If you’re renting, you’ve probably seen your fair share of confusing fees and deposits—but do you know what’s actually legal?

From application fees to support animals, BBB’s Joe Ducey sits down with Deborah Simmons of Advantage Arizona Real Estate & Property Management and Michael Kotin of Kay-Kay Realty Corp to break down what renters should (and shouldn’t) be paying for.

Learn how to protect your wallet, your rights, and your peace of mind in this episode of the Joe Knows Better podcast.

#RentersRights #TenantTips #LandlordLaw #RentalScams #SecurityDeposits #EmotionalSupportAnimals #RentalHousing #ProtectYourMoney #JoeDucey #BetterBusinessBureau #BBBScamTracker #ArizonaHousing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Medicare Open Enrollment runs Oct 15 – Dec 7, and while that means it’s time to review your coverage… it also means scammers are getting ready to strike. ⚠️

📞 Be cautious of calls about “new benefits.”

🚫 Never share your Medicare number with strangers.

📋 And watch out for reps who don’t understand your local coverage — you could end up with a plan you can’t even use.

Carol Brown from the Area Agency on Aging shares important tips on how to protect yourself (or a loved one) this enrollment season.

👉 Stay one step ahead of ALL scams at joeknowsbetter.com

#Medicare #OpenEnrollment #MedicareOpenEnrollment #MedicareScams #MedicareFraud #IdentityTheft #SeniorScams #BBB #JoeDucey #ConsumerTips #ScamAwareness

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hiring a contractor soon? 🛠️ Whether it’s home repairs, landscaping, or even putting in a pool — protecting your project and your money starts with asking the right questions.

In this episode, BBB’s Joe Ducey talks with Arizona Registrar of Contractors Director Tom Cole + Assistant Director Cindy Casaus about:

✔️ The 3 questions you must ask before hiring

✔️ What to look for in a contract

✔️ How much to pay upfront

✔️ The recovery fund that can protect you if a licensed contractor doesn’t deliver

👉 Listen now at joeknowsbetter.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

#HomeRepair #BestContractor #HomeImprovement #HiringAContractor #ScamAlert #LicensedContractor #PodcastEpisode

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scammers are getting bolder, and BBB Scam Tracker is seeing a spike in reports—from bogus rental application fees charged before you can even view a property, to fake job offers, romance scams, loan schemes, and crypto cons draining wallets fast.

BBB’s Joe Ducey and Michelle Marin are breaking down the top 5 scams happening right now so you know what to look out for and can keep your money safe.

#ScamAlert #RentalScams #JobScams #RomanceScams #CryptoScams #LoanScams #BBB #JoeDucey #FraudPrevention #ConsumerProtection #StaySafeOnline

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Skyrocketing insurance rates? You’re not alone.

If you drive a car, you’ve probably felt the sting—some rates have doubled or even tripled!

So what can you do to fight back? Should you file that claim or pay out of pocket? What actually helps lower your premium?

On this episode, BBB’s Joe Ducey teams up with Nathan Mason of Insurance Professionals of Arizona to share real strategies for cutting costs without cutting corners.

Protect your investments and your wallet—don’t miss it.

Dive into this episode and more fraud-fighting tips at joeknowsbetter.com

#InsuranceTips #SaveOnInsurance #HomeInsurance #AutoInsurance #CutInsuranceCosts #LowerYourRates #FinancialWellness #ProtectYourMoney #JoeDucey #BBB #InsuranceHelp #ArizonaInsurance #InsuranceSmarts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🚗 Car trouble can turn your whole day upside down—but rushing into repairs might cost you more than time or money.

In this week’s episode of Joe Knows Better, Joe Ducey dives into the world of auto repair with special guests Eric Newton of Curt’s Auto Repair and Dave Riccio of Tri-City Transmission.

They break down how to avoid getting ripped off, what signs point to trustworthy service, and why a second opinion could save you hundreds.

🛠️ Is that transmission quote really necessary?

🧾 Will your final bill match the estimate?

❓ What should you ask before agreeing to a repair?

Don’t let confusion—or pressure—lead to a bad decision. This episode is packed with must-know tips to help you stay in the driver’s seat when it comes to your car (and your wallet).

#CarRepairScams #TrustedMechanic #JoeKnowsBetter #AutoTips #AutoRepair #CarMaintenance #RepairSmart #AutoAdvice #CarProblems #MechanicRedFlags #BBB #JoeDucey #ScamAlert

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think you can spot a scam? Think again.

From fake vacation rentals to sketchy job offers and scammy shopping sites—fraud is everywhere right now.

Joe Ducey teams up with BBB’s Michelle Marin in the latest Joe Knows Better podcast to break down the scams hitting hardest—and how to stay safe.

🎧 Listen now at joeknowsbetter.com

#ScamTok #VacationScam #FakeListings #JobScam #OnlineScams #TravelWarning

#VacationScam #RentalScam #TravelWarning #TravelScams #TooGoodToBeTrue

#OnlineTravelFail #ScamAlert #OnlineScams #JobScam #ShoppingScam #TextScam #PhoneScam #Phishing #BBB #joeducey #joeknowsbetter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

81,000 people reported scams to BBB last year—$12 BILLION lost.📢

BBB Scam Survivor Day (May 8) is about raising awareness through real stories.

Kirstin thought she was just reviewing her doctor—until someone offered her paid gigs writing reviews.

She wasn’t job hunting, but the money was tempting… until it turned sketchy.

Hear how she caught on before losing a dime—and what you need to watch for.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

$8,000 Gone: A Local Online Shopping Scam Story

Bill thought he found a great deal on a shipping container through Facebook Marketplace. It looked legit—local, affordable, and exactly what he needed.

But to lock in the price, he had to wire the money upfront. That one payment cost him nearly $8,000. 💸

Now, he’s sharing his story on the Joe Knows Better podcast to help others avoid the same fate.

📅 May 8 is BBB Scam Survivor Day, where we highlight real stories like Bill’s to raise awareness and protect our community.

🎧 Listen to more of their stories at joeknowsbetter.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That Dream Remote Job? She Got It... Then Regretted It.

Sylvia thought she found the perfect remote job—great pay, flexible hours.

But before her first paycheck, the “employer” asked her to pay for training upfront… and just like that, thousands were gone.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Best travel deals? Two experts share how to get the best for less.

Think you can afford a beachfront getaway? Yes you can!

We talk to two travel agents who know where to go to get the best deals. What should you book on your own? When could a travel agent help and how much does it cost? If it's the ocean, the mountains or a city trip you're planning, there are ways to make your trip less expensive.

Jazmin Cornejo with FeMavin Modern Girl Getaways and Janine Joseph with Kahala Travel share their years of experience in booking vacations so that you can save money.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Confronting the scammers!!

Calling back the scammers is a Joe favorite! Listen as 3 scammers try to get into our computers and bank accounts and how quickly they turn vulgar when we confront them. Better yet, watch the expressions of BBB's Sophie Simpson and Jasmine Hill as they join Joe and become the targets of scammer's anger!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tax do's and don'ts before and after the new year!

The new year means new tax strategies for businesses and consumers. We talk with

Patricia Huerta, Accountant at H&H Business & Tax Consulting and David King, CEO of Optima Tax Relief about that. What should you do not only at tax time, but all year. And what to do if you run into trouble with the IRS.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.