http://chicago.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=46&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT The BBB warns that the large print for work-at-home job offers may promise big returns, but the fine print can cost them every month. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-against-twitter-money-making-schemes-11426 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau offers advice on keeping credit rates low. There are a few steps that credit card holders can take to try and keep their old rate despite economic conditions. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/as-banks-hike-credit-card-interest-bbb-offers-advice-on-keeping-rates-low--11183 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 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau warns that deceptive door-to-door magazine sales crews are often hitting the pavement and looking to earn a quick buck this summer. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/start-of-summer-signals-door-to-door-magazine-selling-scam-11011 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, 01 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT With the launch of the Better Business Bureau's new letter grade rating system, consumers are receiving help in effectively making purchases with more specific information. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/consumers-receive-new-help-in-smart-shopping-as-bbb-introduces-letter-grade-a-through-f-ratings-system--10666 Wed, 27 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT With unemployment rates on the rise, the Better Business Bureau is offering advice on how job hunters can make a strong impression and position themselves as the candidate of choice at job fairs. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-on-how-to-stand-out-from-the-crowd-at-a-job-fair-10618 Wed, 13 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois warns consumers to be alert for deceptive telemarketing phone calls in regard to their vehicle manufacturer on warranty status. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/confusion-about-auto-warranties-opens-the-door-for-scammers-to-cheat-car-owners-warns-bbb-10459 Mon, 11 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau advises brides and grooms to consider wedding insurance with the number of commercial bankruptcies on the rise. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-on-purchasing-wedding-insurance-avoid-being-jilted-at-the-altar-by-bankrupt-vendors-10411 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers of spam e-mail messages which take advantage of the public's H1N1 virus concern. These messages may contain harmful computer viruses or malware. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-against-scams-based-on-swine-flu-fears--10197 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 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT Grocery shelves, hardware stores, card shops, and other retail operations are filled with products and packages announcing environmental features that may influence your purchasing decisions. But when it comes to products and packaging, what do claims like "environmentally safe," "recyclable," "degradable" or "ozone friendly" really mean? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) want you to know. The FTC, in cooperation with the EPA, has developed guidelines for adv http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-sorting-out-green-advertising-claims-4659 Fri, 01 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT The possibility of losing your home because you can't make the mortgage payments can be terrifying. Perhaps you are one of the many consumers who took out a mortgage that had a fixed rate for the first two or three years and then had an adjustable rate. Or maybe you're anticipating an adjustment, and want to know what your payments will be and whether you'll be able to make them. Or maybe you're having trouble making ends meet because of an unrelated financial crisis. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-mortgage-payments-sending-you-reeling-heres-what-to-do-4733 Tue, 01 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT Whether you’re shopping for appliances or automobiles, groceries or gadgets, travel services or tax preparers, the Internet has changed the way most people gather information about products and services. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-buying-a-home-its-a-big-deal-4763 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT Using a credit line to borrow against the equity in your home has become a popular source of consumer credit. And lenders are offering these home equity credit lines in a variety of ways. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-home-equity-credit-lines-4770 Sun, 01 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT If you’re thinking about selling your home, you may be considering using the services of a real estate broker or agent. But before you sign a listing agreement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the agency that works for a competitive marketplace, wants you to be informed about your choices. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-selling-your-home-tips-for-selecting-a-real-estate-professional--4783 Fri, 01 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT Gas prices are up, and so is the volume of advertising for "gas-saving" products. When gasoline prices rise, consumers often look for ways to improve fuel efficiency. Although there are practical steps you can take to increase gas mileage, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns you to be wary of any gas-saving claims for automotive devices or oil and gas additives. Even for the few gas-saving products that have been found to work, the savings have been small. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-gas-saving-products-fact-or-fuelishness--4501 Tue, 01 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT A laptop computer defines convenience and mobility. It enables you to work from home, a hotel room, a conference hall, or a coffee shop. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-keeping-laptops-from-getting-lost-or-stolen-4552 Tue, 01 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT Voice over Internet Protocol — VoIP — is one way people are making and receiving telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection rather than a regular phone line. VoIP converts your phone call — actually, the voice signal from your phone — into a digital signal that travels through the Internet to the person you are calling. If you are calling a plain old telephone number, the signal is converted back at the other end. If you’re comfortable with new technology, you may want to learn more about VoIP. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, suggests that it’s smart to do some research on this technology before signing up for it. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-voip-its-a-phone-its-a-computer-its--4427 Sat, 01 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT Could a simple medical test tell you if you are likely to get a particular disease? Could it evaluate your health risks and even suggest a specific treatment? Could you take this test in the privacy of your home, without a doctor’s prescription or guidance? http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-at-home-genetic-tests-a-healthy-dose-of-skepticism-may-be-the-best-prescription-4807 Thu, 01 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT Home is where most people feel safe and comfortable. But sometimes — say, when a hurricane, flood, tornado, wildfire, or other disaster strikes — it’s safest to pack up and go to another location. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-financial-readiness-as-critical-as-fully-charged-batteries-4652 Thu, 01 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT You’ve probably learned a long list of important safety and privacy lessons already: Look both ways before crossing the street; buckle up; hide your diary where your nosy brother can’t find it; don’t talk to strangers. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-social-networking-sites-safety-tips-for-tweens-and-teens-4442 Mon, 01 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT Ever wonder how a creditor decides whether to grant you credit? For years, creditors have been using credit scoring systems to determine if you’d be a good risk for credit cards and auto loans. More recently, credit scoring has been used to help creditors evaluate your ability to repay home mortgage loans. Here’s how credit scoring works in helping decide who gets credit — and why. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-credit-scoring-4637 Mon, 01 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT Your credit report contains information about where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you’ve been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. Consumer reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation’s consumer reporting companies. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-how-to-dispute-credit-report-errors-4710 Sat, 01 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Credit is an important money management tool for both young and older consumers. Yet the elderly, particularly older women, may find it difficult to get credit. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/ftc-getting-credit-when-youre-over-62-4660