Here are some summer scams to watch out for

With summer comes a new slew of scams to look out for.

Some of those scams are related to fires. Central Oregon has already seen several wildfires this year, and the Better Business Bureau has some tips regarding them.

First, it’s important to make sure your business has all its data secure — backed up in an extra file if it’s digital, and secured in a fireproof safe for hard copies.

You should also look out for scammers trying to capitalize on people’s goodwill after a wildfire.

“In terms of social media, it’s been fantastic to help those fundraisers spread quickly, but it’s also very easy for those scammers to create fake fundraisers,” BBB Marketplace Director Stephen Mayer said Tuesday. “We really encourage people to do their research before they give to a charity or to a cause.”

It’s not just online — everyone wants to be outside in the summer, and scammers are no different.

The BBB says most people going door-to-door are legitimate, representing real businesses, but there are people who want to take advantage of the unsuspecting.

“What they like to do is prey on people that may be a little bit vulnerable,” Mayer said. “They’ll knock on that elderly woman’s door and say, ‘It looks like you need a new roof,’ or, ‘How about I clean your gutters for you?’ And once they get up there, they realize there’s all these other problems that, of course, that poor woman can’t verify herself.”

Mayer urges you to check with your city — each one has different rules and regulations for how door-to-door salespeople need to conduct themselves, including whether they need a badge or ID or have to say which company they work for.

Summer is also the season for concerts and other kinds of outdoor events to which you might be buying tickets.

The BBB says it’s imperative to do your research when you’re buying tickets.

Make sure you’re getting them from the proper venue. As a rule of thumb, remember it’s almost always best to buy directly from the venue.

“It’s nice to get those scalper tickets, maybe that are half off, or maybe go to Craigslist, something like that, but counterfeit tickets can really spread pretty easily through those methods,” Mayer said.

Another way to avoid a ticket scam is to check the touring schedule of the artists performing at the event.

Here’s a link to the BBB’s Scam Tracker: https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/us