Scammers taking advantage of government shutdown; how to protect yourself

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Scammers are taking advantage of the government shutdown. Across the Better Business Bureau system, the agency says scams overall have increased by 40-50%.

Alyssa Parker with the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas says they are particularly seeing an increase in government imposter scams.

"Last year, during this time, we had zero government impostor scams in our local area. This year we've had seventeen already. So obviously that's a huge increase just percentage-wise."

Parker adds that a large portion of those scams in the Triangle involve passport renewals. She says people are trying to renew or apply for a passport online and getting scammed by fake websites.

"They're thinking that the passport office is closed, but in fact, it's actually considered an essential service. So the passport office is open. They may be operating with less resources than they typically have. So wait times may be longer, but do not go to anything that says a dot.org or a dot.com. Anything government-related that is legitimate is going to have a dot.gov website, and just make sure that you're doing your research," Parker said.

Even if you do your research, Parker says fraudulent websites are paying to appear higher in search engine results.

She adds, "Even Googling it or searching it, be aware of that because sometimes these scammers are so smart at what they do, they may be the second or third search results."

Another government shutdown scam is targeting consumers through fake stimulus offers.

"There's no government-related stimulus checks going out. So, if you get something coming to you, usually unsolicited, that's a huge red flag."

Other red flags to watch out for include being asked for payment up front. This is happening to those looking for temporary work after being impacted by the shutdown. Some fake job listings claim you need to pay for supplies up front, but the BBB says it's really a ploy to get your money.

Lastly, if you get a text, email, or call threatening arrest over an unpaid bill, fine, or missed jury duty, that's 100% a sure sign that it's a scam.