http://chicago.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=46&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 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-on-avoiding-dangerous-or-toxic-toys-this-holiday-season-7860 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, 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/bbb-tips-for-black-friday-cyber-monday-and-safe-online-shopping-this-holiday-season--8029 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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