Scammers posing as employees from well-known companies, Better Business Bureau says

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- DoorDash, UCSF and Freedom Debt Relief. What do they have in common?

Scams.

The Better Business Bureau is issuing a warning after receiving reports from consumers of scammers impersonating its employees.

Scammers so convincing to victims, as they have information on recent orders, medical visits, and debt information.

This is an attempt to steal money, more personal information, and gain access to online accounts.

"These scams can be convincing because the caller may already know details about a recent transaction or account," said Alma Galvan, Regional Marketing and Communications Director. "Having some of your information does not prove the person contacting you is legitimate."

For example, the mother of a former patient at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital said she received a collection notice, saying she owed money.

The date of the visit matched, but the account number did not.

She contacted UCSF, and confirmed the account has already been paid off.

The BBB also received reports from consumers of callers posing as employees from Freedom Debt Relief.

"Some claimed that fraudulent accounts or charges had been discovered, while others falsely said that new laws guaranteed debt relief or capped interest rates for senior citizens," the BBB said.

"Consumers reported being asked for card information, passwords, security codes, or payments. Freedom Debt Relief told BBB that the individuals described in the reports are not affiliated with the company or authorized to act on its behalf. The company stated that it does not contact consumers to report fraudulent charges, identity theft, or unauthorized accounts and does not charge upfront fees for debt-settlement services."

There were also reports from consumers about DoorDash. Consumers, drivers and merchants told the BBB they received calls or texts while using the platform.

"Callers claimed there was a problem with an order, payment, or account and requested email addresses, phone numbers, verification codes, or money," according to the Better Business Bureau.

"One driver reported being instructed to send money to "verify" a bank account and later discovered unauthorized transactions. Another consumer reported that a scammer accessed the account and purchased a $300 gift card."

First, do not rely on caller ID, which can be spoofed.

Second, never share passwords, security codes, or complete financial information with an unexpected caller.

Third, don't send money, cryptocurrency or gift cards to "verify" an account.

Lastly, hang up. Contact the organization directly through its official website, app or published phone number.

The BBB says "the legitimate organizations being impersonated are not accused of wrongdoing."

You can always report scams to the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission.

Take a look at more stories and videos by 7 On Your Side.

7OYS's consumer hotline is a free consumer mediation service for those in the San Francisco Bay Area. We assist individuals with consumer-related issues; we cannot assist on cases between businesses, or cases involving family law, criminal matters, landlord/tenant disputes, labor issues, or medical issues. Please review our FAQ here. As a part of our process in assisting you, it is necessary that we contact the company / agency you are writing about. If you do not wish us to contact them, please let us know right away, as it will affect our ability to work on your case. If we are able to assist, we will reach back out to you.