http://chicago.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=46&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Chicago, IL – May 24, 2013 – Memorial Day is a day we honor those who serve our country, have served our country and those who have died while serving; it is also a time of opportunity for scammers. Unfortunately, these operators have found Memorial Day to be an opportunity to take advantage of caring people, especially elderly veterans. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/the-better-business-bureau-says-dont-let-memorial-day-scams-mar-the-honoring-of-military-service-42096 Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL – May 23, 2013 – In the wake of a tragedy, scammers like to rise and take advantage of kind, giving people. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) is alerting consumers of the possibility of phony charity scams related to the Oklahoma tornado. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-dont-get-scammed-when-donating-to-tornado-victims-42081 Thu, 16 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL – May 16, 2013 – Now that spring is finally here, the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) took a poll to see what type of projects people are planning to do this season. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/new-better-business-bureau-poll-says-its-about-curb-appeal-41932 Tue, 14 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Chicago, IL - May 14, 2013 - Apparent bargain-priced vacations may be presenting only a portion of the customer-cost story. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois advises consumers to carefully investigate and compare vacation plans, as well as ask questions about extra fees that could significantly impact your vacation budget. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/consumers-need-to-carefully-check-for-hidden-fees-when-making-vacation-plans-41892 Thu, 09 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB is urging all consumers and businesses to pay close attention to a Cyber Security Advisory issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding a vulnerability in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 browser(IE8) http://chicago.bbb.org/article/fbi-issues-cyber-security-advisory-that-could-impact-all-users-of-microsoft-explorer-8-41825 Tue, 07 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Chicago, IL – May 7, 2013 – Summer break is quickly approaching for high school and college students and many of them will be searching for summer jobs. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois is warning students about job scams that could result in a loss of money and a waste of time. These could include work-at-home jobs paying high salaries for simple work and sales or pyramid schemes. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-warns-job-seekers-about-summer-job-scams-41778 Thu, 02 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Chicago, IL – May 2, 2013 – Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, is fast approaching. If you are planning on buying a gift, you should make sure to read the “fine print” that can prevent potential misunderstandings as we honor the 85.4 million mothers in the United States, according to the US Census Bureau. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) reminds consumers it’s important to be a smart shopper when selecting a gift for Mom. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/be-a-smart-shopper-for-mothers-day-41663 Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Chicago, IL- April 30, 2013 – Carl Jacobson, Director of Asset Management of GE Real Estate, has been named the new Chair of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB). Jacobson has been a long-serving member of the BBB Board of Directors, most recently as the BBB treasurer. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/jacobson-assumes-chairmanship-of-better-business-bureau-41593 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL – April 25, 2013 – Appearance projects top the list of work that homeowners are planning to hire contractors for this spring, according to the latest poll by the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB). http://chicago.bbb.org/article/looks-lead-the-way-for-spring-home-improvements-41523 Tue, 23 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL- April 23, 2013 - Spring cleaning is here and many people take the opportunity to spruce up their homes by adding a new coat of paint. Due to health and environmental concerns, many people are wary of buying paint that contains VOCs or volatile organic compounds. VOCs are emitted gases made up of different chemicals that may have short- and long- term negative health and environmental affects. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) warns consumers to take a closer look at what is in their remodeling supplies. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/your-diy-spring-projects-can-be-hazardous-to-your-health-warns-the-better-business-bureau-41483 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL – April 18, 2013 - Homeowners and businesses who are trying to recover from flood damage due to the extremely heavy rains in the area should be aware so that they do not become victims of unscrupulous contractors. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-warning--flood-victims-beware-41417 Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL – April 16, 2013 – Charity scammers strike after tragedies, and at least one poorly-conceived charity scam has already emerged in the wake of the explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon yesterday. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) is alerting consumers of the possibility of phony charity solicitations, supposedly on behalf of the families of victims of the Boston Marathon tragedy. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-cautions-consumers-to-watch-out-for-scammers-in-wake-of-the-boston-marathon-attack-41390 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Chicago, IL- April 11, 2013 – Chicago has taken a stance against driving with hand held cellphones and passed a prohibitive law in 2005. Many surrounding states, 10 in total, have also passed similar laws. As a result, drivers are turning to use Bluetooth technology to talk hands-free. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) warn that scammers are finding ways to exploit this technology for their gains. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/bluebugging-on-the-rise-as-bluetooth-usage-increases-41303 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL – April 4, 2013 – Although May has beautiful flowers, one must first weather the stormy showers of April. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) advises both renters and homeowners to prepare for April showers so they are not caught off guard if they have to deal with water damage or flooding. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/tips-to-deal-with-the-after-effects-of-flooding-and-water-damage--41150 Tue, 02 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Chicago, IL- April 2, 2013 – The April-May time period is when many leases expire and renters move. If you are among the 28 percent of Chicagoans, or the 11 percent state-wide, who rent and are considering a move, the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) recommends doing your homework before selecting a mover. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/springtime-is-moving-time-for-many-renters-41104 Thu, 28 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL – March 28, 2013 – Although the temperatures are still low, spring has arrived and it is a good time to rid your home of the clutter and paperwork you have accumulated over the past year. However, when it comes to reviewing your financial records, it is important to know what to keep, what to discard, and when. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) offers advice on how to safely clear your clutter. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-identifies-what-paperwork-to-keep-when-spring-cleaning-41034 Tue, 26 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Chicago, IL-March 26, 2013 - Deciding what to do if you receive a tax refund is an important decision in this economy. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) advises consumers to consider a few options that can provide some long-term financial benefits. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-tips-for-using-your-2013-tax-refund--40990 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Chicago, IL – March 20, 2013 – David Kelly will receive the Torchbearer Award from the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) at the group’s 86th Annual Dinner Meeting on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at the Chicago Downtown Marriot. The award is presented to a business leader who has made significant efforts, with demonstrable results, to promote ethical business practices, and assist the BBB in spreading the concept of business self-regulation. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/david-kelly-of-dex-one-to-receive-better-business-bureau-torchbearer-award-40909 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL – March 19, 2013 –Gerald M. Cole will receive the James E. Baumhart Lifetime Achievement Award from the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) at the group’s 86th Annual Dinner Meeting on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at the Chicago Downtown Marriott. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-presents-lifetime-achievement-award-to-gerald-m-cole-on-march-21-40884 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Chicago, IL – March 15, 2013 – Leah Hope, reporter at ABC 7, will receive the Diogenes Award for Excellence in Media from the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) at the 86th Annual Dinner, being held at the Chicago Downtown Marriott on Thursday, March 21, 2013. Hope will be honored with the award for her years of news achievement. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/leah-hope-of-abc-7-to-receive-better-business-bureau-excellence-in-media-award-40832 Wed, 13 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL – March 13, 2013 – Brian T. O’Connor will receive the Arbitrator of the Year Award from the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) at the group’s 86th Annual Dinner Meeting on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at the Chicago Downtown Marriot. This award is presented to the BBB arbitrator who best exemplifies the qualities and skills in assisting people using the BBB Alternative Dispute Resolution Program. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-recognizes-the-top-arbitrator-at-annual-gala--40748 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL – March 11, 2013 - As a new generation increasingly uses the internet, the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) warns parents that mobile applications for smart phones and tablets are siphoning children’s data and sharing it. In most cases, the applications’ developers do not disclose whether data is being collected, with whom it is being shared nor how it is used. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/study-shows-mobile-applications-targeted-at-youngsters-seldom-disclose-privacy-policies-40691 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL – March 7, 2013 - During this tax season, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Chicago and Northern Illinois advises taxpayers to avoid making common mistakes by using caution when selecting tax preparation help. This step will avoid headaches, fines or fees if the return is not correct or filed late. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/top-tax-tips-from-your-better-business-bureau--40619 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT Chicago, IL – March 5, 2013 – Becoming a victim of a “too good to be true offer” does not necessarily mean that all is lost. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) is aware that some taxpayers may have experienced losses in certain investment arrangements discovered to be criminally fraudulent. Often these investments turn out to be “Ponzi Schemes” where investors lose because there are no real profits to be had. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/swindled-taxpayers-have-options-says-the-better-business-bureau-40521 Thu, 28 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT Chicago, IL - February 27, 2013 - The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) will be featured at the 15th annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 7th, 2013, from 8:30AM to 3:00PM, in the lobby of the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph St. The BBB joins federal, state, and local government agencies and national consumer advocacy organizations at this event. Consumer protection information and brochures will be among the free items available. http://chicago.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-joins-government-partners-for-consumer-protection-event-40424