BBB Consumer Education Blog

New Regulations Protect Airline Passengers

Amanda — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:00:04 +0000

During the gloomy winter months, some consumers want to go somewhere warm and sunny. Now, consumers have more regulations to help them when they travel by air to their chosen destination. Here is what you need to know before purchasing airfare. Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued new regulations, which are part of Continue Reading

Could Some Internet Servers Be Shut Down March 8?

Tom — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:40:27 +0000

This weekend I was looking over some of the stories that got some play on the internet, and I came across this one. Evidently there is a malicious malware that has infected millions of computers, and it appears to be worldwide in scope. The malware is called DNSChanger Trojan, and it has infected over half Continue Reading

Employer Problems?

Jason — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:00:45 +0000

Here at the BBB we often receive calls from an employee (or former employee) who has an issue with their employer (or former employer). The issues usually involve not getting paid or being forced to do something that the caller believes is against labor laws. The scope of the Better Business Bureau does not include Continue Reading

Don’t Let an “Authorization Hold” Hold You Hostage

Susan — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:00:26 +0000

Credit is a convenience; it allows you to charge a meal, pay for an appliance with an installment plan, or take out a loan to buy a house. With a credit card, you can make an emergency purchase when you lack ready cash, take advantage of dispute resolution offerings by some credit card companies and can be Continue Reading

Tax Time, Part I

Jackie — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:00:35 +0000

It’s that time of the year that all of us dread—tax time! The IRS is trying to make things a little easier for taxpayers this year with its Free File program. The IRS has entered into a partnership with 15 private sector tax software companies called the Free File Alliance. Not everyone qualifies for the Continue Reading

Ten Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Michael — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:00:30 +0000

With spring approaching, many people are planning to hire a contractor for home repair and/or exterior landscaping. Common mistakes people make are paying in cash, hiring traveling pavers that can’t be reached later, not verifying licensing or bonding, or insisting on start and end dates to ensure prompt completion of work. Here are ten tips Continue Reading

Buyer Beware: TV Offers

Susan — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:00:45 +0000

We’ve all heard “buyer beware”, but sometimes it’s just hard to resist picking up the phone for that latest gadget or cute stuffed toy our children beg for. After all, the jingle is now cemented in everyone’s head and who knows how you ever survived without the convenience of this offered product on TV. It Continue Reading

Tips for Purchasing a Vehicle

Amanda — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:00:53 +0000

Like a lot of you, I watched the Big Game this past Sunday. While watching the commercials, I noticed that several of them were for cars or car companies, and with tax time approaching, you might be tempted to race out to grab one of the advertised deals. Before you make your way to the Continue Reading

Don’t Cruise Your Way into a Vacation Scam

Susan — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:12 +0000

As the winter months set in, nothing sounds better than relaxing under a tropical sun. Winter and spring are prime cruising months, but the Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to read all of the fine print before signing up for a special cruise deal. In 2011, BBB received more than 1,300 complaints regarding cruises. Continue Reading

Online Dating Safety Tips

Jackie — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:08:20 +0000

It’s February, the month of romance. With 20 million Americans using online dating sites, it seems like the perfect time to brush up on tips for physical and financial safety in online dating. There are over 1,000 online dating sites, so first of all do your homework. Check out the company on our website to Continue Reading