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Kentucky Better Business Bureau Reports Uptick in COVID-19 Fraud Complaints

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a backlog of complaints to the Better Business Bureau of Kentucky.

President and CEO Reanna Smith-Hamblin says the pandemic has made it harder for businesses to respond to consumer concerns.

"A lot of those complaints are due to businesses being understaffed (so) now the complaints are not going to the proper place," she said.  "So, a lot of people are waiting for things like appliances, and they are back ordered for months, and a lot of people are really angry and we’re seeing that in the complaints.”

Smith-Hamblin says her office is also fielding complaints about bogus COVID-19 testing and vaccine scams.

She advises consumers to visit the Better Business Bureau’s website to view the state’s “scam tracker” and to report any suspected business fraud.