CONSUMER CATCH-UP: SFPD spoofed in new phone scam, YouTube tests shopping links, and the local business that drives up home values

Tuesday, May 7, 2019
CONSUMER CATCH-UP: SFPD spoofed in new phone scam, YouTube tests shopping links, and more
CONSUMER CATCH-UP: The San Francisco Police Department warns of a new phone scam that pretends to be from their department, YouTube tests shopping links in videos, and the local business that can drive up your home value.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- SF Police Department warns of "arrest warrant" scam

A warning tonight from the San Francisco police department: scammers are calling around, saying they are from the SFPD. They tell the person who answers the phone they have an outstanding warrant or have committed a crime and must pay a fine.

The phone calls are also often supported with "caller ID spoofing" to display the SFPD non-emergency phone number or other official-looking number on the recipient's caller ID.

The police department recommends those who receive such a call should hang up immediately, and warn to never give out personal information on the phone to an unsolicited caller. If anyone has received such a call and provided them with any information, they are urged to contact their local police department to file a report.

YouTube tests shopping links under videos

YouTube is reportedly testing putting shopping links under some of its videos.

According to The Information, some videos already have the links, which include "product prices and recommendations under videos playing on the site, and makes it easy for viewers to buy them on Google."

These links take users straight to a page where they can purchase the items via Google Express marketplace. This new feature is the latest in Google's strategies to compete with online retail giant Amazon.

Want to add value to your home? Get a brewery to move nearby.

Researchers from University of Toledo and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte found that after a brewery opened in a neighborhood, home prices rose. Houses located within a half-mile of the brewery saw the increase. In one Charlotte neighborhood, prices climbed 10% for both single family homes and condos after a local brew pub set up shop.

Researchers theorized that breweries offered food, drink, and a place to relax with friends -- amenities that, when within walking distance, are especially attractive to home buyers.

Take a look at more stories and videos by Michael Finney and 7 On Your Side.