BBB News

Facebook Scam Fakes Account Cancellation Notice

Wed, 23 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Facebook users, watch out. A clever scam in the form of a fake account cancellation email is making the rounds, and it's easy to get fooled. Don't let the threat of losing your account trick you into installing malware on your computer.

Memorial Day Scams Target Military, Families, Supporters

Mon, 21 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Memorial Day is a time to honor those who serve and remember those who have died in war. But sadly, it has also become a key opportunity for scammers to target those who are serving or have served their nation, especially elderly veterans. BBB is urging consumers and donors to be on the lookout for deals that seem too good to be true, and for disreputable charities.

BBB recognizes National Small Business Week

Sun, 20 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

May 20-26 is National Small Business Week and a time to celebrate the growing business demographic in our country. Entrepreneurs and small business owners are the backbone of the U.S. economy: 60 to 80 percent of the new jobs in the country are created by the approximately 27.2 million small businesses in the U.S. It is estimated that over half of Americans either own or work for a small business. In honor of National Small Business Week, Better Business Bureau is encouraging small business owners to take advantage of the many resources for small businesses from BBB and from the Federal Trade Commission.

FBI: Hundreds Of Thousands May Lose Internet In July

Fri, 18 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

For computer users, a few mouse clicks could mean the difference between staying online and losing Internet connections this summer.

BBB Advice for Hiring a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust

Tue, 08 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Natural disasters like tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes can bring out the best in people, as strangers reach out to help others in need. Unfortunately, crises also bring out persons who choose to take advantage of the victims. Some of the most common "after-disaster" scams involve damage done to roofs.

Mother’s Day is coming please shop wisely

Thu, 03 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

It’s almost Mother’s Day! Whether you are ordering flowers, shopping for custom jewelry, or arranging for a special spa day appointments for the wonderful women in their life, be a smart consumer. BBB sees lots of scams that focus on holiday shopping, and is warning consumers to proceed with caution before falling victim to a Mother’s Day vender scam, especially when shopping online.

New Phishing Scam Hurts Small Businesses

Thu, 03 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Small businesses and consumers across the country are falling victim to the latest email phishing scam that exploits BBB’s name. The campaign that started yesterday was the second biggest phishing scam in the country.

Protect Your Move and Yourself During National Moving Month

Wed, 02 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

May is National Moving Month and the start of the busiest time of year for changing residencies…which means unlicensed movers and dishonest scammers are waiting to take advantage consumers who aren’t careful.

National Honesty Day, is a good day to remember to know what you are buying

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The market for counterfeit luxury items is wide and deep, selling everything from jewelry and perfume to handbags and sunglasses. For bargain-hunters looking for name-brand items at discount prices online, Better Business Bureau offers advice on avoiding web-based rip-off schemes.

Kiss Your Mate Day is coming, be aware of online dating scams

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Are you thinking --- who would ever do online dating? More people than you think. In fact, millions of Americans use dating sites, social networking sites, and chat room to meet people.

National Look-A-Like Day is a way to remember not to be taken in by Phishing

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Celebrating National Look-A-Like Day might be fun but it can also be dangerous. Make sure what you are looking at is the real thing and not the imitation.

BBB Warns you to review claims for Gas Saving Devices

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

As we prepare for the upcoming driving season of the summer. We wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of some precautions of those "gas-saving" devices that are popping up everywhere.

BBB Small Business Advice for National Financial Literacy Month

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Seventy-six percent of Americans are stressed about money, according to research by the American Psychological Association, and more than two-thirds of employers say that contributed to higher health costs, employee absences and lost productivity.

BBB Advises Consumers To Monitor Credit Card Activity In Wake Of Massive Data Breach

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Reports that millions of credit card numbers may have been compromised recently are a timely reminder that consumers need to stay on top of their credit card accounts, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises

Newegg is the latest to be targeted by a Phishing email scam

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Goldengate BBB has been made aware of a new phishing email scam targeting Newegg. Below is from their website describing how to handle the fraudulent email. or personal information in an

BBB Warns Consumers and Businesses About Phishing Scam

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Fake BBB emails download malware that can steal bank information; BBB is working with FBI to stop the thieves

Secure Your ID and Shred-It Days are here again!

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The first rule in identity protection - If you don’t need it, destroy it...responsibly.

Delete that email! You Did Not Win the Microsoft Lottery

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Oakland, CA April 2, 2012--Received an email lately alerting you that you have won a lottery conducted through Microsoft? Sorry to disappoint, but this is a scam!

It's Not Us! Don't Be Deceived by Fake BBB Emails

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

They're at it again! Phony emails bearing the BBB name are bombarding in-boxes across the country and right here in Califonia. The recent attack on consumers and businesses led the FBI to issue an alert this week about the recurrent scam.

BBB Advises Parents To Check Facilities, Qualifications To Ensure Safe, Rewarding Summer Camp Experience

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

When warm days interrupt winter’s chill, many smart parents think ahead to what camps or other activities their children may attend over the summer.

BBB is warning contractors about a phony fax from the U.S. Department of Transportation Procurement Office. BBB is advising businesses to not respond to the fax request for bank account information.

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning contractors about a phony fax from the U.S. Department of Transportation Procurement Office. BBB is advising businesses to not respond to the fax request for bank account information.

In Your Debt?

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

A fake debt collector who allegedly bullied people into paying debts they didn’t owe has been stopped at the FTC’s request. According to the FTC, American Credit Crunchers, LLC, Ebeeze, LLC, and owner Varang K. Thaker misused the personal information of people looking online for payday loans.

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Warns Homeowners to Beware of Mortgage Settlement Scams

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris warned California homeowners to beware of phone solicitations from scam artists claiming to provide assistance related to the recent national mortgage settlement.

Kony 2012 Video Sends Mixed Message to Young Activists

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

BBB Wise Giving Alliance tried for six years to get Invisible Children to cooperate in a charity review. Since 2006, BBB has sent 18 letters to the non-profit behind the Kony 2012 video, but has received no response.

Consumer Choice: Control Your Data Online

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Online behavioral advertising uses your web surfing history to display online ads that are most likely to interest you. Advertising pays for a lot of great online content we’ve come to depend on, but advertisers want to make sure that they are reaching the right people with their messages.

BBB AUTO LINE is Fast, Fair and Saves You Money

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

For more than 30 years, BBB AUTO LINE has helped consumers resolve “lemon law” complaints simply, and without the cost of hiring a lawyer. Our dispute resolution program covers car warranty issues against participating manufacturers, and we have helped more than 2 million consumers in that time.

Keeping Kids Safe Online

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

For more than 35 years, the BBB Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) has been helping parents control what their kids see and hear on television, radio and, more recently, the Internet by evaluating child-directed advertising and promotional material. Working closely with major advertising trade associations, CARU developed Self-Regulatory Guidelines for Children’s Advertising and a process for enforcing them.

Financial Field Manual for Military Families

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Since 2004, BBB Military Line has supported our military communities with free services such as financial readiness classes, outreach activities, information, data collection and dispute resolution. Local BBBs across the U.S. work with military installations to provide information on financial literacy and consumer protection.

Giving Wisely to Accountable Charities

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance helps donors make informed giving decisions, and advances high standards of conduct among charitable organizations. Our “Standards for Charitable Accountability” are the most rigorous of any charity review organization, and ours is the only review program that requires charities to respond in order to be evaluated.

BBB Advice on Giving to Tornado Relief Charities

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Americans seeing the devastation wreaked by recent tornadoes are responding with gifts of time and money. Givers should take steps to assure themselves that their donations will go to reputable charities.

Managing Credit – Made Simpler

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

In today’s society, credit management is as important as money management. You need to read agreements you sign with lenders, understand your credit score, and manage your credit effectively. It’s complicated, but BBB has made it simpler with three clear and easy-to-understand guides based on your level of experience with credit and the amount of your debt.

Centennial Scam Hall of Shame

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

We’re celebrating our Centennial this year at the Better Business Bureau, which means we’ve been monitoring the marketplace for 100 years. In that time, we’ve seen more than our share of scams. In fact, the need for an organization to alert the public to scams is what led to the founding of the BBB.

BBB Commends Savvy Consumers

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Consumer savvy, smart shopping and common sense all had a great year, according to Better Business Bureau. Consumers asked BBB for help more than 103 million times in 2011, up from 87 million in 2010 and the highest rate in the organization’s 100-year history.