Cautions, changes in procedures
Better Business Bureau of Central New England is warning that while coronavirus affects local communities, scammers are ramping up their efforts to deceive and lure victims into sharing personal and financial information. The Better Business Bureau cautions consumers to avoid:
False cures advertised on social media. Consumers should be reluctant to believe personal testimonials and “miracle” product claims. Be suspicious of products that claim to immediately cure a wide range of diseases. There is currently no vaccine available for COVID-19.
Advertisements for masks, disinfecting supplies or other essentials. Masks are sold out and scammers are creating phony websites selling supplies. Victims may provide personal information and never receive what they purchase or receive low-quality products.
Impersonators pretending to belong to the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other government entities. Scammers attempt to contact victims by text message, phone call or email to obtain personal or financial information. These agencies will never send unsolicited emails requesting personal information. Do not open attachments.
Spot COVID-19 fraud with these tips:
■Don’t panic. Do your research: Be skeptical of alarmist and conspiracy theory claims and don’t rush into buying anything that seems too good – or crazy – to be true. Always double check information you see online with official news sources.
■Avoid opening e-mail from an unknown source. Do not click on links in the body of the e-mail or open any attachments. Instead, delete the e-mail. If you suspect that it is a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker.
■Disregard online offers for vaccinations. Vaccinations against coronavirus do not exist. For more information on the virus and updates on progress in fighting the outbreak, go to the CDC’s website at cdc.gov.
rk Miles changes hours of operation, pickup and delivery. Hours of operation at all locations will be Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jobsite deliveries and curbside pickups will be continued. Store, yard and showroom doors will be locked, and customers may call their regular salesperson or call or email these contacts:
Williamstown: 413-458-8121 or rkwt@rkmiles.com.
West Hatfield: 413-247-8300 or rkhf@rkmiles.com.
Pickup orders will need to be prepaid with a credit card or invoiced to a house account at the time of order — no cash or checks will be accepted. You will receive a phone call or text (indicate preference at time of order) notifying you that your order is ready for pick up and instructions for pickup. All pickup orders will be placed in an isolated customer pick up zone.
The accounts receivables office will be staffed for telephone calls only and can be reached at 802-362-1952. All payments on account must be made over the phone, via mail or online. Drivers have been instructed to have as little interaction with customers as possible and have been directed not to bring items into a customer’s house or worksite.
Signatures will not be required (or accepted) at the time of delivery. Drivers will depend on photos for delivery verification.
The Baker-Polito administration announced administrative tax relief measures for small local businesses impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
The Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is now open in Massachusetts. Massachusetts small businesses can now access and apply for Economic Impact Disaster Loans at www.sba.gov/disaster.
The SBA has established a toll-free line to answer questions at 1-800-659-2955.
U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE, and Women Business Centers will be providing workshops to answer questions and to help small businesses with the loan application process.