Staying Scam-Free in 2026: Don O'Brien from BBB Shares Local Tips

In this episode of Galesburg's Morning News, WGIL's Jay Redfern and Tyler Gumm speak with Galesburg native Don O'Brien, Regional Director for the Better Business Bureau's Quincy office, about staying safe from fraud in 2026. Online shopping fraud remains the most reported scam for the sixth straight year, while romance, investment, and government impersonation schemes continue to target consumers in our area and beyond. O'Brien outlines the BBB's New Year's resolutions for a fraud-free year, including conducting thorough research before any purchase or service hire, trusting instincts when deals seem too good to be true, using secure payment methods like credit cards over apps like Venmo or Cash App, managing digital privacy settings annually, safeguarding personal information, monitoring financial accounts regularly, and insisting on written contracts for major services. He highlights real examples, such as a local woman losing thousands to a cryptocurrency investment scam and the risks of job offers that require upfront payments or package reshipping. The BBB offers free tools to help, including business profiles and reviews at bbb.org, the Scam Tracker for reporting and searching local scams by zip code, complaint filing with high resolution rates, and direct assistance from regional offices like Quincy's (217-209-3972). O'Brien stresses proactive education as the best defense—research more, verify offers, and report suspicious activity to protect yourself and warn others.