#ScamBuster: Google scam preys on Colorado Springs business

A new phone scam is circulating preying on local small business owners in Colorado Springs.

How it works

Scammers are calling consumers claiming to be a data research provider for Google and Bing.

The deal is advertised with a $200 payment up front, with the expectation the consumer’s business will be first to pop up on Google if searched in a specified area.

The catch? It’s all fake and the hacker just wants your credit card information so they can sell it.

“I normally don’t get fooled by things like this, but this one really threw me off,” said Joseph Geraci, a victim of the scam.

Det. Jon Price with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office explains it’s always best to research any offer.

“There’s a lot of scammers out there that have fake profiles, convincing profiles to make you think they’re real,” he said.

So bottom line, if you’re uncertain — just hang up.

Report a scam

Do you have a scam you’d like us to investigate?

Email me at Stephanie.Sierra@KRDO.com