http://chicago.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=46&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Thu, 28 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL - June 28, 2012 - Today’s technology is constantly being updated with models showcasing newer, faster features. To keep up with the latest tech-trend, many consumers are tempted by retailer buy-back programs. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) advises consumers to weigh the pros and cons of these programs before buying. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/tech-buy-back-programs-dont-always-benefit-the-consumer-35149 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT Veterans Day honors those who served our country. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when scammers come out to take advantage of our veterans and active duty personnel, cautions the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois (BBB). http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-warns-of-scams-targeting-veterans-and-military-personnel-30616 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT Mike Ernst, Director of Ticket Sales for the Chicago Fire Soccer Club has been elected to a one-year position as a member of the Board of Directors with the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/mike-ernst-elected-to-better-business-bureau-board-of-directors-28179 Fri, 20 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau (BBB) suggests a few simple rules when selecting a mover will go a long way toward protecting yourself from being victimized by scammers this summer. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/with-complaints-up-33-the-better-business-bureau-urges-consumers-to-be-smart-when-selecting-a-moving-company-27454 Thu, 12 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT Drivers education is important in preparing anyone to take the wheel of a vehicle for the first time. However, the Better Business Bureau urges both parents and students to make smart, informed decisions when choosing a drivers education course to learn the fundamentals of operating a motor vehicle. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/the-better-business-bureau-urges-new-drivers-to-avoid-distraction-when-selecting-a-driving-school-27279 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT With this year’s spring rains, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reminding both renters and home owners that they should prepare for water damage resulting from the annual rains and possible flooding. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-provides-spring-home-repair-tips-26800 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT While the deadline to file and/or pay your taxes has been extended to April 18 this year, many Americans are looking forward to receiving a tax refund check from the government. During this tax season, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Chicago and Northern Illinois advises taxpayers to use caution when filing returns to avoid making common mistakes and to use caution when selecting tax preparation help to avoid headaches and mounting fines or fees if the return isn’t correct or filed late. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-advice-for-tax-return-filers-26358 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT Many Americans are looking forward to the expected refunds from their 2010 Federal Income Taxes. Many people may also consider applying for a Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) to speed up the process of receiving the refunds that they expect. The Better Business Bureau suggests consumers consider all of the options before deciding how to collect their refunds this year. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/be-aware-tax-refund-anticipation-loans-provide-immediate-money-but-with-high-fees-26188 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 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT The popularity of online coupons is on the rise and the Better Business Bureau offers the following advice for identifying a deal and avoiding deceptive offers. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-money-saving-advice-tips-for-clipping-coupons-online-11075 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT General Motors has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Bankruptcy court decides GM may honor its warranties, including BBB AUTO LINE. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/effect-of-gm-bankruptcy-filing-on-bbb-auto-line-cases-10753 Thu, 21 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT Beginning June 1, The Better Business Bureau will implement a business rating system of letter grades A+ through F. This system will provide more specific information and precise guide to improvement. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/new-bbb-letter-grade-a-through-f-ratings-system-helps-businesses-evaluate-suppliers-improve-operations--10575 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT Consumers in all 50 states report the company used misleading tactics to sell vehicle service contract of dubious value http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-nationally-receives-more-than-1200-complaints-and-reports-against-extended-auto-warranty-company-us-fidelis-10116 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT In the past year, complaints to the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois against payday lenders increased substantially. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/payday-loan-complaints-to-bbb-greatly-increase-in-the-past-year-as-economy-worsened-10016 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT Online promotions promising easy wealth by joining a cash gifting program or gifting club are flourishing on the Internet. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-cash-gifting-pyramid-schemes-flourishing-online-9963 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 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT The continuing downturn in the economy means that many cash-strapped Americans are anxiously looking forward to receiving a tax refund check from Uncle Sam. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-alerts-cash-strapped-consumers-on-tax-schemes--9816 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT Scam artists’ latest trick is using the well-known Publishers Clearing House name to steal money from unsuspecting individuals and harm the name of legitimate businesses http://chicago.bbb.org/article/publishers-clearing-house-scam-uses-bad-checks-to-get-good-money-from-unsuspecting-people-9737 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT BBB is alerting contractors and their employees to be aware of fraudulent letters re-circulating that appear to be sent from the U.S. Department of Transportation http://chicago.bbb.org/article/fake-department-of-transportation-letter-continues-circulating-9679 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT Consumers today are more confused than ever about knowing whom they can trust with their money. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-on-finding-a-financial-planner-you-can-trust-9633 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT Lisa Madigan will speak on the BBB’s vision to enhance and support an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-82nd-annual-dinner-featuring-lisa-madigan-on-march-12-9464 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 06:00:00 GMT In 2008 the number of people contacting the Chicago Better Business Bureau for a report on a business jumped 71 percent over the previous year and that trend continues nationally. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/complaints-and-inquiries-nationally-follow-trend-seen-in-the-midwest-9412 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, 16 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau is reporting an increase in the number of consumers who are filing complaints against “online pawnshops”. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/pawn-shop-complaints-increase-reflecting-difficult-times-9163 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT Liquidation sales are occurring throughout Chicago and northern Illinois http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-says-buyer-beware-when-shopping-going-out-of-business-sales-9058 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT The Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois in Rockford is warning of a scam targeting senior citizens. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/emt-medical-alert-8976 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT The FBI has alerted the public that consumers have been receiving spam emails allegedly coming from various FBI executives and the Internet Crime Complaint Center in an attempt to defraud consumers. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/consumer-alert-of-a-new-fbi-email-scam-8706 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT According to estimates by the New York Times, consumers have already spent perhaps as much as $200 million on Obamabilia. Obama memorabilia is also among eBay’s top sellers; in December the company reported that more than 111,000 Obama-related items had already been sold on their site. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/looking-to-cash-in-on-obama-memorabilia-8647 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT Inquiries to the Chicago Better Business Bureau that serves all of northern Illinois jumped by 71 percent in 2008, a significant sign that consumers are getting smarter by investigating companies before doing business with them, according to the BBB president. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/consumers-appear-to-be-getting-smarter-as-inquiries-to-bbb-leap-yet-complaints-grow-only-slightly-8613 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT Ads promoting pills containing Brazilian Acai Berry for weight loss are very common online.Companies may automatically begin charging the consumer reoccurring monthly fees or enter them into memberships that range from $39 to $100 a month. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-about-the-small-print-trapping-those-wanting-a-smaller-waist--8532 Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT Employment ads for mystery shoppers are surfacing in many Chicago-area and northern Illinois media, claiming to be an easy way to earn money by evaluating stores, restaurants and other types of businesses. However, the vast majority are scams that cause consumers to spend their own money and get nothing in return. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/mystery-holiday-shopper-scam-targeting-desperate-consumers-8447 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT Your Better Business Bureau has advice to help families go green this holiday season and maybe even save some green in the process. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-on-going-green-this-holiday-season-8395 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois is offering advice for individuals on a budget on keeping the spirit of giving alive this holiday season. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/top-five-ways-to-donate-to-charities-when-budgets-are-tight-8375 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT The solicitation of used vehicles has become an increasingly popular means of raising funds, especially for local or regional organizations. On the surface, it seems like a win-win situation for the donor and the charity: a convenient and easy way of disposing of an unwanted car while helping a cause. Before handing over those keys, however, there are some things that you should know. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/donating-a-used-car-to-charity--8327 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT 8. All indications are that consumers will be very careful about their spending this holiday season and will be more vigilant than in recent years in their hunt for bargains and deals. Better Business Bureau is offering advice on some inexpensive marketing techniques that could pay off this season. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/tough-times-for-business-bbb-advice-on-drawing-in-customers-this-holiday-season-8268 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois is warning consumers to be alert to scam emails that appear to come from shippers including Fed Ex, UPS and Wal-Mart. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/holiday-shipping-alert-8234 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT As the nation collectively tightens its belt this winter, many families are looking for ways to save money without sacrificing any of their holiday cheer. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-provides-consumers-six-ways-to-save-money-this-holiday-season-8197 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT Know your rights, Use trustworthy Web sites, Protect your personal information, Beware of closeout sales, Beware of phishing, Confirm your online purchase is secure, Pay with a credit card http://chicago.bbb.org/article/tips-for-black-friday-cyber-monday-and-safe-online-shopping-this-holiday-season--8029 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT Pre-paid bank cards are like gift cards, but can be used anywhere credit cards are accepted, allowing the recipient more flexibility in where the money can be spent. Pre-paid bank cards aren't without their downside, however, and the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois is providing advice on purchasing and using pre-paid bank cards. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/-bbb-advice-on-givingpre-paid-bank-cards-and-receiving-gift-and--7915 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT In 2007, more than 20 million toys were pulled off the shelves as a result of more than 60 recalls – more than twice the number of alerts the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) issued in 2006. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-avoiding-dangerous-or-toxic-toys-this-holiday-season-7860