrats cards to women who weren't pregnant and one who miscarried to shill promos. That would be Mothers Lounge, which sells mom and baby items wholesale out of Utah. Its a marketing packet that was mailed to young women including many who werent pregnant or, even worse, to their parents. And Mothers Lounge doesnt earn flying colors to begin with. I think she was more upset that I wouldnt have told her and told some random in Utah than anything else.

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. DTE Energy and the Better Business Bureau are working to make people aware of scammers who claim to be with DTE, but are nothing more than crooks. Police said the scammers are targeting the elderly mainly in Oakland County, but they move quickly and police want people to be aware. People have been reportedly posing as DTE employees and going door-to-door, offering to help customers cut their bill down. DTE encourages customers to call police if you believe the person at your door is a con artist posing as a utility worker, a DTE spokesperson said. Remember to ask for identification, as DTE employees and contractors carry photo ID.

Getty ImagesDETROIT - The Better Business Bureau issued a warning this week about gift cards being mailed to consumers around the country from an online company. The BBB referred to the cards as being part of "part of a questionable marketing scheme by Mother's Lounge LLC." According to the BBB, Mother's Lounge is a company in Pleasant Grove, Utah that sends gift cards from its various online businesses. The envelopes have a card congratulating the recipient on their pregnancy and gift cards to several businesses. Visit bbb.org to see a business' BBB Business Profile and find trustworthy BBB Accredited Businesses.

DETROIT - Police and the Better Business Bureau are issuing a warning about an old scam that's making the rounds this holiday weekend. Authorities have been tracking criminals from Louisiana and Florida taking money from many seniors in Michigan as part of a sealcoating scam. Officials said scammers approach seniors while they're outside, offering to help improve the look of their driveways. One woman who fell for the scam dished out lots of money and had little work actually done to her driveway. He and his partner have been hitting homes all over the state, from Grand Rapids to Detroit, according to authorities.

DETROIT – It's an often-reported problem to the Help Me Hank consumer unit: contractors that take your money, but don't finish the job. UPDATE: Battle with awning company continuesThompson says she paid the company $2,000 up front and expected them to install the awnings around May 3rd. Once Help Me Hank got involved there were more broken promises, leading Thompson to ask for her money back. Local 4's Hank Winchester tracked down a woman who identified herself as the manager of the company on June 20th. When things go wrongGloria Thompson of Detroit thought she had done her homework when she called the Panama Awnings Company.

The Better Business Bureau has asked DIRECTV to pull its ads featuring actor Rob Lowe over claims about the quality of the company's satellite television.

Staying safe online this holiday shopping season Now that the holiday season is in full swing, it's time for a crash course in consumer security. Only conduct business on secure sites and check with the Better Business Bureau if you're unsure. Jill Schlesinger has what you need to know in her look at the business week ahead.

MoneyWatch: Employers add 209K jobs; Alert issued for text-message scam Some economists were expecting better numbers from July's jobs report. Also, the Better Business Bureau has a new alert for a scam carried out over text messages. Jericka Duncan reports on the day's top MoneyWatch headlines.

Watchdog: Be wary of secret shopper scam online The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers not to fall for a new scam. Recently, scammers have taken to Craigslist and other websites posting a job for "the Home Depot survey." Jericka Duncan has that story and more MoneyWatch headlines.

Scam targeting school funds prompts warning The Better Business Bureau has a warning for supply stores about a new scam targeting money for schools. Some stores are receiving calls from scammers posing as a representative of a school. Jericka Duncan has that story and more MoneyWatch headlines.

Netflix customers targeted in phishing, tech support scam The Better Business Bureau is warning Netflix customers about a scam. Con artists claiming they work for the video streaming service are trying to get money and private information from unsuspecting victims. Jericka Duncan reports.

ID theft and debt collection top consumer complaints The Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau and other organizations released a list of top consumer complaints. At the top of the list was identity theft, followed by debt collections and dealings with banks and lenders. Jericka Duncan reports.