BBB Tips

Cut Down on Junk Mail and Spam

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

There are a few things more annoying than junk mail, spam and unsolicited calls and texts messages. Not only are these unwanted communications an annoyance, but they can potentially lead to identity theft.

Father’s Day Advice: Be Smart About Adventure Packages

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Is Dad an adventure seeker? Is he up for the thrill of skydiving, whitewater rafting or other exciting adventures? How about golf lessons, a fishing trip, or a wilderness experience? With Father's Day on Sunday, June 16, Better Business Bureau is recommending that shoppers consider the fine print before purchasing high adventure activities or gift certificates for Dad.

Is Travel Insurance Right for You?

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Before you finalize your vacation plans, be sure you have given careful thought to whether you need to purchase travel insurance. There are circumstances that could cause you to cancel your trip, return home early or force you to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling.

Smart Business: Four Tips for Public Speaking

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

If you are like most people, the thought of speaking in public strikes fear in your heart. No worries; you can overcome your fear of public speaking.

Summer Smarts: Keep Your Home Safe While You Are Away

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

With an estimated 136 million Americans going on at least one vacation this summer, safety and security precautions are a must. Proactive measures can help consumers keep their home safe from fire, carbon monoxide, and the threat of burglary while they are away.

‘Candy Crush’ Game’s Popularity Sparks Fake Apps

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

An article on the website viruss.eu this week called attention to fake Candy Crush apps popping up online, as cybercriminals attempt to capitalize on the game’s popularity, the article said.

Facebook Page Owners: Beware of New Phishing Scam

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

If you’re the owner or manager of a company or organization’s Facebook Page, you may be the target of a new phishing scam. Phishing emails are being sent by scammers alleging to be from “Facebook Security.”

Businesses and ‘work-at-home’ folks: Beware of bogus check/wire transfer scam

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

A BBB-accredited ad agency in San Antonio recently discovered that bogus checks claiming to be from their company were being used in an overpayment/money wiring scam. The checks looked very professional, with the company name and actual routing and account numbers.

Scam Texts Trick Consumers Into Sharing Banking Info

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Watch out for text messages that pose as bank alerts asking you to confirm account information. The scam texts, known as smishing, are a relatively new way to steal personal information.

Better Business Bureau Urges Donor Caution After Tornadoes

Wed, 29 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

In the wake of the devastating tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma yesterday, and in north Texas last week, Better Business Bureau and BBB Wise Giving Alliance have issued tips to help donors make smart giving decisions and to avoid scams.

How to Improve Your Credit History and Pay Less for Loans

Wed, 29 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

A credit report provides a record of your history of paying loans and bills, including any late payments. These reports are important because they can affect your ability to qualify for a low-cost loan or insurance policy, rent an apartment or find a job.

Using VA Loan Entitlements for the Second Time

Wed, 29 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The VA home loan benefit is one of the most valuable of all benefits issued to our service members.

BBB Military Line’s Monthly Military Consumer Newsletter- “The Trusted Scout”

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

BBB MILITARY LINE's free monthly e-newsletter "The Trusted Scout" helps readers be better consumers and avoid scams designed to part military members from their hard-earned money.

Scammers Use Launch of Affordable Care Act Insurance for ID Theft Con

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Consumers nationwide are reporting receiving scam phone calls claiming they are eligible for health insurance cards through the Affordable Care Act.

SmartTips: BBB News For Smart Consumers

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Get the latest tips, alerts & news from BBB to your in box with our SmartTips e-newsletter.

The “Skinny” on Weight Loss Advertising

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

It’s almost swimsuit season, and the weight loss industry is energized! Marketdata Enterprises forecasts the US weight loss industry will reach $66 billion in 2013.

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

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.

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.

¿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.

“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.