Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is urging all consumers and businesses to pay close attention to a Cyber Security Advisory issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding a vulnerability in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 browser (IE8) that could allow scammers to access and take over users’ computers.

The risk for all users – home, business and government – is high, and BBB is urging anyone with IE8 to follow the recommended steps to address the problem.

Here is the original overview from the FBI:

“A vulnerability has been discovered in Microsoft’s web browser, Internet Explorer, which could allow an attacker to take complete control of an affected system. Exploitation may occur if a user visits or is redirected to a web page which is specifically crafted to take advantage of the vulnerability. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Failed exploit attempts may result in a denial-of-service condition.”

Microsoft released a workaround which acts as a temporary fix. It is available at: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2847140. The company is working on a patch to undo the vulnerability, which does not affect other versions of IE.

For information on all types of scams, go to BBB Scam Stopper at bbb.org/scam. Sign up for BBB Scam Alerts to receive weekly updates on the latest scams.

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is alerting elderly and disabled consumers to beware of unsolicited phone calls from unscrupulous people looking to obtain Medicare or Medicaid information.

Victims report they received phone calls, supposedly from federal agencies, medic alert businesses or medical supply companies working with the government.

The scammers ask for personal information such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, credit card or bank account numbers in order to provide free services such as medic alert alarms, back braces, and other products that assist the elderly and infirm and are paid for by Medicare and Medicaid.

Elderly consumers may be given any number of excuses to provide this information. Reasons used to further the scam include:

• The resident is part of a corporate or government survey
• They are eligible to receive free products if they give the information
• They must provide the information to sign up for a new prescription drug plan.
• Residents are eligible for a free medic alert service if they provide the information.

Some scammers also claim that they are from the government and are calling to update information or confirming Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security numbers in order to issue a new card.

Callers are obtain the phone numbers of seniors from marketing lists, phone directories and the internet in order to place the calls with the assumption that elderly residents will be in need of these services.

If the scammers obtain banking, Medicare/Medicaid or Social Security information, they could use it to commit identity theft and steal funds from accounts.

Some also call from “spoofed” phone numbers, meaning the real numbers are disguised on phones equipped with caller ID so the numbers can’t be traced.

These scammers can be very aggressive, often calling many times and at all hours of the day to wear down potential victims and can be very convincing.

BBB recommends the following tips to avoid this scam:

• Never give out their personal information over the phone, especially if it is from an unsolicited caller. If consumers receive a suspicious phone call, they should hang up immediately.

• Remind elderly family members that Medicare will never call to ask for sensitive personal financial information. If you suspect fraud contact your local police or the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General at 800-HHS-TIPS.

• Don’t do business with door-to-door or telephone salespeople who tell you that medical services or equipment are free. Medicare, Medicaid and the Social Security Administration will not call you to update information or issue a new card.

• Give your insurance/Medicare identification only to those who have provided you with medical services.

• Keep accurate records of all health care appointments to prevent fraud involving Medicare/Medicaid information provided to doctors or caregivers.

May is National Moving Month, which kicks off the busiest time of year for Americans changing residencies. It also means unlicensed movers and dishonest scammers are waiting to take advantage of unwary consumers.

In 2012, BBB received over 1.4 million moving-related inquiries and more than 9,300 complaints against movers. Complaints included damaged or missing items, big price increases over originally-quoted estimates, late deliveries, and goods being “held hostage” for additional (disputed) payment.

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is again joining with the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) to provide important tips on how to avoid scams and find a trustworthy moving company:

Research the company thoroughly. While state regulations vary, all interstate movers must, at minimum, be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. FMCSA assigns a unique motor carrier number that can be verified at protectyourmove.gov.

Get at least three written in-home estimates. Not all price quotes online or over the phone are legitimate, and crooks are not likely to send an estimator to your home in advance. Also, remember that the lowest estimate can sometimes be an unrealistic, low-ball offer, which may cost you more in the end.

Know your rights. Research your rights with either the FMCSA for interstate moves, or with the appropriate state agency for moves just within that state. Interstate movers must give you two booklets detailing your rights. Also, enlist the help of BBB or local law enforcement if the company threatens to hold your belongings hostage.

Consider accepting full value protection. It may cost a few dollars more up front, but it can provide some peace of mind and eliminate headaches after your move. Purchasing full (replacement) value protection from your mover means any lost or damaged articles will be repaired or replaced, or a cash settlement will be made to repair the item or to replace it at its current market value, regardless of age. It’s important to note, for example, that the required minimum coverage of 60 cents per pound would not cover the replacement cost of a flat panel TV if damaged in transit. The cost of full value protection must be included in the initial estimate you receive for an interstate move. FMCSA requires interstate movers to offer arbitration to help settle disputed claims.