|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
01/29/2010
Most people are looking for ways to reduce their debt or gain some extra spending money in today’s difficult economic conditions. Selling a timeshare is one way for these property owners to gain a better financial position. This need, however, has spawned new schemes to cheat people out of their money.
|
|
|
|
01/27/2010
The national unemployment rate is hovering around 10 percent, but the good news is that the upcoming 2010 Census will create hundreds of thousands of temporary, part-time jobs across the United States. The Better Business Bureau offers the following advice on what it takes to work for the Census and tips on how to land a job.
|
|
|
|
01/22/2010
A rolling list of reported and/or active check scams and advance fee loan scams.
|
|
|
01/21/2010
Better Business Bureau and partners Symantec Corporation, Visa Inc., Kroll’s Fraud Solutions and NACHA – The Electronic Payments Association today launched a new national education initiative to help small business owners overcome any previous reluctance to taking the necessary steps to protect their sensitive customer and business data, so they won’t become the next victim of a data breach.
|
|
|
01/20/2010
As a second earthquake hit Haiti this morning, relief efforts to the country continue to be of the utmost importance. As many Americans are looking for ways to help by donating to charity, they are being inundated with different organizations looking to help Haitians. The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to watch out for fraudulent charities trying to scam donations from well-meaning Americans.
|
|
|
|
01/15/2010
Many banks are increasing their rates and fees before new financial regulations take affect next month and this is giving scammers an opportunity to steal consumer identities.
|
|
|
|
01/15/2010
Chicago, IL – A major security software company, Symantec Corp., said it spotted a suspicious e-mail with the subject line "Make Your Donations Now," claiming to be from the British Red Cross Society. The e-mail, which has several spelling errors, asks for donations on behalf of Haiti. It also asks people to wire the money through a Western Union money transfer. The British Red Cross Society has confirmed that they never sent out such an e-mail.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
01/12/2010
At one time “imitation” may have been the sincerest form of flattery and in today’s scam-infested world using the Better Business Bureau name is usually a sign of a trustworthy business – usually!
Recently there have been emails stating that a company in Hong Kong needs help in collecting money from businesses in the United States and Canada. It will give companies helping it collect the money 10 percent of the collected amounts. It goes on to note that it obtained the names of companies receiving the email offering from the Better Business Bureau.
|
|
|
|
01/08/2010
Peel Inc., an Internet company that sells a variety of home products under multiple names and Website addresses, has received more than 1,640 Better Business Bureau complaints from across the country in 2009. The company, headquartered in Evanston, Ill., continues to generate complaints as it currently has 1,105 pending BBB complaints. These complaints have earned Peel Inc. an “F” rating from the BBB. According to their Website, Peel Inc. is currently not accepting new orders.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
01/04/2010
Scammers in 2009 followed the financial woes of individuals as they preyed on people's difficult economic conditions and concerns about the general economy, according to the Better Business Bureau's summary of dishonest business dealings for the past year.
|
|
|
|
12/23/2009
Chicago, Ill., -- December 23, 2009 -Simply buying an appropriate gift in the final days leading to Christmas may be considered a success. However, it is important to pay attention to the return policies at the stores where you are making purchases. Doing so will help ensure your thoughtfulness continues even if the original item needs to be returned.
|
|