BBB Military Line

Memorial Day Scams Target Military, Families, Supporters

Mon, 21 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

BBB offers tips to avoid Memorial Day scams that target military personnel, their families, and supporters.

DOD and Financial Protection Bureau Underscore Partnership

Thu, 10 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Department of Defense and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau officials signed a joint statement of shared principles that underscores their partnership to protect the finances of service members.

You Could Be A Victim If You Have A Security System Sign In Your Yard

Wed, 02 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Think You're Safe Because You Have A Security System Sign In Your Yard? Well, Maybe Not From Everyone

Basic Training for Your Money

Tue, 01 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Steve Repak left the Army in 1997 and was offered a job in finance, despite having $32,000 in credit card debt. His clients inspired him to get his finances in order.

Scammers Replicate Verizon's Email Bill Alerts

Tue, 01 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Consumers nationwide are receiving fake emails that are almost identical to the real alerts many Verizon customers get to remind them of their monthly payments.

GI Bill Restrictions Loom for For-Profit Schools

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Army Times reported that the father of the Post-9/11 GI Bill is fighting to preserve the benefit by proposing new restrictions on tuition payments to for-profit schools.

Beware of Fake Versions of Popular Android Apps

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Before downloading the popular Android apps "Angry Birds Space" and "Instagram," make sure you have the right version. These games are the latest victims of malware.

Phishing Thieves Using New Tricks To Hook Unwary Consumers, Task Force Warns

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Consumer Fraud Task Force warns consumers to be alert for phishing scams, which may use the names of well-known businesses or government agencies to steal personal information and commit ID theft.

BBB Issues Warning About Veterans’ Day Scams

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

“Most cynical scams” take advantage of those who serve and those who support them

CONSUMER ALERT - Veterans Day Scam

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Veterans Day is one where we take time to honor those who have served our country. It’s also a time when scammers come out to take advantage of our veterans and active duty military personnel. BBB wants to make sure those who serve us do not become victims of fraud. Veteran’s scams can take many forms. BBB provides the following information on different types of offers and scams that can put our Veterans at jeopardy of becoming victims of fraud, paying more for items than they should or identity theft.

8,000 Jobs to Be Created for Veterans in Health Care

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT

President Obama recently announced a plan to add jobs for veterans in the health care industry.

FTC Halts Bogus Debt Collection Operation

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT

A debt collection operation was recently stopped by a court order requested by the Federal Trade Commission.

Military Families To Reduce Holiday Spending

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT

In light of the economic downturn, military families are expected to cut back on Christmas shopping

Strange email from StubHub? It's a scam.

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Consumers across the country are reporting scam emails that appear to be from ticket company StubHub. The emails try to lure recipients into sharing credit card information by falsely alerting consumers they are being charged for expensive boxing tickets to a match in Nevada.

Bill would create ID card for all veterans

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Two veterans serving in the House of Representatives have introduced legislation to have the government provide identification cards to all veterans, not just military retirees.

Facebook Fraud: Beware Malicious Friends

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Con artists are lurking in the shadows of your Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and eHarmony accounts, according to the North American Securities Administrators Association, the oldest international investor protection association.

Senator: High veteran dropout rate disturbing

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Eight of the 10 schools receiving the most Post-9/11 GI Bill funds last year are for-profit institutions with dropout rates as high as 69 percent for those working on associate and bachelor degrees — a sign that the government could be wasting money on military and veterans education benefits.

Senior Citizens Remain Target of Scammers

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Fraud targeting senior citizens continues to be a widespread concern reported by Better Business Bureau. In 2010, more than 2,700 seniors filed complaints with BBB, and so far in 2011 BBB has received more than 1,300 complaints.

FINRA Foundation and USAA Join BBB Military Line to Bring Financial Literacy and Marketplace Support to Military Families

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

BBB Military Line, a financial literacy and consumer protection initiative for military families, gained a new sustaining partners with the announcement that the FINRA Investor Education Foundation and USAA will provide additional resources to this important program.

Is rent-to-own a scam?

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT

If you’re struggling either to sell a house or to qualify for a home mortgage, a lease-option or rent-to-own deal may sound tempting. In theory, both sides win. But is this deal too good to be true?

Stars and Stripes sweepstakes scam

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Scammers appear to be targeting veterans and military families claiming they have won a sweepstakes from Stars and Stripes, reports Stripes.com

Apply ASAP for caregiver benefits, VA says

Tue, 24 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The Navy Times recently reported that Veterans Affairs Department has begun accepting applications for a new benefits program for the caregivers of severely disabled Iraq- and Afghanistan-era veterans.

Senate plans hearing into for-profit colleges' military recruiting

Fri, 13 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The Washington Examiner recently reported that U.S. senators scheduled a hearing to examine Defense Department tuition programs for service members.

The McGraw-Hill Companies and BBB Military Line Join to Bring Financial Literacy to Military Families

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

As part of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s “Joining Forces" initiative, McGraw-Hill and BBB are joining together to develop and deliver expanded financial literacy and consumer protection programs to military families.

DoD is removing Social Security Numbers from ID cards

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT

To protect your privacy and personal identity information, your Social Security Number (SSN) is being replaced with a DoD ID Number on all ID cards.

Obama Announces Start of Students' 2011 National Financial Capability Challenge

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT

High school-aged students across the country are taking a voluntary online exam as part of the 2011 National Financial Capability Challenge.

Are You Financially Ready?

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT

The past nine years have illuminated many stresses and strains on the military community. One area that is considered to be a major stressor among military families is financial management.

Free Tax Preparation Software and Military Spouses Residency Relief Act

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Military OneSource, once again, is offering free 2010 tax preparation software: a customized version of the basic H&R Block At-Home® electronic tax filing product.

Hurray! Free Wi-Fi while I wait for my connecting flight...STOP!

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT

What a great deal! A long layover at an airport and your laptop browser indicates FREE wireless connections. Too good to be true? Well, the web browsing is free, but you may end up paying a price by giving away much of the information stored on your computer.

It’s Not Too Early to Think About Buying a Home

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Industry experts say December is the best time to buy a house, but parents need to make the big move during the summer. This means February is a great time to begin formulating a plan of action.

Teens and Taxes: Mom...Do I have to pay taxes too?

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT

As parents prepare to do their taxes each spring, teens routinely ask if they too must complete a tax form.

New Director Named for BBB Military Line

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Brenda Linnington will assume the position of Director for Better Business Bureau (BBB) Military Line on January 24, 2011. Brenda is a graduate of West Point with a Masters Degree in Education and Counseling from Long Island University. She has extensive experience in the development and delivery of training programs for service members. She worked closely with Holly Petraeus while stationed at Fort Campbell and will lead BBB Military Line’s effort to help service members and their families.

New Year’s Resolution

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT

People routinely include a commitment to fitness in New Year’s Resolutions. Your BBB and consumer protection groups caution you to avoid scams that will only reduce your weight by lightening your wallet.

Unemployment Trends among Young Veterans

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT

New statistics show an increase in the unemployment rates for young veterans throughout the U.S. even though national unemployment rate fell slightly in December from 9.8 percent to 9.4 percent

VA doctors' foray into cloud causes potential breach

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT

VA medical patients were running a high security risk when giving valuable information to their doctors as many VA doctors were not using an appropriate data storage program.

Operation Broken Trust Results Released

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Attorney General Eric Holder recently announced the results of Operation Broken Trust, organized the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to target investment fraud, according to a FBI press release.

Military Members At Risk for Identity Theft

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Members of the military are no strangers to offering up their social security number.However, this practice subjects military members to an increased threat of identity theft.

Department of Defense Launches New Military Employment Web-Portal

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT

A new web-portal aimed at helping veterans, reserve-component members, their families and wounded warriors land jobs was recently launched, reports the Department of Defense.

Nominations Now Accepted for the 2011 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)is calling for nominations for the 2011 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. Guard and Reserve members and families are encouraged to nominate employers.

President Obama Extends Retroactive Stop-Loss Special Pay Deadline

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced that President Barack Obama signed legislation extending the Retroactive Stop-Loss Special Pay deadline through December 3rd.

DOD Launches Careers Website for Young People

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Department of Defense’s Joint Advertising Market Research and Studies (JAMRS) program recently announced the launch of a new website, www.myfuture.com, aimed to educate America’s youth on the college, trade school, and military opportunities they have for their future.

IRS Issues Guidance For Drywall Damage

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The IRS recently issued guidance for homeowners who suffered property losses due to the effects of imported drywall installed in homes between 2001 and 2009.

B&Bs and Inns to Offer Free Rooms to Miltary Members

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The website, bnbsforvets.org recently announced that B&Bs and Inns across the country are providing rooms free of charge to honor servicemen and women currently serving or who have previously served their country on November 10, 2010, in observance of Veteran’s Day on November 11, 2010.

Deadline for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Extended

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced that the deadline to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP) has been extended to Dec. 3, 2010.

Department of Justice Files Lawsult Against Credit Card Companies

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Department of Justice recently announced that it filed a civil antitrust lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. It challenges rules that credit card companies such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa have instituted that prevent merchants from offering consumer discounts, rewards and information about card costs, ultimately resulting in consumers paying for more of their purchases.

Identity Theft Scam Targets Job Hunters

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Orlando Sentinel reported in a recent article about a global identity theft scheme that used stolen corporate information to scam hundreds of thousands of job hunters.

Army pushes vets to beat stop-loss pay deadline

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Army Times reported that army veterans eligible for retroactive stop-loss pay must apply by Oct. 21 — or forfeit their pay.

DoD extends cutoff on MyCAA class dates

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Army Times reported that defense officials have expanded the time frame for classes that qualify for payment under the current Military Spouse Career Advancement Account program.

TSP prepares for launch of Roth option

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Army Times reported recently that the board governing the Thrift Savings Plan is launching a new Roth option.

An Opportunity and a Correction from AAFES

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is about to have its annual IG inspection. Now's your chance to give feedback and get a coupon for doing so.

Foreclosure Rescue Scams Are Going Strong

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The housing market in the United States may not be thriving, but business is booming for foreclosure rescue and loan modification scammers.

Your Vacant Home May Not Be Insured

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT

If you moved and were unable to sell or rent out your house, you may be surprised to find that your homeowner’s insurance could stop covering it if it sits vacant for too long.

Facebook 'Dislike' Button is a Scam

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The latest Facebook scam is a "dislike" button. If you see a promo for the button, don't click on the link. It's just another scam trying to extract personal information.

Scam Alert -- Websites Sell SSNs as Credit Score Fixers

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT

An online ad offering a credit protection number (CPN) to clean up your credit score may sound like the perfect solution for bad credit. The problem is that the CPN is really a stolen Social Security Number (SSN), often belonging to a child.

Watch Out for New Credit Card Rules

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT

More changes to the rules for credit card companies are on the way, effective August 22nd. These changes will affect penalty fees and rate increases on your credit card account.

Glitch may have doublecharged AAFES customers

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Customers who swiped their credit cards or debit cards at an Army and Air Force Exchange Service store anytime between Aug. 7 and Aug. 9 may have been charged twice for the same transaction.

Ohio AG: Navy vets group leader stole identity

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT

State and local authorities have issued a nationwide arrest warrant on identity fraud charges for the director of a Florida-based charity purporting to raise money for Navy veterans, Ohio’s attorney general said Thursday.

VA issues new Yellow Ribbon college aid list

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT

More than 1,100 private and public schools have signed agreements with the Veterans Affairs Department to reduce tuition for student veterans in the coming school year as part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s “Yellow Ribbon” program, VA announced Wednesday.

100K eligible troops could miss stop-loss pay

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT

A key lawmaker behind the creation of a monthly $500 stop-loss allowance says the Defense Department may not be doing enough to try to locate separated service members who are now on the brink of losing the right to apply for the money.

FTC Issues Final Rule to Protect Consumers in Credit Card Debt

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Starting on October 27, 2010, for-profit companies that sell debt relief services over the telephone may no longer charge a fee before they settle or reduce a customer’s credit card or other unsecured debt.

FTC Settlement Bans Deceptive Mortgage Sellers

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT

New Federal Trade Commission settlements banned eight marketers from selling mortgage modification or foreclosure relief services.

Beware of UN Job Scams

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Getting out of the military soon? Thinking of applying for a job with the United Nations (UN) using the skills you picked up during your deployments? If so, beware of fake job offers from scammers posing as UN employees.

New Overdraft Rules for Debit and ATM Cards

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT

On July 1st, new rules went into effect concerning overdrafts on debit or ATM cards. The change gives consumers the ability to choose what happens when you make a charge and don’t have enough money in the account.

Your Cell Number is not Going Public

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Have you gotten a forwarded email that says all cell phone numbers are going to go public and you will be spammed by unwanted sales calls? Actually, it’s not going to happen.

DOD to Resume Restructured Military Spouse Career Program

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Department of Defense announced today the resumption of a restructured military spouse career advancement account program - MyCAA.

Changes to US Miliatary Savings Bond Program

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Army Times reported that military personnel who have an allotment to buy U.S. savings bonds with their pay need to take steps before the U.S. Savings Bond Payroll Savings Plan goes all electronic by the end of August.

BBB Military Line Director Talks About Rise of Military-Targeted Scams

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Read what BBB Military Line Director Holly Petraeus has to say about the rise of military-focused scams.

Book by July 9; Get extra Amtrack military discount

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Active-duty service members who book their travel by July 9 will get an additional 10-percent discount from Amtrak for travel during the period of Aug. 21 to Nov. 12.

FTC Settlement Orders Ban More Than A Dozen Marketers from Selling Mortgage Relief Services

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Federal Trade Commission announces legal actions against more than a dozen marketers accused of pitching bogus mortgage modification or foreclosure relief services.

Flood Insurance: Is It for You?

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Recent and the prediction of an active 2010 hurricane season may have you wondering if you should have flood insurance. Here are some facts that may help answer your questions.

Free Museum Entry For Military Kids

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT

If you are a military kid, there are over 750 museums across the United States that will give you and your immediate family members free admission between now and Labor Day.

600 museums offer free admission to military

Tue, 25 May 2010 05:00:00 GMT

More than 600 museums nationwide are offering free admission to military families all summer in a new partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

Military exchanges offer phone card refunds

Mon, 24 May 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Service members and family members stuck with inoperable “C-3” (“Tele2”) phone cards after the company filed for bankruptcy in a United Kingdom court in mid-May should take them to their nearest military exchange for a full refund, according to Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Navy Exchange Service Command officials.

Campbell families saved from predatory lenders - Soldiers awarded $1 million in lawsuit

Fri, 21 May 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Campbell families saved from predatory lenders - Soldiers awarded $1 million in lawsuit

Certain Military Spouses Granted a Federal Tax Extension

Thu, 20 May 2010 05:00:00 GMT

On April 15, the IRS issued Notice 2010-30, which gives certain civilian spouses of service members on active duty an extension of time through October 15, 2010, to pay their 2009 federal income taxes.

New Lottery Scam Fraudulently Claims to Be From Better Business Bureau

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT

BBB warns that a new scam is fraudulently using the organization’s name in order to steal tens of thousands of dollars from victims who are led to believe they have won a lottery.

Kiplinger and BBB Military Line Arm Military Families for Financial Future

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Kiplinger, publisher of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, and the Council of Better Business Bureau Military Line® have announced plans to launch in February 2009 a new financial education initiative for the men and women of the U.S. military. Kiplinger—in collaboration with BBB Military Line—will publish a 20-page booklet offering targeted financial advice and guidance for military personnel and their families. The booklet will be distributed free to more than 700,000 servicemen and women worldwide.

BBB Reports Americans’ Trust in Business has Dropped in 13 of 15 Industries Examined

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Arlington, VA – August 25, 2008 – Better Business Bureau announced findings from its second BBB/Gallup Trust in Business Index survey, noting American consumers say in a seven-month period their trust in businesses has fallen in 13 of 15 industries measured, with an overall composite Index decline in consumer trust of 14 percent. And nearly half (47 percent) of those surveyed say they have only “some, very little or no trust at all” in companies they do business with in everyday life.

U.S. Coast Guard Joins BBB Military Line® Program

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

In order to serve the specialized consumer needs of U.S. Coast Guard personnel and their families, the Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB) announced today that it has reached an agreement with the Coast Guard to formally establish BBB Coast Guard Line – part of the greater BBB Military Line® program – as a Coast Guard Qualified Organization.

BBB Serving the Military Community: New PSA Released Worldwide

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT

BBB Military Line has worked with the American Forces Information Service to produce this PSA that is airing on military television channels worldwide.

U.S. Marine Corps Joins BBB Military Line® Program

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Marine Corps at a ceremony in Washington, DC on Monday, to formally establish BBB Marine Corps Line – part of the greater BBB Military Line® program – designed to serve the specialized consumer needs of Marine Corps personnel and their families.

IDSP Develops First-of-its-Kind Resource to Aid Businesses in the Fight Against Identity Theft

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:00:00 GMT

A new report issued today by the Identity Theft Prevention and Identity Management Standards Panel (IDSP) helps to arm businesses, government agencies, and other organizations with the tools needed to protect themselves and their customers against the theft and misuse of personal and financial information. Developed through a partnership of more than 70 leading organizations from the public and private sectors, the IDSP has created a single, comprehensive resource that promotes access to and implementation of tools and processes that can help to minimize the scope and scale of identity theft and fraud.

BBB Advises College Football Fans: Be Smart When Buying Bowl Tickets Online

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:00:00 GMT

With college football’s bowl season kicking off this week and more than one million students, alumni and fans searching for tickets, Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers to look out for fraudulent sellers when shopping for expensive and hard-to-get bowl tickets online.

U.S. Air Force Joins BBB Military Line Program

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) announced today at a ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, DC that it has signed an agreement with the U.S. Air Force to formally establish BBB Air Force Line – part of the greater BBB Military Line program – designed to serve the specialized consumer needs of Air Force personnel and their families.