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BBB, AG Nessel warn of voice assistance scam on smart phones

Scammers are using algorithms to give people the wrong number to call.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Scammers are getting more savvy with their tricks by taking an old scam and putting a twist on it. 

The Better Business Bureau of West Michigan and Attorney General Dana Nessel say scammers are now using voice assistance as a way to get your information.

It happens when you use any voice assistance on a smart device for to ask for, let's say, a company service number. Instead of calling that company, your phone may be calling a scammer. 

"They're manipulating some of those algorithms to make their scam phone numbers and their scam websites show up first,” said Katie Grevious with the BBB. 

Because you think you are talking to someone other than a scammer, you may start handing out vulnerable information or even paying money to the scammer.

"Try to look at other sources besides Google, like maybe a recent receipt, or go to the company's website itself. Look at what comes right before that.com. That's going to tell you what website you're on. So, make sure it matches the company you're actually looking for. And then you can find those customer service numbers from there," said Grevious.

Also remember to look out for red flags. If someone starts asking for personal information like passwords, credit card or banking information, it's most likely a scam. 

By doing these things and staying vigilant when it comes to technology, you can help yourself beat these scammers at their own game.

If you have fallen victim to any scam, you can file complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

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