http://chicago.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=46&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Wed, 21 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL - December 21, 2011 - The holiday season is upon us, and so are Grinches and Scrooges out to take your money. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois (BBB) offers ten tips to consumers to avoid theft, fraud and scams during the holiday season. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/the-better-business-bureau-offers-ten-tips-to-prevent-grinches-from-spoiling-your-holiday-season-31530 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns a bogus email supposedly from Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg is popping up in emails. The email claims the recipient is the winner of $1 millions dollars in a 2011 Sweepstake sponsored by Facebook. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-alert-facebook-lottery-a-scam-30210 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT On Saturday, September 17, the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois, in conjunction with various government agencies, invites consumers and businesses to protect their identities by shredding unwanted personal, financial or confidential documents for FREE at the annual "Shred It and Forget It" Shredder Day at West Suburban Bank, 8001 S. Cass Avenue, in Darien, IL from 9AM-2PM. Electronics recycling also will be available. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/protect-your-identity-at-shred-it-and-forget-it-free-event-29390 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT On Saturday, June 25, 2011, the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois, in conjunction with various government agencies, invites consumers and businesses to protect their identities by shredding unwanted personal, financial or confidential documents for FREE at the annual "Shred It and Forget It" Shredder Day at the United Center Parking Lot E, in Chicago, from 9AM-2PM. Electronics recycling also will be available. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/protect-your-identity-at-shred-it-and-forget-it-free-event-27891 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT After rushing around charging various items over the holiday season, it’s easy to lose track of what you charged. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reminds consumers that it’s extremely important to make sure you check every charge to make sure it’s yours and that it’s accurate. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-urges-consumers-to-scrutinize-their-credit-card-bill-after-the-holiday-rush-24491 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois warns that data breaches such as those that occurred recently with McDonald’s, Walgreens, and the online media company Gawker show how easily your personal, medical, or financial information can be compromised, through no fault of your own. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-alerts-consumers-how-to-protect-their-identities-during-data-breaches-24291 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT Free Shredding Services Saturday, September 11 at the West Suburban Bank in Downers Grove http://chicago.bbb.org/article/shred-it-and-forget-it-21995 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT Every ten years the U.S. Federal Government is required to count each man woman and child in the country. Not surprisingly, the census is a massive undertaking requiring the work of more than a million people to accurately count the hundreds of millions of people living in the country. Contrary to the myths, participation in the census is extremely safe and easy, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) encourages everyone to take a few minutes to fill out their census form when it arrives in the mail this week. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/top-five-reasons-to-fill-out-the-2010-census-form-18435 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau (BBB) will be hosting Consumer Protection Day at James R. Thompson Center building on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Senior representatives from respective agencies will be available to answer media questions at 11 a.m. in the atrium. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/the-better-business-bureau-along-with-other-agencies-gear-up-for-12th-annual-national-consumer-protection-week--18191 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT The popularity of social networking continues to grow among kids. Social networking sites can provide a secure way for kids to connect with each other, but they can also be exploited for any number of nefarious purposes. The Better Business Bureau recommends parents take specific steps to keep their kids safe online. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/teach-your-kids-how-to-stay-safe-on-social-networks-17939 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT 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. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-2010-census-tips-for-the-public-15177 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT 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. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-initiative-arms-small-business-owners-with-the-tools-to-protect-business-and-customer-data-14869 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT 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. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-advice-on-helping-haitian-relief-efforts-and-avoiding-fraudulent-charities-14830 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT 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. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-advises-watch-haitian-relief-scammers-and-give-wisely--14789 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT 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. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-consumers-of-threats-as-banks-raise-rates-and-fees-providing-identity-theft-scam-opportunities-14767 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT 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. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/scammers-using-bbb-name-to-add-credibility-for-their-fraudulent-actions-14635 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau is warning of fake H1N1 emails that began hitting email boxes on December 1 regarding a state vaccination program supposedly sponsored by the Center of Disease Control. The fake emails are suspected to be a means of spreading computer viruses and “phishing” or improperly obtaining personal information. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/h1n1-virus-concerns-spawn-new-email-scam-to-steal-personal-data-warns-better-business-bureau--13907 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT While Thanksgiving weekend or "Black Friday" marks the traditional start of the holiday shopping season, it is Cyber Monday—the Monday following Thanksgiving—that marks the unofficial opening for online holiday shopping. This year as more shoppers than ever before hunt for great deals, many people are using the Internet to decide where, when and how to get the best deals for their money. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois advises savvy shoppers looking for good deals both in stores and online not only do their research on www.bbb.org, but consider the following advice. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/safe-online-holiday-shopping-tips-from-better-business-bureau--13737 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT With the U.S. Census process beginning, the BBB advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, to avoid becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-urges-cautious-cooperation-as-us-census-workers-start-consumer-contacts--10880 Mon, 04 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT A new form of identity theft, "smishing" is gaining significance in cell phone text messaging. "Smishing" is the practice of sending a text message to steal credit card or identity information. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/scammers-keeping-pace-with-technology-as-smishing-is-phishing-done-through-text-messaging-10302 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT Always read the fine print or risk paying the price when being tempted by ads on social networking sites http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-says-buyer-beware-when-clicking-on-facebook-ads-9858 Wed, 18 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT If your plans include using a home improvement contractor to help with the fix-up and repair, the Better Business Bureau recommends three things to successfully start a project: request two or three different companies to submit bids for work you want, don’t automatically pick the lowest offer, and make sure all bids are based on the same set of specifications and materials to be used. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/spring-is-time-for-love-robins-and-home-improvement-contracts-9190 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT It’s your lucky day! You just won a foreign lottery! The letter says so. And the cashier’s check to cover the taxes and fees is included. All you have to do to get your winnings is deposit the check and wire the money to the sender to pay the taxes and fees. You’re guaranteed that when they get your payment, you’ll get your prize. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-giving-the-bounce-to-counterfeit-check-scams--4661 Wed, 01 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 launched a new era: With limited exceptions, people who plan to file for bankruptcy protection must get credit counseling from a government-approved organization within 180 days before they file. They also must complete a debtor education course to have their debts discharged. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-before-you-file-for-personal-bankruptcy-information-about-credit-counseling-and-debtor-education--4723 Wed, 01 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT The next time you write a check to your local merchant, the cashier may hand it back to you after the payment has been processed – electronically. Or maybe you’re mailing a check as payment to a company. That payment, too, may be processed electronically. Why? More merchants and companies are using electronic check conversion, which converts information from your paper check into an electronic payment from your bank account. In fact, NACHA – the Electronic Payments Association – estimates that more than 1.7 billion paper checks were converted through in-store and mail-in transactions in 2005. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-electronic-check-conversion-4647 Mon, 01 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) spells out rights for victims of identity theft, as well as responsibilities for businesses. Identity theft victims are entitled to ask businesses for a copy of transaction records — such as applications for credit — relating to the theft of their identity. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-businesses-must-provide-victims-and-law-enforcement-with-transaction-records-relating-to-identity-theft-4465 Mon, 01 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT COMMON WAYS ID THEFT HAPPENS: Skilled identity thieves use a variety of methods to steal your personal information, including: http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-fighting-back-against-identity-theft-4683 Sat, 01 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Many companies collect personal information from their customers, including names, addresses, and phone numbers; bank and credit card account numbers; income and credit histories; and Social Security numbers. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLB) Act requires companies defined under the law as “financial institutions” to ensure the security and confidentiality of this type of information. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-financial-institutions-and-customer-information-complying-with-the-safeguards-rule-4477 Wed, 01 Feb 2006 06:00:00 GMT When you think of your own personal assets, chances are your home, car, and savings and investments come to mind. But what about your Social Security number (SSN), telephone records and your bank and credit card account numbers? To people known as “pretexters,” that information is a personal asset, too. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-pretexting-your-personal-information-revealed-4699