Joe Knows Better

Podcast

The Joe Knows Better podcast exposes scams, celebrates ethical businesses, and equips you with the knowledge to win as a consumer.

All episodes

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.

$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.

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.

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.

Need a loan? How to get a good rate and NOT get scammed! Having hard time paying off all of those bills from the holidays?, you may be looking online for a small personal loan. How to find the best loan with a good lender and not fall victim to scams and high fees.

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!

The puppy pictures are cute. But there is no puppy for sale. Online scammers stealing thousands from people looking for a pet.Puppy lovers are losing thousands sending money to fake online pet sellers. We talk about how adoptions and fostering can save you money and a pet's life!

She was just looking for work and thought she found it. Instead, she lost thousands of dollars. In this episode of Scammed In Their Own Words. Cassie tells Joe about an employment scam that took her money and her confidence. She shares her story so you can spot the common online scam and avoid the heavy costs.

This Joe Knows Better episode offers advice on choosing a gym and sticking to your fitness goals. Experts Greg LeFever and Webb Travis emphasize the importance of finding a supportive gym community and working with a knowledgeable coach. They also provide practical tips for weight loss and weight gain, stressing the importance of proper nutrition and exercise techniques.

In this episode of Joe Knows Better, we explore the rise of real estate scams, from property theft to rental fraud. Learn how to protect yourself and your property from these schemes with expert advice from a real estate commissioner and a property manager.

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.

If scammers can get your Social Security number, your birth dates and credit card information, they can cause havoc for you and your finances. They can open up accounts in your name even before you know it.

Mystery or secret shopper scams have taken huge amounts from people just looking for work. We tell you how to avoid the scams and find REAL jobs, getting paid to eat at restaurants, see movies and more. 

Recent hurricanes caused flood damage to many cars. Some of those cars end up for sale on lots around the country. They may be cleaned up. But the damage caused doesn't go away. Here's where to look before you buy.

Your credit score matters! Discover how to improve it and save money on loans and interest rates. Listen to our expert advice now.

Linda fell victim to a bank scam and lost thousands. In this episode, she shares her harrowing experience, detailing how scammers tricked her and the devastating consequences. Learn how to protect yourself from similar scams.

Auto, home and health insurance costs are going up, way up! Joe finds ways you can save money by being selective with claims, dropping unnecessary coverage and more.

Scammers are getting smarter. Join Joe and the BBB team as they uncover the newest and most sophisticated scams in town. Find out how to stay one step ahead.

Moving day can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare. Learn how to avoid common moving scams, choose the right company, negotiate your contract, and protect your belongings.

Gloria thought she had landed the perfect online job. But what she didn't know was that she was about to become a victim of a scam. Hear how she was tricked into sending thousands of her own money to a fake employer. Learn the red flags to watch out for and protect yourself from similar scams.

Roseann Higgins tells Joe about her 30 years as a professional matchmaker leading to 176 marriages. Roseann talks about her business and what it takes to find a lasting partner.

Looking for a car? New or used, the experience is usually not enjoyable. What are all of these extra add-ons? Why can't you get the advertised price? How much should you really be paying? Joe and experts help you find the good dealers and avoid the bad practices and scams.

After a decade leading the charge for Arizona consumers on ABC15's "Let Joe Know" unit, Joe reunites with his successor, Kristel Bell. Together with producer Kirstin Johnson, they delve into the world of consumer scams, revisit past confrontations, and explore how "Let ABC15 Know" continues to be a champion for consumer protection.

Mosquitoes, scorpions and bees! You have them? Here's how to get rid of them! We're talking home remedies with Dave and Austin Burns with Burns Pest Elimination. What can you do on your own? When do you need a pro, and how do you find one?

We're scamming the scammers! Joe and the BBB team flip the script on phone scammers. We call them back, expose their tricks & confront the con artists!

Part 2 of Going Solar heats up! Arizona's solar veteran, Joy Seitz of American Solar and Roofing, exposes the industry's shady side. Discover why finding a trustworthy installer is a challenge, where solar is headed, and how to protect yourself from scams.

Arizona and California sunshine might be perfect for solar power, but beware of shady installers! This two-part episode dives deep to help you navigate the solar market. In Part 1, we chat with the trusted crew at Sunny Energy, a BBB Accredited Business, and an expert from Solar United Neighbors. Learn how to dodge the duds and find the perfect solar fit to light up your life (and save you money!)

Feeling the heat? Don't let your A/C woes turn into a financial burden. This episode brings you expert advice from the air conditioning pros at Hobaica Services and Mason Pro Services - both BBB Accredited Businesses. Learn valuable tips to get a fair price, identify red flags, and ensure you're making informed decisions.

Joe dives into the challenges and triumphs of being a woman entrepreneur with craft beer boss Megan Greenwood and Bra Recyclers' Elaine Birks-Mitchell.

She's been in the news a lot lately, but Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes took the time to chat with Joe about some high profile cases, including Apple's alleged smartphone monopoly and price fixing impacting Arizona renters.

Online shopping, job searches, and even romances aren't safe from scammers! Joe and the BBB team dive into BBB Scamtracker and how to spot and avoid the latest scams.

Smart Shopper Daphne Munro spills about how to find the best shopping deals, and Joe tests her consumer law knowledge, but not before they catch up about their days as reporters at ABC15.

Hiring a contractor is a big decision that can cost a lot of money. Joe chats with Tom Cole and Cindy Casaus from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors about the common complaints they see, how to avoid them, and why checking BBB reviews before hiring is a good idea.