BBB News

Scams Target Military, Families, Supporters

Wed, 23 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.

Want to Avoid Scams? Learn to Say 'No'

Sun, 20 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Want to know how not to become a victim of a scam? Just say “no.” Sounds easy enough. And it should be. But every day thousands of consumers do just the opposite.

BBB Advice for Hiring a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust

Wed, 16 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Natural disasters such as tornadoes can bring out the best in people, as strangers reach out to help others in need. Unfortunately, crises also bring out those who choose to take advantage of the victims. One of the most common "after-disaster" scams involves roofs.

BBB recognizes National Small Business Week

Wed, 16 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

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.

Moving? BBB Offers Tips to Protect Your Move and Yourself

Thu, 10 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 of consumers who aren’t careful.

New Phishing Scam Hurts Small Businesses

Fri, 04 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.

BBB Tips for Successful Mother’s Day Shopping

Wed, 02 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, 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 scam.

How Important are Business Titles Anyway?

Wed, 02 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

What’s in a name? Or, more importantly, a job title? I never gave much thought to this until these past few months when my staff and I began restructuring job positions and adding new staff members and then trying to come up with job titles that fit best – and that weren’t too unwieldy.

Summertime - And It's Time for Burglar Alarms

Wed, 02 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

It’ll soon be summertime and homeowners and apartment dwellers will be opening windows and doors to let in the scents and sounds of the season. Instead of issuing an open-ended invitation to burglars – July and August have the highest rates of burglaries, according to the FBI - consider installing an alarm system to protect your home and loved ones.

BBB Announces Staff Additions & Changes

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Pam King, president/CEO of the BBB serving Northern Colorado, has announced numerous staff additions and changes.

BBB Bestows Torch Awards On 7 Businesses

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Seven businesses from Northern Colorado and Wyoming received Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Business Ethics at the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Awards gala at Embassy Suites in Loveland on April 24.

CSU Business Students Participate in BBB Torch Awards

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Business students at Colorado State University were instrumental in getting three Northern Colorado businesses nominated – and selected – for the prestigious Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Business Ethics, presented April 24 in Loveland.

Giving Your AC a Pre-Season Checkup a Cool Idea

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

As the temperature slowly starts to climb turning on the AC begins to sound like a good idea, the Better Business Bureau reminds consumers of the importance of having their air conditioners serviced. Waiting until the temperature has reached the 90-degree mark only to find out the AC is not working properly can lead to much frustration and wasted money.

UW Business Students Participate in BBB Torch Awards

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Business students at the University of Wyoming were instrumental in getting two Wyoming businesses nominated – and selected – for the prestigious Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Business Ethics, presented April 24 in Loveland, Colo.

BBB Small Business Advice for National Financial Literacy Month

Thu, 19 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 Tips for Comparing Energy-Efficient Windows

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Warm weather is here and many consumers are looking to make home improvements while sticking to a budget. BBB advises consumers to balance cost effectiveness with energy efficiency, as more efficient windows, doors and skylights can make a big difference in energy consumption over time.

How Savvy Are You About Your Finances

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The past few years have been financially challenging for just about everyone, civilian and military alike. Military families have a few more obstacles in becoming financially secure primarily because of frequent relocations, deployments and the fact that many are young, on their own for the first time and receiving their first significant paychecks.

Whip Your Yard Into Shape Using BBB Tips

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Sunny spring days have many homeowners thinking about getting their yards in shape. Some may want to get their lawns mowed and aerated while others may be considering major landscaping projects such as new patios, decks or water features.

Travel Clubs' 'Free Airline Tickets' Not Always the Case

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Not too long ago, I received an email from Roseann Guyette of Greeley regarding a letter she received informing her that she won two roundtrip airline tickets with a value up to $1,400 for anywhere in the U.S.

BBB Warns of Phony Online Auto Dealer

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Better Business Bureau serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming warns consumers to beware of phony online auto dealers after a New Hampshire consumer wired $35,000 to what he thought was a legitimate online Cheyenne auto dealer only to discover the website was phony and he has no way of getting his money back.

4 Tips to Consider Before Spending Your Tax Refund

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Do you spend weeks each spring eagerly anticipating your income tax refund? When the money finally comes in, is it gone tomorrow?

BBB Warns Consumers and Businesses About Phishing Scam

Wed, 04 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

BBB Phishing Email Downloads Dangerous Viruses

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Better Business Bureau serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming warns businesses to be suspicious of emails purportedly coming from the BBB informing them of customer complaints.

Electronic Pickpocketing: Are your Credit Cards at Risk?

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

New technology now allows criminals to steal your credit card information by passing an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader near your wallet or purse.

Don’t Let an 'Authorization Hold' Hold You Hostage

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Credit is a convenience; it allows you to charge a meal on your credit card, pay for an appliance with an installment plan, or take out a loan to buy a house. But your BBB advises being aware of what the banking industry calls an “authorization hold” and how it could affect your available funds.

Smishing Scam Touts Free Walmart Giftcard

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Have you received a text message offering you a free Walmart gift card? Despite the attraction of a $1,000 gift card, BBB warns that the text message is a smishing scam.

BBB Advice for Avoiding a Moving Scam

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

As the busiest time of the year for changing residences approaches, BBB and the American Moving & Storage Association encourage consumers to follow a few simple rules when selecting a moving company. Knowing your rights – and red flags to watch out for – can go a long way toward protecting yourself from becoming a victim of a moving scam.

Ignore Those Texts! You Didn't Win a Gift Card from Walmart or Best Buy

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

BBB has received multiple reports of spam texts stating that you have either ‘won’ or been ‘randomly selected’ for a gift card from Best Buy or Walmart.

Hiring a Home Contractor - Do You Know the Red Flags?

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Whether you are looking to have your home windows replaced, new siding installed on your garage or a pool built for the summer months ahead, it’s always important to find a home contractor that you can trust.

Pinterest the New Kid on Social Media Block - and Your Business Should Take Note

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have dominated the world of social media. However, it’s time to make way for a new, growing social media outlet that’s perfect for small businesses: Pinterest.

Beware Calls Informing You of Computer Errors, Viruses

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Have you received a call from Microsoft claiming that errors and warnings have been found on your account or viruses discovered on the hard drive? You’re not alone. The BBB serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming has seen an uptick in the number of people calling to find out if these phone calls are legitimate or a scam.

Four BBB Tips for Driving a Good Deal When You Sell Your Car

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

When looking to sell your vehicle, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist, but you do need to know how to get your car into the right hands.

2011 Statistics Show Shoppers Doing their Homework

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Savvy consumers are increasingly turning to the Better Business Bureau in to check out BBB Business Reviews, find trustworthy businesses and to file complaints.

BBB Names 2012 Torch Award Finalists

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Eleven businesses from Northern Colorado and Wyoming are finalists for the prestigious BBB Torch Awards for Business Ethics, a program of the Better Business Bureau Foundation.

Buyer Beware as Shoddy Knock-offs Infiltrate the Internet

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

The market for counterfeit luxury items - from jewelry and perfume to handbags and sunglasses – is wide and deep. While online classified sites such as Craigslist and eBay are hot spots for counterfeit luxury item fraud, vendors of such goods are now setting up their own websites to fool frugal fashionistas.

National Consumer Protection Week – 7 Days, 7 Tips, 1 Smart Consumer

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

BBB is offering savvy consumers seven important tips to celebrate the 14th Annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). Sign-up to receive a BBB tip a day on the latest consumer topics.

Complaints Down, But Huge Jump in Inquiries Means Shoppers Are Doing Their Homework

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Consumer savvy, smart shopping and common sense all had a great year. 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.