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05/08/2013
A rolling list of reported and/or active check scams and advance fee loan scams.
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09/28/2011
The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois (BBB) is warning consumers and business owners to avoid loan companies that require or request money upfront to pay service charges for a loan. Charging an advance fee for a loan is a scam that takes money from individuals or businesses that, many times, do not have extra money to lose.
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06/01/2011
If your small business is starting to take up more room than your home office has to offer, it’s time to think about moving your business out of your house. Taking the leap and leasing a commercial office space can be a frightening prospect. But if you ask the right questions and take the time to do your research, you’ll avoid the common pitfalls. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers tips to business owners on how to land the right space for the best price.
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03/08/2011
Going green could save your company money, and may have a lasting impact on how your customers perceive your products and services. If you’re looking to get a reputational boost from your dedication to the environment, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends sticking to the truth and not exaggerating your company’s impact.
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02/17/2011
Millions of people depend on grants and scholarships to pay for college. Navigating the process of applying for financial aid can be confusing and some companies claim they can help, but only end up providing information and assistance the student can already get free elsewhere. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends doing your research before paying a company to find financial aid for college.
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02/08/2011
When it comes to matters of the heart, consumers should beware that what may lie ahead could be heartache of a different sort. For those searching for love on dating services this Valentines Day, the Better Business Bureau advises reading contracts to fully understand the scope and limitations of any agreement prior to signing and paying for services.
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01/31/2011
For florists Valentine’s Day means big bucks. It is a bigger holiday than Mothers Day, Easter, and Christmas; which makes it their busiest day of the year. For consumers it means be careful.
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01/13/2011
Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions after the gluttony of the holiday season. If you’re pledging to lose some pounds this year by joining a gym, the Better Business Bureau recommends asking ten questions before signing on the dotted line.
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02/09/2010
For years, the Better Business Bureau has educated consumers about not giving out personal information over the telephone or to anyone who shows up at their front door. With the U.S. Census process beginning, BBB advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.
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02/04/2010
Most Americans will get assistance from a professional tax preparer or tax software when filing their taxes this year. The Better Business Bureau encourages taxpayers to use caution when selecting tax preparation help or they may get hit with headaches and mounting fines and fees if the return isn’t correct or filed late.
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01/13/2010
As immediate relief needs are assessed in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti on January 12th, many Americans are looking for ways to help by donating to a charity. The Better Business Bureau warns that—as occurred following the tsunami in 2004 and Katrina in 2005—fraudulent charities will likely emerge to try and scam donations from well-meaning Americans.
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01/07/2010
The New Year is here and, because of the rough economy, it’s more important than ever to resolve to be a savvy consumer. The Better Business Bureau offers ten New Year’s resolutions to fight scammers, prevent identity theft and save money in 2010.
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12/15/2009
Most charities rely heavily on the goodwill of individual donors during the holiday season to fund their activities throughout the coming year. Last year, charity contributions totaled $307.65 billion: 75 percent of this total came from individuals, according to the Giving USA Foundation. The Better Business Bureau advises donors to research a charity prior to giving and provides five questions to ask when vetting where to contribute this holiday season.
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10/08/2009
The BBB warns consumers about Scareware attacks that hackers use in order to steal personal information and spread viruses. The BBB also lists some tips to protect consumers from becoming victims of this scam.
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10/02/2009
The BBB offers advice on how to prepare for the flu season and for H1N1. Also, CDC offers a number of tips in order to prevent spreading the flu and H1N1.
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