Colorado Better Business Bureau warns of scams by people pretending to be disabled

From KUSA-TV:

DENVER - The Better Business Bureau says it appears that businesses are the target of a new scam perpetrated over the phone relay systems usually used by those with hearing or speech disabilities.

The BBB says in many cases the scam has targeted auto repair businesses. Using a phone relay system a person calls the company stating that they want to send their car in for repairs.

The person gives the company permission to charge the repairs, as well as tow truck fees to their credit card. They ask the company to simply wire those fees to the towing company that will deliver the vehicle. Unbeknownst to the company, the money is actually being wired to the scam operator. Later, the company receives notification that the credit card was stolen and they are unable to recover the funds.

Dale Mingilton, a spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau, says the relay service is not involved in the scam, but does unfortunately give the perpetrator more legitimacy. He says companies are often more willing to bend their rules, because they believe they are dealing with disabled people.

Other forms of this scam have also been reported.

"We've heard locally that there's a pizza person that's been getting some very interesting large pizza order requests, with someone who wants to have money sent back," Mingilton said.

The BBB reminds all businesses:

-To keep their guard up and never wire money to anyone unfamiliar regardless if they have given them a credit card to cover the cost.

-Inform all employees to beware of similar phone calls.

-If a company receives a similar call, where they are asked to wire-transfer any amount of money, simply do not do it. Tell the caller it's against the company's policy.