http://chicago.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=46&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT Chicago, Ill., November 13, 2008 - A record number of Americans want to be a part of history and attend the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama but, unfortunately, only 250,000 tickets are up for grabs. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/want-to-buy-tickets-to-the-obama-inauguration--7780 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 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 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, 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