BBB News

BBB Cautions on Fundraising to Assist Cleveland Kidnap Victims

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The rescue this week of three women and a child from a Cleveland home where they were held captive for a decade has gained worldwide attention. Generous donors wishing to help the victims are being cautioned by BBB to confirm the legitimacy of all charitable fundraising and crowdfunding efforts.

Debt Settlement Callers: Just Say No

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The New York Times reported today on a case of what appears to be a huge debt settlement fraud, and offers BBB advice on what to do if you get a call from such a server.

FBI Issues Cyber Security Advisory That Could Impact All Users of Microsoft Explorer 8

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Better Business Bureau warns consumers and businesses about vulnerability to scams

Financial Literacy Boosts Confidence in Military Families, First Command Reports

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

First Command Financial Behaviors Index(R) reveals that servicemembers with high levels of financial knowledge are more confident than others in dealing with money matters

BBB Cautions on Fundraising to Assist Cleveland Kidnap Victims

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The rescue this week of three women and a child from a Cleveland home where they were held captive for a decade has gained worldwide attention. Generous donors wishing to help the victims are being cautioned by Better Business Bureau to confirm the legitimacy of all charitable fundraising and crowdfunding efforts.

FBI Issues Cyber Security Advisory That Could Impact All Users of Microsoft Explorer 8

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)

Beware of Memorial Day Scams Aimed at Military Personnel

Fri, 03 May 2013 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.

How to Claim Your Unclaimed Property

Fri, 03 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Do you have unclaimed property? If so, how would you know? Is it worth it to pay a service to help you identify unclaimed property?

Make Sure Mom’s Flowers Arrive on Time and Looking Beautiful

Fri, 03 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Mother’s Day is one of the biggest holidays for gifts, cards, flowers, candy and phone calls. If you’re showing your love with flowers this year, make sure they are on-time and just right.

Solar Panels – Make it a Sunny Decision

Fri, 03 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Going green is all the rage these days. Sometimes going green can save you money and other times you just have to think of it as helping to save the environment a little bit at a time, with no monetary savings.

Moving Scams Still a Problem for Many

Thu, 02 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

May is National Moving Month: BBB and AMSA Offer Tips for Safe, Secure Move

The CFPB finds payday and deposit advance loans can trap consumers in debt

Wed, 01 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a report on payday and deposit advance loans finding that for many consumers these products lead to a cycle of indebtedness.

FTC: Over 10 percent of U.S. adults scammed in 2011

Wed, 01 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Federal Trade Commission recently released a statistical survey of fraud in the United States during 2011.

Veterans, CYA – Cover Your Assets!

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

If you’re a veteran over 65 — or related to one, you are a target for a particularly ugly type of scam that involves “poaching” your pension.

Financial Checklist for a PCS Move

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Military service members and their families move far more often than the average American. Moving is an expensive and time-consuming experience. You need to be prepared.

Four Ways to Take Advantage of Money Smart Week

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Money Smart Week® is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. This is achieved through the collaboration and coordinated effort of hundreds of organizations across the country.

Scams to Watch for in Wake of Boston Bombing

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Scams crop up after every large scale tragedy, and, unfortunately, the Boston Marathon bombing and Texas explosion are no exception.

How Scammers Are Cashing in on the Boston and Texas Tragedies

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Scams crop up after every large scale tragedy, and, unfortunately, the Boston Marathon bombing and Texas explosion are no exception. Watch out for the following cons:

¿Lo están fastidiando los insectos? Asegúrese de que un profesional maneje su control de plagas

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Abril es el Mes nacional del control de plagas, según la Asociación Nacional de Control de Plagas (NPMA).

Cinco consejos importantes para la banca móvil

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

En nuestro mundo con tanta experiencia en la tecnología, todo es fácilmente accesible y conveniente...incluso la banca.

Día de Protección de la identidad: haga trizas los papeles que ya no necesita

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

El robo de identidad es un enorme problema, pero hay varios pasos que puede dar para proteger su información personal.

Llévame al juego de pelota... y que no te lleven

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Con la temporada de béisbol ahora en pleno apogeo, asegúrese de que los boletos sean legítimos.

New BBB Serving Greater Los Angeles Has Banner First Month Helping Consumers and Businesses

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

BBB Serving Greater Los Angeles had a banner first month of operations, fielding nearly half a million inquiries and processing nearly 6,000 complaints.

BBB Warns of Charity Scams, Offers Giving Tips in Wake of Boston Marathon Bombing

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

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, and more are likely.

“No Mo Robo” – New Invention to Stop Robocalls

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The problem has become so bad that last year, the Federal Trade Commission created a contest to help it come up with a new way to block illegal robocalls.

“No Mo Robo” – New Invention to Stop Robocalls

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The problem has become so bad that last year, the Federal Trade Commission created a contest to help it come up with a new way to block illegal robocalls.

8 Ways to Find a Job Without the Internet

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Believe it or not, there was a time when there was no Internet. Using the job-hunting techniques people used back then will still work today.

Fake Employment Agency Fools Job Hunters with Scam Calls

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Don’t be fooled by a new wave of fake phone calls. Scammers are posing as an employment agency and fooling job hunters into parting with personal information.

Getting Bugged? Make Sure Your Pest Management is Handled by a Pro

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

When your pest problem gets too big for a flyswatter, a mousetrap or do-it-yourself spray, it's time to call in a professional service. In 2012, more than 786,000 people turned to BBB for information on pest control services.

Why Home Inventory Needs to Be on Your Spring Cleaning List

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

If your family is the unfortunate victim of a home burglary, you will need to submit proof of the stolen property to your insurance company.

Secure Your ID Day: Shred Paperwork You No Longer Need

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Identity theft is an enormous problem, but there are a number of steps you can take to secure your personal information

Take Me Out to the Ballgame…and Don’t Get Taken

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Buying on the secondary market can be useful for non-season ticket holders, occasional fans, or those making a last-minute decision to head to the ball park. But how do you know if the tickets are real?

Top Five Tips for Mobile Banking

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

In our tech-savvy world, everything is readily accessible and convenient…even banking. Gone are the days of waiting in line at the bank or even waiting for your computer to boot up.

Don’t Forget to “Spring Clean” Your Smartphone’s Data

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

While you’re spring cleaning your house, putting away the sweaters and mulching the flower beds, think about “spring cleaning” your smartphone or tablet, too.

Homeowners, Don’t Fall for Fake Promises of Lower Property Taxes

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

You get a letter in the mail that appears to comes from a government agency. It’s really a private business, and it promises to get your property taxes reduced by disputing your tax assessment.

Tax Scams – IRS Names Dirty Dozen

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Dirty Dozen listing is compiled annually by the IRS and lists a variety of common scams taxpayers can encounter anytime during the year. Many occur at alarming rates during tax season.

Use Bluetooth? Protect Yourself from Hacking Scams

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Cell phone users are increasingly turning to Bluetooth technology to talk - hands free - on their phones. But as this high tech tool gains popularity in the US and Canada, scammers are finding ways to exploit it.

Army's tuition assistance suspended: What now?

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Army’s popular tuition assistance program is being suspended because of the budget squeeze, although the thousands of soldiers enrolled in courses will be allowed to complete those courses.

Scammers Hijack FTC’s Name for Fake Complaint Emails

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

A new phishing scam is making the rounds disguised as a consumer complaint notification from the FTC. If you receive it, just hit “delete.”

Seven Reasons the IRS Will Audit You

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

As if fumbling with confusing numbers and complex forms weren’t “taxing enough, submitting your 1040 is even more stressful when you’re worried about an audit.

FBI Alert Scam Locks PCs

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

A new virus called the “FBI Green Dot Moneypack Virus” is surfacing on the internet.

Protect yourself from buyer’s remorse

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Have you ever bought something online and clicked the box that says “accept” without having any idea of what you’re actually accepting? Or maybe you looked at the fine print but it didn’t make any sense.

Your Money: Still time for service members to start savings plan

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Military Saves Week is over, but you can still sign a pledge and start a savings plan. Saving money should be a year-long practice for service members and their families.

Better Business Bureau Expels Los Angeles Organization for Failure to Meet Standards

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

BBB of the Southland, the Better Business Bureau that served the greater Los Angeles marketplace, has been expelled from the national organization, has lost its right to use the BBB name and logo, and was cut off from services provided by CBBB, the umbrella organization.

Army CID warns of email phishing scam

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

If you get an email that appears to come from “US-Army-Criminal-Investigation-Command@usa.com,” it’s a phishing scam.

Get the Most from Your Auto Insurance

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Car owners need to protect their vehicle and themselves with auto insurance, but how do you know if you are properly covered?

How Fake FTC Emails are Tricking Business Owners

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

A new phishing scam is making the rounds disguised as a consumer complaint notification from the FTC. If you receive it, just hit "delete."

New Merchant Surcharges on Credit Purchases

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Most of us have gotten used to charging purchases, large and small, on a debit or credit card. Just swipe the card and avoid the hassle of carrying cash. Look carefully; you may notice a new fee on your receipt.

Tips for Driveway Improvements

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

An attractive, well-kept driveway can help a home make a good first impression, provide protection against flooding, and even add value to your investment. But replacing a driveway can be a costly endeavor.

Watch Out for These Small Business Scams

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Consumers aren’t the only victims of fraud. Every year, thousands of small businesses are targets of fraudulent or deceptive sales practices. Protect your business from scams by learning what to look out for.

In Its 100th Year, Better Business Bureau Breaks All Records for Consumer Services

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Better Business Bureau celebrated its Centennial year by ringing the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Cemetery, and helping a record-breaking number of consumers across the United States and Canada.

"The Psychology of a Con Artist"

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Victor Lustig, who is infamous for having faked the sale of the Eiffel Tower during the 20th Century, certainly had many of the talents that Simon Lovell speaks of in his book and then some.

BBB prepares for National Consumer Protection Week

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

In an effort to better empower consumers as they head into the marketplace, BBB is joining with federal, state and local government agencies to promote consumer education during National Consumer Protection Week, March 3-9

Special Tax Breaks for Military Members

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

If you serve in a combat zone as an enlisted service member or as a warrant officer for any part of a month, all your income for that month is exempt from federal taxes.

Victims of work-at-home scams to receive checks

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

The Federal Trade Commission announced Wednesday that the victims of several work-at-home scams the agency took action against in 2010 will finally receive their portion of a $685,000 settlement.

BBB tips for securing your mobile device

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Better Business Bureau is urging consumers to take steps to secure their mobile devices in order to protect themselves from identity theft and malware.

How to Spot Scammers Impersonating the Florida DMV

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Have you received a confirmation email for a driver's license renewal or vehicle registration transaction you never made?

Social Security Checks Make the Switch to Electronic Payments

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Since May of 2011, federal officials have begun to favor electronic payments over the use of paper checks.

Turn Facebook pink, red or black? Don't fall for online scams

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Have your Facebook friends invited you to switch your boring blue Facebook profile to an attractive shade of red, black or shocking pink?

6 Reasons Military, Civilian Pay Don't Line Up

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Here are six reasons why my civilian compensation didn't match up right away:

Five Tips to Keep Your Military Finances from Going Off a Cliff

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

While the new year is beginning with improving economic conditions, the financial situation of many Americans remains fragile.

How to Spot Scammers Impersonating the Florida DMV

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Have you received a confirmation email for a driver's license renewal or vehicle registration transaction you never made? It's a scam! A new phishing scam poses as a confirmation email from the Florida DMV.

Program helps soldiers with financial matters

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

For military members, financial stress is a constant. Some money troubles are self-inflicted, as service personnel turn to spending to cope with the stress of preparing for dangerous situations.