BBB Consumer Education Blog

Will Kooaba’s Shortcut App Replace QR Codes?

Tom — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:00:14 +0000

We have discussed the use of QR codes, Quick Response Codes, which is an image of a pattern of dots which contain information which can be “scanned” with the camera on a mobile phone. The code can then be converted to text which may direct you to websites, or give you information regarding products or Continue Reading

Annual BBB Golf Tournament Today

Jason — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:00:13 +0000

In addition to providing business reports and consumer tips, your BBB also holds annual events for the BBB Foundation. Today is our annual golf tournament at Quail Crossing Golf Club in Boonville. This event is attended by teams representing several of our Accredited Businesses and benefits such programs as our student scholarship program. Our office Continue Reading

FTC Recovers Money for Victims of Grant Schemes

Jackie — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:00:52 +0000

After extensive court proceedings, the FTC settled with four defendants and won summary judgment against 25 individual and corporate defendants who used websites to falsely claim they could help consumers get free government grant money. According to the FTC, “the website operators sold many products online, including Grant Connect which they described as a ‘unique Continue Reading

Moving Scams Still a Problem for Many

Susan — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:00:59 +0000

May is National Moving Month, which kicks off the busiest time of year for Americans changing residencies. It also means unlicensed movers and dishonest scammers are waiting to take advantage of unwary consumers. Better Business Bureau is again joining with the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) to provide important tips on how to avoid Continue Reading

Prevent Credit Card Theft at Gas Pumps

Michael — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:00:20 +0000

Between 8 and 12 million people will be victims in a single year as thieves use extraordinary measures to steal your money. U.S. postal inspectors are searching hotel rooms and finding suspects with several stolen cards. The scheme involves the use of a spotting scope with a video camera pointed out the window at a Continue Reading

eBay Users: Watch Out for Fake “Second Chance” Offers

Amanda — Fri, 10 May 2013 13:00:19 +0000

Most consumers recognize the name of eBay, the online auction site where people from around the world buy and sell things. However, users of eBay have recently been reporting that they are victims of a fake “Second Chance” offer. eBay defines a “Second Chance” offer as one that “comes from the seller after the auction Continue Reading

LivingSocial Website Hacked; 50 Million People May Be Affected

Jackie — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:00:28 +0000

LivingSocial, a daily deals website, was hacked recently. Users of the site, which are said to number over 50,000,000, received an email from the company announcing the breach. The information that was stolen included names, email addresses, date of birth for some users, and encrypted passwords. Even though the company says the stolen passwords would Continue Reading

Protect Your Cell Phone from Bluetooth Hacking

Michael — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:00:29 +0000

As cell phone users turn to Bluetooth technology to talk – hands free – on their phones, hackers are finding ways to exploit it. A process called “bluebugging” uses specialized software to intercept your Bluetooth signal and hack into your device, giving them access to your texts, contacts, photos, call history and more. Scammers use Continue Reading

Use Caution When Purchasing a Gift for Mom

Susan — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:26 +0000

With Mother’s Day less than one week away, the BBB advises caution to both consumers and business owners alike, with new orders being placed. A scam from the past has resurfaced, resulting in theft, headaches, and concern in the midst of many Mother’s Day gift orders. It starts like this. A fax, call or email Continue Reading

The Downside Of QR Codes

Tom — Mon, 06 May 2013 15:36:57 +0000

A couple of years ago, we presented information about the spreading use of QR Codes, and how advertisers were taking advantage of this technology to provide information about products, offers, and coupons. Unfortunately, it looks like some bad guys have figured out a way to create QR codes to steer unsuspecting consumers to malicious sites. Continue Reading