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Clear-Cast HDTV Antenna’s Advertising not so Clear…Earning the company an “F Rating” with the BBB

5/16/2012

Posted on 5/16/2012 by

Canton, Ohio – May 15, 2012 - The Better Business Bureau has received hundreds of calls from consumers nationwide inquiring about the Clear-Cast HDTV Antenna. The product is manufactured by Brilliant Built Technologies, a subsidiary of Universal Media Syndicate, Inc., located in Canton, Ohio. The company is running large advertorial ads that appear in newspapers across the U.S. and mailing to residents nationwide offering to eliminate cable and satellite costs completely using the Clear-Cast HDTV Antennae.

The ads and mailings claim the Clear-Cast HDTV Antenna “pulls in Free over- the- air broadcast signals that the cable and satellite companies get and then re-transmit to you for a hefty charge every month…there’s never a monthly bill, you get all the free channels with Clear-Cast and you won’t pay for hundreds of channels you never really watch.”

Recent consumer calls and complaints to the BBB express confusion with the company's advertisement. Consumers have informed the BBB that they are under the impression that they will receive 953 channels as opposed to 953 shows as the ad claims. Consumers should be aware they could receive up to 53 channels depending on the area they live, and that 953 is the possible number of shows available.

In November, 2011 the BBB contacted the company regarding their advertising and conducted a challenge of several claims that appear in the ad. The BBB Ad Review Committee conducted a secondary advertising challenge on Clear-Cast HDTV Digital Antenna and determined that all matters of compliance were not resolved. The BBB’s concerns included the use of the word "free", the company's claims of advanced technology and the company's comparison to cable or satellite. The BBB also voiced additional concerns that referenced the company's implied government affiliation and overall impression of the ad. The BBB feels these types of misleading advertising is purposeful and do not feel the company is in compliance with BBB Code of Advertising and are serious enough in nature for the company to receive an” F” rating with the BBB, the lowest rating possible.

The company met with the BBB in January and April to discuss additional changes and/or provide substantiation regarding the Clear-Cast Digital HDTV. The company provided the BBB with Clear-Cast Digital HDTVs antennas to be tested by BBB staff. The BBB found that the product does provide some channels without cable or satellite connections. However; after testing the product the BBB found it did not perform as it is claimed in the ad. Additionally, BBB inquiries indicate that because the headline claims that consumers can eliminate cable or satellite bills, consumers are under the impression they will receive the same type of channeling as with their current provider, which the BBB found is not the case. Consumers continue to contact the BBB and state they are also confused as to what they are actually getting. The BBB’s research found that 90 % of callers, surveyed are under the impression that they will receive 953 "channels", when in fact the statement says "953 Free shows each year"

When considering using TV antenna’s versus cable or satellite TV the BBB recommends the following:

o Location is everything. If you live in a valley or rural area, you will have fewer channels available to you than others who live within a 40 mile radius of a TV station.

o You will not receive all the same channels and programming as your cable or satellite TV packages.

o Different types of antennae’s provide different results; you can view all your options through the FCC’s website at http://www.fcc.gov/guides/antennas-and-digital-television.

o Make sure you are aware of return and exchange policies before making a purchase.

o Do not fall victim to sense of urgency claims. Make sure you research any product before buying.

o Contact the BBB to check out any business before purchasing a product or service at http://www.bbb.org.

# # #

_{*Information in this release can change at any time. Please be sure to review this company’s business review at http://www.bbb.org/canton/business-reviews/product-sales-general/brilliant-built-technologies-in-canton-oh-92004669 before publishing information.}

About BBB

BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than four million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.

Connecticut Better Business Bureau says Consumers Can Protect Themselves from Most Internet Scams

5/14/2012

Posted on 5/14/2012 by

Online Criminals Have Two Primary Objectives

While there is no foolproof way to protect ourselves against all emerging technology-based scams, your Better Business Bureau says consumers can arm themselves by understanding the two major objectives of online criminals: cheating people out of money and tricking them into divulging personal information to commit identity theft.

The evolving methods used by cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated. However, consumers’ two most powerful tools are research and skepticism.

The most common Internet scams to cheat consumers involve obtaining credit card information and getting them to send money by wire transfer. This type of fraud occurs in general merchandising by phony or lookalike websites, predatory offers such as credit-repair services, friendship swindles, fake check scams using online auctions and classified ads and requests for upfront payment to receive supposed lottery prizes and work-at-home kits.

The second category of cybercrime involves coaxing consumers to reveal personal information, including their Social Security number, date of birth, address and telephone numbers. This is done by sending out authentic-looking emails supposedly from government agencies, retailers, financial institutions and other businesses. These emails typically contain hyperlinks that lead to online forms requesting personal information or download malicious software that can steal login information or passwords.

Connecticut BBB offers the following recipe to stay ahead of cybercriminals:

Research before revealing – Research unfamiliar retailer and charity websites at www.bbb.org before entering a credit card number.

Be wary of unsolicited emails – Government agencies, credit card companies and banks will never ask for personal information such as a Social Security or Medicare number through email. In addition, when you receive a link to a “special deal” or coupon through a social network site, type in the Internet address yourself. A link’s true destination may be hidden, take you to a lookalike website or download malware onto your computer.

Use secure payment methods – Never send money by wire transfer to someone you don’t know. Use a credit card, online payment system or escrow service to pay for auction or classified ad items.

Beware of overpayment checks – Cybercriminals use scams that involve sending a legitimate-looking check and asking that the monetary difference be returned by wire transfer. Though the check may initially be accepted for deposit at a bank, it may take several days to bounce, resulting in the loss of the wired money and penalties.

Be selfish with personal information – Social media sites encourage sharing, however, avoid sharing your birthdate, address and other information that may be used to help put together a profile that can be used to steal your identity. Check the privacy settings for your profile and considering hiding your profile unless you approve a friendship/contact request.

Practice safe computing – Don’t use short passwords, or the same password for multiple sites. Passwords should contain a variety of upper and lower case letters and digits or characters. Ensure your computer anti-virus software and operating system are up to date with the latest security updates and run malware scans on a weekly basis.

There is no telling what new online threats lurk around the corner, however, common sense and an abundance of caution go a long way towards protecting yourself from online crime.

###

AMT Auditing Services Broke Agreements On Mortgage Audits, Customers Tell BBB

5/10/2012

Posted on 5/10/2012 by

St. Louis, Mo., May 8, 2012 – A Utah company charged homeowners hundreds of dollars each for “risk free” mortgage audits, then either delayed their promised refunds for months or never paid them at all, customers told the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Consumers from Missouri, Illinois and several other states also said AMT Auditing Services of American Fork, Utah, added unauthorized charges to their charge cards and/or forced them to deal with long, frustrating delays when the homeowners tried to contact customer service representatives to resolve their issues.

“They did nothing at all, other than take my money,” said a woman from St. Charles, Mo., who said she lost $300 to the company.

AMT Auditing Services has an “F” grade with the BBB, the lowest grade possible, with complaints and reports from 25 states. The BBB in Salt Lake City identifies Colton Moody as manager of the company. CRM Ventures LP, Enlightened, LLC, and Mortgage Auditing Program are alternative business names.

Michelle Corey, BBB president and CEO, said that consumers should be cautious when solicited by AMT or other businesses seeking advance fees for mortgage audits.

Corey said the number and pattern of complaints involving AMT indicates “a significant and ongoing problem with the way this company handles its business. There remain continuing concerns over the value of mortgage audits. And there certainly is no acceptable excuse for a business that seems to chronically ignore its own customers.”

Several Missouri and Illinois homeowners said they received mailings from AMT similar to one sent to a Wisconsin consumer in March. That mailing said: “This notice is to inform you that you may be owed a refund of several thousand dollars from your mortgage lender. Your monthly mortgage payment may have been miscalculated and you may be due a refund from either your current or previous mortgage lender.” The letter says that the average refund is $1,497 and one-third of the refunds are $3,000 to $7,500.” In fine print at the bottom, the letter says it is not a mortgage modification offer, a forensic mortgage audit offer nor an offer to prevent foreclosure.

In 2010, the Federal Trade Commission warned consumers: “So-called forensic loan auditors, mortgage loan auditors, or foreclosure prevention auditors backed by forensic attorneys offer to review your mortgage loan documents to determine whether your lender complied with state and federal mortgage lending laws. The ‘auditors’ say you can use the audit report to avoid foreclosure, accelerate the loan modification process, reduce your loan principal, or even cancel your loan. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

On its website, www.amtdivision.org, AMT offers a mortgage audit at a sale price of $299. The site says AMT will determine whether a consumer has been overcharged and then notify the homeowner so he or she can obtain refunds from the lender.

Some customers who filed complaints with the BBB said that AMT took months to complete audits that it promised to complete in a few weeks. They also said the company delayed or reneged on promises of full refunds if the audit uncovered no overcharges.

The St. Charles woman said she paid AMT $199 in late October for a mortgage audit, then discovered unauthorized credit card charges to AMT of $49.95 in November and again in December. After receiving nothing from the company for two months, she finally gave up and filed a complaint with the BBB. Six months after making that first payment, she said she has yet to receive either a report from the company or a refund.

A man from Mascoutah, Ill., said he finally received a refund of his $249 payment more than four months after first hiring AMT and then only after filing a complaint with the BBB. “I’m no kid,” he said. “I should know better.”

A suburban Chicago homeowner said he paid $249 for an audit in November. The company promised a report in eight weeks. When no overcharges were discovered, he began trying to get the refund the business had guaranteed. He said it was not until he filed a complaint with the BBB and threatened to get attorneys involved that AMT refunded $199 of his payment in late March or early April.

“It was a very bad experience,” he said.

The company did not respond to a request for information from the BBB.

The BBB and the FTC discourage consumers from making advance payments for outside mortgage audits. Check BBB Business Reviews of companies at www.bbb.org or by calling 800-552-4631. The FTC also suggests getting free advice from housing counseling agencies certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by calling 1-888-995-HOPE.

FBI: Hundreds Of Thousands May Lose Internet In July

4/23/2012

Posted on 4/23/2012 by
Source: Huffington Post

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

Unknown to most of them, their problem began when international hackers ran an online advertising scam to take control of infected computers around the world. In a highly unusual response, the FBI set up a safety net months ago using government computers to prevent Internet disruptions for those infected users. But that system is to be shut down.

The FBI is encouraging users to visit a website run by its security partner, http://www.dcwg.org , that will inform them whether they're infected and explain how to fix the problem. After July 9, infected users won't be able to connect to the Internet.

Most victims don't even know their computers have been infected, although the malicious software probably has slowed their web surfing and disabled their antivirus software, making their machines more vulnerable to other problems.

Last November, the FBI and other authorities were preparing to take down a hacker ring that had been running an Internet ad scam on a massive network of infected computers.

"We started to realize that we might have a little bit of a problem on our hands because ... if we just pulled the plug on their criminal infrastructure and threw everybody in jail, the victims of this were going to be without Internet service," said Tom Grasso, an FBI supervisory special agent. "The average user would open up Internet Explorer and get 'page not found' and think the Internet is broken."

On the night of the arrests, the agency brought in Paul Vixie, chairman and founder of Internet Systems Consortium, to install two Internet servers to take the place of the truckload of impounded rogue servers that infected computers were using. Federal officials planned to keep their servers online until March, giving everyone opportunity to clean their computers. But it wasn't enough time. A federal judge in New York extended the deadline until July.

Now, said Grasso, "the full court press is on to get people to address this problem." And it's up to computer users to check their PCs.

This is what happened:

Hackers infected a network of probably more than 570,000 computers worldwide. They took advantage of vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Windows operating system to install malicious software on the victim computers. This turned off antivirus updates and changed the way the computers reconcile website addresses behind the scenes on the Internet's domain name system.

The DNS system is a network of servers that translates a web address — such as www.ap.org — into the numerical addresses that computers use. Victim computers were reprogrammed to use rogue DNS servers owned by the attackers. This allowed the attackers to redirect computers to fraudulent versions of any website.

The hackers earned profits from advertisements that appeared on websites that victims were tricked into visiting. The scam netted the hackers at least $14 million, according to the FBI. It also made thousands of computers reliant on the rogue servers for their Internet browsing.

When the FBI and others arrested six Estonians last November, the agency replaced the rogue servers with Vixie's clean ones. Installing and running the two substitute servers for eight months is costing the federal government about $87,000.

The number of victims is hard to pinpoint, but the FBI believes that on the day of the arrests, at least 568,000 unique Internet addresses were using the rogue servers. Five months later, FBI estimates that the number is down to at least 360,000. The U.S. has the most, about 85,000, federal authorities said. Other countries with more than 20,000 each include Italy, India, England and Germany. Smaller numbers are online in Spain, France, Canada, China and Mexico.

Vixie said most of the victims are probably individual home users, rather than corporations that have technology staffs who routinely check the computers.

FBI officials said they organized an unusual system to avoid any appearance of government intrusion into the Internet or private computers. And while this is the first time the FBI used it, it won't be the last.

"This is the future of what we will be doing," said Eric Strom, a unit chief in the FBI's Cyber Division. "Until there is a change in legal system, both inside and outside the United States, to get up to speed with the cyber problem, we will have to go down these paths, trail-blazing if you will, on these types of investigations."

Now, he said, every time the agency gets near the end of a cyber case, "we get to the point where we say, how are we going to do this, how are we going to clean the system" without creating a bigger mess than before.

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

4/13/2012

Posted on 4/13/2012 by

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.

Most of us depend on being able to use credit cards for everyday purchases. When identity thieves strike, we may feel powerless, but there are steps we all can take to safeguard our accounts.

Normally, credit card issuers will notify customers if their accounts have been compromised. The issuer may send you a new card and freeze the old account. Some companies will offer fraud monitoring services for a limited period of time. If they do, find out whether the service will result in a charge to your account and how you can cancel the service it you don’t want to keep paying for it.

Although most credit card companies don’t charge cardholders for fraudulent charges on their accounts, customers need to check their accounts for potential fraud not detected by a card issuer’s computers. You should look at transactions on the account regularly to make sure you actually made the purchases listed. Report any discrepancies immediately.

Most card issuers allow cardholders to check their accounts online. Some ID theft experts recommend that consumers switch to electronic delivery of credit card statements, especially if your mailbox isn’t secure. This prevents thieves from stealing your mail to commit ID theft. If you get mailed statements, go over them regularly to determine that all the charges are legitimate.

Another important step is checking your credit report on a regular basis. If you see accounts there that you didn’t open, contact the issuer to report potential fraud. You may want to consider getting a “credit freeze” that will prevent the opening of new accounts.

Many advertisements on television or online claim to offer “free credit reports,” “free credit scores” or “free credit monitoring.” Often, the service is free only if you sign up for another service that isn’t free. In some cases, the advertisers may be attempting to steal your identity or sign you up for something that results in a monthly fee charged to a credit card. Beware of links in unsolicited emails that ask for personal information or account numbers.

The only way to get a truly free copy of a credit report is by using a service sponsored by the three nationwide credit reporting agencies – Experian, Equifax and Transunion. The service is available at AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228. Consumers also may go to the website and download a request form that can be mailed to an address in Atlanta. Mailed reports normally arrive within two or three weeks.

Other tips that can help safeguard your accounts

Review receipts at stores before you sign them. Make sure the amounts jive with what you are purchasing.
Keep copies of ATM and sales receipts for your records and compare them with your monthly statements. Call the credit card company if you find a discrepancy. If fraud is involved, consider filing a police report.
Be aware of your surroundings when using your card. Could someone be looking over your shoulder to see your account number or the security code on the back?
Don’t leave cards unattended or in plain sight. Watch to see how the store or restaurant handles the card, and put it away immediately when you get it back.
If you are traveling, especially overseas, tell your card issuer where you will be and for how long.
Report missing cards immediately to the issuer.
Consider canceling inactive accounts.
Shred outdated but sensitive documents in a home shredder.

BBB Lists 6 Common Scams To Avoid Every Day - Not Just On April Fool's Day

3/30/2012

Posted on 3/30/2012 by

April Fool’s Day may be prime time for pranks, but your BBB of Northern Indiana reminds consumers that scammers take advantage of the unwary every day, not just on the first of April.

“The BBB gets calls every day from people who think they’ve won a foreign lottery or have received a check for prize money from a contest they didn’t enter.We try to point out the red flags that can show that the call, mail or email they’ve received is a scam.

Among the common scams:

1. Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams - Typically, the victim receives a letter in the mail stating that he or she has won a lottery or sweepstakes. The letter instructs the victim to deposit an enclosed check and then wire a portion back to the company to cover taxes or administration fees. The check turns out to be fake, and the victim loses whatever they wired back to the scammers—often thousands of dollars.

BBB Advice: Never wire money to someone you don’t know. You should never have to send money to receive any winnings from a lottery or sweepstakes.

2. Medicare Scams - Navigating the Medicare system isn’t easy and some scammers take advantage of the confusion. Commonly, a scammer will claim to be with Medicare and ask for personal information such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, credit card or bank account numbers. The victim might be given any number of excuses to provide this information, such as: an error needs to be fixed, that he or she is part of a survey or eligible to receive free products or to sign them up for a new prescription drug plan.

BBB Advice: Medicare will never call to ask for sensitive personal financial information. If you suspect fraud, contact your local police or the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General at 800-HHS-TIPS.

3. Bereavement Scams - Scammers often try to take advantage of people who have recently lost a loved one, such as a spouse. In one recent example, a mother and daughter team in Ohio found targets by scouring the obituaries. They would then call the widow or widower and claim that their spouse had outstanding debts that needed to be paid immediately. Victims would then provide a blank check or credit card.

BBB Advice: Offer help to family members if they have recently lost a loved one and are inexperienced in managing finances. If you are uncertain about owing a debt when collectors call, ask for written confirmation.

4. Deceptive Sales: Some scammers come to the front door and may be invited inside. They include furnace repairmen, contractors, door-to-door salespeople, air duct cleaners and other service providers. Some professionals will lie about the extent of the problem or claim safety issues and then inflate prices for unsuspecting customers.

BBB Advice: Find professionals you can trust by checking out a company with the BBB before you hand over any money. Report any deceptive practices to your BBB, local law enforcement and the state attorney general.

5. Investment and Work-at-Home Opportunities - The pitch might come in the form of an investment opportunity that promises big returns, or as a way to make money at home for an upfront cost. Regardless of the specifics, the victim is offered what sounds like a great opportunity but the extra income never materializes.

BBB Advice: The BBB is not aware of any legitimate work-at-home opportunities. Beware of investment or money-making offers that seem too good to be true or use high pressure sales tactics to get you to sign up immediately.

6. Grandparent scam - Telephone calls come in from someone claiming to be a relative who is stuck in a foreign country and needs money to get home. Some may say their money or identification papers were stolen or that they are in a hospital and need money to pay for medical care.

BBB Advice: Ask the caller for the person’s name or other information that would be known only to a relative. Also ask for a number to call them back and check with family members on whether the person is actually overseas. If they don’t provide a number or can’t provide identifying information, don’t respond to their demands. Do not wire money to someone you don’t know.

Before you do business with any company, check its our BBB Business Review by going to www.bbb.org or by calling 260-423-4433 during regular business hours.

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

3/29/2012

Posted on 3/29/2012 by

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

Like many financial institutions and government agencies, BBB's visibility and reputation for trust makes us an ideal vehicle for scammers. Consider that bbb.org receives over six million visits every month; this makes us an attractive decoy for fraud and malicious activity.

We recommend that all domain owners set up a sender policy framework (SPF) and set their spam filter to use it. “Using the SPF standard helps fight spam and phishing attacks by allowing your email servers to verify whether an email is legitimate.

Microsoft offers a simple, four-step process for setting up an SPF:www.microsoft.com/mscorp/safety/content/technologies/senderid/wizard/.

There are two authentic BBB email addresses that should be whitelisted:

@bureaudata.com (for complaints)
@northernindiana.bbb.org (for local correspondence)

If you receive an email saying that your business has a complaint filed against it with BBB, there are several things you can do to authenticate it:

Look for typos, grammatical errors, etc. in the text that could indicate it originated overseas.
Check to see who it says it is from. Complaints go out from the local BBBs, not from the headquarters office. If you "whitelisted" the two addresses above, this may eliminate your problems.
Hover your mouse over the link to see if its destination is really a bbb.org address.
Copy and paste the link into Notepad (not Word). Notepad does not support html, so if the link is a fake bbb.org address, the real link will show up.

Note - an authentic email from BBB will always:

come from your local BBB - not the Council of Better Business Bureaus or a BBB from another state.
the 'from' email address is fortwayne."xx"@bureaudata.com. The "xx" will be replaced with your BBB complaint contact person's initials.
the email will include a secure HTTPS link to the complaint details.
complaints are never sent as attachments.

The BBB system is working with federal law enforcement agencies to identify the perpetrator(s) of this fraud and has retained a deactivation company to help with those efforts.

Below is another SCAM email PURPORTEDLY from the BBB. Stay on the alert and send to BBB should you receive any.

From: Sonia Gibson [mailto:kxuspm@nscentre.dk]
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2012 10:30 AM
To: Marjorie Stephens
Subject: The Better Business Bureau investigation.

Valued business manager, we have received several reports through the Better Business Bureau online complaint center regarding several suspicious transfers from a number of checking bank accounts to your corporate account. You can access the reports in our online complaint center using the following link:

http://transform.lawnservicesurpriseaz.com/main.php?page=79517303f67f5c68 (link removed for your protection)

Use the following data to log in:
Complaint ID: #14398
Password: 10106:

The Better Business Bureau acts as an intermediary between US and Canadian consumers and business, and assists in mitigating consumer-related issues as an impartial third-party service. In special cases The Better Business Bureau reserves the right to initiate a formal investigation of a business involved in feedback.

Sincerely,
Dispute Resolution Officer. Conan Foreman

Council of Better Business Bureaus
3033 Wilson Blvd, Suite 600
Arlington, VA 22201

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

3/23/2012

Posted on 3/23/2012 by

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. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has tips and Business Reviews that can help parents find camps that will provide safe, rewarding experiences for children.

When choosing a camp, parents need to use the same care and common sense they would use in evaluating a day care program. They should look for a camp that provides activities that are of interest to their child and appropriate for the child’s age and skill level.

Parents need to take time to visit camps to inspect facilities, ask about the staff’s training and experience, and find out how the camp handles medical emergencies. If the child is staying overnight, be sure to look at cabins, showers and other facilities that your child will be using.

Some camps, such as those organized around a particular sport, are highly structured and stress development of specific skills. Others are more flexible and give campers the opportunity to choose some of their activities. Your child’s interest and personality should be your guide in choosing an appropriate program. If the child is old enough, ask what activities he or she would enjoy at camp.

Parents should ask how long a camp has been in business and check with parents of past and returning students. Check the BBB website, www.bbb.org, for the camp’s record on handling complaints. The standards for day and overnight camps may be different, but each should have your child’s safety and well-being as its top priority.

The BBB offers the following tips for parents searching for the right camp:

Always visit the camp before submitting your deposit. Check its location and view the living, eating and recreational facilities. Ask about safety procedures (particularly for water activities, archery and out-of-camp trips), and assess the quality and commitment of the staff.
Ask about fees and payment deadlines. Is your deposit refundable? Are there extra charges for any activities? Are meals and transportation offered?
What is the camper return rate? The counselor return rate?
What is the camp director’s background? How is the staff trained? Are criminal checks made for employees and volunteers? What is the ratio of campers to staff members?
Are medical facilities adequate? Is a nurse or doctor on site? What are the procedures for transporting injured or sick children to medical facilities? Are those facilities nearby?
What are the safety rules and how are they enforced? Does the camp have appropriate insurance coverage?
Are family visits or other communications with campers allowed? How is homesickness handled?
Are references from parents of repeat campers available? Ask the parents about their child’s experience and why they recommend the camp.
Finally, look for camps that are certified by the American Camp Association. ACA-accredited camps have met up to 300 nationally recognized standards.

Text Message Offering Walmart Gift Card is a Smishing Scam

3/22/2012

Posted on 3/22/2012 by

Text message offering Walmart gift card is a smishing scam

BBB advises consumers to delete, not reply to the text

Have you received a text message offering you a free Walmart gift card? Despite the attraction of a $1,000 gift card, Better Business Bureau is warning consumers that the Walmart gift card text message is a smishing scam.

While the exact wording of the text message is not always the same, these are a couple versions that have been sent to BBB:

“You just won a free $1000 Walmart Gift Card, enter “1000” at http://promocenter.ws/walmart”

“Dear Walmart shopper, Congratulations you have just won a $1000 Walmart Gift Card. Click here to claim your gift. www.ShopCard2012.com (cancel: STOP)

This scam is using Walmart’s name and popularity to lure in victims. Nationwide, consumers report to BBB they are requested to provide personal identifying information in response to the “questions” or “smishing,” and to provide credit card information to cover the costs of shipping and handling. Consumers who actually complete the gift card program often find themselves fulfilling “sponsor offers” which may include:

· “free trial offers” requiring credit card for shipping and handling, which may result in recurring monthly fees;

· surveys resulting in the sell or distribution of personal marketing information which will result in increased solicitations, telemarketing and junk mail; and

· unwanted subscriptions.

Walmart has posted an alert on its website claiming the text messages and sites being used are not from Walmart, nor are they associated in any way with Walmart.

If you receive a similar text, BBB advises:

·Do not reply. Replying to a spam text only verifies that your number is active, meaning more messages can be sent.

·Avoid unknown links. Do not click on any link sent by an unknown party.

·Block suspicious numbers. If you have received texts from an unknown number, contact your phone provider to block the number the texts are originating from.

·Do not store personal information on your phone. Avoid storing credit card and account login information in emails or notes on your phone.

To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit bbb.org.

Electronic Pickpocketing: Are your Credit Cards at Risk?

3/21/2012

Posted on 3/21/2012 by

Stealing a physical wallet is a thing of the past- new technology now allows criminals to steal your credit card information by passing an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader near your wallet or purse.

RFID is a small chip that contains information like the credit card number and expiration date. These chips are used in one third of the total credit cards in the US; consumers can wave their card in front of a RFID reader and the credit card information is transmitted to the merchant. This makes purchasing simple, but it also makes pick pocketing just as easy.

RFID readers are easily purchased, so criminals have access to your credit card numbers and expiration dates.

Using the information they obtain from your credit card, they are able to make duplicate cards to make other purchases.

BBB recommends the following tips to protect yourself:

* Put some sort a metal around your card such as aluminum foil

* Buy a protective sleeve or wallet from a place such as www.idstronghold.com

* Ask your bank to send you a card that does not contain an RFID chip

If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, contact the Federal Trade Commission for an Identity Theft Kit. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau at 260-423-4433 or 800-552-4631 if you have any questions.

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

3/1/2012

Posted on 3/1/2012 by

Fort Wayne, IN – 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. Conversely, filings of formal complaints against businesses were down across the U.S. and Canada; 927,000 in 2011 compared to just over one million in 2010.

“That is terrific news, that’s what we want to see,” said Carrie A. Hurt, CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB), the umbrella organization for the 116 BBBs across North America. “When consumers come to us first for information about businesses, they are much less likely to need our dispute resolution services later.”

BBB maintains Business Reviews on more than 4 million businesses and grades them based on complaint histories, responsiveness to customers, licensing, legal and government action, and other factors. 400,000 are Accredited Businesses that meet the BBB Code of Business Practices and are permitted to display the BBB logo in their advertising and place of business.

Industry	2011 Total Inquiries	Rank by number of Inquiries¹	Percentage Change over 2010
Roofing Contractors	3,343,214	1	38.8%
Contractors – General	2,232,022	2	71.4%
Auto Dealers – Used Cars	1,606,226	3	40.6%
Auto Repair & Service	1,581,440	4	63.8%
Plumbers	1,524,559	5	49.9%
Auto Dealers – New Cars	1,517,950	6	26%
Mortgage Brokers	1,471,565	7	14.5%
Construction & Remodeling Services	1,293,423	8	36.4%
Heating & Air Conditioning	1,227,787	9	19.4%
Movers	1,205,158	10	3.3%

^{1 Inquiry rank is out of 4,790 industry categories}

These numbers were not surprising. “These are mostly big-ticket items,” noted Hurt. “People tend to do more research when they are spending a lot of money, such as on homes and cars. We get most of our inquiries on our website, www.bbb.org, which gets more than six million visitors a month.”

Complaints are formal procedures that consumers file against a particular business when they have a problem they cannot resolve on their own. Every complaint is examined by an investigator at the local BBB where the business is located, and the company is given 30 days to respond. About 95% of complaints to BBBs are resolved at this level; the rest go to mediation or arbitration. BBB has trained mediators and arbitrators in every state and province in North America.

Industry	2011 Total Complaints	Rank by number of Complaints¹	Percentage Change over 2010	Percentage of Resolved Complaints ²
Cellular Telephone Service & Equipment	38,420	1	40.8%	96.1%
Auto Dealers – New Cars	25,983	2	5.2%	87.8%
Television – Cable, CATV & Satellite	25,518	3	-17.6%	97.8%
Collection Agencies	18,090	4	13.9%	83.1%
Auto Dealers – Used Cars	16,264	5	12%	72.9%
Banks	15,989	6	-29.4%	97.5%
Telephone Companies	15,691	7	65.2%	96.3%
Furniture – Retail	14,521	8	11.5%	75.3%
Auto Repair & Service	14,490	9	10%	66.7%
Internet Shopping	12,877	10	-.6%	71.9%

^{1 Complaint rank is out of 4,790 industry categories
2 Average resolution rate across all industries for 2011 was 76.3 percent}

Again, not too surprising, as these are goods and services almost all of us use,” said Hurt. “So even though the volume of complaints is high, the actual rate of complaints is relatively low. And companies in these industries also tend to resolve complaints at a higher rate, as well.”

Some industries saw big improvements over the past year. Complaints about health and medical products fell 61%, vitamins and food supplements fell 49%, satellite equipment and supplies fell 46%, vacation certificates and vouchers fell 45%, complaints about small business loans were down 38%, extended warranty contract service companies down 38%, buying clubs down 35%, loans were down 35%, complaints about mortgage brokers fell 31%, and banks fell 30%.*

There were quite a few industries with big increases in complaints, but one industry stood out more than any other: payday loan companies had 159% more complaints than in 2010. Other industries with an increase in complaints: book publishers rose 72%; cellular telephone equipment/supplies up 64%, and telephone companies up 64%; electronic equipment repair and service rose 54%; florists complaints rose 52%; travel clubs were up 48%; general merchandise retail increased 46%; insurance services rose 43%; and skin care rose 41%.*
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* The most improved/declined industries were those with the highest percentage changes in complaints from 2010 to 2011 for those industries with at least 1,000 complaints in 2011. All of those noted are in the top 200 industry categories that BBB tracks.

ABOUT BBB: For 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. BBB has Business Reviews on more than 4 million companies and Charity Reviews on 11,000 charities, all available for free. The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for 116 local, independent BBBs across the United States and Canada, as well as home to its national programs on dispute resolution and industry self-regulation.

Tips of the Tradeshow

2/28/2012

Posted on 2/28/2012 by

Consumers seeking high-tech gadgets, specialty products and remodeling services at tradeshows and expositions should walk with caution to avoid tripping on bad buys.

"Tradeshows are a valuable tool for buyers and sellers," says Michael Coil, President/CEO Serving Northern Indiana. "But consumers should recognize that exhibitors are there primarily to attract potential customers. Shoppers should avoid high-pressure sales stunts, dicey drawings and post-purchase problems."

Tradeshows and expos offer an ideal venue for gathering ideas and networking with businesses, but BBB reminds attendees to exhibit care at local events:

Work out a plan. Visit the show's website in advance to learn the layout of the venue, locate appealing vendors and check for coupons or discounts. Research sellers on bbb.org; or at the show, use BBB's iPhone app to check out companies.

Apply sparingly. Before signing up for drawings, contests or services, find out how contact information will be used and carefully review privacy policies. Beware: Direct mail, email offers and telemarketing phone calls may increase. Some consumers create email addresses specifically for tradeshow correspondence.

Learn the facts. Interact with booth owners and ask questions; if interested, collect pamphlets, brochures, business cards and samples. Make sure pricing, return policies and full contact details are listed.

Know the goal. If casually perusing, determine that early to avoid excessive impulse spending. If searching for specific businesses or products, come prepared with clear objectives and budgets. Pay for expensive merchandise with credit cards; monitor accounts in case unauthorized charges need to be contested.

Remember, do not feel pressured to buy expensive items or services right away, as returns and refunds can be challenging. Save receipts and other purchase paperwork. Review the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule to see which purchases may be protected.

For more advice on tradeshows, expos and fairs, visit bbb.org.

Accused of defrauding consumers, Sherwood Park businessman settles with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission

2/28/2012

Posted on 2/28/2012 by
By Ryan Cormier, edmontonjournal.com February 23, 2012

EDMONTON - An Alberta-based Internet salesman accused of defrauding consumers of millions of dollars has agreed to a massive settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Jesse Willms, 24, based out of Sherwood Park, agreed to a $359-million judgment that will be suspended upon Willms’s surrender of bank account funds and proceeds from the sale of his house, personal property and corporate assets, including a Cadillac Escalade, fur coat and artwork, according to a trade commission press release.

The trade commission press release notes that the settlement does not equal an admission on Willms part of illegal activity.

The order also imposes a permanent ban on Willms and his companies from what the trade commission calls “negative-option” marketing, which interprets consumers’ inaction as permission to charge them.

It’s alleged that as early as 2007, Willms used various Internet sales schemes to lure customers with free or risk-free trials and offers for products such as weight-loss supplements, colon cleansers and teeth whiteners.

After customers signed up using their credit or debit card information, they were typically charged for the free trial in addition to recurring monthly fees, usually $79.95, unless they opted out, according to the commission.

“The fact that almost four million consumers fell prey to the lure of these free trial offers is a stark reminder that ‘free’ offers can come at a huge price,” said David Vladeck, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC has stopped about $1 billion in online marketing fraud during the past two years by shutting down operations. But consumers still need to beware because scam artists are constantly coming up with new ways to deceive people online.”

Willms commented on the settlement on his blog Thursday.

“Today, in co-operation with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, we are announcing an agreement that helps us put past issues behind us,” he wrote. “We have resolved issues relating to past marketing practices for products that our company no longer sells. Through this process, we also have assured that our current business practices are in full compliance with the law.”

The commission filed a complaint in May alleging Willms used Internet-based marketing schemes to defraud consumers in Canada, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

The U.S. agency claimed about $450 million was gained through fraudulent practices. None of the allegations have been proved in court.

rcormier@edmontonjournal.com

BBB Warns Consumers About "Robo Calls"

2/16/2012

Posted on 2/16/2012 by

Those unsolicited “robo calls” to both your home and cell phone are annoying, to say the least.

The calls are recorded messages offering to lower credit card interest rates. Consumers report that the message requests, “press 1 to speak with a representative.” However, when they do so, the caller hangs up on them.

Some receivers of these messages do not even own a credit card, yet they are receiving these calls.

Some of the calls appear to be coming from “Card Holder Services” though there is no such company at the phone number that the calls are allegedly coming from.

Likely, the perpetrator behind the calls is using a call “spoofing” mechanism. Spoofing is the practice of causing a telephone device to display a number on the recipient’s caller I.D. that is not the actual originating phone number. It is accomplished by using a spoofing device or software mechanism.

If you receive such a phone call, the BBB recommends that you report the call to the Federal Trade Commission: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/. Also, check with your cell phone provider. Many providers allow phone numbers to be blocked from calling you, at no additional charge.

The BBB reminds consumers not to give out any personal or financial information over the phone to any unknown caller.

Watch Out for Scam Email Using Tax Prep Company, Intuit, Name

2/7/2012

Posted on 2/7/2012 by

People nationwide are receiving suspicious emails that appear to be from Intuit, a tax preparation software business. The messages encourage recipients to click on a link and update their Social Security Number or Employer ID Number in Intuit's online system. However, the email is a phishing scam, and the link leads to a third-party website that downloads a virus on to users' computers.

What does the email look like?

The email appears to be from update@intuit.com or security@intuit.com addresses. The messages also use a variety of subject lines including: "Please verify your tax information ASAP," "Correct tax information is needed" or "Tax information needed within 30 Days."

Steps to take:

Do not click on the link in the email
Forward the email to spoof@intuit.com
Delete the email

For more information, please read the security information on Intuit's website.

See BBB.org's complete scam directory for more information about breaking scams in your area.

About the BBB
The BBB is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Reliability ReportsTM on businesses and BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM on charities, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, your BBB also offers dispute resolution services for consumers and businesses. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada. Please visit www.northernindiana.bbb.org for more information

BBB Advice: Proceed with Caution When Dating Online

2/6/2012

Posted on 2/6/2012 by

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Are you looking for love? Millions use dating and social networking sites to meet people. While many are looking to start a successful relationship, there are those using these sites to take advantage of others. Unfortunately, the anonymity of the internet makes it easy for con artists to use these sites to meet potential victims.

These con artists create fake profiles to build online relationships, and eventually convince victims (often seniors) to send money in the name of love. Better Business Bureau offers these tips to help you recognize when the relationship may not be what you think – especially when your “Sweetheart”

· Wants to leave the dating site immediately and use personal email or telephone.

· Claims love within moments of meeting you online.

· Claims to be from the U.S. but is traveling overseas.

· Plans to visit, but is prevented by some sort of emergency or deal gone bad.

Here are a few things that people can do to help prevent being scammed on dating sites. Don’t wire money to cover:

· Travel

· Medical emergencies

· Hotel bills

· Hospital bills for a child or other relative

· Visas or other official documents

Don’t send money to tide someone over after a financial setback, and don’t do anyone a favor by making an online purchase or forwarding a package to another country. One request leads to another, and delays and disappointments will follow. In the end, the money will be gone along with the person you thought you knew.

You can report online relationship scams to the FBI’s IC3 at www.ic3.gov, to your State Attorney General, and to the Better Business Bureau.

For more information go to bbb.org or call 1-800-552-4631.

BBB Offers Advice for Safe and Successful Valentine's Day Shopping

2/3/2012

Posted on 2/3/2012 by

Fort Wayne, IN - February 2, 2012 -

If you're going to go through the task of sending flowers, candy or gifts for Valentine's Day, do a little homework and due diligence to make sure the holiday ends up a happy one. Locally, complaints against florists spiked 67% percent in 2011 compared to 2010.

"When buying flowers consumers should be especially careful when making the purchase online or over the phone," said Paula Fleming, Vice President of Communications and Marketing of the local BBB.

"Consumers need to review the description of the floral arrangement or any other gift purchased online or in conversation with the florist or sales person."

The BBB offers the following advice for safe and successful shopping for Valentine’s Day:

• Do your homework. Before ordering flowers, chocolates or any other gifts for Valentine’s Day check out the BBB's Business Review at bbb.org.

• Allow time for shipping. Check with the retailer or check the web site to make sure that you have allowed enough time for delivery by your specified date. Make sure that this date is specified clearly and guaranteed when you order.

• Be wary of any email received from an unknown sender. Do not open any unsolicited email and do not click on any links provided. Fake e-cards coming from scammers/hackers may send you an infected card or send you to a link where you are could compromise your computer’s safety.

For more information on shopping with companies you can trust, visit bbb.org.

Be Wary of Lost Pet Scams

2/3/2012

Posted on 2/3/2012 by

Losing a pet is a devastating experience. When unscrupulouspeople who find ways to capitalize on your lost pet situation in order to dupeyou out of money, the loss is even more devastating.BBB has receivedcalls about scammers who are defrauding heartbrokenpet owners in order to line their own pockets and advises pet ownerswho have advertised a lost pet to be wary of the following pet scams.

The Pay-Me-First Scam: The pet owner receives a phone call from a person claimingthat they have the lost pet in their possession. This person asks that thereward money be sent to them before they return the pet. If the pet ownerrefuses, they will often threaten to hurt the pet in order to pressure the petowner into sending money. Once the scammer receives the money, they are neverheard from again.

The Truck Driver Scam: Someone claiming to be a long-haul truck driver tells youthat he came across your pet while on his route. He then asks you to send himmoney so that he can send your pet back to you, or he may ask you to wire himmoney to board your pet until he can send your pet back with another truckdriver who's heading your way.

The Tag Team Scam: You receive a call from someone who says that they thinkthey have your pet. After talking to you for a while and getting informationabout your pet, they apologize and say that they're sorry, but it turns outthat it's not your pet after all. They then give all the information about yourpet to a partner. This is a set-up -- in a short time, the scammer uses theinformation received about your pet only to have a second person call and claimto have found your pet who will try collect any reward money in advance..

The Airline Ticket Scam: Someone calls and claims that your pet somehow ended up inanother state or province. They ask you to send money for a kennel and anairline ticket and they'll ship your pet back. Once the pet owner sends themoney, the scammer walks away with it, leaving the owner without their pet andless money in their bank account.

BBBprovides the following tips to prevent falling victim to a pet loss scam:

1. Ifyou must place an ad, include only essential information. Refrain fromproviding information about unique markings or physical attributes.

2. If you get a call from someone who claims to beout-of-state, ask them for a phone number where you can call them back.Scammers typically do not want you to know any of their personal information.

3. If a caller claims to have your pet in theirpossession, ask them to describe something about the pet that wouldn’t bevisible in pictures which may have been posted.

4.Never wire money to anyone you don’t know. This is a common thread in many types of scams.

Many pet owners have also had theirpets microchipped, as this preventive measure has proven to be effective inbringing lost pets home.

For more tips on how to be a savvy consumer, go to www.bbb.org. To report a fraud or scam, call 1.800.552.4631 or locally 260.423.4433.

SCAM ALERT: Text Messages That Cost You!

2/2/2012

Posted on 2/2/2012 by

CONSUMER ALERT

TEXT MESSAGES
THAT COST YOU!

Recently there have been reports of unwanted SMS (Short Message Service) texts showing up on cell phones, and the recipient being billed for them. Here’s one exactly as received:

From: 99716 TXTALTSNOW:You?ll receive Entertnmnt Alts.$9.99/mo billed to cell; 3 msg /wk. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. Msg&Data rates may apply.

In one case the recipient didn’t reply, but filed them away. The Sprint bill arrived with 5 separate charges for $9.99ea. Sprint, when called, helpfully blocked the associated SMS numbers and cancelled the charges.

For ID purposes:

Statements had different SMS addresses 60822, 55033, 36713 and 99716.
These appear to originate from something named “Silicon Investments”.

A line item in the bill looked like this :

Silicon Investments:Alerts-55033_Gosspitext_ALT-12/23…..$9.99

Digging afterwards at www.smswatchdog.com and running SMS text address 99716 through the system, it appeared from the consumer input that:

1. The SMS texts began in December and have continued into 2012.
2. Many people are getting hit
3. It’s happening to multiple carrier services (Sprint, AT&T, etc)
4. Replying STOP is a waste of keystrokes, you still get charged
5. Best way to combat it : Call your mobile service ASAP and dispute the charges.

Equipment affected: The cell phone does not have to be a Smart Phone. It simply must be able to receive texts..

About BBB

The regional Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan services 23 counties in Northern Indiana. Our offices are located in Fort Wayne, Osceola, and Merrillville, IN.

The BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Business Reviews, charity BBB Wise Giving Reports^TM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, the BBB offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 116 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.

BBB Warns of Do Not Call Phone Scam

2/1/2012

Posted on 2/1/2012 by

BBB warns of Do Not Call phone scam

Scammers pose as representatives from the National Do Not Call Registry

Better Business Bureau Serving Northern Indiana warns consumers that scammers are making phony phone calls claiming to represent the National Do Not Call Registry.

According to DoNotCall.gov, “The calls claim to provide an opportunity to sign up for the Registry. These calls are not coming from the Registry or the Federal Trade Commission, and you should not respond to these calls. To add your number to the Registry you can call 888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register, or go click on ‘Register a Phone Number’ in the left column of this page.”

The National Do Not Call Registry gives consumers an opportunity to limit the telemarketing calls they receive. Once they register their phone number, telemarketers covered by the National Do Not Call Registry have up to 31 days from the date their telephone number is registered to stop calling.

BBB reminds consumers:

· Do not provide any personal information to unknown callers, including bank information, Social Security Number and contact information.

· If your number is already registered with the Do Not Call Registry, your registration does not expire. You can verify if and when your number was registered by going to DoNotCall.gov.

· The Federal Trade Commission does not allow private companies or other third parties to register consumers for the National Do Not Call Registry. Websites or phone solicitations that claim they can or will register a consumer’s name or phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry — especially those that charge a fee — are almost certainly a scam.

· FCC regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers. As automated dialers are standard in the industry, most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers on their cell phones without their consent. However, you can still register your cell phone number if you’d like.

· You can file a complaint with The National Do Not Call Registry if you are still receiving unwanted phone calls after your number is on the registry for 31 days. Record the date and time the calls were made so that you can include that information in your complaint.

· Report telephone scams to BBB, the FTC and the Texas State Attorney General. The Telemarketing Sales Rule gives the FTC and local law enforcement officers the power to prosecute fraudulent telemarketers who operate across state lines.

To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit bbb.org.

About Better Business Bureau:
BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior.

Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB is the preeminent resource to turn to for objective, unbiased information on businesses and charities.

BBB 'Tech Support Scam' Surfaces

1/26/2012

Posted on 1/26/2012 by
Your BBB Serving Northern Indiana is warning of a new “Tech Support Scam” that involves telephone scammers calling consumers, and offering to help them remove any viruses that may have infected their computers as a result of the recent BBB email phishing scam.

The criminals who run Tech Support Scams attempt to trick their victims into infecting their own computers with malware, and other viruses, by directing them over the phone to download fraudulent antivirus software online that actually contain only viruses. Once consumers download this software the scammers will attempt to steal sensitive personal information from their computers.

The new scam appears to be a continuation of the recent BBB email phishing scam, where consumers and businesses nationwide received bogus BBB complaint emails urged them to open virus-infected links.

BBB Tips:

BBB will never call businesses or consumers and offer tech support over the phone
If your computer was infected by a virus from the BBB email phishing scam use your computers existing antivirus to scan your computer, and if that doesn’t work take your computer to a specialist.
If you have any questions involving the BBB tech support scam phone calls, or the BBB email phishing scam contact BBB by calling 1-800-552-4631 or visiting www.northernindiana.bbb.org.

Identity Crisis Targets Businesses

1/25/2012

Posted on 1/25/2012 by

Identity theft crimes are not limited to individuals; businesses can also become victims. Better Business Bureau warns of a recent surge in business identity theft.

"Impostors hijack and exploit information from legitimate organizations to swindle unsuspecting consumers," said Michael Coil, President/CEO Serving Northern Indiana.

Copycats often design similar-looking websites, advertisements and solicitations featuring real business names, logos and contact information to cheat consumers under false guiseâ€”and potentially ruin other businesses' reputations.

Business victims usually detect stolen identities when confronted by customers regarding false solicitations, fake websites, phishing emails, fraudulent charges or check cashing schemes. Additionally, some receive delivery, billing and customer service complaints stemming from the identity theft.

Stolen identity clues include: unusual product or service requests; unfamiliar advertisements posted in directories or online; and unwarranted complaint reports filed by unknown customers. Even Better Business Bureau discovered a series of fake BBB.org emails after being alerted by businesses and consumers.

If targeted, minimize the negative effects of business identity theft:

Claim the name and monitor business mentions. Make sure licensing and registration records are up-to-date with current contact details. Start Web alerts to track keywordsâ€”such as business names, addresses or phone numbersâ€”to locate unauthorized online listings. If fake advertisements or websites are found, contact advertisers and site publishers to have them taken down or removed immediately.

Track inquiries and complaints. If strange reports come in, document the details.

Alert consumers. Promptly notify current customers about frauds; explain how it is being handled and include contact information in case questions arise. If widespread, publicize the issue through company websites, social media profiles, press releases and emails.

Report the crime. Inform local police, the Federal Trade Commission and the Indiana Attorney General about the offense to help protect consumers and assist in other business identity theft investigations. Contact BBB to ensure complaints are not miscategorized and request custom "stolen identity" text in BBB Business Reviews.

CEO of the BBB on Credibility Live on Building Trust

1/25/2012

Posted on 1/25/2012 by

BBB Alert: Bureau Of Prescription Health, Free Medicine Foundation Charge For 'Free' Services

1/24/2012

Posted on 1/24/2012 by

St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 24, 2012 – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is advising consumers to avoid doing business with Missouri-based Bureau of Prescription Health, which charges consumers $10 per prescription to help them apply for free or low-cost medications.

Based on BBB research, several organizations and many pharmaceutical companies offer the same assistance for free.

A consumer from Connecticut said marketing materials from the Doniphan, Mo., business implied that she could save money on her 13 prescriptions. After paying the company $130 and sending in the applications, she received nothing. She said she asked the company for a refund and was denied. “It’s pretty disgusting,” she said. “I’ve told everyone to stay away from them.”

The Bureau of Prescription Health (www.freemedicine.com) appears to have taken over the work of Free Medicine Foundation, a company formerly headed by Cynthia K. Randolph. The Missouri secretary of state revoked Free Medicine’s registration in May 2010 for failure to file an annual report. Three months later, Randolph registered Bureau of Prescription Help under her married name, Cindy Haynes.

Haynes’ husband, Charles Haynes of Doniphan, registered Bureau of Prescription Health—a slightly different name—in September 2011. Charles Haynes is listed as president, secretary and the lone director of Bureau of Prescription Health.

Bureau of Prescription Health and Free Medicine Foundation have “F” grades with the BBB, the lowest grade possible, due to unanswered complaints and a pattern of complaints. Combined, the firms have more than 70 complaints with the BBB in the last 36 months.

Michelle Corey, BBB president and CEO, said consumers should be skeptical of online advertising from the Bureau of Prescription Health claiming that that the company can help get them free or low cost medicines.

“Consumers need to understand that they don’t have to pay $20, $50 or more simply to determine whether they qualify for these assistance programs,” Corey said. “They can get the same information and the same application papers without paying anything.”

Three years ago, the BBB and the Missouri attorney general’s office warned the public about Free Medicine Foundation after dozens of consumers from across the nation claimed they paid the business but received nothing.

In October 2008, the BBB warned that the business was not a charitable foundation, as its name implied, but rather a for-profit business, and suggested the name had the capacity to mislead the public.

In December 2008, Free Medicine Foundation and Cynthia Randolph signed an agreement with the attorney general’s office, promising to pay $10,000 in restitution and legal costs, drop the word foundation from its name and make refunds to consumers unable to receive prescription help.

Company officials did not respond to BBB requests for information.

A 67-year-old retiree from Bollingbrook, Ill., told the BBB that she saw the company’s online advertisement in September. The ad indicated she could get free or reduced price medications if she earned less than $43,000 a year. After paying the company $30 and receiving the application forms, she said she learned that the earnings limit was half of what the company had told her and that she did not qualify for any savings. “I was extremely angry and hurt that they would do something like this to somebody on a fixed income,” she said. She said she tried to get a refund, but was refused.

A woman from Warsaw, Ky., said she learned she did not qualify after paying the Bureau of Prescription Health $50. She described the program as “worthless.”

A woman from Carlin, Nev., said she paid the company $140 for help in applying for 13 medications, but ended up receiving no discounts on any of them. When she complained, she said a company representative told her, “that’s the chance you take.”

“I was gypped out of my money and I am sure there were thousands of other people,” she said.

The BBB offers the following tips for consumers searching for help in reducing the costs of their prescriptions:

Instead of paying someone to help reduce your prescription costs, consider contacting the pharmaceutical company or companies directly, or seek help from any of several groups that assist consumers at no cost. Such organizations include the national Partnership for Prescription Assistance, Mid-East Area Agency on Aging serving seniors in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson counties and the Catholic Charities’ MedAssist Program in Madison County, Ill.
Be wary of any company charging a fee to help you with the application process.
Read offers carefully. Is there a refund policy if you are not satisfied with the service? Exactly what services will you be receiving?
Obtain BBB Business Reviews by going to www.bbb.org.

Making Payments on Smartphones Has Risks

1/24/2012

Posted on 1/24/2012 by

As technology continues to rapidly evolve, more and more consumers are turning to their smartphones and tablet devices to do just about everything, including paying bills and making purchases. Unfortunately, while these technologies may be convenient and wildly popular, they may not be as secure as one would assume.

According to a recent analysis conducted by Consumer Reports, if you use your cell phone to make mobile payments, your level of protection against financial liability if something goes wrong will vary depending on your wireless carrier's policies and your cell phone contract.

Protections are not the same as those that are guaranteed for direct transactions made with credit and debit cards.

Often technology moves faster than the security to accompany it. This is the case with smartphones and similar devices so consumers need to know what protections are in place, as well as what the risks are.

To avoid problems with your device carrier and/or merchants you purchase from, keep these tips in mind:

Read your contract and make sure you understand your protections. If something isn’t clear, contact the carrier and ask questions.
As much as we would like to think of smartphones or iPads as a mini computers, they are not and may not have security software available. Find out if your device has such software available and purchase it to keep your transactions as safe as possible just like you would with your laptop.
Beware of fake apps. Make sure that your device has a screening process in place for each app you download. Remember that oftentimes, fake apps are the free ones. Also, try to research and review apps before downloading to see if anyone has had any problems with it.

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About the BBB

The BBB is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Reviewsand BBB Wise Giving Reports^TMon charities and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, your BBB also offers dispute resolution services for consumers and businesses. The first BBB was founded in 1912.

Look Out for Super Bowl Scams

1/24/2012

Posted on 1/24/2012 by

With the Super Bowl just around the corner, Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be on the alert for knock-off team jerseys, counterfeit memorabilia and phony game tickets.

“There are three good reasons not to buy counterfeit goods: theft, quality and security,” notes Michael Coil, President/CEO of BBB of Northern Indiana. “Counterfeit items are stolen goods. If you love your team, don’t buy a hat or jersey from someone who has stolen the team’s name and logo for their own profit. And counterfeit items are almost always more cheaply made, which means they won’t last as long as the real thing.”

But you may have an even bigger problem if you try to buy counterfeit memorabilia online. Several BBBs around the country have reported websites that don’t even have any merchandise to sell you…they just want your credit card number and personal information in order to steal your identity or drain your bank account. The best way to ensure you are getting official sports gear is to buy directly from the team or league websites, or from official vendors at the stadium.

Beware of Ticket Scams

Tickets for the big game can be an even bigger rip-off. There are thousands of Super Bowl tickets currently listed on Craig’s List, but the site offers no guarantees of any kind and does not require identification of its listers. Buying in person isn’t always an improvement, as it’s gotten easier and easier for scammers to make fake tickets that look real.

So where can you turn? Sites such as Stub Hub (www.stubhub.com) guarantee your tickets’ authenticity. There were 2,800 tickets available as of yesterday, starting at $2,450 a piece. Ticketmaster (www.ticketexchangebyticketmaster.com) handles ticket exchanges for the NFL, and had over 800 tickets available as of yesterday, starting at $2,864.

In general, avoid scams by being skeptical of:

Offers that sound “too good to be true”
Pushy sales tactics
Poor quality of merchandise
Offers that require wire transfer of funds

And always check out a business first at www.bbb.org/search.

For more consumer tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org/news. To sign up to receive our Scam Alerts, visit BBB Scam Source at www.bbb.org/scam.

Scammers delight in using the BBB name: Don't open fake email

1/20/2012

Posted on 1/20/2012 by

For the fourth time since November, 2011, scammers have shown that they recognize the power of the BBB name. The latest misuse of the BBB trusted name is another phony complaint notification.

The message says that the recipient has a complaint pending against them with the BBB and instructs them to click on a link to see and respond to the complaint. Once clicked, malware invades the user’s computer.

The email is sent from multiple addresses with the subject line "Complaint #" followed by a nine-digit number. BBB Accredited and non-Accredited Businesses have been targeted, and some consumers have also received the email.

Some emails appear to be coming from risk@bbb.org and service@bbb.org and contain the Council of Better Business Bureau’s (CBBB) address in Arlington, VA at the bottom of the message. However, the emails are not limited to these addresses.

Recipients of any such emails should NOT click on the link and should immediately delete the message.

The BBB has advised that anyone who receives a phishing email to take the following precautionary steps:

· Do not click on any links or reply to the message

· Completely delete the message from your inbox

· Run a full virus scan on your computer if you did click on any links

If you have concerns that you might have an actual complaint, please contact your local BBB office immediately at 800-552-4631 or info@neindianabbb.org.

BBB Advises Contractors To Avoid Firms That Charge $99 Advance Fee For Job Leads

1/12/2012

Posted on 1/12/2012 by

Better Business Bureau in St. Louis, MO is urging contractors across the nation to be alert for telephone solicitors trying to convince them to sign up for an online program offering free job leads.

Several contractors report that after paying a $99 background screening fee, they got no work and often were unable to contact anyone with the company.

The BBB suggests caution when dealing with Construction Crews (constructioncrews.net), Contractor Support Management (contractorsupportonline.com), Commercial Crews (commercialcrews.com), or any of several other construction lead companies requiring upfront fees to screen prospective contractors.

Most of the companies appear to be based in California. One St. Louis area contractor said he was solicited as recently as two weeks ago.

A cleaning and debris removal contractor from St. Louis said he signed up for a similar program about a year ago through Contractor Support Management. After paying the $99 fee, he received no leads and was never able to reach a company representative.

Contractor Support Management, of North Hollywood, Calif., has an “F” grade with the BBB, the lowest grade possible. It has received more than 100 complaints, the vast majority from contractors who said they received nothing for their money.

An electrical contractor said a salesman from Construction Crews of San Jose, Calif., phoned him two weeks ago. He told the BBB that the salesman said the $99 screening fee would give him weekly access to contracting jobs on foreclosed bank properties. The contractor said he decided against joining the program because “I didn’t feel real comfortable.”

Attempts to reach representatives of Construction Crews, Commercial Crews or Contractor Support Management were unsuccessful, despite calls to several phone numbers listed by the firms. The BBB could find no evidence that any of the companies were registered in California.

St. Louis BBB's CEO said salespeople promising to deliver leads to contractors in exchange for a $99 administrative fee may be part of a scheme to take advantage of legitimate business people struggling to earn a living. She said more often than not, these are hard working men and women looking for an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work. For somebody to trick them out of $100 isn’t right.

Complaints involving Contractor Support Management have come from across Missouri, including St. Louis, Florissant, Bloomsdale, Rolla, Stockton and Kansas City. Illinois complaints are from the northern part of the state.

The websites for Construction Crews and Commercial Crews are virtually identical, with the exception of the companies’ names. Both sites list the same address in California and the same testimonials. The BBB could not confirm that contractors offering testimonials on the websites are legitimate businesses.

The BBB offers the following advice for companies seeking business leads:

Beware of phone or email solicitations asking for upfront fees to join lead programs. Complaints have shown that many of these solicitations are scams.
Ask for references and contact them.
Get BBB Business Reviews by going to www.bbb.org

BBB Warns Consumers About Puzzle Contests From Opportunities Unlimited Publications Of Kansas City

1/10/2012

Posted on 1/10/2012 by

This information is provided by the BBB of St. Louis and your BBB of Northern Indiana wanted to make this ALERT available to you.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning Missouri and Illinois residents to be cautious when entering puzzle contests sponsored by Opportunities Unlimited Publications, Inc., of North Kansas City, Mo.

The contest promotions are mailed around the world and charge entry fees ranging from a few dollars to more than $40 per puzzle, with the cost of playing a complete, four-part game often totaling more than $100. The mailings report that grand prizes for the games usually range from $5,000 to $30,000.

A Missouri woman who spent nearly $100 to enter several of the contests last year said she found herself overwhelmed and confused by more than 80 prize mailings sent to her apartment over a period of several weeks. The mailings were from Opportunities Unlimited Publications or related businesses, all with return addresses at 1401 Armour Road in North Kansas City.

Many of the contest envelopes were marked with messages communicating a sense of urgency: “Dated Materials! Money Advisory, Important Notice! Deadlines Approaching! RESPONSE URGED NOW.” Inside, official-looking documents with facsimile signatures and seals warned: “Do not delay your response as someone will certainly be issued the $15,000 1st Prize Check” or “I strongly advise you to respond to this Official Memorandum immediately.”

Opportunities Unlimited Publications, which also uses the names International Award Payment Center, Contest America Publishers and Entertainment Award Center, has an “F” grade with the BBB, the lowest grade possible. Several complaints are from family members of senior citizens who said they feel the mailings are misleading, difficult to understand or make it seem as if the recipients are on the brink of winning thousands of dollars in prizes.

Michelle Corey, BBB president and CEO, said the Opportunities Unlimited contests are notorious for operating questionable direct mail marketing. She said the BBB has asked company officials for specifics on how its contests are monitored and audited, but the company has not responded to those issues.

“They tell us their contests conform to all state and federal rules and regulations, and that could well be true,” Corey said. “But a company’s responsibility to consumers extends well beyond the law. It has an obligation to conduct business ethically and make sure it is not misleading the public. That is where Opportunities Unlimited may be falling short.”

Among BBB concerns:

The company lures players into the early stages of its contests by asking them to solve simple puzzles. One example says: “When Reaching into a large box, you pull out three prizes. Prize No. 1 is $24,989; Prize No. 2 is $28,979 and Prize No. 3 is $29,879. What is the total value of all three prizes: $73,947, $83,847 or $93.847?” It appears that the simplicity of the puzzles pulls consumers into multi-part games requiring additional fees with each subsequent puzzle. The final puzzle can be extremely difficult and time-consuming, and the company notes that a grand prize may be split among several top winners.
The mailings communicate a sense of urgency and a feeling that a consumer is sacrificing a golden opportunity by not paying the contest fees and responding immediately. A typical mailing says, “This could be your Last Opportunity to win a share of the money! If you fail to reply, you will forfeit your eligibility in the Money Magic Awards Skill Competition.”
The sheer number of contests running at any given time appears to contribute to confusion. During a several week period last summer, the Overland consumer received entry forms for more than 20 different games with names such as Capital Reserve III, Cash Transfer Award III, Blue Series IX, Money Motion VI, Cash Connection II, Gold Series 9 and Strike It Rich XVII. Each game had multiple stages, different entry fees and different prize amounts.
The company contends that the contests are games of skill and not games of chance. As such, they may not fall under state and federal gambling regulations. The BBB has questioned what seems to be a lack of independent oversight of the contests. The company did not respond to a request for information asking who is responsible for guaranteeing that the contests are fair and legitimate.
The contest mailings contain numerous names of prize officials and judges, creating the potential for more confusion. The Overland woman received Opportunities Unlimited mailings that made reference to more than 20 different contest judges and other officials. The company did not respond to a BBB request for information about those identified in the mailings.
In spite of the company’s contention that it does not target senior citizens with its mailings, many of the inquiries and complaints to the BBB involve seniors or the families of seniors who believe the seniors have been misled.
The company acknowledges that it sells its player lists to other businesses that solicit by mail, offering the names and addresses of people who are “highly responsive to promotional offers” and “ideal prospects” for offers including astrology, fundraising, insurance and business opportunities.

C. Floyd Anderson of Kansas City founded Opportunities Unlimited Publications and was the former president of the company. The current president is Joseph H. Lawson.

In 1997, the Connecticut attorney general sent cease and desist letters to businesses tied to Opportunities Unlimited, noting that pay to play contests were illegal in that state.

Five years later, the Washington attorney general’s office announced that Contest America Publishers agreed to make refunds to consumers after the company “misled Washington consumers, many of them elderly, into believing they could win big prizes by solving easy puzzles.”

Attorneys estimated that 860 people from nine states could be eligible to apply for refunds. At that time, the company was prohibited from soliciting high-risk persons who had paid $1,500 in entry fees in a year, or $3,500 in their lifetimes, or others whose past submissions showed that they had little or no chance of ever winning.

In 2006, an official representing the Minister for Fair Trading office in New South Wales, Australia, told legislators that Contest America and Opportunities Unlimited had sent mailings to residents of Australia suggesting they could win a “guaranteed prize” of $13,000 for answering a simple question and paying a $23 entry fee. She said the office had encountered some people who paid a $23 fee more than 100 times, “convinced that they have the correct answer and will receive a windfall.”

A Granite City, Ill., man said he entered one of the contests for $9, but will never play again. “It’s a lesson learned,” he said.

A man from Lincoln, Neb., said he spent more than $400 in entry fees. “I never won anything,” he said.

A woman from Sacramento, Calif., said her 81-year-old father had been entering the puzzle contests for months. She said he paid entry fees of at least $200 before she confronted him. “At first, he said he was really embarrassed and said he wouldn’t do it any more,” she said. “Then I found out he was still doing it. He is really trusting.”

Trisha Estes, administrative assistant to the company’s president, said that since 1974, Opportunities Unlimited Publications has awarded more than $4 million to people from around the world, including France, Germany, India, Norway, Belgium, Japan and the U.S. She said all customers receive a set of rules with each game and a consumer pamphlet with their initial mailings. She said the company does not target senior citizens in its mailings and enclosed information pointing to the company’s liberal refund policy.

A copy of the rules for one of the contests – Money Bank XII – says that of about 100,000 entries expected, about 82,000 contestants were expected to correctly answer the first question, 23,000 the second question and less than 2,000 the third question. A final tiebreaker ultimately would determine the winners.
The rules also state that less than 5 percent of the entry fees will be distributed in prizes.

The BBB offers the following advice for persons considering paying an upfront fee to enter a mail contest:

Understand what type of contest you are entering. While most states have not outlawed paying entry fees for games of skill, paying an entry fee for a mailed game of chance is usually considered gambling and is illegal. Find out whether your state allows entry fees for games of skill.
Be wary of marketing hype that makes it appear that you already have won a prize or are on the brink of winning. Also, beware of marketing that attempts to entice you with promises of large prizes or tries to push you into acting before you feel comfortable.
Make sure you read and understand all contest rules.
Understand that in most skill contests distributed by mail, the initial puzzles are very easy, but later ones become increasingly difficult. The final puzzle may be extremely difficult to solve and obtain a winning score and, even then, you may have to divide the prize payout with several other co-winners.
Try to find out what checks and balances are in place to guarantee a fair contest. If you are uncomfortable with the company’s explanation of its auditing process, you may want to avoid the contest.
Check out BBB Business Reviews by calling 314-645-3300 or by going to www.bbb.org.

Contacts: Michelle Corey, President & CEO, 314-584-6800, mcorey@stlouisbbb.org, or Chris Thetford, Vice President-Communications, 314-584-6743 or 314-681-4719 (cell), communications@stlouisbbb.org, or Bill Smith, Investigator, 314-584-6727, tpc1@stlouisbbb.org

Alert! Jacobi Klien Lending Center

1/6/2012

Posted on 1/6/2012 by
CONSUMER ALERT From Your Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Michael Coil, President/CEO (260) 918-2060; Marjorie Stephens, Director of Communications (260) 918-2067 Jacobi Klien Lending Center [Fort Wayne, IN] Thursday, January 6, 2012 – Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana (BBB) has received 3 pending complaints from consumers not located in the Northern Indiana area. They alleged they did not receive the money promised them from Jacobi Klien Lending Center after paying an advanced fee in order to get a loan. BBB’s lead investigator began digging and found several inconsistencies: • Mail sent to their address was returned by the post office. • The address in BBB files and on their website at www.jacobiklc.com lists the address as 6920 Pointe Inverness Way Suite 115, Fort Wayne, IN 46804. However, when BBB staff checked out this address, there was no one there and was told it held no leasing contract with property management. • The company’s website says that they have been in Fort Wayne for 22 years. Although the only address on the website is the Fort Wayne address, the site has a map that indicates they are in Northern California. • There are no listings for them on phone, on any online directory or anywhere on the web except their site. • The phone number listed on their website reaches only a message that says that they are not available and to leave a message. • Betterwhois.com indicates that the website was created on December 4, 2011. Betterwhois lists a Canadian address as the contact and administrator of the site. • There was no listing with the Indiana Secretary of State, Pacer, or Manta. Pending complaints indicate that consumers were instructed to send $300 - $400 by Western Union to Jamaica. After the first payment was sent, consumers were told to send a second payment of $300 - $400. In some cases the company representative told the consumer that Jacobi Klien Lending Center would pay part of the second payment. However after sending part of the second payment, the consumer was told that the company could not pay any of the money and therefore the consumer would need to send the rest of the second payment. One complaint states that after making the second payment the consumer was told that a third payment would be required. Consumers were told that the loan would be in their account in minutes, however no money was received. “The scenario is all too common,” said Michael Coil, President/CEO of BBB of Northern Indiana. “A consumer may receive a call or e-mail or sees an advertisement for a pre-approved loan or credit card and calls to receive an application. The company says yes, they can offer you a loan regardless of your credit history, if you pay an up-front "insurance," "security" or "processing" fee in advance. Too often, those with bad credit - who can least afford it - end up losing their up-front fee and never hear from the company again.” According to the Telemarketing Sales Rule, if someone guarantees or suggests that there is a strong chance they can get or arrange a loan or other form of credit for you, it's against the law to ask you to pay - or accept payment - for their services until you get your loan or credit. BBB, along with the Federal Trade Commission, offers the following points to keep in mind before you respond to ads that promise easy credit, regardless of your credit history: • Legitimate lenders never "guarantee" or say that you are likely to get a loan or a credit card before you apply, especially if you have bad credit, no credit, or a bankruptcy. • If you apply for a real estate loan, it is accepted and common practice for lenders to request payment for a credit report or appraisal. However, legitimate lenders never ask you to pay for processing your application. • Never give your credit card account number, bank account information, or Social Security number over the telephone or Internet unless you are familiar with the company and know why the information is necessary. • If you don't have the offer in hand - or confirmed in writing - and you are asked to pay, don't do it. It's fraud and it's against the law. “Consumers looking for a loan, but forced to pay an up-front fee, are going to be the losers,” said Coil. “Call BBB and we can help you sort fact from fiction. Once the money is sent via Western Union, consider it gone forever, with little to no chance to recoup.” ***** About Better Business Bureau As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 65 million consumers rely on BBB Reliability Reports® and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visit www.bbb.org. Follow us on Twitter and Find us on Facebook.

BBB Study: Debt Collection Industry Thrives, Complaints Soar

12/29/2011

Posted on 12/29/2011 by

Fort Wayne, IN., Dec. 29, 2011 – “They threatened to try and take my disability away,” one complainant said of a debt collector, and another said they “threatened to file criminal charges of check fraud” and contacted my friends saying “I would soon be arrested.”

These comments are typical of the thousands of complaints filed by consumers against debt collectors. A surging increase in complaints in the past few years about the behavior of debt collectors has caused concern on the part of federal and state agencies and consumer advocacy groups.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) in Fort Wayne released a study today titled “They Deal in Billions: A BBB Study of the Debt Collection Industry, Its Soaring Growth and Problems for Consumers.” The study points to problems in the industry and their causes, and outlines the weaknesses in laws and their enforcement.

“The BBB believes consumers are obligated to pay their rightful debts and that businesses have the right to collect those debts,” said Michael Coil, BBB president and CEO. “But we also feel that debt collectors must obey the law. We hope that the Missouri Legislature, Congress and the courts will take notice of this rapidly increasing problem and take action to bring it under control.”

Among the study’s findings:

Complaints to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have increased 17% over the past year.
Missouri is one of only a few states without an adequate law similar to the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, hamstringing law enforcement attempts to sue debt collectors for improper actions.
Debt buyer-collectors pay pennies on the dollar for billions of dollars in delinquent debts that have been charged off and then try to collect the face amount of the debts.
Income increased an average of 58% in one year for two large debt buyer-collectors.
After unsuccessful oral or written attempts to collect a debt, collectors have filed suits in courts, often obtaining default judgments, and then garnishing the wages or attaching bank accounts of the debtor.
The suits are often filed with scanty or false information regarding the debt, and sometimes are backed by affidavits which are robo-signed at the rate of hundreds daily per worker by employees who have no knowledge of the debt.
Default judgments were ordered in 46% of 900 cases in St. Louis City and County examined in the study.
The FTC, General Accountability Office (GAO) and consumer advocacy groups have called for numerous reforms, including amending the 33-year-old FDCPA.
In the past three years, three large debt buyer-collectors have filed as a creditor in 221,757 Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases nationally, 6,478 of them in Missouri and 11,666 in Illinois. They presumably seek the face value of the debt for which they paid pennies.

The study notes that in 1995, debt buyers purchased debts with a face value of $12 billion. By 2008, that figure vaulted to an estimated $215 billion.

The study concludes: “The meteoric growth of the debt buying and selling industry shares a portion of the blame for the soaring increase in complaints and the plethora of calls for reform by government agencies and consumer advocacy groups. Other reasons for skyrocketing complaint numbers may be the downturn in the economy, an extension of unsustainable credit and the ever increasing indebtedness of the American public.”

The study recommends:

That consumers work with their creditors if facing the inability to make payments on a debt.
That consumers check with reputable non-profit organizations for counseling regarding any indebtedness beyond their means.
That consumers respond to a court summons regarding a debt, even if it’s a debt not owed. Doing so will eliminate problems that would arise later.
That consumers file complaints with the BBB and FTC regarding improper or illegal activity on the part of a debt collector.
That the Missouri Legislature join the vast majority of states in enacting its own Fair Debt Collection Practices Act modeled after the federal act. Such action would allow law enforcement officials to sue debt collectors for alleged violations.
That the Missouri Legislature, Supreme Court and/or the state’s circuit courts enact legislation or adopt rules to prevent default judgments being entered based on insufficient or false information. As recommended by the FTC, such legislation or rules should require that a petition include at minimum:

The name of the original creditor and the last four digits of the original account number.
The date of default or charge-off and the amount due at that time.
The name of the current owner of the debt.
The total amount currently owed on the debt.
The total amount owed broken down by principal, interest, and fees.
The relevant terms of the underlying credit contract.

That the Missouri Legislature enact a full disclosure law requiring debt collectors trying to collect on a time-barred debt to tell consumers that the debt is time-barred and any payment may reset the statute of limitations.
That Congress consider the many changes urged by the FTC, GAO and consumer advocacy groups to amend the 33-year-old FDCPA.
That businesses closely monitor the activities of agencies they hire to collect on delinquent accounts.
That debt collector trade associations monitor the activities of their members more closely, including imposing penalties for proven violations of laws.

BBB Warns of NETFLIX Phishing Scam

12/29/2011

Posted on 12/29/2011 by
BBB Warns of NETFLIX Phishing Scam December 29, 2011 – BBB of Northern Indiana issuing a warning that NETFLIX is the latest in a long line of companies to be plagued with a Phishing Scam using their name. A spokesperson from NETFLIX confirmed the phishing attempt and stated that NETFLIX has identified the website used and has executed a shutdown of that site. The scam is not just limited to NETFLIX customers. It uses the company's name and logo and most of the emails contain the subject line “Netflix Account Closed”. The bogus email contains links that contain phishing malware that can steal information from your computer. The NETFLIX spokesperson also stated, “We always tell people don’t click any links, go directly to the website, sign into their account. If there is a problem with the account we (Netflix) will typically have a banner at the top of the website that there is a problem with their account.” Consumers can also call their customer service number at 866-716-6812 to speak with a NETFLIX representative about their account. Phishing is a way of attempting to acquire personal information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by posing as a trusted entity in an electronic communication (email). Communications claiming to be from popular social web sites, auction sites, online payment processors or IT administrators are commonly used to lure the unsuspecting public. Phishing is usually carried out by e-mail spoofing, and it often directs users to enter details at a fake website that looks identical to the legitimate one. Recent similar bogus emails have prompted the BBB to update its advice and recommend the following to anyone who receives these emails: • Do not to open any attachments • Do not click on any links • Delete the email from your inbox, and then delete it again from your trash or recycling folder • Run a full system scan using reputable virus software BBB also recommends that all domain owners set up a sender policy framework (SPF) and set their spam filter to use it. Using the SPF standard helps fight spam and phishing attacks by allowing your email servers to verify whether an email is legitimate…or not. Microsoft offers a simple, four-step process for setting up an SPF: www.microsoft.com/mscorp/safety/content/technologies/senderid/wizard/ About the BBB System BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business Reliability Reports and charity Wise Giving Reports, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, the BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 116 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than 3 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about the BBB System.

Keeping Your Pets Happy and Safe when Boarding this Winter

12/28/2011

Posted on 12/28/2011 by

Keeping Your Pets Happy and Safe when Boarding this Winter

As much as pet owners may want to take their furry or feathered friends with them wherever they go, sometimes you can’t take them with you and finding a kennel or pet care service you can trust is paramount. That’s why Better Business Bureau has created a checklist to help pet owners choose a safe and reliable home-away-from-home for their pets.

Every year, BBB receives hundreds of complaints from pet owners about kennels. To date, in 2011, BBB has received more than 400 complaints nationally over billing or treatment of the pet – which is up from the 273 complaints filed in 2010. These owners have claimed their pets came back from boarding kennels severely dehydrated and malnourished or rife with fleas, ticks, and even maggots. Worst-case scenarios include pets that became extremely ill while boarding at poor facilities, which resulted in lengthy stays at the animal hospital.

It’s important to do your research and find a kennel you can trust.

If you are looking for a reliable kennel, BBB recommends the following checklist:

Check it out and get recommendations. Always check out the kennel with BBB at www.bbb.org first to make sure it has a good track record for keeping customers satisfied. Also ask your friends, neighbors, veterinarian or local animal shelters for recommendations.

Make a visit. Personally visit the facilities you are considering before scheduling the boarding. Check for cleanliness and offensive odors, and note the overall safety of the kennel and cages.

Ask lots of questions. If your pet is prone to running away, ask about steps the kennel has taken to make their facilities escape-proof. Ask about how your pet may come in contact with other animals. Some kennels let animals play together while others keep them separate at all times. Ask about the feeding schedule, water accessibility and frequency of – or any other fees, i.e. exercise. Ask about the hours for drop off and pick up and make sure you understand their billing policy terms and conditions. Finally, ask what happens in case of a medical emergency or other unexpected situation.

Go with your gut. Note the friendliness of staff members and how they interact with the boarded pets. Ask about their background and experience. If your state requires inspections, look for the certificate on the wall and make sure the kennel is properly licensed with the appropriate agency. Make sure the facility requires that all entering pets have proof of immunization, and ask about their policies regarding flea and tick control.

BBB Warns of Tightened Retail Return Policies

12/28/2011

Posted on 12/28/2011 by

As many consumers rush out to return or exchange their unwanted holiday gifts, several retailers are tightening their policies to combat the growing crime of return fraud. The Better Business Bureau recommends consumers take the time to fully understand these policies in order to avoid frustration.

Return fraud is the act of defrauding a retail establishment via the return process. Common methods of return fraud are purchasing merchandise for short-term use and returning the item, returning stolen merchandise for cash or store credit, returning merchandise that was originally purchased with fraudulent or counterfeit tender and using stolen or falsified receipts to return merchandise for a profit.

According to the National Retail Federation, the amount of fraudulent holiday returns for 2011 is estimated to be $3.48 billion,” says Michael Coil, President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau. “This increase in return fraud is unfortunate, as it essentially forces retailers to strike a fine line between providing outstanding service to honest customers and discouraging opportunistic scammers.”

To help prevent return fraud, many retailers are adopting stricter return policies, such as putting unique numbers on merchandise to better track whether an item was purchased or has already been returned, shortening return periods and making customers show identification when returning items. Some businesses also only allow in-store credit for returns.

Your BBB is offering the following advice for a happier and speedier return process:

· Know and understand the seller’s return policy. Most return policies will be listed on a company’s website or on the back of the receipt. Make sure to fully understand what’s required for a return or exchange, and if you have questions, call the store directly and ask about your specific situation.

· Keep original packaging. Some stores may require products be returned in original purchase condition, unused or un-opened.

· Bring identification and credit cards. Some retailers will ask for identification when making a return, as well as the credit card used to purchase the item.

· Don’t expect cash back. If you don’t have the original receipt for the item you’re returning, chances are you will only receive store credit or be allowed to exchange the item. Even with a gift receipt, many stores will only offer store credit.

· Read the warranty first. If a gift you received is damaged or defective, read the warranty. In some cases, warranties exempt retail stores from product liability and require consumers to mail the product directly to the manufacturer in order to receive monetary refunds, credit or product replacement.

· Don’t assume the regular return policy applies to sales or clearance items. Some merchants consider sales items to be final and health regulations, which can prohibit the return of hats and intimate apparel, also apply.

· Be aware of potential restocking fees. Some merchants charge a restocking or “open box” fee for returns of electronics products or large-ticket items.

· Don’t delay. In almost every case, a store will require an item be returned within a specific time frame. If you wait too long, you may miss your chance at returning the item.

For more helpful tips on returns and exchanges and to check a company’s Business Review before making a future purchase, visit www.bbb.org.

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About the BBB System

BBB is an unbiased organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability Reports^TM and charity BBB Wise Giving Reports^TM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 128 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than 4 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about the BBB System.

BBB Is Not Sending This Email

11/23/2011

Posted on 11/23/2011 by

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - Better Business Bureau is warning businesses to beware of a new malicious e-mail that pretends to be from BBB about a complaint filed against the company. The e-mail first came to BBB’s attention on November 21, 2011.

The BBB has been flooded by calls from local businesses and many across the US have reported receiving a suspicious e-mail from the address alert@bbb.org or services@bbb.org with the subject line “BBB Complaint Case #” followed by a nine-digit number. Both BBB Accredited and non-accredited businesses have been targeted.

The body of the e-mail claims that the company did not respond to a complaint filed by a consumer and includes a link to a page at www.bbb.org where the business can supposedly review the complaint.

BBB is NOT sending this Email!

If you are receiving this email, do nothing! This is a scam.

Because the message is fraudulent, BBB advises any business that receives this e-mail to take the following steps:

Do not click on any links or reply to the message,
Forward the message to phishing@council.bbb.org,
Completely delete the message from your inbox, and
Run a full virus scan on your computer if you did click on any links.

If you receive an e-mail from Better Business Bureau about a complaint filed against your business and need assistance in determining whether or not it is legitimate, contact your local BBB directly at www.northernindiana.bbb.org or 800-552-4631.

For more advice on how to protect your business from malicious online attacks and data breaches visit www.bbb.org/data-security/

A copy of the actual e-mail follows:

From: alert@bbb.org [mailto:alert@bbb.org]
Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 6:26 AM
To: Betty Graham
Subject: Complaint # 22101311
Importance: High

The Better Business Bureau has received the above-referenced complaint from one of your customers regarding their dealings with you.
The details of the consumer's concern are included on the reverse.
Please review this matter and advise us of your position.
As a neutral third party, the Better Business Bureau can help to resolve the matter. Often complaints are a result of misunderstandings a company wants to know about and correct.
We encourage you to use our ONLINE COMPLAINT system to respond this complaint.

The following URL (website address) below will take you directly to this complaint and you will be able to enter your response directly on our website:

http://www.bbb.org

Don’t Get Smoked Out of a Chimney Sweep Scam

11/4/2011

Posted on 11/4/2011 by

With the chilly weather fast approaching, many consumers are yearning for a toasty fire by the fireplace and looking to have their chimneys cleaned in preparation. However, Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to know which businesses to trust and which to avoid to prevent their hard earned dollars from going up in smoke.

To date this year, BBB has received more than 380 complaints against chimney cleaners, which is up from the 342 complaints received in all of 2010.

“Chimney sweeping is not something that homeowners deal with often, so we may lack knowledge of the cleaning process,” said Katherine Hutt, spokesperson for the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “Many scammers take advantage of this and do shoddy work…or no work at all.”

In some cases, consumers have reported calls stating the town fire department recommends the resident’s chimney be cleaned. The calls go on to recommend a particular chimney sweep and endorse their services on behalf of the fire department. Though town fire departments do recommend having chimneys cleaned on an annual basis, they do not endorse any particular company or inspect chimneys. Many scam artists are targeting the elderly, making vague, unclear phone calls claiming they have done business in the past and it is time for their annual sweep.

Scam artists are also advertising at a much lower price than legitimate businesses. Typically, a professional chimney sweep will charge between $150 and $200 for the cleaning of one chimney shaft, whereas scam artists are charging as little as $50. BBB advises that if a price sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

BBB suggests consumers do their homework before hiring a chimney sweep and inviting them into the home. Additionally, check with your local fire department and with the Chimney Safety Institute of America (csia.org).

BBB recommends using these helpful tips when hiring a chimney sweep:

Check out a chimney sweeping business at bbb.org. Always check with BBB for a trusted chimney sweeping business in your area. Are they an Accredited Business? Do they have any outstanding complaints?

Find out how long they have been in business. How long have they operated in your area? Find out if they offer current references, or if you know anyone who has used their services in the past.

Ask if they have a valid business liability insurance policy. In the event of an accident, this policy keeps your home and belongings safe.

Find out if any employees are certified through CSIA. Though this is not law, it is recommended by the fire department, and speaks to the qualifications of the individual or business you hire. CSIA is a national nonprofit agency with a certification program for chimney sweeps and certification is required of members of the National Chimney Sweeping Guild.

For more tips you can trust, visit bbb.org.

BBB App Lets iPhone, iPad Users Search BBB Business Reviews On The Go

11/1/2011

Posted on 11/1/2011 by

Fort Wayne, IN., Nov. 1, 2011 – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Business Reviews that consumers already trust for verified information on more than 4 million businesses nationwide is now available in a convenient “app” for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Last year, consumers turned to the BBB Business Reviews 87 million times to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities. The official BBB Search App, a convenient, mobile BBB solution, is now available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. The app was approved by the Apple Store and is available as a free download.

“For 100 years, BBB has been the trusted source for unbiased information on businesses and charities,” said Michelle L. Corey, BBB president and CEO. “We have an amazing wealth of information to help consumers find trustworthy businesses and to help them avoid those that are not. We are excited to offer this information to consumers on the go.”

BBB Search features include:

Search for local businesses or charities by name, phone, URL, or category type.
Search via current location or specified city, state or zip code.
Display search results in list or map views.
Access previous searches through the history menu.
View the BBB Business Review for every business listing, complete with BBB Rating, contact information, BBB Accreditation status, consumer complaint history, and more.
Save a listed business's information to “Favorites” or an iPhone’s contacts.
Share a business's BBB Business Review URL via email, Twitter or Facebook.
Find a BBB near you.
Read the latest BBB Consumer News.

The official launch of the BBB Search App follows a successful soft launch in June, with additional enhancements and fixes:

BBB Consumer News now includes a "pull down to update" feature.
BBB Business Reviews display a mobile-optimized interface within the app.
The zip code keyboard now supports letters for Canadian postal codes.
If a zip code was set in the search options, that zip code is also used as the default location for the “Find a BBB” search field.
Tapping on “Find a BBB” automatically displays the closest BBB location based on the current zip code setting.
When adding a selected business to your iPhone’s contacts, the business's phone number is now always included.

BBB Search 1.1 is available as a free app download on Apple's iOS App Store for devices running iOS 3.1 or higher. An Internet connection is required.

Consumers who do not have an iPhone can access a mobile version of bbb.org at m.bbb.org. Otherwise, you may check out a business or charity’s BBB Business Review by calling 314-645-3300 or visiting www.bbb.org.

This Memorial Day, BBB Warns of Scams that Target the Military

10/19/2011

Posted on 10/19/2011 by

With Memorial Day approaching, the thoughts of many Americans turn to our servicemen and women, as well as their families. Since members of the military protect us at home and abroad, BBB wants to protect them against con artists and scams.

“Too often, military service members and their families fall victim to scammers that target their unique lifestyle,” says Paula Fleming, BBB Spokesperson. “Since 2004, BBB Military Line has provided assistance to military communities with a variety of consumer related issues that are specially tailored to support their needs.”

BBB Military Line provides free resources, such as financial literacy information, access to BBB services and scam alerts for all branches of the military. BBB warns of the following scams that are directed at service members:

High priced military loans - Advertisements for loans that promise a guarantee, instant approval or no credit check will often come with hidden fees and extremely high interest rates. Remember that legitimate lenders will never guarantee a loan before you apply and any loan that requires an upfront fee is a scam!

Veteran’s benefits buyout plans - This buyout plan will offer a cash payment in exchange for a disabled veteran’s future benefits or pension payments. The cash amount is only about 30-40% of what the veteran is entitled to. These buyout plans can be structured in several different ways, so research thoroughly before signing anything over!

Fake rental properties - Stolen photos of legitimate rental properties are used in advertisements that promise military discounts and other incentives. Service members will have to pay a fee via wire transfer for security payments or a key to the property – in the end they will receive nothing.

Phony jury duty summons - A caller clams to work for the local court system and states that the service member did not show up for jury duty and now has a warrant out for their arrest. When the victim says they never got a summons, the caller will ask for a credit card number or Social Security number to clear up the matter.

Misleading car sales – Websites posting classified ads will offer false discounts for military personnel or claim to be from soldiers who need to sell their vehicle fast since they have been deployed. Upfront fees will be required via wire transfer, or the vehicle will have problems after purchase.

Expensive life insurance policies – Members of the military are often the targets of high pressured sales pitches that offer un-necessary, expensive life insurance policies. Solicitors will make false statements regarding the benefits that these policies offer.

Actively deployed troops can place an Active Duty Alert on their credit report. Doing so will minimize the risk of identity theft because creditors ad businesses cannot issue or grant credit until verifying identity. In addition, BBB recommends the following tips to avoid scams:

Do your research. Get as much information as you can about a business or charity before you pay. You can read BBB Business Reviews at boston.bbb.org.

Don’t wire transfer money to anyone you don’t know. Money sent via wire transfer is practically impossible to track. Pay by credit card whenever possible, since you can dispute charges easily.

Protect your computer. Don’t click on links within unsolicited emails. Don’t enter personal information on unfamiliar websites. Make sure that you have updated anti-virus software installed and use a firewall at all times.

Military families who want assistance in the marketplace can visit www.bbb.org/us/Military. For scam alerts, tips and other information you can trust, visit boston.bbb.org.

BBB iPhone App Now Available

10/13/2011

Posted on 10/13/2011 by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BBB iPhone App Now Available

FORT WAYNE, IN (October 13, 2011) — Last year, consumers turned to the Better Business Bureau 87 million times to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities. Now they can have that information in the palm of their hand with the release of the official BBB Search app, a convenient, mobile BBB solution available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. The app was approved by the Apple Store and is available for download as of today.

“For 100 years, BBB has been the trusted source for unbiased information on businesses and charities,” said Stephen A. Cox, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “We have data on more than 4 million businesses in the United States and Canada – an amazing wealth of information to help consumers find trustworthy businesses…and to help them avoid those that are not. We are excited to offer this information to consumers on the go.”

BBB Search features include:

Search for local businesses by name, phone, URL, or category type
Search via current location or specified city, state or ZIP code
Display search results in list or map views
Access previous searches through the history menu
View the BBB Business Review for every business listing, complete with BBB Rating, contact info, BBB Accreditation status, consumer complaint history, and more
Save a listed business's info to Favorites or iOS contacts
Share a business's BBB Business Review URL via email, Twitter, or Facebook
Find a local BBB near you
Read the latest BBB Consumer News

Today’s launch follows a successful soft launch in June, with additional enhancements and fixes:

BBB Consumer News now includes a "pull down to update" feature.
BBB Business Reviews display a mobile-optimized interface within the app.
The ZIP code keyboard now supports letters for Canadian postal codes.
If a ZIP code was set in the Search Options, that ZIP code is also used as the default location for the Find a BBB search field.
Tapping on Find a BBB automatically displays the closest BBB location based on current ZIP code setting.
When adding a selected business to iOS contacts, the business's phone number is now always included.
Improved error handling with more descriptive and user-friendly messages.
Several minor bug fixes have been implemented and a reported crash bug on iOS 3.x devices is now fixed.

BBB Search 1.1 is available as a free app download on Apple's iOS App Store for devices running iOS 3.1 or higher. An Internet connection is required.

App Store URL:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bbb-search-find-local-businesses/id440014505?mt=8

For more information, please visit: http://www.bbb.org/iphone/

About BBB

As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau® is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visit http://www.bbb.org for more information.

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111003b Layaway Now for Later: BBB Advice on the Layaway Process

10/11/2011

Posted on 10/11/2011 by

Layaway Now for Later:
BBB Advice on the Layaway Process

The current economy has left many shoppers on a budget and searching for more affordable methods of paying for big-ticket items and holiday gifts. This holiday season, many families will be turning to alternate forms of payment to make ends meet. With many stores offering layaway services, Better Business Bureau is offering advice on how to use this payment plan in lieu of credit cards.

Once considered a dated, old-fashioned method of payment, layaway services are back in a big way, with many businesses now shaking the dust off their layaway programs for today’s beleaguered consumers. Buying items on layaway is different from putting them on a credit card because the buyer isn’t charged interest on the purchase and can’t take the item home until it is paid off. When purchasing items on layaway, the buyer must typically make a down payment of 10 to 20 percent and pay any service or plan fees for the store to hold the item for them. The customer then has typically 30 to 90 days to make periodic payments to pay off the balance. Once it is paid off, the customer can take the items home.

“Layaway services can be a great alternative to the using a credit card,” said Michael Coil, Persident/CEO of BBB of Northern Indiana. “However, it’s extremely important that customers take note of the fine print and know what to expect.”

As a complement to in-store layaway, some stores provide online layaway services for purchasing items through the retailer’s website. Additionally, third-party businesses have sprung up for the purpose of setting up layaway plans online between customers and retailers that don’t already have a layaway program. Customers make periodic payments to the third-party layaway service provider. Once the item is fully paid for, the business then buys the item from the retailer and ships it to the customer.

When buying items on layaway, BBB advises consumers to get everything in writing and offers the following checklist of questions to ask:

• How much time do I have to pay off the item?

• When are the payments due?

• How much do I have to put down?

• Are there any storage or service plan fees?

• What happens if I miss a payment? Are there penalties? Does the item return to inventory?

• Can I get a refund or store credit if I no longer want the item after making a few payments?

• What happens if the item goes on sale after I’ve put it on layaway?

• Does the retailer or third-party layaway service have a good BBB rating?

For more advice on how to be a savvy consumer this holiday season, visit www.bbb.org/us/bbb-news.

Guide to Gift Card Giving: BBB Advice for Purchasing Valuable Gift Cards

10/3/2011

Posted on 10/3/2011 by

With the holiday season right around the corner and the economy putting the squeeze on budgets, many shoppers are going to be looking for the best gift options this holiday season. For those looking to give gift cards to family and friends, BBB is recommending that you do your research before purchasing a gift card.

So far, in 2011, BBB has already received more than 440 complaints against the gift card industry, a huge increase from the 33 complaints received in 2010. In some cases, consumers are disgruntled when they are given an expired gift card with loaded cash that isn’t usable until the expiration date is corrected. After sending the expired card in for replacement, the consumer is left empty handed when the card fails to ever return to them.

“Consumers need to be on the lookout for gift cards that appear to be ‘open’ or out of their original package, and cards that state an expiration date that is coming up or that has passed,” said Stephen A. Cox, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “Shoppers should be wary of online auction sites that promise ‘full value guaranteed’ gift cards. It’s sites like these that are prone to selling old, valueless cards that leave the gift giver and receiver distraught.”

BBB recommends the following tips for both givers and receivers of gift cards:

Know the rules. New federal rules that took effect in August of 2010 are designed to protect consumers, and will restrict fees and affect gift card expiration dates. These new rules apply to two types of cards: Retail gift cards, which can only be redeemed at the retailers and restaurants that sell them; and bank gift cards, which carry the logo of a payment card network like American Express, Visa, or Mastercard and can be used wherever the brand is accepted.

Check it out. Make sure you are buying from a known and trusted source. Always check out a business at www.bbb.org. Avoid online auction sites, because the cards sold there may be counterfeit or may have been obtained fraudulently.

Read the fine print before buying. Is there a fee to buy the card? Are there shipping and handling fees for cards bought by phone or online? Will any fees be deducted from the card after it is purchased?

Inspect the card before buying it. Verify that no protective stickers have been removed, and that the codes on the back of the card haven’t been scratched off to reveal a PIN number. Report any damaged cards to the store selling the cards.

Provide the receiver with back up. Give the recipient the original receipt in case the card is later lost or stolen. Also, before you buy retail gift cards, consider the financial condition of the retailer or restaurant. A card from a business that files for bankruptcy or goes out of business may be worthless. If the business closes a store near the recipient, it may be hard to find another location where the card can be used. A business that files for bankruptcy may honor its gift cards, or a competitor may accept the card. Call the business or its competitor to find out if they are redeeming the cards, or if they will do so at a later date.

Treat the gift card like cash. For receivers, it’s important to report lost or stolen cards to the issuer immediately. Some issuers will not replace cards that are lost or stolen, while other issuers will, for a fee. Make sure to use gift cards as soon as possible, because it’s not unusual to lose or forget about them.

For more consumer tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org.

UNWANTED “REDUCE YOUR CREDIT CARD INTEREST” CALLS USING LAS VEGAS, NV #702-318-1523 TARGET YAKIMA

9/29/2011

Posted on 9/29/2011 by

UNWANTED “REDUCE YOUR CREDIT CARD INTEREST” CALLS USING LAS VEGAS, NV #702-318-1523 TARGET

It has been reported to BBB that the above 702# is being used to make random calls to people, in this case, residents of Yakima, WA,pitching reductions in credit card interest rates. Your BBB of Northern Indiana is sending this notice to put consumers on the alert should you receive a phone call such as this.

BBB searched the number online as well as at BBB.org and was unable to come up with a review or official web site for the company itself. The search, however, did bring up a variety of subjective “Who Called Me?” blogs that state that others nationwide are getting calls from this group offering to reduce your credit card rate, including this one: http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/7023181523

The consumer who received the call was very wary of the pitch. Here is her scenario:

I was just called regarding "an important message relating to your credit cards due to the new Federal guidelines." I pressed #1 as instructed to find out what it was about--since I have no credit cards. As soon as I asked, the male that answered hung up. I did *69 and got this number-702-318-1523. I tried to call back and someone tried to say hello & I was cut off with a recorded message that this person was not taking calls at this time. I called again using the number and was told by a recording that my call could not be answered at this time.

BBB TIPS

BBB offers the following additional advice for consumers who receive robocalls from companies offering to lower their interest rate:

*Never give personal information, including Social Security, bank or credit card numbers, over the phone to an unknown telemarketer. Always research the company first by reviewing its Reliability Report at www.bbb.org.

*When considering any company offering any type of financial assistance, insist on getting a contract in which all terms and conditions are clearly explained before signing up or providing credit card or other payment information.

*Consumers can place their home phone number on the federal Do Not Call list by visiting www.donotcall.gov It takes 30 days before your record is active but on day 31 you can report all robocalls and telemarketing calls where there is no EBR (established business relationship). However, even if you are not on the do not call list you can report any robocall number that targets you.

If the consumer’s number is already on the list but continues to receive telemarketing calls—or is receiving robocalls on a cell phone—he or she can report the incident to the FTC at the following page:
https://complaints.donotcall.gov/complaint/complaintcheck.aspx?panel=2

Past BBB Warning about Robocalls

http://central-westernma.bbb.org/article/robocalls-promise-to-lower-credit-card-interest-rate-11125

BBB Warns latest Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes scam targets central Ohio Consumers

9/22/2011

Posted on 9/22/2011 by

Sweepstakes Huckster tricks Unsuspecting Woman into giving him $500

Your BBB of Northern Indiana has been notified by the Cenral Ohio BBB office that a disabled woman from Columbus, Ohio, said a con man tricked her into wiring $500 after he told her she won 2.5 million dollars in the Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes.

She is not alone. BBB warns that sweepstakes scams have cheated consumers nationwide out of millions of dollars in recent years. This tragic case illustrates what can happen when people put too much faith in strangers.

“We all dream of winning the lottery or a sweepstakes prize,” said John Coughlin, spokesperson for BBB of Central Ohio. “But in most cases, these prize notifications are nothing more than attempts to rob trusting consumers of their money.”

In addition to losing $500 in the sweepstakes scam, the Columbus woman said it was all the money she had in her savings and checking accounts. She must now wait for her next disability check before she can purchase groceries and medicine or pay rent.

On Monday, September 19^th she received a phone call from a man who convinced her she had won 2.5 million in the Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. To collect her winnings, she was told she would need to pay a $500 fee to cover the insurance for delivering the prize to her home. She went to her bank and withdrew $450 from the ATM machine so she wouldn’t have to talk to a teller. She then went in and got the last $50. From there she wired the money through Western Union as she was instructed.

When the prize did not arrive as she expected she called him and was told the van had two flat tires but the prize would arrive shortly. Later the man called back to say the prize had been put on hold and that she would need to pay an additional fee of $1,300.00. When she explained she did not have the money, he offered to put her on a payment plan. She decided she was being duped and told the man she was reporting the incident to BBB.

Now, she said, she finds herself wondering how she will be able to pay her rent, food and medical bills.

BBB of Northern Indiana typically receives between 10 and 20 phone calls a day from people asking about lottery or sweepstakes notifications. Often, the callers cannot believe they are being scammed.

The BBB has the following advice to anyone receiving notification of winning a prize:

· Remember that nearly all of these notifications are fraudulent.

· Never wire money - Wire transfers are like cash and can’t be recovered.

· You should never have to send money to receive any winnings from a lottery or sweepstakes. Be suspect of winning something you never bought a ticket for or entered.

If you have any questions about a sweepstakes notification, check with BBB at www.bbb.org or by calling 800-552-4631. These frauds will not let up. Please warn others that if it sounds too good to be true, it is!

Timeshare Owners: Beware of “City Resorts”

9/14/2011

Posted on 9/14/2011 by

Timeshare Owners Warning

CITY RESORTS OF NV Not Responsive to BBB Complaints

Nationwide, BBBs processed 2,804 complaints on timeshare resale services in 2010

September 15, 2011 – The Better Business Bureau is warning timeshare owners who are trying to sell or rent their timeshares to beware of Las Vegas based company, City Resorts.

City Resorts has been the subject of 23 complaints from around the country since March 2011 and holds an F rating with the BBB for failing to respond to complaints.

Complainants allege that City Resorts contacts consumers stating they’ve found a buyer for their timeshare. Complainants are then told to send a cashier’s check between $2,000-$6,000 for closing costs or processing fees. Complainants report that no buyers or renters emerged, and customers were unable to get responses to calls or their money back.

“After City Resorts got my money, I never heard from them again,” bemoaned a consumer from Massachusetts who lost $2,000. “They completely fooled me into believing I had a buyer for my timeshare.”

BBB representatives confirm that the phone number, website, and email have been disconnected and the current address is a mail-drop. Nationwide, BBBs processed 2,804 complaints on timeshare resale services in 2010.

Best advice? States Katie Robison of Vegas BBB, "Timeshare owners who want to sell or rent their timeshare should be wary of timeshare resale services that pressure customers to pay thousands of dollars up front, claiming that buyers are at hand. Too often, the services don’t deliver and customers can’t get refunds."

BBB offers the following advice to timeshare owners who are looking for help in selling their timeshare:

· Check out the business – You can check out a business at http://www.bbb.org/ BBB Business Reviews include basic information, complaint overview, and BBB ratings from A+ to F, along with the reasons for the rating.

· Confirm location and licensing –Confirm where the company is located and in what states it does business. Ask if the company's salespeople are licensed to sell real estate where your timeshare is located and verify this with the state licensing board.

· Get the facts on the figures – Find out if the business charges a commission. Do they handle the entire closing and provide escrow services? Do they charge an up-front listing or advertising fee? What does it cover and is it refundable?

· Be wary of upfront fees –Consider opting for a company that offers to sell for a fee only after the timeshare is sold.

· Don’t fall for the hard sell or an offer that sounds too good to be true – Don’t agree to anything over the phone but instead ask the salesperson to send you written materials; take the time to think it over and don’t be pressured.

For more consumer tips or to check out a business or file a complaint with BBB, start at http://www.bbb.org

Flurry of tax scams in area prompts IRS warning

9/8/2011

Posted on 9/8/2011 by

You may be surprised to see a column about tax scams at this time of year. We certainly hear about them more often at the Better Business Bureau in the months leading up to April 15.

The Internal Revenue Service, however, has issued an alert saying that it has seen an increase in tax-return-related scams recently, especially in the Memphis area. Many of the scams are directed at taxpayers who normally don't even have to file a return. The elderly and recipients of Social Security and other benefits are prime targets of the crooks. Some victims are led to believe they need to file a return to receive a tax credit, refund or rebate for which they aren't entitled.

The IRS issues an annual list of the "Dirty Dozen Tax Scams." Some involve people who knowingly commit fraud, including hiding income offshore, making frivolous arguments about why they're exempt from paying taxes, claiming exemptions and deductions they aren't entitled to, and misusing trusts to hide assets or reduce or avoid taxes.

Some people who end up committing the kinds of fraud cited above may not do so knowingly. They may be a victim of another scam on the IRS' Dirty Dozen list -- dishonest tax-return preparers. Federal courts and the Department of Justice have landed on hundreds of shady preparers. The IRS is implementing measures to improve competency, reliability and accountability in the industry.

At the BBB, we're most concerned about the innocent victims of tax scams. The most common are phishing scams in which the crooks impersonate the IRS to trick people, usually via e-mail, into revealing personal and confidential information that the crooks use to commit identity theft. In addition to the IRS, the good name of banks and even the BBB have been used in phishing scams. The crooks attempt to create a sense of urgency with their message.

In its recent alert, the IRS also advised local taxpayers to be wary of the following scams:

Fictitious claims for refunds or rebates based on excess or withheld Social Security benefits.

Claims that Treasury Form 1080 can be used to transfer funds from the Social Security Administration to the IRS enabling a payout from the IRS.

Unfamiliar for-profit tax services teaming with local churches.

Homemade fliers and brochures implying that credits or refunds are available without proof of eligibility.

Offers of free money with no documentation required.

Promises of refunds for "Low Income -- No Documents Tax Returns."

Claims for the expired Economic Recovery Credit Program or for the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Advice on claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit based on exaggerated reports of self-employment income.

E-mail scams are often sophisticated and hard to detect. Red flags include requests for detailed personal and financial information, including information the IRS should already have, such as your Social Security number; threats of consequences for not responding to the notification; and incorrect grammar or odd phrasing.

Remember, if the IRS needs information, it will generally send a letter. Don't respond to unsolicited e-mails or other communications asking for confidential information and don't click on attachments or links that may cause malware to be downloaded to your computer.

Anyone with questions about a tax credit or program should visit IRS.gov, call the IRS toll-free number at (800) 829-1040 or visit a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Don’t Let Misleading Car Ads Steer You Wrong

9/2/2011

Posted on 9/2/2011 by

Don’t let misleading car ads steer you wrong

BBB offers car buying tips for this holiday weekend

Fort Wayne, IN - September 2, 2011 – As Labor Day approaches, many car dealerships will offer incentives to help move the remainder of their 2011 inventory. Better Business Bureau reminds shoppers looking to take advantage of the holiday sales to do their homework and pay attention to detail; some promotions can be misleading.

Within the past year, BBB has received 1,240 complaints against auto dealers, both new and used. Many of the complaints allege advertisements for trade-in incentives or warranties were not honored appropriately, and car dealerships were difficult to work with when attempting to resolve disputes, such as warranty issues.

BBB reminds consumers there are many trustworthy dealerships offering real savings. To be sure you’re working with a reputable dealership, BBB advises consumers to be aware of the following advertising concerns, as well as adhere to the following tips.

Understand advertised offers:

· "No matter what you owe, we will pay off your trade-in.” This statement leads consumers to believe the dealer will give them what they owe for their old car. But what this statement really means is that the auto dealer will only apply what the current market value is for your car, not the remaining balance owed.

· "All credit applications accepted.” Many consumers mistake this statement to mean their loan will be approved, but really this only means the dealership will accept the application. According to the Texas Motor Vehicle Divisions, an auto dealer is prohibited from making a statement representing or implying that no perspective credit purchaser will be rejected because of his inability to qualify for credit.

· Very low prices. Sometimes dealers advertise a certain price for a vehicle that is extremely low in comparison to other dealers. The dealer should advertise the exact number of cars that will be sold at the low price.

Tips for those interested in buying a car this Labor Day Weekend:

· Do your research. If you have a specific make and model in mind, compare prices from several area dealerships. View each dealer’s BBB Business Review at bbb.org to get information about the length of time it has been in business, its history of complaints and complaint resolution and any past advertising concerns. BBB has more than 1,000 BBB Accredited auto dealers to choose from.

· Read the fine print. No matter what the business is advertising, always pay attention to the fine print. Next to many of the claims, there is an asterisk or number that refers to additional terms and conditions or limitations.

· Ask questions. Ask the dealer detailed questions about its advertised sales and research if they are comparable to vehicle market values.

· Get it in writing. Read and understand the contract thoroughly before signing. Make sure everything promised and agreed upon is included in the contract.

To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit bbb.org.

About Better Business Bureau:
BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior.

Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB is the preeminent resource to turn to for objective, unbiased information on businesses and charities.

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What You Should Know Before Downloading a Mobile App

9/1/2011

Posted on 9/1/2011 by

What you should know before downloading a mobile app

BBB cautions consumers to research apps before downloading

FORT WAYNE, Indiana -September 1, 2011 – Those who have a tablet, smart phone or mobile device have probably used an app at least once or twice. Businesses and individuals have developed apps to play games, get directions and access news, weather and other information. In 2010, consumers downloaded approximately 11 billion apps.

While apps are a great way to enjoy a mobile device or tablet, consumers should understand that not all apps are created equal and costs aren’t always apparent.

Mobile apps give consumers the ability to do almost anything on their smart phones. However, some consumers download apps without realizing the cost associated with the app, what information can be accessed by the app or who could be accessing their information because of the app.

BBB offers the following questions and answers to help consumers understand apps:

· How do I pay for an app? It depends on where and how you download the app. Phone plans may contain monthly data charges or you may pay per download. Also, app stores often require credit card information to create an account for purchases.

· Why are some apps free? While you may pay for some apps, others are offered free and make money in different ways.

- Companies may sell advertising space in the app to other businesses.
- Companies may offer a basic version of the app for free, but require you to pay for the full version.
- Some apps allow users to buy more features within the app. Usually, you are billed for these purchases through the app store account.
- Some free apps are designed to build interest in the company’s other products.

· What types of information can apps access? It depends on the app itself. Some apps can access phone and email contacts, call logs and device location. Some access only the information they require to function, while others access data unrelated to their purpose.

· Why do some apps ask for location? Apps use specific location data for maps, nearby coupons and information on who you might know nearby. Other apps provide this information to ad networks that build a profile and target marketing toward your specific interests.

· Should I update my apps? It is a good idea to update your apps. Updates may have security upgrades that protect your information from the latest hacks.

· Could an app infect my phone? While most apps are pre-approved before being added to an app store, hackers have created apps that can infect smartphones and tablets. Be cautious when downloading apps and be sure to use a reputable app store or website to download from. If your phone begins performing functions on its own, that may be a sign of malware.

To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit bbb.org.

Consumer Alert: Throw A Net Over The Super Villains Of Facebook

8/25/2011

Posted on 8/25/2011 by

By Rachel Newman of the San Diego BBB office

Technology evolves at lightning speed. As soon as we buy a new computer, it’s obsolete. There is a new operating system every week, and we are eating Facebook’s dust on a regular basis. Even more difficult to keep up with than the ever-changing landscape of technology, though, is the fast-paced world of the hackers and con-artists that inhabit the friendly pages of Facebook.

These “super-villains” cannot be thwarted by security setting changes or heightened awareness. They stay steps ahead of Facebook’s constant attempts to block them from the site. They even seem to come back stronger with each attempt. Lately, the BBB has noticed that these scams and their consequences have only become more prevalent on the leading social media site in the last few months. We want to help, so here is a breakdown of the Facebook “super-villains,” and their kryptonite.

· The Clickjacker. These scammers often appear after a big news story lands in the media. Seen recently in the aftermath of Bin Laden’s death and the Casey Anthony verdict, hackers present Facebook users with the opportunity to view an “exclusive” video. Once you click to see the content, the hacker now is able to gain access to your account and personal information, as well as spam your entire friend list with the same con.

ü The Kryptonite? Common sense prevails. Like most scams, you have to ask yourself, “Is this offer too good to be true?” If the answer is yes, then don’t click. How could you get word of a Casey Anthony confession before CNN, anyway?

· The Phisherman. It all looks normal, if this con-artist is doing his/her job right. You get an urgent email from Facebook to change something on your account or you could face deletion. You click the link and are taken to a login page. You enter your information, and that’s all they need; now they have your email and password as well as total access to your account.

ü The Kryptonite? Stop. Check the URL first. If you see this www.facebook.com/badguy’surltrick, navigate away from that page. Scammers use these smoke screen websites to trick unsuspecting users into sharing account information.

· The ‘Friend’ Who Cried Wolf. This is the youthful version of the ever-popular “Grandma Scam:” you are scanning your newsfeed when a desperate friend sends you a message that tells you they are stuck in a foreign country with no money and no chance for escape. That is, unless, you, their doting friend, can send over a large amount of money by wire without letting on to their parents. Do it quick too.

ü The Kryptonite? Take a breath and let this scary information sink in. First, try calling your jeopardized friend to make sure they aren’t resting comfortably at home. If you can’t get ahold of them, try a mutual friend or one of their family members. Verifying the information is key in not taking the bait on this tried-and-true scam.

· The Rogue. The scammer creates an app that looks real enough, but exists only to extract your email and password, as well as any other personal information they can access. These apps often use scare tactics insinuating they are an authority from Facebook. Recently a scam artist appeared to be advising users that Facebook was shutting down, and only those who accept his/her app would be able to remain on the site.

ü The Kryptonite? A healthy dose of skepticism should do you well. Check the author of the app or the page for typos or an unprofessional appearance. You can even try a Google search. Often times, you will uncover the truth within minutes of beginning your research.

Visit bbb.org today!

Online Furniture Company Builds Bad Reputation Faster than Furniture

8/10/2011

Posted on 8/10/2011 by

Online Furniture Company Builds a Bad Reputation Faster than Furniture

BBB Serving Central Ohio receives Consumer complaints from eleven states

The convenience of ordering custom made furniture online from a Zanesville, Ohio furniture company may seem appealing to consumers, until a pattern of BBB complaints have built up over the non-delivery of merchandise, lengthy shipping delays and poor customer service.

Just Primitive LLC, http://www.justprimitive.com/ a family- owned rustic furniture builder is located in Zanesville, Ohio at a residential address on Dresden Rd. Just Primitive has an F rating with BBB due to twelve unanswered and unresolved complaints.

Consumer from eleven states including; CT, CO, IL, IN, OH, MA, NY, NJ, PA, TX, WI, have asked for assistance from BBB with a variety of complaints against the company, including: Delivery delays, non- delivery of products, incorrect shipping charges, and order fulfillment errors.

A woman from New York stated that “after waiting for 10 months, and paying $200 more for shipping than I was quoted, I received the farm stools. Shortly after, I noticed small piles of sawdust under the stools and have come to find the stools have termites in them.”

“ My order was not shipped in any box and I was told by Justin the owner it is too expensive to ship in boxes which is the reason my order came damaged.”, said a woman from Wisconsin.

A woman from Illinois described her frustration at the company’s lack of response, stating “I ordered a back star box in the amount of $65 which was immediately charged to my credit card; however I have never received the box or a response from this company.”

BBB serving Central Ohio has given the business and “F” Grade, recording thirteen complaints against Just Primitive since opening the file one year ago. The company has failed to respond to twelve of the thirteen complaints, which BBB believes points to an underlying pattern of problems. BBB files reflect that consumers paid $6,000 for merchandise they have not received.

“We have been monitoring this company for some time, and attempting to work with them to help them understand the importance of building good business relations, said Joan Coughlin Konrad, BBB spokesperson. The company has continued to ignore its customers and BBB’s requests to resolve consumer disputes.”

Consumers should be aware that according to the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act, "it shall be a deceptive act or practice to accept money from a consumer for goods ordered and then permit eight weeks to elapse without: making shipment or delivery of the goods, making a full refund, advising the consumer of the duration of an extended delay and offering to send the consumer a refund within two weeks if the consumer requests it or furnishing similar goods of equal or greater value as a good faith substitute if the consumer agrees."

Many customers paid through PayPal, or their credit card and have been advised to file a dispute with their credit card or PayPal if eight weeks have passed and the merchandise has not been received.

To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit bbb.org.

Watch Out for False Promises from OnlineBusinessScams.com

8/5/2011

Posted on 8/5/2011 by
BBB cautions consumers to watch out for a website that is falsely charging for BBB complaint resolution services. OnlineBusinessScams.com charges consumers an upfront fee of $1,500 to $2,000 for assistance in collecting money owed from businesses only to forward consumers’ complaints to BBB.

BBB has received reports from consumers who received unsolicited phone calls that identified them as being victims of previous scams. They were then encouraged by the caller to provide personal information and to visit their website to register their complaint.

OnlineBusinessScams.com told one consumer that in order to help him collect money owed from a business he needed to pay 30 per cent of the amount owed. The site requested half of the 30 per cent upfront, which he paid.

After receiving the fee, OnlineBusinessScams.com asked the consumer to provide the details of the dispute so the site could determine whether to handle the “case.” Afterwards, the consumer received an information packet that included an envelope addressed to BBB. OnlineBusinessScams.com told the consumer that they would recover his money within 90 days. It’s now been 90 days and the consumer tried to contact OnlineBusinessScams.com to no avail.

BBB offers dispute resolution services to the public at no charge. Consumers never have to pay a third party in order to receive help from BBB. It’s a key part of our mandate to promote an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other.

To file a complaint against a business, please go to www.bbb.org to complete an online form or contact your local BBB office.

The Torch Awards Promo

8/4/2011

Posted on 8/4/2011 by

2008 Torch Award Interviews

8/4/2011

Posted on 8/4/2011 by

Grandparent Scam just got scarier

8/3/2011

Posted on 8/3/2011 by

The BBB is issuing a RED ALERT regarding a new twist on the Grandparent Scam that involves the caller already knowing detailed information regarding family members. In addition, the calls are not targeted strictly at seniors and the money requested is to be wired to Mexico.

At least six complaints from Central Valley victims of the new scam have been received in the last two weeks.

The original scam generally worked like this--the grandparent receives a distressed phone call from who they believe is their grandchild. The supposed grandchild typically explains that they are travelling in Canada and have been arrested or involved in an auto accident and need the grandparent to wire money to post bail or pay for damages—usually amounting to a few thousand dollars.

The scammers’ basic tactic is to pose as a grandchild and let the unsuspecting grandparent fill in the blanks. For example, the scam caller might say, “It’s me, your favorite grandchild,” to which the grandparent will guess the name of the grandchild it sounds the most like, and then the call proceeds from there.

In the updated scam, callers identify themselves by specific name as a particular family member. They say they are being held in jail in Mexico and they need bail money wired immediately. They lace their conversation with correct references by name to other family members, increasing their credibility. One caller even knew that the real person being impersonated had a twin who was born two minutes later.

The victims are not related and reside in different communities throughout the Central Valley. Law enforcement officials contacted by the BBB are not certain how perpetrators are obtaining the inside knowledge or phone numbers for victims.

Victims of this scam are encouraged to come forward and file complaints as part of an ongoing investigation with the BBB office closest to them. To protect themselves from this scam, and other scams that may use a distressed loved-one tactic, BBB is advising people to remain calm and confirm the status of the individual by calling them back directly or verifying the story with other family members before taking any further action. Developing a secret code that is known only within the family is also recommended.

The BBB also encourages people to limit the amount of personal information shared on social media sites and to only “friend” people they personally know themselves.

2011 Torch Award Interviews

8/2/2011

Posted on 8/2/2011 by

E-mail Survey Fraudulently Uses KFC Logo

8/1/2011

Posted on 8/1/2011 by

A national alert from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in Detroit is warning consumers to be on the look-out for an e-mail satisfaction survey appearing to be from Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). The e-mail promises a $100.00 gift card just to complete the survey but instead is a ploy to obtain personal information and turn more telemarketers loose on unsuspecting consumers.

Consumers have also alerted the Louisville BBB about an e-mail they received to complete a survey and in return, they would be sent a $100 gift card. The e-mail clearly displays the KFC logo and copyright symbols and asks about thirty questions with only the first four questions being related to KFC. The rest of the questions are about different items and companies. With every group of four to five questions, the survey asks the consumer to enter their e-mail address, home address and telephone numbers, as well as, encourages the user to continue the survey with “Almost Done” notations.

To date no gift cards have been delivered as promised but instead consumers received telemarketing calls from four or five different companies as soon as the following day.

Patrick Bennett, BBB Director of Community Relations, notes that YUM! Brands, parent company to KFC, does not have any involvement with the survey and provided the following response when alerted by the BBB:

“This is not a KFC sponsored survey nor have we given them the rights to use our logos in the survey that was e-mailed out. Our legal team is aware of this……. I believe they have sent this address an e-mail that has asked them to stop sending surveys with KFC logos. The e-mail is not from KFC, one customer stated the e-mail (address) that it comes from is freechickensurvey@arlissnovemarticulate7372.info, which is not one of our survey vendors”.

The BBB offers the following advice to consumers hoping to avoid online scams:

· Don’t be fooled by the appearance of an e-mail or website. Thieves have become very sophisticated in their ability to replicate sites, even providing direct links to a company’s history, departments and contact information.

· Don’t fall for offers promising a significant cash payout, credit or gift card for taking a simple survey. If something looks too good to be true, it likely is.

· Do not, under any circumstances, give personal or financial information to anyone until you have verified who will be using the information and how it will be used.

· Look for, read and understand Privacy Policies. Know what information will be collected and how it will be used.

· To avoid unsolicited telemarketer calls, register your phone numbers with the National Do Not Call Registry (www.donotcall.gov).

· If you feel you may be the victim of an online scam, contact the BBB at www.bbb.org or 1-800-552-4631 and the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

About Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau Serving Northern Indiana is a non-profit organization with the purpose of assisting in the protection of consumers and businesses from fraud and unethical business practices in the local marketplace. In addition to its recognized dispute resolution services, BBB maintains reliability reports on the customer service history of more than 80,000 local businesses and provides consumer education materials on numerous topics. BBB provides its services free to the public.

BBB Cautions Consumers on Penny Auctions

7/28/2011

Posted on 7/28/2011 by

Online “Penny Auctions” are quickly gaining popularity, and though they claim to offer consumers the opportunity to win quality merchandise at low prices, your BBB of Northern Indiana is reminding people that purchasing bids only provides consumers the right to bid on an item; they do not guarantee any product in return. The BBB has also noted an uptick in consumer complaints regarding penny auction websites recently.

“Penny auctions” typically work like this: consumers visit websites where they’re told they can win auctions and receive products at exceptionally cheap prices, like a new iPad for $80. They then buy “packets” of bids at a particular rate, such as $1 per bid. If a consumer buys 100 bids, then that person is giving the website $100 straight away, which gives him/her an opportunity to bid 100 times, but does not guarantee any product in return. According to Moneywatch.com, consumers must pay a fee of 50 cents to $1 each time they bid, depending on the site, and each new bid extends the auction time by fifteen seconds. So while an eBay auction with two minutes left will end in exactly 120 seconds, a penny auction with 15 seconds left could go on for several hours – as bidders watch their account balances shrink.

One penny auction website – Grabswag.com – advertises frequently through Facebook pop-up ads and falsely claims BBB Accreditation. Complaints indicate Grabswag’s website claims to offer ten “absolutely free” bids for new customers who sign up with them. However, while conducting a secret shopping investigation recently, Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota, discovered the site required a credit card number and other personal information in order to receive the “absolutely free” bids. Shortly thereafter, Grabswag billed her account for $99, which is the price for a “Starter Pack.” When she tried to cancel after noticing the charge, the company’s call center (which is located in the Philippines and operated by a third party) refused to provide a refund in full but instead proposed successively better “resolutions,” going from offering a 50% refund to a 75% refund. Though Grabswag maintained they do not grant full refunds, they eventually agreed to issue a full credit.

“The company’s terms and conditions did not disclose any charge upfront, which is a huge concern,” said Badgerow. “What’s also concerning is that in some Internet browsers the terms and privacy policy do not open or allow the reader to scroll past the first paragraph. People have no way of knowing what they’re getting into.”

The BBB of Central Florida currently maintains the report on Grabswag’s parent company, Nextown Technologies, LLC. There is an alert on Nextown Technologies’ profile regarding the non-disclosure of the $99 charge, as well as pending complaints with that Better Business Bureau, all having to do with that concern.

The Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission advise customers to use caution when dealing with pay-to-bid online auction sites and offer the following tips:

Always refer directly to www.bbb.org for legitimate business ratings. Click on any website’s BBB Accreditation logo to view their BBB profile; if you are not directed to a BBB profile, the business is claiming false Accreditation. Also, verify the seller's identity and check on their reputation. Some sellers may use a forged e-mail header, making it impossible to contact them if you need to.

· When you find a site that you feel comfortable doing business with, watch several auctions without bidding as a way to give yourself a frame of reference as to how the site works. It’s important to pay close attention to what you’re bidding on and how much time is left – every time a bid comes in, several seconds gets added onto the end of the auction, so save your bids until it’s close to the end.

· Remember that bids ONLY provide the consumer the right to bid on an item, and do not guarantee any product in return.

· Do not accept any offers to “free” trials that require a credit card number or personal information.

· Be cautious if the seller asks you to pay by check or money order. Some online sellers have put items up for auction, taken the highest bidder's money and never delivered the merchandise. What's more, consumers who have paid by certified check or money order have had little recourse when it came to getting their money back.

Try to pay by credit card. If you don't get the merchandise, you can challenge the charges with your credit card issuer.
Ask about using an escrow agent, or paying by COD. Most escrow services charge a fee, so you may want to consider this option only for larger purchases.
Ask how you'll get follow-up service, if you need it. Many sellers don't have the expertise or facilities to provide service for the goods they sell. Is this important to you?
Avoid impulse bids and purchases. Online auctions may be enticing, but always research the product before bidding to understand a fair price.
Ask about return policies. Returning merchandise to an online seller may be difficult.

For more information about online auctions, visit the FTC's web site on the Internet at www.ftc.gov.

The mission of the Better Business Bureau is to promote, through self-regulation, the highest standards of business ethics and conduct, and to instill public confidence in responsible businesses through programs of education and action that inform, protect and assist the general public.

BBB Alert: The Dr. Is Not In!

7/27/2011

Posted on 7/27/2011 by

July 27, 2011 – Conway, SC

The Better Business Bureau of Coastal Carolina is issuing a nationwide alert to consumers regarding “Dr. Bass, LLC”, an online store that sells custom built speaker cabinets based out of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The BBB has received 39 complaints against Dr. Bass since October of 2008, the majority of which allege that products are not being received. Consumers are purchasing products on the Dr. Bass website, paying for them in full, but either never received the product or they are sent a completely different product than what was ordered. Out of the total number of complaints we have processed, 28 of them have gone unanswered by the business. Although no complaints have been reported from Indiana, other states affected thus far are SC, NC, CA, CO, NY, TX, WI, VA, FL, HI, OR, MO, MD, and Puerto Rico.

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs office has also received 13 complaints about Dr. Bass that have gone unanswered.

“Sometimes we see this sort of thing when an internet-based business gets too big to handle”, said Kathy Graham, President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Coastal Carolina, Inc. “The appropriate action would be for Dr. Bass to respond to consumer concerns and let the BBB work with them to help resolve the issues”. Graham continued, “Since Dr. Bass has chosen to not respond to their unhappy customers, they leave the impression of being just another scam, and that leaves a lot of frustrated and angry consumers out there with no relief in sight”.

The BBB offers the following tips for consumers to protect themselves when purchasing over the Internet:

Verify the company’s contact information (name, address, phone numbers) before you give out any personal information.
Read the terms and conditions carefully. If you don’t understand them, ask. If you are unable to get a suitable response, don’t do business with the company.
Use a credit card for your purchase instead of a debit card. Debit cards take money out of your checking account, immediately.
If a pop-up appears after purchasing an item, read the box carefully to see how you can close it out without agreeing to a purchase.

Shopping Online For A Used Car? Beware Of Scams, BBB Warns

7/26/2011

Posted on 7/26/2011 by
Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers to be on the alert for phony used car dealers using the Internet to advertise vehicles at deeply discounted prices.

The BBB says the fraudulent dealers often take detailed personal information and cash from potential customers, promising to deliver vehicles to customers' homes. The vehicles never arrive.

Although no scams have been reported in Northern Indiana, consumers have alerted the BBB to two used car scams - one supposedly located in New Florence, Mo., and the other reportedly based in Sullivan, Ill. Both operations fabricated their addresses. There is no indication that either was a legitimate business.

"People work too hard for their money to be taken by these yo-yos," said a Birmingham, Ala., consumer who alerted police to a fake dealership calling itself Edward American Cars, which claimed to be operating in Sullivan. The consumer said he was keenly aware of the potential problems of car scams after previously losing $5,500 to an online thief.

Sullivan Police Chief John Love said that the address advertised by that business - in the 500 block of South Sixth Street - actually is the home of a long-time city employee who has no involvement in any car business. Love said the case has been turned over to state investigators.

Love has taken several calls from consumers across the U.S. who questioned the legitimacy of the online site. He said he was aware of no one who lost money in the scheme, but several people said they were worried that their personal information may have been compromised.

In February, a consumer from West Virginia told the BBB he lost nearly $7,400 after buying a vehicle from Quick Auto Sales, which hijacked an address in New Florence, Mo. The address turned out to be the site of an abandoned service station.

“It’s sad that there are people like that,” said the man who had recently lost his job.

Consumers should be careful about making any advance payments for items marketed through the Internet, especially if they are not familiar with the business.

Just because the picture is pretty and the price is right doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind. “Buy, but buy carefully.”

The BBB offers the following tips for consumers interested in buying vehicles online:

Buy from an established business with a good reputation.
If you are unfamiliar with the business, check its address to make sure it has offices where it says it does. If you have continuing concerns, contact the building manager or other tenants to confirm the business address.
Whenever possible, pay by credit card in case you need to challenge the purchase.
Be wary of prices that seem unusually low. Low prices are the best way for a fraudulent business to attract victims.
Get a BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org before jumping for the bait.

BBB alerted to another suspect website

7/25/2011

Posted on 7/25/2011 by
The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota has been alerted to www.smart-liquidation.com, a website claiming to offer discount furniture, exercise equipment and swingsets and BBB of Northern Indiana wants to warn individuals that may want to do business with them. The website asks consumers to make payments with Green Dot MoneyPak cards, and the website's graphics and content of are very similar to www.directhomefitness.com, a now-defunct website which claimed to offer home exercise equipment at steeply discounted prices. The BBB issued an alert on www.directhomefitness.com after customers reported merchandise they had ordered and paid for was not delivered and the company dropped out of contact.

The BBB is urging consumers to be extremely wary of websites or Craigslist ads that link to websites which ask customers to wire money or pay with a MoneyPak gift card. Consumers should never give their MoneyPak number to someone they don't know. MoneyPak cards should be treated like cash; transactions cannot be reversed.

Any time you receive a suspicious offer or find a deal too good to be true, take time to investigate it. Visit BBB.org or contact your local BBB.

Scam Alert: BBB Warns of an Email Phishing Scam

7/21/2011

Posted on 7/21/2011 by
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a new email scam designed to steal your money. Be on the lookout for an email claiming to be from someone you know who is stuck in another country. They are asking you to give them a loan to pay for their hotel bills and airfare home and request that you respond via email.

“This is yet another phishing scam,” said Michael Coil, BBB of Northern Indiana CEO, “all the scammers are doing is using a new ‘hook’ to lure you into wire transferring money to them.”

This email scam will come from someone who you have corresponded with via email before, but their email address may be different. All personal information or signatures within the email will be the same. This is a type of phishing scam, where thieves send emails that appear to be from a trusted contact and try to trick you into providing personal information or sending large sums of money via wire transfer.

If you reply to the email, you will be asked to wire transfer money or to provide your bank account or credit card numbers. The scammer may also reply back with a link where you can supply this information. Do not click on links within scam emails, your computer will almost certainly be infected with malware or spyware viruses that can help the scammers find enough information on your computer hard drive to steal your identity.

The BBB has some simple advice to keep you safe:

If you receive an email from someone you know who says they are in trouble, contact that person directly with the number or email address that you have for them.
NEVER click on links contained in emails you receive from someone you don’t know, even if the email looks real.
NEVER give out personal information over the telephone or online to someone you don’t know.
Make sure your computer has up to date, anti-virus software because new scams are created every day.
When in doubt, check it out with the BBB. It’s fast, easy and FREE to check on companies out at bbb.org.

For more information the latest scams, please visit bbb.org.

Online Rental Scams Target Renters and Landlords

7/20/2011

Posted on 7/20/2011 by

Online Rental Scams Target Renters and Landlords

BBB cautions consumers when using online websites to find a rental home

Within seconds of searching the Internet, potential home renters can find all the information they need about a possible new home, such as pictures, prices and virtual tours. However, such tools give scammers the perfect opportunity to take advantage of consumers. Better Business Bureau warns renters to be on the lookout for phony ads on Craigslist and other Internet services aimed at stealing money.

Consumers typically fall victim to these scams after responding to an online classified for a rental property. Victims say they are asked by the supposed landlord to wire money for the deposit and first month’s rent in order to receive the keys to the rental home. When asked if the renters can view the property prior to wiring money, the landlords claim to be out of the country and unable to show the house.

As a result of this scam, many shocked homeowners have received knocks at their doors from people who were planning to move into their new rental home. Often, the actual homeowners have their house up for sale — not rent — and have pictures posted online that the scammers steal for their phony listings.

BBB warns consumers of the following red flags:

·The deal sounds too good to be true. Scammers will often list a rental for a very low price to lure victims. Find out how comparable listings are priced. If the rental comes in suspiciously low, consider walking away.

· The landlord is located elsewhere and prefers to communicate via email. Scammers might say they have just been relocated out of the country for a job or missionary work. If the landlord is truly overseas, there is also no way to get a copy of a lease or keys.

· The landlord requires a substantial deposit before handing over the keys or even showing the property. Don’t pay any money before inspecting the home, inside and out. Most reputable Realtors will allow potential home renters to view and see the property before taking any money.

· The landlord asks the renter to wire money through services such as Western Union or Money Gram. Money sent via wire transfer service is extremely difficult to retrieve. Once the scammers have picked it up, there is little recourse, if any, for getting any money back.

About Better Business Bureau:
BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior.

Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB is the preeminent resource to turn to for objective, unbiased information on businesses and charities.

Contact BBB serving Northern Indiana at 1.800.552.4631 or visit our website at bbb.org.

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BBB Has Tips On Getting Air Conditioning Service For Those Sweltering In Summer Heat

7/19/2011

Posted on 7/19/2011 by
There’s no worse time for your air conditioner to go on the fritz than when the thermometer climbs near the century mark. Before you hire a contractor to make repairs, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises taking the time to check contractors out carefully, even when your patience is evaporating.

Rushing to find a cooling contractor can burn a hole in your wallet instead of keeping you cool. Some of the most common mistakes consumers make when looking for repairs are hiring the first contractor they find, not doing the proper research and not getting all the details of their service or repair in writing.

BBB Business Reviews give consumers a lot of information on contractors and how they treat customers,” said Michael Coil, BBB president and CEO. “By checking a company out with the BBB first, consumers often can save themselves the grief of hiring unreliable or unresponsive companies.”

If you are in need of a repair or just need a yearly check-up, the BBB recommends the following:

Research company background and licensing. Visit www.bbb.org for the Business Review of any company you plan to hire to learn more about its reputation and history of complaints. Ask if the company and its employees are licensed and insured.
Compare prices and service packages. Get at least three estimates for any air conditioning replacement, repair or maintenance work. All bids should be in writing and should provide a full description of the services to be provided and the materials to be used.
Review warranty coverage. Find out if the company offers any type of warranty or guarantee and make certain you understand the terms and conditions of the coverage. Also, be sure to check the warranty on your current air conditioning unit to determine whether any repairs or replacements may be covered.
Ask about energy efficiency. Many new air conditioning units are manufactured to be significantly more energy efficient than others. Some units may be eligible for tax credits. Make sure you get the necessary paperwork to cash in on those savings.

For more information or to check a company’s BBB Business Review, go to www.bbb.org or call 1.800.552.4631.

Cincinnati Police Issue Warning on Door-to-Door Magazine Crews

7/19/2011

Posted on 7/19/2011 by
Ah the hazy humid days of summer are upon us and so are the summer scams. "The Cincinnati Police just issued a warning to residents that door-to-door magazine crews are working in east-side neighborhoods, and we are forwarding it to our area to alert residents in Northern Indiana," said Michael Coil, BBB of Northern Indiana CEO. According to their alert, the sales folk are claiming that proceeds would go to local charities but the local charities have revealed that they have no working relationship with these groups

BBB Warns Job Seekers:

7/13/2011

Posted on 7/13/2011 by
Bogus Craigslist Job Posting Aims to Scam the Unemployed

As Indiana's unemployment rate continues to hover way too high, many job seekers are searching for any opportunity. But don’t take tricky bait warns the Better Business Bureau. Scammers are posting fake employment opportunities on Craigslist and this time they claim the BBB is hiring.

The Better Business Bureau serving Upstate New York wants job seekers to know they did not post a bogus Data Entry opportunity and do not post job openings on Craigslist. “The goal of most employment scams is to get the victim to give away personal information making themselves vulnerable to identity theft or to pay upfront fees,” said Michael Coil, CEO of the BBB of Northern Indiana.

Job seekers that have applied to the bogus BBB offer saying they were selected for an interview. The email stated “employees are paid via direct deposit.” The e-mail directed her to click a link to sign up for their preferred banking institution – at no additional cost - of course. She stopped right there and didn’t fall for it. The BBB is warning others to beware as well. “While it can be exciting to be contacted for a job interview, job seekers should take a step back and look closely at all the details before responding,” added Coil.

It’s common for the unemployed to use social networking sites, newspapers, and online postings to look for jobs, including Craigslist, but it’s important to know how to spot a red flags. Craigslist does post disclaimers for anyone searching for a job warning them of these types of scams.

The BBB offers the following tips when finding a job through online searches:

Exercise Caution. When using social networking sites like Facebook and online employment sites such as Craigslist, be sure to check the actual Web site of the company posting the position to verify it actually exists. If you don’t see it on their site, chances are it’s a scam.
Guard Your Resume. Some job seekers have uploaded their resume online but remember to make sure you only upload it for a legitimate purpose and company. Resumes often contain personal information, ripe for identity theft thieves.
Start with Trust. Many scams use names that are similar to reputable companies to trick job seekers. BBB recommends that job seekers check out the company first at bbb.org and to apply through the actual company site whenever possible.
Never Pay Upfront Fees. No legitimate job offer will require out of pocket expenses from a potential employee for background checks, credit reports or administrative fees before an interview.
Protect Personal Information. Job seekers should never provide their social security number or birth date until they have verified the position is legitimate. Additionally, job seekers should never provide bank account information for direct deposit setup until they have officially been hired.
Be Careful of the “Perfect Offer.” Job seekers should be cautious of any posting advertising extremely high pay for short hours or minimal required experience. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Avoid Work-at-Home Offers. Most jobs that imply you can work from home or rake in cash are a ploy to trap you into giving away your credit card information, cashing fake checks, or paying for training that should be free. Job seekers should understand employees working from home generally go through the traditional in-person interviews and hiring process and often have prior experience in what they are doing, work for a salary, or have spent time and money developing the market for their work.
Report Fraud. If you find a job scam or internet fraud, including Craigslist scams, report it to the BBB by emailing info@upstatenybbb.org and contact the Internet Fraud Complaint Center at 800.251.3221 or go to www.ic3.gov.

For more information on finding a job and to check the reliability of any company, visit bbb.org.

In the News -- BBB Tells Today Show about Vehicle Service Contracts Scam

6/28/2011

Posted on 6/28/2011 by

Robo-calls -- those automated phone calls pitching products and services -- were used extensively by U.S. Fidelis, a Missouri-based seller of vehicle service contracts. The contracts also were marketed through national TV commercials.

Now the principals have been indicted on consumer fraud charges.

Michelle Corey of the Better Business Bureau in St. Louis tells the Today show about the BBB's investigation of the business. Complaints alleged misrepresentation of the offer, and difficulties in getting contracts honored. U.S. Fidelis has an F rating with the BBB, the lowest rating possible.

Of those complaints, 47 originated in Indiana.

See the story here:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/43560209#43560209

To see the BBB Business Review on U.S. Fidelis, click to
http://www.bbb.org/stlouis/business-reviews/auto-service-contract-companies/u-s-fidelis-in-wentzville-mo-310016763

To check out a business, start at www.bbb.org. You can also find BBB Accredited Businesses, get tips and alerts, file a customer complaint, or report misleading advertising claims.

Social Security scam targets MN consumers

6/24/2011

Posted on 6/24/2011 by
A resource specialist at the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota received a call yesterday from a consumer who said they had been scammed at a website claiming to offer replacement Social Security cards. The website, which has been shut down, requested payment upfront and then referred the consumer to a nearby Social Security office where they could pick up their new card (in a few days). When they went to the Social Security office, they were told the website was not legitimate and they do not require payment for replacement Social Security cards.

Consumers are advised that it's important to be careful when doing Internet searches to find government agencies. There are many fake websites (which look official) designed solely to defraud consumers. Less people are using phone books to find information these days, but they're still a reliable means of finding contact information. When using the Internet, always be leery of websites where you're asked to pay money upfront.

Our best advice: Don't shoot from the hip. Check first with the Social Security Administration should this happen to you.

2010 Torch Award Interviews

6/23/2011

Posted on 6/23/2011 by

When Is A Credit Card Not A Credit Card?

6/22/2011

Posted on 6/22/2011 by

When A Credit Card Isn’t A Credit Card

An ‘F’ rated credit card company based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area is generating a growing number of complaints to the Better Business Bureau at Fort Worth (FWBBB) from throughout the U.S.

The FWBBB reports that it received over 266 complaints over the past three years primarily about the advertising practices of Union Workers Credit Services. Eighty-five of those complaints have been filed since Jan. 1 from consumers in almost every state in the country. As might be expected, the larger states accounted for a higher number of complaints (California, Pennsylvania and New York).

Many of the complaints cite a promotional letter alerting the consumer that he or she has been “pre-approved for a platinum card membership.” The letter also notes, “You don’t have to worry if you have been denied access to Visa® or MasterCard®.”

The card, which comes with a $37 fee, offers a “guaranteed” $10,000-credit limit. However, many consumers often overlook a reference in the letter that credit can only be applied to purchases from Union Workers Credit Services. The company touts that its members enjoy discounts on motels, hotels and resorts, and assistance in receiving the lowest airfare, cruise prices and car rentals.

“Many of the consumers we’ve heard from believed that the Union Workers Platinum Card would have widespread acceptance, like Visa or MasterCard. That is clearly not the case,” said John Riggins, president and CEO of the BBB at Fort Worth.

Riggins said his office has also received complaints about the company’s name, which suggests it is affiliated with a labor union. A BBB investigation reveals there is no such affiliation.

The BBB recommends that consumers always take the time to read a company’s promotional literature carefully, including the “fine print.” Ask questions. Be sure you understand all of the provisions before signing.

Distracted Driving is Perilous - BBB/USDOT Offer Tips to Stay Safe on the Road

6/21/2011

Posted on 6/21/2011 by
Any driver who looks back over their "driving career," they can probably attest that there has been more than a time or two that they almost got into trouble by doing something other than focus on the road. What was that something? Changing radio stations, laughing a bit too hard, eating lunch, telling kids to be quiet or else, looking everywhere but in front of me, and yes, I’ve even texted (but usually when stopped at a light). I’ve seen others equally, if not more distracted, including those reading books and newspapers while going 75 mph.

Several states have laws either restricting or banning cellphone use. In Indiana, for example, texting while driving is illegal. But even if everyone obeyed these laws, that leaves a lot of other distractions that all of us must become better at handling.

Why? Nearly 5,500 people in the U.S. were killed and almost half a million were injured in accidents related to distracted driving in 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Eighteen percent of those fatal accidents involved the use of a cellphone.

Dr. David Strayer of the University of Utah, who has studied distracted driving for the past decade, said, “We’ve looked to see if we can find people who can talk on the phone and drive safely. There are 2 percent of people who might be as gifted as a skilled fighter pilot. But, we have yet to find anybody who can safely text and drive.”

To encourage drivers of all ages to become safer drivers, the Better Business Bureau joins the U.S. Department of Transportation in getting out the word and tools to help consumers and businesses do just that.

The BBB and USDOT offer the following tips to help you and your family to become focused drivers:

•   Turn your phone off when driving. Yep, turn it off. You'll live through it.

•   Keep a safe following distance. Driver training experts suggest a following distance of four seconds, which increases visibility and gives more time to react to what’s happening in front of you. And, you'll make the driver in front of you happier.

•   Be in control. Preset the climate control, radio and CD player. If driving an unfamiliar vehicle, take time to become familiar with the location of signals, wipers and lights.

•   Use technology to manage your technology. If you can’t break the habit of using a mobile device while driving, consider using a call-blocking application to let callers know you are driving and to queue calls and texts until you are safely pulled over. Check if your insurance company offers a policy discount.

•   Clear your mind. If your mind is on work, family or your to-do list, take a moment before driving to get your mind focused on the task at hand – safely getting to your destination.

•   Have a plan. Know beforehand how to get to your destination or consider using navigation devices with voice directions. Pull over if you need to reprogram the device or consult printed directions.

•   Help others help themselves. Make it a practice when you call someone’s cellphone to ask if they are driving. If the response is “yes,” tell them you’ll call back later or ask them to return the call when they’ve reached their destination.

For more information on distracted driving and how you can make changes at home and work, visit distraction.gov

Don’t go a day without your BBB. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. For more consumer information or to check out the BBBlog, or visit www.bbb.org.

Summertime And The Living's Easy For Scammers

6/21/2011

Posted on 6/21/2011 by

Today marks the longest day of the year and the first day of summer. School is out. Ice cream trucks roam the streets. Sprinklers are used not for water plants, but as makeshift pools. The dog days of summer are fun for kids, full of good memories for adults, and bursting with opportunities for scammers.

Your BBB loves the sun just as much as anyone, but before you grab your inner-tube and lather on that SPF, we’ve got some summertime reminders to keep you scam-sharp.

· Beware the vacation/timeshare scam. Prevalent all over the United States, scammers will ply unsuspecting consumers with beautiful pictures of resorts and sunsets, but don’t be fooled. Do all the adequate research before putting any money down on your new timeshare or summer vacation spot. For more information about summer rental/timeshare scams, refer to the BBB Blog.

· ‘Gone phishin’ for the summer. Though less common in the United States, for those planning to travel abroad: Listen up! With your smart phones out of commission in another country, many of us will search out internet cafés to send emails to family, pay bills & check out Facebook. Do you best to pay all bills before leaving home, and make sure to log off the browser and shut down the computer once you have finished. As added security, consider employing an identity protection service while out of town. They will proactively monitor accounts and send alerts if anything strange occurs.

· They’ve got mail. Your mail, to be exact. A common way for a con-artist to capture your personal information is to wait for you to go out of town, and then steal your bills and statements from your mailbox. Luckily there are a few easy fixes if you want to ward off the bad guys, either ask a friend to come by and pick up your mail while you’re away, put a temporary stop on your mail while you’re out of town or invest in a mailbox that you can lock.

· Be wary of Door-to-Door salesmen. They pop up in your neighborhood as soon as the temperatures rise. Whether they are peddling magazines, cheap home repairs or landscaping, BBB advises consumer to be cautious in hiring door-to-door salesmen who use high-pressure tactics and cannot prove they are licensed with the state. For more information about how to identify a trustworthy contractor, visit the BBB Blog.

Now that you’ve got the details on the summer’s most popular scams, you can do a cannonball right into summer. For more information about scams and BBB Accredited Businesses, visit BBB.org.

Utah's EZ Loan Protection: Payday Loan Scam

6/21/2011

Posted on 6/21/2011 by

Buyback Plans For Technology Products May Not Be A Good Investment, BBB Advises

6/13/2011

Posted on 6/13/2011 by

If having the latest cell phone, laptop or tablet computer is your goal, you may have listened with interest to some stores’ advertised promises to buy back your gadget so you can upgrade quickly.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to investigate the offers carefully before signing up or paying a fee. The plans are basically a form of insurance that allows you to trade in a gadget in good condition toward another product. However, the value may be less than you expected or it may be hard to qualify for the buyback if you don’t follow specific directions as required in the plan.

Consumers who have to have the most sophisticated gadgets as part of their job or their lifestyle may find value in these offers. But you have to balance the cost of the plans against what you may actually get back if your item isn’t in tip-top condition when you trade it in.”

The New York Times recently reported that many of these plans come with high price tags, and their value drops sharply if you don’t trade in the old item within a short period of time – often less than a year. It could take longer than that for the new version to arrive on store shelves.

The BBB offers the following tips for consumers who may be considering a buyback plan:

Consider the buyback plan as a form of insurance. The plans basically guarantee a resale value, but that value can drop off sharply over time. The true value may be nominal and may be hard to define, so make sure you read the fine print.
The plans have the retailer’s interest at heart. When you bring back your item, you usually will be issued a gift card good only at that retailer, essentially locking you in to that store for the next technology purchase. In some states, consumers also have found that they have to pay sales tax as many as three times – for the original purchase, when they return the item and again when they use the gift card.
Buyback plans don’t work if you’re forgetful or disorganized. Many plans require you to return the original purchase receipt, power cords and manuals. If you don’t have them, you may not be able to get as much trade-in value for your gadget.
Mobile phone contracts are excluded. You may be able to upgrade your cell phone with a buyback program, but you will still have a contract with the cell phone service provider who may bill you for the life of the contract. Find out whether the service contract can be transferred to a new phone.
Erase any personal data before returning your gadget. To avoid identity theft, make sure that the memory of the gadget is wiped clean before you turn it in. Otherwise, computers and even cell phones can contain sensitive information that could be used to commit identity theft.
Consider reselling gadgets elsewhere. Some consumers have found that they can get more out of their gadgets by reselling them than by trading them in. Online auction or classified ad sites may be a better way to get some value out of your gadgets.

For more consumer tips or to check a company’s BBB Business Review, go to www.bbb.org or call 1-800-552-4631.

U.S. Department of Transportation and Better Business Bureau Collaborate to Fight Distracted Driving

6/8/2011

Posted on 6/8/2011 by
Arlington, Va. – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation and Better Business Bureau will collaborate to educate consumers and businesses about the dangers of distracted driving.

The USDOT and Better Business Bureau are calling on businesses across the country to adopt distracted driving policies as part of their employee culture. A strong distracted driving policy helps companies save lives, reduce time lost from work due to accidents and injuries, reduce insurance premiums, and save money.

“Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on America’s roads,” Secretary LaHood said. “We know that educating people about the risk of distracted driving works, and we are pleased to be working with BBB to raise awareness and help businesses and consumers fight this problem.”

“BBB is very pleased to help the USDOT spread the word about the dangers of distracted driving," said Stephen A. Cox, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. "Raising awareness about the dangers of multi-tasking while driving is vital. We are pleased to help promote this good work of the USDOT.”

The national website of the Better Business Bureau will feature a link to a free tool kit that provides employers with suggested distracted driving policies to help keep their employees safe. The kit, created by the USDOT and the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS), contains materials such as a sample company policy, a sample memo to employees on that policy, and a sample company press release.

In addition, Better Business Bureau’s national website will feature videos from USDOT’s “Faces of Distracted Driving” video series. The videos include heartbreaking stories from family members who have lost loved ones due to distracted driving accidents. Better Business Bureau will also provide a link to www.distraction.gov, a complete resource on everything having to do with distracted driving.

Nearly 5,500 people in the U.S. were killed and almost half a million were injured in accidents related to distracted driving in 2009. Eighteen percent of those fatal accidents involved the use of a cell phone.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s campaign against distracted driving is a multi-modal effort that includes automobiles, trains, planes, and commercial vehicles.

On September 30, 2009, President Obama signed an Executive Order directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles; when using electronic equipment supplied by the government while driving; or while driving privately owned vehicles when they’re on official government business. The order also encourages federal contractors and others doing business with the government to adopt and enforce their own policies banning texting while driving on the job.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) banned commercial truck and bus drivers from texting while driving in September 2010, and proposed a ban on the use of cell phones by commercial drivers in December 2010. In September 2010, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) proposed a ban on the use of electronic devices by drivers operating a motor vehicle containing hazardous materials, in conjunction with the proposed FMCSA ban.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) banned rail employees from using cell phones or other electronic devices on the job following a September 2008 Metrolink crash in Chatsworth, California that killed 25 people.

After a Northwest flight crew distracted by a laptop overshot their destination by 150 miles, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advised air carriers to create and enforce policies that limit distractions in the cockpit and keep pilots focused on transporting passengers safely.

For more information, contact Kelsey Owen at 703-247-9376 or kowen@council.bbb.org.

About BBB
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews^® and BBB Wise Giving Reports^® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visit www.bbb.org/us for more information.

Consumer Alert: Don't Get Caught In A Pyramid Scheme

6/2/2011

Posted on 6/2/2011 by

These days, who isn’t looking for a new business opportunity that promises high, sustainable profits? However, this way of thinking opens the door for fraudsters to get unsuspecting business seekers to participate in scams of all kinds. One scheme that continues to be popular is the pyramid scheme. These scams are scary and confusing to consumers because they are often disguised as Multilevel Marketing plans, or MLM’s.

What is a Multilevel Marketing Plan?

According to the Bureau of Consumer Protection, Multilevel Marketing plans are ways to sell goods and services through other distributors. These plans promise that if you sign up as a distributor, you will receive commissions from sales you make, as well as sales of the people you have recruited as your distributors, or your “down line”.

On the contrary, a Pyramid Scheme’s commissions are based on the number of distributors recruited, and the sales are made to these distributors, rather than consumers. There is usually a sign-up fee, and rarely is there an actual product or service. The FTC says “it is best to not get involved in plans where the money you make is based primarily on the number of distributors you recruit and your sales to them, rather than on your sales to the people outside the plan who intend to use the products.”

Are you confused yet?

The difference between these two plans can seem unclear, but there is one key distinction – MLM’s are legitimate, and pyramid schemes are illegal. While doing research on the particular company you are thinking about going into business with is always your best tool to protect yourself, asking yourself these key questions may make it easier to determine whether or not you are at risk for being scammed:

1. Is the business focused more on distributor recruitment, rather than selling a product to consumers? Are profits made mainly by membership fees or bonuses as opposed to the sale of this product?

2. Does the product you have been recruited to sell seem too good to be true, and is it priced at an expensive rate?

3. Are there startup costs that include training materials, or are you required to invest a lot of money without receiving a valuable product?

4. Do you feel pressured to join, and is it difficult to reach anyone when you have questions about the business?

5. Are there promises of large profits for minimal work?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are potentially at risk for being involved with a Pyramid Scheme. While a Multilevel Marketing Plan can be a legitimate and exciting new venture, the bottom line is, do your research as you consider an MLM opportunity. It could be a Pyramid in disguise.

For more information about Multilevel Marketing Plans and Pyramid Schemes, visit BBB.org.

Avoid Wedding Scams this Spring

6/1/2011

Posted on 6/1/2011 by
This spring, love is in the air as many soon-to-be brides prepare for their long-awaited wedding day. With excitement and nervousness every bride deserves to have their big day go off without a hitch. When preparing for the day of your dreams, BBB advises brides to proceed with caution when it comes to buying a wedding dress online, choosing a photographer and selecting a wedding planner.

Doing your research and asking for referrals can make all the difference in helping your special day go as smoothly as possible. Last year alone, BBB received more than 970 complaints against wedding related services. Services like wedding planners, bridal shops, car or limousine rentals, DJs, wedding photographers, florists, and jewelers all topped the list. Many of the common complaints were centered on the company’s unwillingness to honor cancellation and refund policies after a deposit had been paid.

From choosing a florist to picking out the perfect wedding gown, more and more soon-to-be brides are opting for online retailers. While most venues have the brides’ best interest at heart, it’s important to recognize the red flags before shelling out the cash.

“With today’s wedding averaging around more than $28,000, there’s not a penny left to gamble on unreliable venders,” said Michael Coil, President and CEO of the BBB of Northern Indiana. “Before securing your wedding services and paying any upfront fees it’s important for all newlyweds to do their research.”

BBB recommends that newlyweds consider the following when planning for their special day:

Research all online vendors. When choosing to go with an online retailer for your wedding services or products start with a trusted site rather than shopping with a search engine. Search results can often lead you to unscrupulous websites or phishing scams. Also, look for the BBB seal and other widely-recognized “trustmarks” on retail websites. Click on the seals to confirm they’re valid. Confirm that your online purchase is secure. Look for the “s” after “http” in the URL or the lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. Be sure to check the company out with BBB before doing business with them.

Review all terms and conditions. Whether you’re dealing with a company online or in-person, review all terms and conditions carefully. What is the company’s refund and exchange policy? What is their cancellation policy? What happens if the company can’t hold up their end of the bargain? Who will perform the service on your special day? Be sure you understand your rights as a consumer before doing business with the company.

Keep documentation of your order. For online orders, save a copy of the confirmation page or e-mails confirming the order until you receive the item or service and are satisfied. If you’re dealing with a company face-to-face, be sure to get all details in writing, including specific dates, products, prices, cancellation and deposit policies and signatures from both parties.

Pay with a credit card. Credit cards offer consumers the added protection of disputing any charge over $50 within 60 days of the purchase. Most established businesses accept major credit cards, so use them whenever possible, including payment for deposits Shoppers also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on the card, and many card issuers have “zero liability” policies if someone steals your card number and uses it. Never wire money.

Consider purchasing wedding insurance. Wedding insurance can cover a range of prospective problems including vendor no-shows, cancellations, inclement weather, military deployment, medical emergencies, travel delays and more. Many policies start at $200 and can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

For more consumer tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org/us/bbb-news.

Don’t Fall Victim to High Pressure Magazine Sellers at Your Door this Summer

6/1/2011

Posted on 6/1/2011 by
Better Business Bureau receives thousands of complaints nationwide each year from consumers who have unknowingly purchased multi-year magazine subscriptions. Unscrupulous telemarketers sometimes trick consumers into paying hundreds of dollars for multi-year subscriptions to magazines they don't want or can't afford. BBB warns that deceptive door-to-door magazine sales crews are hitting the pavement and looking to earn a quick buck this summer.

Oftentimes, the door knocking presentations are so slick that consumers aren't even aware that they have bought several magazine subscriptions until they receive the bill. In 2011, BBB has already received 662 complaints about door-to-door magazine sellers and dealers, a number that’s well on its way to toping last year’s nearly 1,200 complaints. These high pressure sellers use tactics that can have anyone falling victim.

“With the summer months fast approaching, the warm weather is sure to bring an eager group of door knockers from all trades to your door,” said Michael Coil, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana. “Most complaints against door knockers selling magazine subscriptions allege that sales representatives took their check and the magazines never arrived, while some complainants also allege being subjected to high-pressure and misleading sales tactics.”
This summer, BBB recommends the following on how to handle door-to-door magazine sellers:

Listen carefully and be aware of high pressure sales tactics. Some unscrupulous door-to-door sellers will put pressure on you to close the deal at that moment, and even make special offers to entice you. Listen to their tone. Are they increasing in volume as they speak to you? Are they ignoring you despite saying you are not interested? Find a way to end the conversation quickly to avoid long, drawn-out pressure sales pitches.

Stand strong. Do not invite unsolicited salespeople into your home. If you do allow a salesperson inside and decide during the presentation that you are not interested in making a purchase, simply ask him or her to leave. If the salesperson refuses to leave, threaten to call the police, and follow through if they don’t leave immediately.

Verify the individual and the company. If you are interested in buying from a door-to-door seller, get everything in writing including price, warranty and all conditions. Tell the salesperson you will check it out and get back to him or her. Ask for a business card and contact information. Look the company up yourself and check to verify this person is an employee. Also, take the time to check out the company’s BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org.

Know your rights. The Federal Trade Commission’s Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule gives the customer three days to cancel purchases over $25 that are made in their home or at a location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business. Along with a receipt, salespeople should also include a completed cancellation form that customers can send to the company to cancel the agreement. By law, the company must give customers a refund within 10 days of receiving the cancellation notice.

Victims of fraudulent magazine sales can file a complaint with their Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org, local law enforcement, and state Attorney General offices.

Reporters: for more information or to schedule an interview with a BBB spokesperson, contact Kelsey Owen at 703-247-9376.

About BBB
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews^® and BBB Wise Giving Reports^® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visit www.bbb.org/us for more information.

BBB Warns about Scams Targeting Veterans

5/26/2011

Posted on 5/26/2011 by

Memorial Day should most certainly be a day when Americans honor the brave veterans that protect or have protected our country. Unfortunately, it’s the veterans that may need protection from scammers trying to take advantage of them.

That's why your BBB of Northern Indiana wants to warn consumers about companies that specifically target veterans and charge them for products and services that they can receive elsewhere for free. Lyon Research, in Virginia, is one such company that took advantage of at least one Wisconsin veteran.

When Geoffrey O. of Beaver Dam needed his DD214 form, the condition of discharge form issued by the Department of Defense, he turned to Lyon Research, which he found when searching on the internet. The company’s website said, “If you are looking for your military records or a DD214, click on the following link.”

He clicked on the link, entered his credit card information as instructed and soon received a $90 charge. He said he was promised his information within seven days. To date, two months later, Geoffrey told the BBB “I got nothing.”

He disputed the charge with his Visa card—and did, however, get the information he was originally seeking—for free--through his local Veterans Administration office.

Lyon Research has an “F” rating with the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Virginia, the lowest grade possible. It has failed to respond to 28 complaints filed against it in the last thirty-six months.

Unfortunately, this company isn’t alone. Veterans are often getting charged for services, such as employment and paperwork, that can be obtained for free.

“Charging people for something that can get for free elsewhere may be perfectly legal,” said Michael Coil, CEO of the BBB of Northern Indiana. “But, it’s certainly unethical – especially when the person they’re cheating is a veteran. We should be thanking veterans, not scamming them!”

This Memorial day, the BBB reminds veterans, military personnel and their families to be wary of purchasing products or services that they can obtain for free. Always check out a company or offer at bbb.org before responding.

Other helpful websites for veterans, military personnel and their families are:

BBB Tips on Giving after Disaster Strikes

5/26/2011

Posted on 5/26/2011 by

Tornadoes have wreaked havoc across the country. Thousands have lost their homes and all of their belongings. Others have lost their loved ones.

“When disaster strikes, scam artists come out of the woodwork,” says Marjorie Stephens, Director of Communications for the BBB serving Northern Indiana. “Scam artists show up and pose as charities, seeking donations from people who are anxious to help.”

To make sure that your donation helps tornado victims as intended, follow these tips from BBB:

· Before donating, visit www.bbb.org/charity to research organizations you’re considering supporting.

· Beware of fake charities that imitate the name and style of well-known organizations in an attempt to confuse donors.

· Be wary of “charities” that come knocking on your door who are reluctant to answer reasonable questions about their operations, finances, and programs.

· Don’t give in to excessive pressure for on-the-spot donations. Be wary of any request to send a “runner” to pick up your contribution.

· Don’t give cash. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the name of the organization, not the individual collecting the donation.

· Don’t give your credit card number or other personal information to a telephone solicitor.

· Be cautious when giving online. At times like this, scam artists don’t think twice about tricking you into giving to phony charities. If you want to give to a charity involved in relief efforts, go directly to the charity’s website.

· Don’t click on any links in email solicitations for money for victims.

· Find out if the charity has an on-the-ground presence in the impacted areas. Unless the charity already has staff in the affected areas, it may be difficult to bring in new aid workers to provide assistance quickly.

· Find out if the charity is providing direct aid or is raising money for other relief groups. Some charities raise money to pass along to relief organizations. If so, consider avoiding the middleman and give directly to organizations actually helping in the area.

· Be wary of claims that 100 percent of donations will assist relief victims. Charitable organizations have expenses they must cover, including those for fund raising and administrative costs.

For more tips on giving, go to www.bbb.org/charity or call 1-800-552-4631.

What to Do When Storm Damage Hits Your Property

5/24/2011

Posted on 5/24/2011 by

Severe thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes have hit the Midwest extremely hard and much devastation has occurred since April.

“When your property becomes damaged due to inclement weather, and if it is repairable, your reaction is to get the damages fixed as quickly as possible. We want to remind people that despite the urgency of the matter, if a contractor offers help, do not give into high pressure tactics and read very carefully anything you are asked to sign,” said Michael Coil, president and CEO of the BBB Serving Northern Indiana. “You may be told that a form is just an authorization to perform an estimate but in reality, it may be a binding contract.”

If your property becomes damaged as a result of storms this season, take the following advice from your BBB:

· Take pictures of the damage and contact your insurance company. Conduct an inspection with the claims adjuster before involving any contractor.

· Always get three bids from contractors and do complete research on each, including checking them out with the BBB.

· If you sign ANYTHING, read it very carefully to make sure you clearly understand what you and the contractor are both responsible for.

· DO NOT trust that someone is who they say they are. Get their business card and contact the main office for the company they say they work for and verify the person’s employment.

· Be cautious of doing business with anyone from out of state. They may be here one day and gone the next.

· Contact your county building department regarding applicable license and permit requirements for the contractor.

· DO NOT give your insurance information to a contractor and do not allow them to file a claim on your behalf.

· DO NOT sign your insurance check over to a contractor. Establish a payment plan in writing that outlines certain payment amounts due at different stages of the job.

· If you signed a contract that locks you into paying even if no work is done, contact your attorney immediately.

"Let's hope that there will be no need here in Northern Indiana to worry about personal property damages, but BBB encourages consumers to take it slow, think through the contract and give it time to sink in before taking the first step," says Coil.

# # # #

About the BBB
The BBB is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Reviewsand BBB Wise Giving Reports^TMon charities and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, your BBB also offers dispute resolution services for consumers and businesses. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada. Please visit www.fortwayne.bbb.org for more information.

BBB tips for small businesses during national Small Business Week

5/24/2011

Posted on 5/24/2011 by

BBB tips for small businesses during national Small Business Week

[May 17, 2011]—In recognition of Small Business Week, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reminding businesses of simple things they can do to protect themselves from potential scammers.

Always read the fine print. Read all documents carefully before you sign them, including the small print usually found at the end of the document. There have been several instances of advertising directories sending bills to people who don’t return them thinking that will cancel the advertising. Unfortunately, the fine print clearly states the contract will automatically renew unless cancelled in writing.

Empower your staff to ask questions. Encourage your staff to pay attention to people saying they are at your establishment for a service call. Keep a list at the front register or someplace easily accessible that details all the legitimate service dealers you work with, such as the name of your copy machine company, your phone service provider, computer service, etc. Let your employees know that they have the right to ask to see documentation and identification if someone comes in claiming to be a service provider, even if they appear be in a service uniform or try to intimidate them by claiming the service has to be performed by law. Provide a back-up number that employees can call to alert you to questionable service requests.

Recent scammers, claiming to be service providers for fire extinguishers and alarms, have gone into businesses in what appears to be a uniform and said they were there to provide an annual service. If the employee did question the fact that they weren’t the regular service provider, the scammers said they had recently bought out the old provider and the service was required by law.

Guard your business identity as closely as your personal identity. If you don’t have a regular professional shredding service, be sure you invest in a quality cross-cut shredder and shred all unnecessary materials listing your business name and any identification or account numbers. Put the shredded materials into a plastic bag daily and pour a small amount of water into the bag to “mess” up the shredded material.

Again, educate your employees never to give out account information or even first names of employees without permission from management. One trick scammers frequently use is to say authoritatively, “Can you just verify your account information for security purposes?” Another favorite trick to obtain personnel names is to say, “Your accounts payable person…I can’t remember the name…said it was okay.” Natural human reaction is to supply the name and that makes it easy for the scammer to call back with a name and title to request account or financial information.

Check your financial statements regularly to monitor check withdrawals. Scammers are getting more and more sophisticated when it comes to copying business checks, including watermarks. Make sure that all checks drawn against your account were actually issued by your business.

Post scam alerts where your employees will easily be able to see them.

Your BBB regularly sends businesses scam alerts by e-mail and fax. Post these where your employees can readily access them and talk to them about what is going on with current business scams.

Got questions? Check with the BBB.

If you get a suspicious mailing, receive a questionable phone call or don’t feel right about someone saying they are there to provide service, call your BBB at 800-552-4631 or your area BBB office.

Vehicle Service Contract Scams Cost Consumers Millions of Dollars

5/20/2011

Posted on 5/20/2011 by
Worthless service contracts sold by the vehicle service contract (VSC) industry have cost consumers millions of dollars nationwide, a Better Business Bureau (BBB) study concludes.

The BBB undertook the study after consumers filed thousands of complaints about the industry and in the aftermath of the bankruptcy of industry giant US Fidelis. The marketing of contracts is centered in the St. Louis area. Many companies call the contracts “extended warranties” and frequently sell them as a way for consumers to save money on auto repairs. However, all too often, many repairs are excluded.

“Consumers have been frightened and tricked into parting with thousands of dollars by misleading solicitations and high-pressure sales tactics,” said Michael Coil, BBB president and CEO serving Northern Indiana. “Many in the industry have preyed on the elderly and other unsophisticated buyers who believed they were getting warranties sanctioned by auto manufacturers. What most of them got was a worthless piece of paper.”

The industry has been evolving for at least the past 25 years, but enforcement of consumer protection laws increased only in the past five years or so. The BBB recommends that state and federal authorities be more vigilant and vigorous in prosecuting violators, including criminal prosecution of the more egregious offenders.

The study shows that many consumers felt they were misled about what a contract provided.

The study recommends that the Department of Insurance, which oversees the VSC industry, consider a regulation that requires consumers to physically sign a contract before it becomes valid and prohibits “signatures” by telephone. It recommends that the Department of Insurance consider a regulation that prohibits VSC providers from insuring contracts with reimbursement insurance contracts in which they or affiliated entities are members, and that Congress amend the Liability Risk Retention Act to prohibit VSC providers from forming risk retention groups to insure contracts.

The BBB advises consumers who are considering buying a vehicle service contract:

Always read the contract carefully before agreeing to buy it. See what is covered, what isn’t covered and what conditions apply. If the seller won’t provide a contract, don’t buy it.
If you are on a do-not-call list, report any violations to the attorney general’s office or FTC.
Do the arithmetic. Sometimes the cost of a contract may be more than the car’s value.
Ask the seller the names and locations of the providers, administrators and insurers. Ask how claims are processed.
Check all companies involved in the contract with the BBB at www.bbb.org.

Internet Business Hopefuls Complain on Stephen Pierce International

5/19/2011

Posted on 5/19/2011 by

With millions of Americans hunting for jobs, some may be drawn to one of the many business opportunities promising ways to earn money at home through the Internet. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that one business opportunity to “Make Real Money on the Internet” (MRMI) isn’t living up to its promises. Customer complaints on Stephen Pierce International, McKinney, TX, describe Stephen Pierce as a charismatic motivational speaker and convincing salesman. The complaints allege that despite paying $5,000 and up, customers didn’t get the counseling and training they were promised, haven’t made money as represented, and had difficulties getting in touch with the business and getting refunds.

“The idea of working from home can be very appealing to anyone who is looking for a job, needs some extra income, or is just looking for a new career direction. But don’t let your high hopes keep you from evaluating earnings claims carefully and determining whether the business opportunity is right for you,” said Michael Coil, President/CEO of BBB Serving Northern Indiana.
Stephen Pierce International has a BBB rating of F, the lowest rating possible. Although the business has responded to most of the 19 customer complaints presented by the BBB, three complaints remain unanswered and one complaint is not resolved. Complaints are from all over the U.S. – and two are from Australia. In addition, the business has not modified an advertising claim that was challenged by the BBB's Advertising Review department.

The business’s website, www.stephenpiercelive.com, claims that Stephen Pierce is the “World’s #1 Internet Wealth Advocate”. As part of its ongoing review of advertising claims, the BBB serving Dallas and Northeast Texas challenged the claim. The BBB Code of Advertising notes that claims such as “World’s #1” are objective claims that can be measured. “As statements of fact,” the Code states, “such claims can be proved or disproved and the advertiser should possess substantiation.”

The BBB asked the business to either substantiate the claim, or to modify or discontinue the claim. Although Stephen Pierce International agreed to modify the claim, as of May 18, 2011, the claim remains unchanged on the website.

A woman in Georgia complained: “I purchased the Gold MRMI package from Stephen Pierce International for $5,000 … The package was to include an easy step-by-step instruction book for creating the sites – and customer support was to be available by phone. The booklet was vague, incomplete and impossible to follow. … I have worked diligently from the date of purchase anywhere from 20-40 hrs. a week trying to create and launch the sites, and still have not earned one cent. For over 3 weeks I have been trying to call their office to complain – no one answers the phones. No one has returned a call to me from the messages I’ve left. And I have not received a response from emails I’ve sent.” SPI offered to work with her, but didn’t return messages she left.

Some complaints allege that Stephen Pierce International hasn’t paid commissions to affiliates. An Arizona woman complained: “I have been a Stephen Pierce MRMI affiliate since March of 2010. It has always been a struggle to receive commissions by this company. After numerous phone calls and emails to try to contact someone about why I was not receiving my commissions, I finally received my first commissions of $118.00 on 5/18/10… The last commission payment I received was for $95.88 on 11/9/10. I have not received any commissions since!” The business responded that it was working on the problem and “we anticipate the affiliate receiving the November 2010 forward payments.”

Stephen Pierce is also President of Impulsive Profits, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI. The BBB serving Detroit reports that Impulsive Profits, Inc., has a BBB rating of D-, due to an unanswered customer complaint.

The BBB advises anyone who is considering investing in a business opportunity, whether online or offline, to look into the business, the details of the offer, and the market for the product or service. The BBB the and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offer these tips:

1. Consider a business opportunity carefully. If it claims buyers can earn a certain income, how many previous purchasers achieved those earnings?

2. Check out the business. Contact the attorney general's office, state or county consumer protection agency and Better Business Bureau where the business opportunity promoter is based to find out whether there is any record of unresolved complaints.

3. Consult an attorney, accountant or other business advisor before you put any money down or sign any papers. Entering into a business opportunity can be costly, so it's best to have an expert check out the contract first. If the promoter requires a deposit, ask your attorney to establish an escrow account where the deposit can be maintained by a third party until you make the deal.

4. Take your time. Promoters of fraudulent business opportunities are likely to use high-pressure sales tactics to get you to buy in. If the business opportunity is legitimate, it'll still be around when you're ready to decide.

To check out a business, find BBB Accredited Businesses, view tips and alerts for consumers and businesses, or file a complaint, start at www.fortwayne.bbb.org.

Preview: Dateline features Better Business Bureau

5/12/2011

Posted on 5/12/2011 by
This Sunday, May 15th at 7pm ET/6pm CT, “Dateline’s” Chris Hansen files go undercover after using the house of a couple in Phoenix, AZ.

With the help of the Better Business Bureau, Chris Hansen and "Dateline's" hidden cameras uncover how easily a homeowner can end up spending hundreds, even thousands of dollars on unnecessary home repairs. This brazen scam—one that has thrived for more than a decade—cons thousands of homeowners out of millions of dollars.

Guest Blog: 15 Basic Tips for Facebook Business Pages

5/11/2011

Posted on 5/11/2011 by

1. If you have a business page, use it! Post something interesting and informative at least three times per week. You owe it to the Facebook friends you have acquired!

2. Keep all your comments positive and sincere, whether posting on your page or others. Write your posting content on a word or email draft first to be sure it is exactly the way you want to present it.

3. Mix it up and keep your fans interested! Post photos, links, questions, events, discussions and videos, and vary them. All of this can be accomplished without using applications.

4. You don’t need special graphics or applications to have an effective Facebook page! Correct grammar, punctuation and spelling, thoughtful posts and quality photos always make a favorable impression.

5. Take the time to recognize and comment when others post on your page! Everyone likes to feel special. They took the time to comment and so should you.

6. Keep your content original! Copying and plagiarizing is not only poor etiquette, it is unethical. You will be caught in the act and it only reflects poorly on your business. By doing so, you also put the entity you copied from in a position of appearing like a plagiarist, which is definitely not right!

7. Engage your clients, friends and suppliers by inviting reciprocal discussion. Do not make the mistake of talking at your audience. Keep your postings light, informative and even fun!

8. Keep your postings simple. While your page is primarily business to you, remember that your viewers are there for other reasons. No one enjoys wading through long and complicated postings.

9. Keep your page clean! Remove inappropriate comments and obvious spam. Set your filters to medium content so that you can identify and delete foul language immediately.

10. For optimum exposure, be sure to “like” all of your suppliers, vendors, clients and business acquaintances. Remember, Facebook is simply a viral form of networking.

11. Only make claims, offers and comments you are absolutely prepared fulfill! The social media world is smaller than you think. Your reputation can be enhanced or damaged on Facebook.

12. Keep and eye of the Facebook “news feed” and take the opportunity to make thoughtful, pertinent and complimentary comments.

13. Make sure your contact information is in the “about” section so that prospective clients can find you with ease.

14. Watch your “view insights” regularly to determine details of your page activity. You can easily learn what your viewers appreciate seeing on your page.

15. Add additional page administrators if you are unable to regularly monitor and post on your Facebook page. Be certain that you coordinate with other administrators to avoid unpleasant surprises!

Article Courtesy of Debra Marbut, Social Media Consultant

Do you Know where your Kids are on the Internet?

5/9/2011

Posted on 5/9/2011 by
Keep your Kids Safe Online by Teaching Them the “Seven Stop Signs”

Knowing where your kids are can be a full time job. Knowing where they are online—which websites they’re visiting and who they’re talking to—is even more difficult, but no less important. The Better Business Bureau Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) encourages parents to teach their kids and tweens about unsafe online situations and recommends looking out for seven “stop signs.”

According to a study by the Nielsen Norman Group, kids as young as nine years old are becoming just as capable—if not more so—than their parents at navigating the Internet. While young kids may be computer whizzes, they don’t have their parent’s experience and judgment when it comes to identifying online threats, including predators and fraud.

“It is no longer an option, but a necessity for parents to know what their children are doing when they are online, and to teach them to identify risks,” according to BBB of Northern Indiana Michael Coil. “The single most important thing a parent can do is keep the lines of communication open and discuss possible dangers they may encounter on the Internet.”

Sit down with your kids and let them know that they should stop and come talk to you whenever they find themselves in any of these seven situations online:

1. A website asks for financial information such as bank, credit or debit card numbers - Some websites may try to get at your wallet through your kids. Let them know that it is never acceptable to give out these numbers to anyone.

2. A website asks for personal information like home address, first and last name, e-mail address, phone or Social Security number - Your kids likely do not realize that information such as their full name, Social Security number, address, phone number or even their e-mail address can be very valuable to identity thieves, predators and companies that want to market products to them.

3. A stranger sends inappropriate pictures, uses inappropriate language, or wants to meet up - Talk to your kids about what would constitute inappropriate photos and conversations, as well as the potentially life-threatening dangers of meeting up with or talking to strangers.

4. Posting photos online - Posting pictures on a social networking site may seem harmless, but it can often provide predators with important clues that jeopardize the family’s safety. Approve any photos before your child posts them online until you feel they are old enough to make the right call.

5. Your child is being harassed or bullied on a social networking site, or in e-mails or instant messages - Online bullying isn’t just a harmless prank and your kids need to know that it’s important they tell you before it goes too far.

6. Your child receives a friend request on a social networking site from someone neither they nor you know - Friending someone online that you don’t know in real life is opening the door to many possible threats such as hackers and predators.

7. Offers to sign up for a “free” service online or get “free” ringtones or daily joke text messages - “Free” rarely comes without a price online and supposedly “free” services can result in repeated charges to your credit card or phone bill.

For more than 35 years, the BBB Children’s Advertising Review Unit has promoted responsible children's advertising by evaluating child-directed ads and promotional material in all media, to advance truthfulness, accuracy and consistency. CARU scrutinizes over ten thousand television commercials, and reviews of advertisements in print, radio and online media.

Parents can report websites that request personally identifiable information from children under 13 at www.caru.org.

More information about kids’ online safety is available at the CARU Parent’s Corner: http://www.caru.org/program/parentscorner.aspx/.

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Online Scams Proliferate in the Wake of Osama’s Death

5/4/2011

Posted on 5/4/2011 by

For Immediate Release

Contact: Michael Coil, President/CEO

Marjorie Stephens, Director of Communications

Office: 260.423.4433

Online Scams Proliferate in the Wake of Osama’s Death

Fort Wayne, IN – May 4, 2011- With only days behind us, in the aftermath of the death of Osama Bin Laden this past weekend, Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana is warning consumers to watch out for a slew of cyber-scams that have popped up in the past few days.

According to Kaspersky Labs, an Internet security firm, malicious Web sites and links have been proliferating on Google Images search, Facebook, and other social media sites.

On Facebook, a fake video purporting to show the death of Bin Laden prompts users to input a malicious URL into their browsers, which will infect their computer with a virus. Kaspersky also reports that other Facebook scams lure victims to malicious Facebook Pages with promises of free airplane tickets, and other “free” offers to “celebrate Osama’s death.”

Consumers should also be very wary of links to Osama related Web sites that they find on Twitter, or any link with a URL that leads to an unfamiliar webpage. Often these links will lead consumers to Web sites with viruses, or forms that encourage consumers to enter personal information, which can be used to steal their identity, or for phishing scams.

BBB Tips:

Be mindful about clicking on links that purport to show information that’s not widely available from respected news sources. In the case of Bin Laden, no photos or videos related to his death have been released. Be extremely skeptical of links that say otherwise.
Be wary of free offers “celebrating” any sort of occasion, especially if the offer comes from a company or Web site you haven’t heard of before. Often times all it takes for a scammer to infect your computer with a virus is clicking on one bad link.
If you you’re unsure if an offer or a Web site is legitimate, contact BBB at 260.423.4433

For more information on how consumers can protect themselves against scams, or to find reputable businesses they can visit www.bbb.org.

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About Better Business Bureau
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 65 million consumers rely on BBB Reliability Reports® and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visit www.bbb.org. Follow us on Twitter and Find us on Facebook.

BBB Warns That Scammers May Be Chasing Your Wallet In Light Of Recent Storms

5/4/2011

Posted on 5/4/2011 by
Your home and wallet may take a serious beating when a big storm hits and with several recent storms and tornadoes, Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana is warning consumers to be wary of fly-by-night “storm chasers,” as well as fraudulent charities promising to provide relief.

Storm chasers and other door-to-door salespeople often peddle dubious deals that may cost homeowners thousands of dollars and create serious headaches. BBB recommends doing your research to avoid getting taken advantage of by untrustworthy home contractors and the like.

For those who seek to aid in relief, BBB Wise Give Alliance urges donors to check trustworthy charities before making any donations. Not only do Americans need to be concerned about avoiding fraud, they also need to make sure their money goes to competent relief organizations that are equipped and experienced to handle the unique challenges of providing assistance.

“Not only do Americans need to be concerned about avoiding fraud, they need to know that their home contractors and charity relief efforts are legitimate and honorable,” said Michael Coil, President and CEO of the BBB of Northern Indiana. “It’s imperative to find a home contractor and charity that you can trust. Our community was lucky that it was not hit severly as what occured in the southern states, but it's a good reminder that after high winds, severe downpours or hailstorms, the storm chasers come out of the closet.”

When looking for a contractor you can trust and when seeking to aid to relief efforts, BBB recommends that homeowners and donors do the following:

Start Your Search with BBB. In addition to offering Business Reviews on tens of thousands of contractors—good and bad—across the US, you can also rely on BBB’s Accredited Business Locator to find trustworthy contractors in your area. BBB accreditation standards require that accredited businesses make a good faith effort to resolve disputes.

Find trustworthy charities when aiding to relief. BBB Wise Giving Alliance urges donors to make sure their donations will go to legitimate and reputable charities and relief efforts that have the capability to help those in need. Be cautious when relying on third-party recommendations such as bloggers or other Web sites, as they might not have fully researched the listed relief organizations. Interested donors should visit www.bbb.org/charity to research charities and relief organizations to verify that they are accredited by the BBB and meet the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Recognize the red flags. Beware of any contractor who uses high pressure sales tactics or requires full payment upfront. Also avoid contractors who require you to get the necessary permits. When looking to make a donation, be cautious about online giving, especially in response to spam messages and emails that claim to link to a relief organization. In response to the previous natural disasters, there were concerns raised about many Web sites and new organizations that were created overnight allegedly to help victims.

Vet the contractor carefully. Verify the business meets all state and local requirements including being licensed, insured and bonded. Also ask the business for references from recent jobs. Confirm whether or not the contractor will be subcontracting the job or relying on their own employees.

Beware of storm chasers. In the wake of a storm, fly-by-night repair businesses will solicit work, often door-to-door, in unmarked trucks. They might require advance payment and make big promises on which they won’t be able to deliver.

Seek at least three bids. Beware of low-ball estimates that may potentially balloon over time or foreshadow shoddy work to come.

Make sure everything is in writing. Make sure that the full scope of the work is explained in the contract including cleanup and disposal of waste. All verbal agreements need to be included in the written agreement. Pay close attention to the payment terms, estimated price of materials and labor and any warranties or guarantees.

For more advice on hiring home professionals and for finding a charity you can trust, visit us online at www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-home and BBB Wise Give Alliance at www.bbb.org/charity.

Mary Collins & Ryan Elijah Recognize the Best in Business

5/2/2011

Posted on 5/2/2011 by

FORT WAYNE, Ind., (Indiana's NewsCenter)--- INCToday's Ryan Elijah and Mary Collins were honored to emcee the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana's annual Torch Awards.

Five area high school seniors also received $1,000 scholarships for academics and their volunteer work.

Mac Parker received the Individual of Integrity Award.

2011 Winners:

Non-profit category: Erin’s House for Grieving Children

Small business: CNC Industries

Medium-sized business: Mike’s Carwash

Large business: Three Rivers Federal Credit Union

Runners-up

Non-profit: American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana

Small business: CME Corp.

Medium-sized: Russ Moore Transmission

Large business: Afdent Dental

Mary Collins & Ryan Elijah Recognize the Best in Business

4/29/2011

Posted on 4/29/2011 by

FORT WAYNE, Ind., (Indiana's NewsCenter)--- INCToday's Ryan Elijah and Mary Collins were honored to emcee the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana's annual Torch Awards.

Five area high school seniors also received $1,000 scholarships for academics and their volunteer work.

Mac Parker received the Individual of Integrity Award.

2011 Winners:

Non-profit category: Erin’s House for Grieving Children

Small business: CNC Industries

Medium-sized business: Mike’s Carwash

Large business: Three Rivers Federal Credit Union

Runners-up

Non-profit: American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana

Small business: CME Corp.

Medium-sized: Russ Moore Transmission

Large business: Afdent Dental

Urban Active Customers Ponder: Which Is Shrinking Faster, my Waistline or my Account Balance?

4/21/2011

Posted on 4/21/2011 by

Urban Active customers ponder which is shrinking faster, their waist lines or their account balances

Fort Wayne, IN - April 21, 2011 - "This time of year many people after hibernating all winter long are resolving to join a gym and lose weight," said Mike Coil, President & CEO BBB of NOrthern Indiana. "The trends we’re seeing in complaints against Urban Active tell us consumers need to read the fine print on the contract before they sign, and keep a close eye on their bank statements to insure they’re not getting billed for more than they should."

While some complaints against Urban Active regarding billing are basic billing errors, the majority of billing complaints center on being billed after the member felt their contract had expired or been canceled. Many consumers either assumed their contract would not be renewed, or filed the appropriate paperwork to cancel their membership but continued to have fees withdrawn from their bank accounts. Billing issues centered on recurring monthly withdraws from bank accounts or credit cards.

BBB has received over 200 complaints from Central Ohio consumers in the last year. Seventy-eight of these complaints were closed unanswered and unresolved by BBB as Urban Active did not respond to BBB’s written requests for their side.

Here is what some consumers told BBB:

"After being told I was not signing a 12 month contract, it appears that it was."

"They debited $ 105.38 out of my checking account causing 3 checks to be returned at 29.00 apiece. The charge seems to be for 2 months membership dues and an additional 20.00 late fee. My debit card expired and I had forgotten to update info with them. Instead of calling me they found a way to get into my checking account and debit the amount."

"My contract expired in September 2010. I was then charged for October and November. The copy of the contract is almost unreadable. I am also going to be charged for December."

"I have tried numerous times to have my training contract stopped. The PROBLEM, the fees are still being taking out of my account. I have talked several times with several levels of associates and just get the run around."

"It’s common for people to have problems after ending a gym contract. Although it is outlined in a contract, a lot of these contracts are for 24 to 36 months, so not having that information, consumers are confused, and the billing actually continues," said Morse.

BBB in Columbus, OH issued an F rating to Urban Active as a result of unanswered consumer complaints. These consumers have been referred to the Ohio Attorney General, and their banks or credit card company for further assistance.

"If you’re interested in a gym membership, do your research with friends and family and check out the fitness facility’s record with BBB’s free Business Reviews," added Coil. "It’s important to make sure the facility meets your needs, but it’s equally important for consumers to know they can rely on their club to be upfront about its plans and contracts and honest with their billing."

BBB offers the following advice to help select a fitness facility that best meets your needs:

Check with BBB first. Visit BBB.org to find a list of gyms and health clubs in your area that are BBB Accredited, or to view a particular company’s BBB Business Review.
Consider your budget. Many facilities charge an upfront membership fee to join and a monthly fee thereafter. Each club’s equipment, classes and amenities are included in your monthly fee. If you don’t wish to take advantage of them, the gym may not be the right fit.
Don't give in to pressure. Many gyms will offer special promotions that may pressure you to sign a contract on the spot. A reputable health club will allow you time to take home and read over the contract first.
Understand the membership details. This includes the length of the contract, cost per month, cancellation and renewal rules and additional fees such as personal training sessions. If there were free gifts promised to you, discounts for family members or the waiving of a signup cost, make sure these details are included as well.

Pay with a credit card whenever possible, so you can challenge the charge in the event of a dispute.

To check a Business' Review, please call 1.800.552-4631 or go to www.bbb.org.

About BBB

BBB of Northern Indiana serves 23 surrounding counties as a leader in advancing marketplace trust by encouraging best practices, celebrating role models, and denouncing substandard behavior. BBB sees trust as functions of respect, ethics, intent, delivering results and addressing concerns. Businesses and charities that earn BBB Accreditation have agreed to live up to our high standards and principals for trust. BBBs provide free and easily accessible Reliability Reports on businesses, Wise Giving Reports on charities, educational information, objective advice, and dispute resolution of marketplace complaints. The first BBB was founded in 1912, and today a network of 128 local BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than 3 million businesses and charities.

The Operative Word: Why Operations Is So Much More Than A “Complaint Department”

4/18/2011

Posted on 4/18/2011 by

By Mona Terry

When I first tell people that I work for the Better Business Bureau, the first thing I generally hear is “Wow…. so what do you do?” Telling someone I work in the Operations department is like telling someone you’re a doctor, but instead of getting “So… I’ve had this weird pain...” I get “So there’s this one company…” Of course, I’m happy to answer any questions.

So, what exactly is the Operations Department of the BBB and what do we do? In a nutshell, we answer calls, process complaints, develop business reviews, provide outreach to the community about services provided by the Operations department, and perform administrative duties around the office. Let me tell you a little bit more about the first three.

Answering Calls: Operations staff answers calls from both businesses and consumers. We answer questions about new or existing complaints, give referrals, and provide as much pre-purchase information as possible. If a consumer is contacting us before they do business with a company, we can provide them with BBB industry reviews and referrals to licensing agencies so they can check the status of a license or registration, if applicable, and we can also provide them with a list of Accredited Businesses in an industry. If a consumer is contacting us after they’ve done business with a company we can provide a lot of the same information, as well as information about our complaint process and what we can do to help.

Processing Complaints: The Operations staff uses the BBB’s guidelines for processing a complaint. One of the most common misconceptions about the BBB is that we’re a government agency, so the assumption is that filing a complaint will result in legal action being taken against the company, or a guarantee that the company will resolve a dispute. We think of ourselves as the starting point in the dispute resolution process. A majority of companies are responsive to the BBB and open to working with their consumers. The BBB helps put consumers in touch with a contact at the business that can help them resolve their dispute, but not every company is willing to respond. BBB complaints help open the lines of communication and, we hope, result in both the consumer and business walking away with a feeling of resolution. If we are unable to please both parties through our process, we are happy to let consumers know some of the next steps they can take.

Develop Reports: BBB Business Reviews are generally generated by consumer inquiries or complaints, or companies interested in accreditation and/or maintaining a BBB report. BBB staff sends a Standard Business Questionnaire (SBQ) to businesses to get more information from the business itself and obtains/verifies as much information as we can from public records. We also try to include as much information as possible regarding industry tips, licensing, patterns of complaints, and government actions. We like to call reports with lots of information “beefed up reports.” When we get information regarding significant bad marketplace behavior, we share our report with the media, in an effort to alert consumers, other businesses and government agencies in case they want to look into the business further.

As you can see, we have plenty to keep us busy. Our staff is dedicated to making sure we are constantly learning about our ever-changing marketplace, and educating and helping where we can. For more information about BBB Business Reviews or the BBB’s complaint process, visit bbb.org or contact us at 1.800.552.4631.

Take the Guess Work Out of Your Next Used Car

4/18/2011

Posted on 4/18/2011 by

Take the Guess Work Out of Your Next Used Car

BBB Offers Smart Buying Tips for Pre-Owned Vehicles

With today’s 2010 tax return deadline and resulting refunds arriving in the next few days, BBB understands consumers will take the opportunity to use this extra money to buy a used vehicle. However, BBB warns that used car dealers were one of the most complained about industries last year with over 400 complaints. While the majority of complaints were resolved, many disputes could have been prevented by consumers taking the time to ask detailed questions and research dealerships in advance.

To help prevent any issues when buying your next used vehicle, BBB suggests the following tips:

· View the dealer’s BBB Business Review. This will give you information about the length of time they have been in business, their history of complaints and complaint resolution, and any past advertising concerns we may have found.

· Shop for vehicles that still have a portion of the original manufacturer's warranty. Most vehicles have at least a three-year or 36,000 mile basic warranty coverage, and often longer "power train" coverage on the engine and transmission. This means if you buy a car that is less than three years old, you may get at least a year or so of free maintenance. Just be sure to confirm the details of the warranty and whether it is fully transferable.

· Consider a certified, pre-owned (CPO) vehicle. These are vehicles that typically have been given multipoint inspections before being put on the lot. CPO programs are backed by many automakers and the vehicles may include an extended warranty on major parts such as the engine and transmission at no cost.

· Do a background check on the vehicle. For a small cost, you can use a service like CARFAX to find the vehicle service and history report. Write down the vehicle identification number (VIN) to check for accident reports, previous owners and why the vehicle has been taken to repair shops in the past. You can also check if certain items on the vehicle have ever been recalled.

· Test drive and inspect the vehicle. The dealer or individual seller should have nothing to hide. If they do not allow you to test drive the vehicle or allow a third-party mechanic to look it over, do not buy it.

Visit bbb.org to check a reliable business!

About Better Business Bureau:
BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior.

Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB is the preeminent resource to turn to for objective, unbiased information on businesses and charities.

###

BBB Advises Consumers on Handling Debt Collectors—both Legitimate and Phony

4/14/2011

Posted on 4/14/2011 by
Consumers who owe money or are behind on their bills may be legitimately contacted by debt collectors to pay off debts. The BBB warns consumers, however, that phony debt collectors are lurking. In a recent release of the top complaints reported to the Better Business Bureau, collection agencies ranked 5th in number of complaints received. With more than 15,000 complaints, consumers need to be aware of the best practices for when it comes to handling debt collectors.

Debt collectors seek to reclaim funds on past-due accounts on behalf of creditors, businesses or individuals. But, sometimes the "debt collector" calling turns out to be an identity thief who is trying to get you to divulge personal or financial information, such as your Social Security, bank and credit card numbers. Oftentimes, scammers will impersonate legitimate debt collectors to illegitimately obtain financial information. These fraudulent calls can be harassing and threatening.

“Consumers need to know the red flags for fraudulent debt collectors,” says Michael Coil, President & CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana. “If the collector refuses to reveal the name of their agency or demands that the payments be made in cash or money transfer only, consumers need to report this immediately.”

It’s important for consumers to verify the alleged debt before taking action. BBB recommends doing the following:

Request written proof. Get documentation to help determine if the callers are actually identity thieves or if a debt is actually owed. By law, a debt collection agency must provide a validation notice within five days of contacting you about the debt. Within 30 days of receiving their validation notice, send the debt collector a written request to further verify the debt details. Do not provide personal or financial information unless the validity of the debt and the debt collector has been confirmed.

Verify the legitimacy. Get the debt collector's name and contact information to research the agency further. Search on the Internet to see if they have a website or a BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org. Cross-check contact information and call them using a phone number from a public or online directory. Verify that the representative who called is affiliated with the agency.

Avoid phony calls. Be wary if the debt cannot be verified or if no documentation is received. Advise them to stop contacting you and register with the National Do Not Call Registry at www.DoNotCall.gov or 888-382-1222.

If you do not owe the alleged debt, BBB recommends doing the following:

Don't ignore the collector. It is best to respond immediately, even if you don't believe the debt is yours. Otherwise, the collector may continue contacting you or file a judgment.

Don't pay. Do not claim a debt that isn't yours or make a payment on a bill just to make the collector "go away." Even just one payment can indicate that you are accepting the full responsibility of the debt. The invalid debt could also reflect as a liability on your credit report.

Contest errors. If no debt is confirmed, contact any involved parties to clear up inaccuracies on your credit report, such as: the debt collector; the creditor or company claiming unresolved accounts; and the major credit bureaus. Write a detailed letter and include supporting documents to prove your case. The Federal Trade Commission provides additional resources for reporting errors.

Check for identity theft. If contacted by a collection agency regarding erroneous bills or debts, it could be an indication of identity theft; an imposter may be using your identity to make purchases, open accounts and obtain credit. Review your credit report to quickly identify fraudulent activity or make corrections; visit www.annualcreditreport.com for a free yearly credit report and get FTC advice for Resolving Specific Identity Theft Problems relating to debt collectors.

BBB recommends doing the following for debt you do owe:

Know your responsibilities. It is not against the law for a debt collector or creditor to contact you regarding unpaid debts. Try working with them to resolve issues. Discuss doing payment plan and request obligations in writing.

Complain about abusive practices. Report harassment, threats and other violations of federal telemarketing laws to the FTC. File a BBB complaint if you believe a debt collector is acting unethically. Also, research state laws on debt collectors, which may vary.

Stop collector calls. According to federal law, a debt collector cannot continue to contact you—at work or home—if you tell them to stop. Write a letter stating not to contact you anymore. Save a copy of the letter then send the original via certified mail and request a return receipt. If a debt is owed, the collector or creditor can still take legal action to collect funds and may contact you to inform you of their action.

Seek help for debt. Try using BBB's free online program Managing Credit – Made Simpler.

Know your rights. Review the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which sets standards for collection agencies and prohibits abusive tactics. The FDCPA is enforced by the FTC and violations should be reported. Debt collectors:

May not make false or deceptive claims.
Are not allowed to make idle threats, express or implied, or use abusive or profane language.
Should not discuss consumers' accounts with unauthorized third parties.
May not inaccurately report credit information and pressure consumers to pay debts they do not owe.
Must investigate the validity of a dispute over a debt.

Report Scams: Debt collection victims can file complaints with the:

Better Business Bureau
Federal Trade Commission.
Internet Crime Complaint Center, if contacted by internet or e-mail.
State Attorney General's Office and other local consumer affairs agencies.
American Collectors Association (ACA International) processes complaints on its member debt collectors; find out if the debt collection agency is a member.

For more information on debt collection, visit www.bbb.org/us/Consumer-Tips/.

About the BBB
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 65 million consumers rely on BBB Reliability Reports^® and BBB Wise Giving Reports^® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visit www.bbb.org/us for more information.

BBB Warns Of Scams Spawned By Epsilon Data Breach

4/13/2011

Posted on 4/13/2011 by

Just days after millions of email addresses were stolen from Epsilon, a major email serving firm, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is seeing one of the first phishing scams derived from the breach.

Phishing scammers pose as reputable companies to fraudulently obtain your personal information such as logins, passwords, credit card information or account numbers. If you are a customer of one of the companies that had email data stolen, the BBB is warning you to be on the lookout for phishing emails.

“These hackers want you to hand over vital information that can ultimately lead to identity theft,” said Michael Coil, BBB president and CEO. “Consumers need to know the red flags to keep their identity protected.”

In this case, the BBB is seeing emails being sent from a fake 'Chase Bank,' one of the companies whose data was compromised. The email warns that ‘your account’ will be deactivated or deleted if you do not update your profile immediately. The email instructs you to click on a link to update your information.

The BBB believes there could be other phishing emails shooting through cyberspace. The following tips can help consumers confronted with phishing scams.

Never reply to unsolicited emails. If the message includes a link within it, never click it. Many schemers use this as way to spread a viral attack on your computer.
Do not give personal or financial information to anyone who contacts you via email. Your bank, the IRS or a law enforcement agency will not contact you by email. They will send you a letter.
Spread the word. Discuss phishing scams with all family members who have email addresses. Young people may be computer savvy, but not scam savvy. Older adults often are targeted by scammers, too.
Transmitted information should be encrypted. When sending personal information like addresses, credit card numbers and Social Security numbers over the Internet, make sure the website is fully encrypted and the network is secure. Look for https (the “s” stands for secure) at the beginning of the URL address.
Know the red flags. Poor grammar or misspelled words are red flags that the email is probably a scam. Most importantly, never wire money based on instructions in one of these suspicious emails. Scammers prey on those who think they need to wire money to have a situation resolved.
Protect your computer. Keep your antivirus software up to date and run it regularly.

Fax machines can put your personal info at risk

4/8/2011

Posted on 4/8/2011 by

Data Breach Could Spell Trouble for Consumers

4/4/2011

Posted on 4/4/2011 by

Until this weekend, Epsilon wasn’t exactly a household name. But now that the marketing giant firm has notified its high-profile customers that it was the victim of a data breach, web results and social media trends about the company are growing by the minute.

If your bank, credit card lender, or favorite retailer is an Epsilon customer, you need to keep an eye on your email and a tight grip on your personal information. The same goes for parents and students signed-up with The College Board for prep tests and help with their college search.

“According to the notifications BBB received, only names and email addresses were compromised by the hack. Reports indicate that personal and financial information on file with Epsilon were not accessed,” said Michael Coil, president/CEO, BBB Serving Northern Indiana. “However, it is very likely that information obtained during the breach could be used in phishing attacks designed to scare customers into divulging personal and financial information,” Barnett added.

While BBB has received notices from Best Buy, Chase, BJ's and The College Board, it has not been able to confirm exactly how many consumers are at risk. But the attack certainly has the potential of impacting a huge number of consumers. On its Web site, Epsilon states, “We are the world’s largest permission-based email marketing provider, sending over 40 billion emails annually.” In a press release, Reuters claimed this “…could be one of the biggest such breaches in U.S. history…”

BBB Tips to Avoid Phishing

Beware of any email asking for personal, financial or account information. Legitimate companies you rely on for your online shopping, financial needs and college tests will not request this information – they already have it.

Do not open any attachments. Attachments may contain malicious code that will infect your computer.

Do not click on any links. If you want to communicate with the business use your favorite search engine to find their Web site and/or contact information. Do not trust the information provided in the email.

Never provide your User ID or password in an e-mail.

Watch for strange emails from family/friends. Hackers sometimes use stolen information to pose as someone in your address book.

Make sure your computer’s spyware, spam filter and virus protection are up to date.

Report suspicious emails to www.ic3.gov and your BBB.

At this time, the following organizations’ customer records have been reportedly compromised by the Epsilon data breach:

BJ’s
Barclays Bank of Delaware
Best Buy
Brookstone
Capital One
Chase
Citi
Disney Destinations
Home Shopping Network
JPMorgan Chase
Kroger
LL Bean
Marriott Rewards
McKinsey & Company
New York & Company
Ritz-Carlton Rewards
The College Board
TiVo
US Bank
Walgreens

BBB Warns: Mystery Shopping Scam Uses BBB Name

3/31/2011

Posted on 3/31/2011 by

Scam artists are using the Better Business Bureau’s good name in a Mystery Shopping Scam. BBB Evaluation Inc promises to pay $50 to $100 an hour. The email states “your urgent response needed ASAP.” An excerpt from the email, which has several grammatical and spelling mistakes, is below:

From: BBB Evaluation Inc. <jobs@nankankaki.co.jp>
Subject: Re: Your Urgent Response Needed ASAP®

Hello,

Yes, it's true you really can make money shopping!

You can become a mystery shopper and make anywhere from $50- $100 an hour. You are probably not going to get rich mystery shopping, but in time you can earn some extra money.

We are a company that conduct surveys and evaluate other companies. We get hired to go to other peoples companies and act like customers in order to know how the staffs are handling their services in relation to their customers. Once we have a contract to do you would be directed to the company or outlet and you would be given the funds you need to do the job (either purchase things or require services) after which you would write a comment on the staffs activities and give a detailed record of your experience.

Fraudulent mystery shopping promoters often use emails, like this one, and newspaper ads to entice people into “easy money.” Solicitations often promote a website where consumers can “register” to become mystery shoppers – after they pay a fee for information about a certification program, a directory of mystery shopping companies, or a guarantee of a mystery shopping job. In other mystery shopping scams, the scam artist sends the “mystery shopper” a check to cash. The shopper is told to use part of the money to buy the merchandise or service, and wire the rest of the money back to “employer.” Later, the shopper finds out the check was fake and he/she owes the bank the money.

Consumers should be skeptical of mystery shopping promoters who:

Advertise for mystery shoppers in a newspaper’s ‘help wanted’ section or by email.
Sell “certification.” Companies that use mystery shoppers generally do not require certification.
"Guarantee" a job as a mystery shopper.
Charge a fee for access to mystery shopping jobs.
Sell directories of companies that provide mystery shoppers.

The fact is, a list of companies that hire mystery shoppers is available for free; and legitimate mystery shopper jobs are on the Internet for free. Here’s how you can become a mystery shopper:

Search the Internet for mystery shopping companies that are accepting applications. Legitimate companies don’t charge an application fee. Many accept applications online.
Do some homework about mystery shopping. Check libraries or bookstores for tips on how to find companies hiring mystery shoppers, as well as how to do the job effectively.
Visit the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) website at www.mysteryshop.org for information on how to register to be a mystery shopper with a MSPA-member company, a database of available jobs, and additional information on the industry in general.

If you think you have encountered a mystery shopping scam, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, your State Attorney General, or the FTC (ftc.gov).

For more consumer tips go to www.bbb.org or call 1-800-552-4631.

‘F’ rated Identityflash.com racks up complaints over sales practices

2/25/2011

Posted on 2/25/2011 by

‘F’ rated Identityflash.com racks up complaints over sales practices

Consumers from over 25 states including Texas, California, New York, Florida, Kansas, North Carolina, and New Mexico are complaining to the BBB at Fort Worth about Identityflash.com, a company which allegedly uses deceptive sales practices.

According to complaints, consumers are lured by being told they have won a prize and need to pay $12.95 for shipping and handling and are eligible for a seven-day free trial of Identityflash’s identity theft prevention services. Some consumers allege they were not told paying for shipping and handling starts the trial period. If consumers do not cancel the service within the seven day period, their credit cards are charged $99 for the annual service.

Identityflash.com, a Granbury, TX-based company, has an ‘F’ grade with the BBB due to the volume of complaints, failure to respond to complaints, and overall complaint history.

The website, Identityflash.com, now only displays the words “It Works” on the site with no further information. In December 2010, their site was more robust. They claimed to offers services which, “Provide products to insure you in the event that you become a victim of identity theft and tools to help you restore your good name at a very affordable price and flexible payment terms.”

Now, Identityflash.com services are available at an alternate website —www.Resortsofdistinctionidentitytheft.com (ROD). In fact, ROD states on its homepage, “When you order identityflash.com, you will begin your free trial membership. If you don’t cancel your membership within the 30 day trial period, you will be billed $89.00 for a one year membership.”

Identityflash.com and its owners, Farris and Elizabeth Wheat, also do business as A.M.Eagle Company, Apollo Satellite, CCJC Group, Inc., RebatesRUs and more than a dozen others which are all listed on the company’s Reliability Report^® at www.fwbbb.org.

The BBB of Northern Indiana advises if you suspect you have been a victim of identity theft, there are several immediate steps to take to reclaim and protect your good name including:

Place a fraud alert on your credit reports with each of the three credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and Transunion
Close the accessed accounts
File a police report

To prevent your identity from being stolen, take the following actions:

Regularly review your financial statements for suspicious activity
Shred documents with personally identifying information such as credit card applications, bank deposit slips, etc.
Close all unused credit accounts, do not just cut up the cards
Ask companies not to sell your information.
Order a copy of your credit report annually from each of the three credit bureaus.

Never give out personal information over the phone to someone you do not know.

Protecting your identity takes on-going diligence, but is also one of the best investments you will ever make. Before you do business with any firm, take advantage of the complimentary Reliability Reports available to you through your BBB of Northern Indiana.

Local Repair Shop Ratings

2/21/2011

Posted on 2/21/2011 by

BBB Warns Online T-shirt Retailer Does Not Deliver

2/16/2011

Posted on 2/16/2011 by
BBB Warns Online T-shirt Retailer Does Not Deliver

Complaints Allege that T-Shirts Paid for Never Arrive

Complaints continue to pile up against online t-shirt company, Ray's Garage, Inc. regarding consumers paying for customized t-shirts but never receiving them. BBB has notified the company of ten complaints filed against them in the past 2 months, but the company has failed to respond.

While the company’s website is registered to an Austin-based location, the complaints filed against the company are generated from consumers nationwide. The complaints allege that the t-shirts ordered have never been received following the online payment. In addition, several consumers also report that they are unable to get a response from the business regarding the status of their delivery.

BBB advises that Ray's Garage, Inc., the t-shirt retailer, is not related to or affiliated with Ray's Garage, an automobile repair and service company also located in Austin, TX. The automobile repair shop, Ray's Garage, does not sell t-shirts online.

Click here for the current BBB Business Review on Ray’s Garage, Inc. which reports BBB has issued the company an F rating for failure to respond to consumer complaints.

BBB advises consumers to consider the following advice before purchasing a product online:

- Do Your Research: Shoppers should always review an online retailer on bbb.org to check on the seller’s reputation and record for customer satisfaction.

- Pay with a Credit Card: It is best to use a credit card when shopping online, because under federal law the shopper can dispute the charges if he or she doesn’t receive the item.

- Keep Documentation of Your Order: After completing the online order process, a shopper will be provided with confirmation. BBB recommends printing a copy of the confirmation and any indication of the expected delivery timeframe for future reference.

- Know Your Rights: Federal law requires that orders made by mail, phone or online be shipped by the date promised or, if no delivery time was stated, within 30 days. If the goods aren’t shipped on time, the shopper can cancel and demand a refund.

Visit www.bbb.org for more information or contact BBB of Northern Indiana toll-free at 1.800.552.4631.

About Better Business Bureau:

BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior.

Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB is the preeminent resource to turn to for objective, unbiased information on businesses and charities.

Jury Duty Scam Threatens Your Private Information

2/10/2011

Posted on 2/10/2011 by

There are few people in our great country that look forward to jury duty. Most of us dread it, but drag ourselves to the court house anyway, and some avoid by means of any excuse. Unfortunately for those who take either approach, an old scam with a new ferocity is targeted at you.

You answer your phone, surprised to find someone of the other end who claims to be an officer of the court. You haven’t appeared for mandated jury duty, and have a warrant out for your arrest. You protest and claim that you never received a summons. An easy fix, says the caller, just clear up this mix up by handing over your birth date, social security number, maybe even a credit card number too.

Stop. Before you give away your personal information, consider this: Court officials rarely cold call prospective jurors, and never ask for personal information over the phone. Most officials prefer to communicate via mail. You have just narrowly avoiding a scam that is brilliantly effective in its utter simplicity.

The F.B.I relates the success of the scam to targeting good people who are law-abiding. In an F.B.I released article, a special agent explains that most citizens who receive one of these phone calls are put on the defensive immediately, and then lured into the con-artist’s trap with the promise of a clean slate. The scam preys on upright people who fear a marred record.

The jury duty swindle has affected 11 states in the last few months, including Florida, New York, Minnesota, Colorado, California and Arizona, and is considered by the F.B.I to be a threat to all communities, even those who haven’t had reports surface yet. Officials expect this con to pick up speed, but are trying to thwart the efforts of the scammers by spreading the word. If you receive a suspicious call, the F.B.I recommends calling your local F.B.I office to report the incident.

Remember, that, above all, protecting your personal information is the goal. Given enough information, these con-artists can assume your identity, and empty your bank accounts as well as running up credit cards charges in your name.

For more information about keeping your private information safe, take a look at this BBB article about how to avoid identity theft, or call your BBB of Northern Indiana at 1.800.552.4631.

Consumer Fraud Task Force Urges Consumers To Be Wary Of Firms Promising To Reduce Tax Debt

2/7/2011

Posted on 2/7/2011 by
Fort Wayne, IN = February 7, 2011 As tax season opens, the Consumer Fraud Task Force is warning consumers to be wary of any company that claims it can reduce tax debt in exchange for advance fees.

Just three months ago, the Federal Trade Commission sued American Tax Relief of Beverly Hills, Calif., asserting it had bilked consumers out of more than $60 million by falsely claiming it could reduce consumers’ state and federal tax debts. A federal judge immediately froze the company’s assets and placed it in receivership.

“American Tax Relief is an example of a company that promised the moon, but delivered almost nothing,” the Task Force warns. “It isn’t alone. There is no shortage of businesses still preying on people desperate to get out from under tax debt.”

Companies like American Tax Relief often use national marketing campaigns to tout their services, saying they can reduce or even eliminate tax debt and stop the collection of back taxes by applying for Internal Revenue Service hardship programs. But in reality, very few consumers qualify for the programs, which are available only under limited circumstances.

Instead of making advance payments to tax relief companies, the Task Force urges consumers to deal directly with the IRS. Under an installment agreement, the IRS allows consumers to make monthly payments to settle their debts.

A so-called “offer in compromise” can, in certain situations, let taxpayers settle their debt for less than the amount they owe. Persons interested in learning more about the programs may contact the IRS at 877-777-4778 or atwww.irs.gov/advocate.

Consumers who do not want to deal directly with the IRS might want to seek help from a professional, such as an accountant or tax attorney.

Records on file with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and government agencies reveal numerous complaints from people who believe they were taken in by the claims of tax relief businesses. A resident of Stormville, N. Y., told the BBB that American Tax Relief had taken $15,000 of his money and “never did anything.” A consumer from Pioneer, Ohio, said the same company “ripped me off for $5,500.”

A man from High Ridge, Mo., told the BBB there that he paid the company $6,000 in an effort to reduce a $50,000 IRS tax debt, but said the company did little except tell him repeatedly, “We’re handling it.” Ultimately, he said, penalties caused the debt to swell to more than $75,000. It was an IRS tax advocate – not American Tax Relief – that finally helped reduce the debt to $25,000. “I don’t think American Tax Relief did anything,” he said.

In recent months, a new FTC rule went into effect prohibiting debt relief companies and mortgage modification firms from charging advance fees. The FTC is studying how this rule should apply to businesses taking advance fees for tax debt reduction work.

Winter Weather Freezing Home and Office Pipes

2/3/2011

Posted on 2/3/2011 by

Winter Weather Freezing Home and Office Pipes

Tips to Prevent, Handle and Hire Help with Frozen Plumbing

To prevent pipes from freezing, bursting and causing water damage, your BBB of Northern Indiana urges all home and business owners to take extra precautions by following the tips below provided by industry experts:

To prevent your pipes from freezing:

-Wrap all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas of the home.

-Remove garden hoses from outside faucets.

-Cover vents around the foundation of your home.

-Drip outside faucets 24 hours a day (5 drops per minute).

-Open cabinet doors under sinks adjacent to outside walls to allow heat in from inside the home.

-Shut off the water to washing machines in unheated garages.

If your pipes freeze and burst:

-Cut-off the water valve. If you are unable to locate or operate your cut-off valve, call your water provider immediately for help.

-Call your insurance agent to file a claim. Be sure to ask for specific procedures or paperwork needed to move forward with repairs.

-If possible, take photos of any water saturation. An insurance adjuster may need to see what's been damaged in order to process your claim.

-As soon as the majority of water is drained away, all wet items should be discarded or cleaned and thoroughly dried within 48 hours of flooding to prevent the growth of mold, according to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

If hiring a plumber to help with repairs:

-Be wary of plumbers who show up unsolicited at your door offering to make repairs. Most reputable companies are too busy right now to solicit work in this manner.

-Beware of price gouging. Some businesses may be marking up their products or services by as much as 500 percent due to the high demand of plumbing services in the cold weather.

-Take time to shop around for plumbers get competitive bids, and check references and licensing requirements. Check a company’s rating with BBB to determine your level of trust.

-Request a written contract, detailing all services, materials and labor. Be sure the plumber signs your copy before you make any payments.

-Never pay for all repairs in advance and do not pay with cash.

To check the reliability of the company and find trustworthy businesses, visit BBB.

About Better Business Bureau:

How to Outsmart Business Scams

1/31/2011

Posted on 1/31/2011 by

Dateline: Chris Hansen confronts air duct cleaners

1/31/2011

Posted on 1/31/2011 by

BBB Advice: Tax Refund Anticipation Loans Are Costly, Whether You Get A Check Or A Debit Card

1/27/2011

Posted on 1/27/2011 by

Fort Wayne, IN – In a hurry to get your refund? Some tax preparers offer tax refund anticipation loans, often marketed as “rapid refunds” in the form of checks or “gift” debit cards.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to be wary of these costly loans. They deliver refunds only slightly faster than the IRS.

Refund anticipation loans are similar to payday loans: They’re short-term loans with high interest rates that can range from 50 to 500 percent. In some cases, they have hidden administrative fees. If the tax preparer makes a mistake in calculating your refund, borrowers could be required to pay fines and fees, too.

“Consumers may assume that the loans will be paid off quickly when their refund arrives, but if the refund is less than the loan, consumers will have to repay the difference, plus fees and fines,” said Michael Coil, President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana.

The IRS usually delivers refunds in as few as 10 days after a consumer files a tax return, if the consumer files the return electronically and takes the refund by direct deposit to a bank account. The speed makes most refund loans unnecessary.

This year, the IRS has another option for refunds if a consumer doesn’t have a bank account: a prepaid debit card. The cards, available only by invitation, can be used to get money from ATM machines or to buy goods and services from retailers. The cards arrive faster than checks, the IRS says, and may allow consumers to avoid check-cashing fees.

The BBB advises consumers to be wary of two common tax-time schemes:

Tax reduction schemes are promoted by companies that claim they can help consumers reduce what they owe the IRS by working on their behalf with the IRS. However, the BBB has taken complaints from consumers who paid thousands of dollars to such companies only to find out that the companies didn’t reduce the amount they owed and, in some cases, had never contacted the IRS.

BBB advice: If you have a debt with the IRS, consult an IRS enrolled agent, a certified public accountant or a tax attorney to determine whether you qualify to file for anything other than paying your taxes, fines and penalties in full.

Phishing e-mails may say that there’s an issue with taxpayers’ refunds, that they are being audited or that a problem is delaying processing of their taxes. Many include a link to a website set up by scammers, where victims are asked for Social Security numbers, bank account or credit card information. Some sites are designed to automatically install viruses or other malicious software on the victims’ computers.

BBB advice: The IRS doesn’t e-mail people about their taxes. The agency typically contacts taxpayers by mail. Tip-offs that an e-mail is fraudulent may include spelling or grammatical mistakes. The BBB advises consumers not to open any attachments or click on links in the e-mails.

If you decide to hire a tax preparer, the BBB advises that you:

Ask for referrals from friends, but check the preparer out with the BBB before you hire anyone at bbb.org or by calling 1-800-552-4631.
Check credentials. Is the preparer a certified public accountant (CPA), a tax lawyer or an enrolled agent? Will the preparer sign your return and provide you with a copy? Does the preparer belong to a professional organization that requires members to adhere to a code of ethics?
Be wary of promises. Until the preparer knows your situation, there is no way to know whether you’ll get a refund or how big it will be.
Check accessibility. You may need to contact your preparer after tax season is over. Will he or she be available?
Read the contract. Know what the service will cost, what it covers and whether the cost changes if you have a complicated return. Will the preparer represent you in case of an audit?
Check your return. Before you sign the return, read it over to check for mistakes. Ask the preparer to explain anything you don’t understand.

Super Sunday Biggest Day in Football; Big Opportunity for Scammers

1/27/2011

Posted on 1/27/2011 by

Super Sunday Biggest Day in Football; Big Opportunity for Scammers
Football Glory in Dallas Provides Perfect Opportunity for Ticket Scams

The Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers will compete for a piece of history in less than two weeks during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX. With tickets at a premium for the nation’s largest and most popular sporting event, BBB warns the potential for ticket scams purchased online or in person could be at an all-time high.

BBB received nearly 1,300 complaints last year from consumers who purchased event tickets from individuals, businesses and third party websites. While most complaints were over refund and exchange issues, several complaints allege paying for tickets and never receiving them. To minimize the risk of losing thousands of dollars, BBB offers the following tips for purchasing Super Bowl tickets:

· Deal with a sports-based ticket company that has a track record with game packages and ticket sales.

· Avoid buying tickets from new online auction sellers or sellers located outside the U.S.

· Be wary of any sellers who say they will have eBay or Craigslist send “verification.”

· Use a credit card or third party escrow company such as PayPal for purchases. They offer additional protection and track the purchase.

· Make sure the website is secure and reputable. Look for the “https” or “lock” symbol in the navigation bar on the Internet browser.

· Read all the fine print to verify ticket delivery dates.

· Do your research at BBB.org to be sure the company is trustworthy.

If you plan on traveling, BBB offers the following tips for purchasing Super Bowl travel packages:

· Confirm whether or not the package has a refund policy before you make any payments.

· Verify the travel package includes guaranteed tickets to the Super Bowl game.

· Get all the details in writing, including final price, cancellation penalties and all other specifics of the package, including the name of the hotel, airline, etc.

· Follow up with the travel promoter a few days before departure to confirm all reservations.

To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit BBB.

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Seven Scams that Target Small Businesses

1/4/2011

Posted on 1/4/2011 by

Being vigilant against fraud is not only important for a company’s bottom line, it also strengthens customer trust in the business. Becoming a victim of fraud can have a negative financial and reputational impact on a business and the Better Business Bureau recommends owners train their staff to look out for seven common scams that prey on small companies.

Every year the BBB receives thousands of complaints from small business owners who fell for an invoicing scam or were misled into paying for products and services they didn’t want. Scammers aren’t always trying to steal money from a business; sometimes they are after a company’s financial or customer data and will use many kinds of high and low-tech methods for getting it.

Small business fraud can come from internal threats, such as employee fraud, or from external full-time scammers. Because small business owners often lack the time and resources to fight fraud, they are a popular mark for any number of different scams.

The BBB is warning business owners to look out for the following seven scams that commonly target small companies:

Directory Scams – A perennial problem that has plagued businesses for decades involves deceptive sales for directories. Commonly the scammer will call the business claiming they just want to update the company’s entry in an online directory or the scammer might lie about being with the Yellow Pages. The business is later billed hundreds of dollars for listing services they didn’t agree to or for ads which they thought would be in the Yellow Pages.

Office Supply Scams – Some scammers prey on small business owners hoping that they won’t notice a bill for office supplies like toner or paper which the company never ordered. Every year BBB receives thousands of complaints from small business owners who were deceived by office supply companies and billed for products they didn’t want.

Overpayment Scams – Be extremely cautious if a customer overpays using a check or credit card and then asks you to wire the extra money back to them or to a third party. Overpayment scams target any number of different companies including catering businesses, manufacturers, wholesalers and even sellers on sites like eBay, Craigslist and Etsy.

Data Breaches – No matter how vigilant your company is a data breach can still happen. Whether it’s the result of hackers, negligence or a disgruntled employee, a data breach can have a severe impact on the level of trust customers have in your business. You can learn how to defend your company from a data breach for free with BBB’s Data Security – Made Simpler at www.bbb.org/data-security.

Vanity Awards – While it’s flattering to be recognized for your hard work, some awards are just money-making schemes and have no actual merit. If you are approached about receiving a business or leadership award, research the opportunity carefully and be wary if you’re asked to pay money.

Stolen Identity – Scammers will often pretend to be a legitimate company for the purposes of ripping off consumers. When it comes to stolen identity, the company doesn’t necessarily lose money, but their reputation is potentially tarnished as angry customers who were ripped off by the scammers think the real company is responsible.

Phishing E-mails – Some phishing e-mails specifically target small business owners with the goal of hacking into their computer or network. Common examples include e-mails pretending to be from the IRS claiming the company is being audited or phony e-mails from the BBB saying the company has received a complaint. If you receive a suspicious e-mail from a government agency or the BBB, don’t click on any links or open any attachments. Contact the agency or the BBB directly to confirm the legitimacy of the e-mail.

For more advice on how to manage your business effectively, visit www.bbb.org/us/Business-Resources/.

110103a Ten Questions to ask before Joining a Gym

1/3/2011

Posted on 1/3/2011 by

Ten Questions to Ask
Before Joining a Gym

Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions after the gluttony of the holiday season. If you’re pledging to lose some pounds this year by joining a gym, the Better Business Bureau recommends asking ten questions before signing on the dotted line. .

Regardless of how eager you are to start losing weight in the New Year, take the time to do your research before joining a gym and don’t give in to high-pressure sales pitches. Read the contract carefully, making sure that all of the promises are in print.

The BBB recommends asking the gym and yourself the following 10 questions before signing up for a membership:

Questions to ask the gym:

1. What are the terms of any introductory offers?

Gyms often use special introductory offers to lure in new members. Just make sure you understand the terms and what the price will be once the introductory period is over.

2. Will my membership renew automatically?

Every year, the BBB receives a large number of complaints from people who joined a gym and didn’t realize that their contract would renew automatically and that they would have to take specific steps to cancel their contract.

3. How can I get out of my contract?

Getting out of a gym contract isn’t always as easy as getting into one, so make sure you understand what steps you would need to take to cancel your membership.

4. What happens if I move?

Gyms have any number of different policies when it comes to how moving will affect your membership. It might depend on how far away you’re moving and if they have other locations nearby.

5. What happens if you go out of business?

The BBB often receives complaints from people after their gym suddenly closed up shop and took their money with them. Ask the gym to explain what will happen to your money if they suddenly go out of business.

Questions to ask yourself:

1. What are my fitness goals?

Determining your fitness goals in advance will help you select a facility that is most appropriate for you. If you have a serious health condition, consult with a medical professional when setting your fitness goals.

2. Is this location convenient?

If the gym is across town, you’ll be less likely to workout. Choose a fitness club that is convenient to work or home so the location is not a deterrent to getting exercise.

3. Can I really afford this every month?

Monthly gym fees add up and, after any introductory periods are over, the price could jump higher than your budget can handle. Do the math before you join and make sure you can afford a gym membership.

4. Am I feeling pressured to join?

Do not give in to high-pressure sales tactics to join right away. A reputable gym will give you enough time to read the contract thoroughly, tour the facilities and make an informed decision.

5. Did I get everything in writing?

Read the contract carefully and make sure that all verbal promises made by the salesperson are in writing. What matters is the document you sign, so don’t just take a salesperson’s word for it.

For more advice from the BBB on how to be a savvy consumer all year long, visit www.bbb.org/us/Consumer-Tips/.

BBB Offers 10 Consumer-Savvy Resolutions For A Safe, Scam-Free New year

12/30/2010

Posted on 12/30/2010 by

St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 30, 2010 – There’s no time like a new year to resolve to be a smarter, safer consumer. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has 10 suggested resolutions to help you fight scammers, prevent identity theft and save money in 2011.

“Consumers can help themselves survive the economic pinch by creating a budget, researching businesses before buying and learning to recognize red flags of common scams,” said Michaell Coil, BBB President and CEO.

“The BBB is a great resource for consumers to use, with a 24/7 website and customer service specialists available by telephone during business hours,” Coil said.

The suggested resolutions are:

Be skeptical of “job offers” that promise easy money. Unemployment in the nation is high and scammers are targeting the large pool of job hunters. Beware of any job offer, work-at-home scheme or business opportunity that promises big money for little work and no experience.
Always check a business out with the BBB before you buy. Nearly 400,000 businesses meet BBB standards and are qualified to use an Accredited Business seal on their websites and at business locations. Visit www.bbb.org to find BBB Reliability Reports for nearly 4 million businesses across North America.
Always read the fine print—especially with “free” trial offers. Thousands of consumers complained to the BBB this year after signing up for a “free” trial offer online that resulted in repeated charges to their credit or debit cards, sometimes amounting to hundreds of dollars every month. Read the terms and conditions of any “free” trial offer before handing over credit or debit card numbers.
Keep your computer safe. If you haven’t already done so, install anti-virus software on your computer and check regularly for software and operating system updates and patches. Don’t open attachments or click on links in e-mails unless you can confirm the e-mail came from someone you trust.
Never wire money to someone you don’t know. Many scams require that the victim wire money back to the scammers. Scammers know that tracking money sent via MoneyGram or Western Union is extremely difficult. Once you’ve wired the money, it’s nearly impossible to get it back.
Fight identity theft. Shred paper documents that include sensitive financial data and dispose of computers, cell phones and digital data safely. The BBB offers tips and checklists on what to shred, and hosts annual Secure Your ID events nationwide to help you stay safe.
Ask the BBB for help. File a complaint with your BBB if you have a disagreement with a business or have been ripped off by a scammer.
Create a budget and stick to it. Setting a budget can help you stay afloat in 2011. The BBB has advice on how to create a budget to help you get out of debt and stay out of debt at www.bbb.org.
Fight fake check fraud. Thanks to advances in printing technology, scammers have the ability to create professional-looking phony checks. Educate yourself on the common types of check fraud and be extremely wary of checks that come with claims that you’ve won the lottery, are eligible for a government grant or have landed a job as a secret shopper.
Get everything in writing. Don’t just take a company’s word for it. Get every verbal agreement in writing to limit miscommunication and misunderstandings between what you expect and what the business delivers.

Consumers can learn how to protect themselves or find reviews of businesses or charities by calling (800) 552-4631 or by going online to www.bbb.org.

Contacts: Michael Coil, President & CEO, 260-918-2060, mike@neindianabbb.org, or Chris Thetford, Director of Communications, 260-918-2067, marjorie@neindianabbb.org

Woman Averts Scam By Saying No To Unsolicited Cash

12/23/2010

Posted on 12/23/2010 by

BBB Tips for Hassle-Free Holiday Returns

12/21/2010

Posted on 12/21/2010 by

As shoppers check off the final names on their Christmas shopping lists, Better Business Bureau reminds consumers to know their return rights before making any purchase.

Unfortunately, not all gifts are winners, so BBB advises that you remember the following before you make your purchase:

Ask the store about its return policy.

Can a customer obtain a refund, a store credit, or exchange for unwanted merchandise? If so, check to make sure the return time limit doesn’t start until December 25^th if it is a gift.

Ask for a gift receipt and enclose it with the present.

Most stores require a receipt for returned items, even gifts. Ask for a gift receipt to include with the present. And before you start wrapping, be sure not to remove electronics or similar products from their boxes before wrapping as the original packaging may be required for a return.

Do not assume the regular return policy applies to sales or clearance items.

Some merchants consider sales items to be final, so ask to be sure. If you are the gift-recipient, do not assume you have the right to return or exchange an unwanted present. Like the shopper, you are bound by the merchant’s return policy. Health regulations, which can prohibit the return of hats and intimate apparel, also apply.

Ask about restocking fees.

Some merchants charge a restocking or “open box” fee for returns of electronics products or large-ticket items. Ask if that is their policy. Restocking fees can be as high as 25 per cent of the purchase.

Look for a posted return policy when shopping online.

If returns are permitted, find out what procedures and timeframe need to be followed. Many online retailers will post their return policy on their website. If you can’t find one, ask.

Save your receipts.

Whether you are the giver or the receiver, be sure to save your receipts and you know the return timeframe. You likely don’t have to brave the crowds the day after Christmas, but don’t wait too long to return the item.

Do’s and Don’ts of Giving and Receiving Gift Cards

12/20/2010

Posted on 12/20/2010 by

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), $23.6 billion was spent on gift cards during the 2009 holiday season with an average of $40 spent per card. The two most popular categories for gift cards were restaurants and department stores. It’s no wonder why gift cards are all the rage; they are simple, fun and almost always guaranteed to please.

Unfortunately, in a down economy some consumers may try to cut corners and purchase “discounted” gift cards from auction Web sites. According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) gift cards bought from such sites or classifieds often turn out to be fraudulent or stolen.

BBB’s do’s and don’ts for giving gift cards:

o Don’t from online auction sites – only buy gift cards from reputable retailers. Gift cards sold at online auction sites are more likely to be counterfeit or obtained by fraudulent means. It’s even possible these cards could have no value when purchased.

o Do examine gift cards closely before purchasing them at stores. Do not purchase cards that appear to have been tampered with. Criminals have been able to get info off of cards and wipe out their balances leaving you with a worthless purchase. It may be best to buy them from the customer service counter as opposed to a public rack.

o Do read the terms and conditions that are required to be clearly disclosed on the card’s packaging prior to purchasing. Understand any associated fees and expiration dates.

o Do give the recipient the original receipt to verify the card’s purchase, in case it’s lost or stolen.

BBB’s do’s and don’ts for receiving gift cards:

o Do treat your card like cash. If it’s lost or stolen, immediately report it to the issuer.

o Don’t wait to use your card. It’s not unusual to misplace gift cards or to forget you have them. Using the card early will ensure you get its full value, as some terms deplete the balance over certain time period.

# # # #

About the BBB
The BBB is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Reliability Reports^TMon businesses and BBB Wise Giving Reports^TMon charities, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, your BBB also offers dispute resolution services for consumers and businesses. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada. Please visit www.denver.bbb.org for more information.

BBB Explains How to Protect Against “Electronic Pickpockets”

12/15/2010

Posted on 12/15/2010 by
Thieves Using Anti-Theft Technology Can Steal Credit and Debit Card Information from Several Feet Away

A disturbing abuse of technology allows someone to penetrate your wallet or handbag to steal your credit card, debit and smart card data while sitting or walking nearby. It is called “Electronic Pickpocketing.”

The technique uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to allow anyone with a laptop computer and a device available on the Internet to walk through malls, airports and other public places to collect information from people’s wallets without ever having to approach them.

RFID is commonly used as anti-shoplifting technology, security entrance cards, to allow automatic checkout at libraries and scanning of passports. Large RFID scanners can be found surrounding exits of stores and libraries.

Consumers can easily protect their information from RFID scanners by purchasing a special wallet or with a simple do-it-yourself method:

Cut two pieces of cardboard the size of a credit card, and wrap each dummy card with foil. Place one of the foil cards on each side of the wallet to shield credit cards from RFID scanning.

RFID scanners also can penetrate a wallet head-on. Keep all cards with smart chips next to each other between the foil cards to make them more difficult to read.

As privacy advocates express concern about growing use of RFID and its vulnerabilities, manufacturers are working on ways limit their transmission range.

You can find more information on RFID technology at: http://www.snopes.com/fraud/identity/pickpocket.asp

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Free Wi-Fi Scam Strikes at Airports

12/15/2010

Posted on 12/15/2010 by

Many airports and other public spaces offer free wireless, or Wi-Fi, connections for the public to log onto the Internet from their laptop computers; hackers are now taking advantage of those travelers who want to stay connected, setting up fake Wi-Fi connections designed to steal personal informatino without the victim ever knowing it.

How it works:

Although hackers have set up fake Wi-Fi connections in many locations, airports are a favorite “hot spot.” When searching for connections, consumers may see a network connection available that could be simply named “Free Wi-Fi.” Unfortunately, the network may actually be an ad-hoc network, or a peer-to-peer connection. The user will be able to surf the Internet, but they are doing it through the hacker’s computer. While the user is online, the hacker is stealing information like passwords, credit card and bank account numbers, and social security numbers from the user’s laptop computers. Airports across the nation continue to report Wi-Fi security issues.

The BBB offers the following advice for travelers using Wi-Fi Hot Spots:

Connect securely. Never connect to an unfamiliar wireless network—even if the name sounds genuine. A hacker can change the name of his network to anything he wants, including the name of the legitimate Internet connection offered by the airport.

Disable automatic connections. Make sure that your computer is not set up to automatically connect to any wireless networks within your range. Otherwise, your computer could automatically connect to the hacker’s network without your knowledge.

Turn off file sharing when you are on the road to prevent hackers from stealing sensitive data from your computer.

Create a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN establishes a private network across the public network which prevents a hacker from intercepting your data.

For more information, please visit www.bbb.org.

How to HUM BUG Proof Your Holidays

12/9/2010

Posted on 12/9/2010 by
Don’t let the Identity Thief Scrooge steal your holiday cheer. By taking a few simple steps, your holiday season can be filled with joy and peace of mind!

Here's a handy checklist to keep in mind during the holiday season and throughout the year:

Your Holiday Identity Theft Prevention Checklist

Travel Light
When out shopping or enjoying festivities, carry only what you need: your ID, one credit or debit card, medical insurance card, limited number of checks. Consider a neck pouch and carry wallets in front pockets. And NEVER leave your purse or wallet unattended.

Party Wisely
When out celebrating, keep your purse or wallet with you. Do not leave it in the car, in a coat check area or at your table while you dance or visit the restroom. If hosting a party, lock all of your financial and personal identifying information in a safe place—this includes laptop computers. Log off and turn off desktop computers. Always lock your car.

Take Care at the ATM
Go in the bank whenever possible. Only use an ATM in a well-lit area, and do not use an ATM if you see anyone threatening or suspicious hanging around. Keep your receipt in a safe place. NEVER give your ATM card or PIN to anyone else to use.

Protect Your Home
Consider adding lights and radios on timers so that your home always looks occupied. Install motion activated lights outdoors if possible. Turn on outdoor lights after dark. Do not display holiday decorations that block your windows or give burglars a place to hide while breaking in. Always lock your home and garage. Notify your local police department if you are going on vacation. Don’t forget to let them know who will be house or pet sitting for you. When leaving home, secure your financial and personal identifying information in a safe place (including laptop computers).

Give Wisely
Make a charitable giving plan and stick to it. Do not donate to anyone calling on the phone or going door to door. If the charity is legitimate, they will mail you information. NEVER give your social security number to a charity. Check out a charity before donating by going to www.give.org or www.charitynavigator.org.

Protect Personal Information
NEVER give out your social security number, bank account or credit card account information or your passwords and PINS to callers or people who send you text messages or e-mails. Consider giving gift cards instead of writing a check. Take out-going mail to the Post Office to mail. Shred all documents and mail containing any financial or personal information.

Be Computer Savvy
Shop on secure websites that display the locked padlock image or include “https://” in the browser window. Use strong passwords. Shop only with sites you know and trust. Do not open e-mails from addresses you do not recognize or e-mailed receipts for merchandise you did not order. If receiving an e-mail asking for money to be wired to help a family member, friend or soldier; it is a scam. Do not wire the money without first checking out the request. Update your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.

Protect Yourself at Faith Community Events
Do not leave purse or wallets unattended; this includes when going up to the altar, going for Communion or visiting in the Fellowship Hall. Use an envelope when making a donation by check.

After the Holidays
As soon as possible, check your credit card statements and bank account transactions to ensure that everything is accurate.

Click here to download a copy of the full tip sheet.

.

Two Debt Relief Companies Charged by FTC with Deceptive Claims

12/6/2010

Posted on 12/6/2010 by

Two debt relief businesses based in Dallas, Financial Freedom Processing and Debt Consultants of America, were named in Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints on December 2, 2010. The businesses were charged with making unsubstantiated claims and failing to reduce credit card debt as promised. The complaints allege that the defendants made deceptive claims that consumers who enrolled in their programs could eliminate 30 to 60 percent of their credit card debt and be out of debt in 18 to 36 months. The actions are pending.

Both businesses have been the subject of numerous customer complaints to the Better Business Bureau in Dallas. Complaints are concerning dissatisfaction with the company's service and misrepresentation of the results of the debt negotiation program. Specifically, customers complain that paying the company fee and following the debt negotiation program does not reduce debt, as stated by company representatives. As a result of the program, customers complain, they have an increase in debt, due to late fees or additional interest, and negative credit reporting.

“Consumers looking for help to manage or reduce their credit card debt should proceed carefully,” said Michael Coil, President & CEO of the BBB of Northern Indiana. “Be aware that there are a number of different kinds of services for help with credit and debt issues. Find out what services a business or organization offers, and understand the terms of the offer to help you decide if a service is right for you. Look into your options and be wary of guarantees. Be sure before you take that leap that you have checked out companies that are trustworthy.”

Financial Freedom Processing, formerly doing business as Financial Freedom of America, has a BBB rating of F. Reasons for the rating on Financial Freedom Processing include:

Length of time business has been operating.
110 complaints filed against business
10 complaints filed against business that were not resolved.
3 serious complaints filed against business.
Government action(s) against business.

In addition to the FTC complaint, Financial Freedom of America, Inc. entered into a settlement in Vermont in November, 2009. According to the Vermont Attorney General, the business made unsubstantiated claims online about the results they could achieve for consumers. The business agreed to make refunds to its Vermont customers and to complete negotiations with creditors of its Vermont customers.

Debt Consultants of America also has a BBB rating of F. Reasons for therating include:

Length of time business has been operating.
63 complaints filed against business
Government action(s) against business.

The Better Business Bureau advises that consumers looking for help with credit card debt should be wary of anyone who tells them to stop paying their bills, to pay someone other than their creditors, or to stop talking to their creditors. Complaints filed with the BBB on debt relief companies are concerning misrepresentation, unsatisfactory service, and difficulties with refunds.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced changes to the Telemarketing Sales Rule that prohibit companies that sell debt relief services over the telephone from charging fees before they settle or reduce a customer’s credit card or other unsecured debt. This ban on advance fees protects all consumers who enroll in a debt relief service after October 27, 2010, and specifies that fees for debt relief services may not be collected until:

• the debt relief service successfully settles or changes the terms of at least one of the consumer’s debts;

• there is a settlement agreement, debt management plan, or other agreement between the consumer and the creditor that the consumers has agreed to; and

• the consumer has made at least one payment to the creditor as a result of the agreement negotiated by the debt relief provider.

The FTC rule also calls for companies that sell debt relief services over the telephone to disclose the fees and terms, including how long until the company makes an offer to each creditor; how much you must save before an offer is made to a creditor; and the possible negative consequences of stopping payments to creditors.

The FTC warns consumers to avoid doing business with any company that promises to settle your debt if the company:

• charges any fees before it settles your debts

• touts a "new government program" to bail out personal credit card debt

• guarantees it can make your unsecured debt go away

• tells you to stop communicating with your creditors

• tells you it can stop all debt collection calls and lawsuits

• guarantees that your unsecured debts can be paid off for just pennies on the dollar

For tips on handling credit and debt, contact the FTC at 877-382-4357 or www.ftc.gov. The FTC offers "Tips on Settling Credit Card Debt" online at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre02.shtm

Also, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling offers financial education and counseling at 800-388-2227 or www.nfcc.org.

To check out a business or file a complaint with the BBB, start at www.bbb.org.

BBB Warns Consumers Of Five Scams To Avoid During Hectic Holidays

12/6/2010

Posted on 12/6/2010 by
Holidays can be hectic, and scammers are counting on harried consumers letting down their guard, whether shopping online, juggling packages at the mall or simply reading their e-mail.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has identified five common scams that consumers should watch out for and avoid as they shop, whether online or in stores.

“While the rest of us are pulling the decorations out of the attic, scammers are blowing the dust off of their tried and true holiday scams,” said Michael Coil, BBB president and CEO. “We all can help make these holiday scams a ghost of Christmases past by not falling for them anymore.”

Online shopping scams: We’re all looking for a great deal online, but some sites offer electronics or luxury goods at prices that are too good to be true. Every holiday season, the BBB hears from holiday shoppers who paid for a “great deal” online, but received nothing in return.

BBB advice: Always look for the BBB logo when shopping online and click on it to confirm that it is legitimate. If you’re shopping on sites that aren’t household names, check them out with the BBB before you buy at www.bbb.org or by calling 314-645-3300. Confirm that the company has a legitimate address.

Nabbing the season’s hottest toys and gadgets online: When stores sell out, you may find the items online at sites like Craigslist or eBay— but for a much steeper price. The problem is that some sellers will take your money and run.

BBB Advice: Shop locally on Craigslist and conduct transactions in person. Bring along a friend if you’re uncomfortable meeting the seller alone. Never wire money as payment. If you’re shopping on auctions like eBay, research sellers extensively and listen to your doubts if the deal sounds fishy or too good to be true.

Identity theft at the mall: While you’re struggling at the mall with bags of presents, identity thieves may see an opportunity to steal your wallet or your debit or credit card numbers.

BBB Advice: Don’t let yourself get bogged down in purchases or lose track of your wallet. Know where your credit and debit cards are at all times and cover the keypad when entering your pin number while purchasing items or getting money from the ATM. Make sure you put your card back in your wallet after each purchase.

Bogus charitable pleas: The holidays are a time of giving, and that creates an opportunity for scammers to solicit donations to line their own pockets. Beware of solicitations from charities that don’t necessarily deliver on their promises or are ill-equipped to carry through on their plans. Resist demands for on-the-spot donations.

BBB Advice: Always research charities with the BBB before you give to see if the charity meets the BBB’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. Up-to-date reports on local and national charities are available at www.bbb.org/charity.

Phishing e-mails: Phishing e-mails are a common way for hackers to get at your personal information or break into your computer. Around the holidays, beware of e-cards and messages pretending to be from companies like UPS or Fedex with links to package tracking information.

BBB Advice: Don’t click on any links or open any attachments to e-mails until you have confirmed that they are not malicious. E-mail addresses that don’t match up, typos and grammatical mistakes are common red flags of a malicious phishing e-mail. Also beware of unsolicited e-mails from companies with which you have no association. Make sure you have current antivirus software and that all security patches have been installed on the computer.

For more advice on being a savvy consumer this holiday season, visit the BBB online at www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-holiday/ or call 1-800-552-4631.

Beware of Misleading Shipping and Handling Fees and Fraudulent Shipping Schemes this Shopping Season

12/2/2010

Posted on 12/2/2010 by
The holiday shopping season is in full swing and will peak within the first week of December. If you are planning to buy gifts online or from Infomercials on television, Better Business Bureau has a warning about the way retailers make money on your orders by charging separate shipping and handling fees. And regardless of where you order from, BBB cautions that shipping service phishing scams are intended to steal your identity or infect your computer.

Some retailers are finding ways to make extra money with special promotions such as “order now and we’ll double your order,” or “buy now and we’ll include a free gift” – it may sound like a good deal at first, until you realize that you will be charged separate shipping and handling fees on each item, including the “free” gifts and the “bonus” products. All of these shipping and handling fees can actually add up to more than the total cost of the products you’re ordering.

Recent consumer complaints allege deceptive advertising and sales practices, which include failing to disclose shipping and handling fees prior to purchase, and charging fees for products advertised as “free.”

BBB Tip - If you are buying online or by telephone, make sure you know the full cost of shipping and handling before you authorize the transaction and your credit card is charged.

With only a few weeks left to get holiday cards and gifts sent to loved ones, another risk consumer’s face is phishing scams. Scammers are pretending to be customer service personnel from some of the biggest names in business—including FedEx and UPS. Hackers are impersonating well-known companies in order to gain access to your computer drives, files and accounts to steal your personal information including Social Security, bank or credit card numbers.

Hackers send phishing e-mails from “shipping companies” claiming that there is a problem with package delivery. Commonly, the e-mail will include a hyperlink for recipients to click on that will take them to another Website that might install malware or solicit personal information. A message currently making the rounds has a subject line that looks like, “Subject: Tracking Number 13040065504.” The body of the message claims that a package could not be delivered and advises the recipient, “to print the copy of the invoice that is in the added file.” The attachment is actually a virus that will infect the computer.

BBB Tip - Instead of clicking on a link in this or any other suspicious e-mail, go directly to the shipper’s Website or contact the company via telephone to confirm there is a shipping problem. Do not open attachments or click on links in any unsolicited e-mail.

For more consumer holiday tips, visit fortwayne.bbb.org/consumer-tips-holiday.

Winterize Your Home to Keep Heating Costs Down

12/1/2010

Posted on 12/1/2010 by

Winterize Your Home to Keep Heating Costs Down

BBB Offers Cold Weather Home Preparation Tips

BBB offers the following checklist for consumers to consult when preparing for the cold months ahead:

· Furnace. Have your unit inspected to make sure it is in safe, working order. Additionally, check to see that the furnace filter is clean, the thermostat is accurate and the pilot light is functioning.

· Heating ducts. According to the Department of Energy, a home with central heating can lose up to 60 percent of its heated air before that air reaches the vents. This occurs if ductwork is not well-connected, improperly insulated or if air travels through unheated spaces.

· Fireplace. Using your fireplace can keep you from running the heater as often, but make sure the flute is closed when it is not in use. This will keep cold drafts out of your home. If you notice a leak, have your chimney inspected or purchase a screen to cover your fireplace.

· Gutters and outside pipes. If freezing temperatures are forecasted, wrap outside pipes and clear your gutters to prevent possible cracking. Any clogs or excess water will expand as they freeze.

· Caulking and weather stripping. According to the EarthWorks Group, the average home has air leaks that amount to nine square feet. Inspect the caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors for cracking and peeling. If you can feel air coming in, it also means heat is getting out.

BBB reminds consumers that most of these steps can be done inexpensively and can help prevent spending hundreds, or sometimes thousands, of dollars in repairs.

To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit BBB.

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FTC Rules Protecting Homeowners From Mortgage Relief Scams May Be Too Late For Some

11/29/2010

Posted on 11/29/2010 by

Fort Wayne, IN - Nov. 29, 2010 – New rules from the Federal Trade Commission that ban collection of advance fees by companies that promise to rescue struggling homeowners from foreclosure may be too late to help northern Indiana homeowners victimized by a Maryland firm that federal authorities have shut down.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) said court action against Residential Relief Foundation of Halethorpe, Md., serves as yet another warning to homeowners looking for outside help in reducing payments and avoiding foreclosure.

“Many families have been persuaded that debt settlement or mortgage modification is an easy fix that will make their debt melt away effortlessly,” said Michael Coil, BBB president and CEO. “The truth is that there is no magic formula for debt relief. In many cases, dealing with these firms is a recipe for personal financial disaster.”

The Federal Trade Commission said that Residential Relief Foundation representatives violated federal law by falsely claiming they could modify loans and significantly lower mortgage payments. The FTC also said the company improperly disposed of consumers’ information by placing them in unsecured dumpsters. In addition, the company wrongly implied it was affiliated with the federal government.

A federal court ordered Residential Relief shut down, appointed a receiver and froze the defendants’ assets, pending trial.

The BBB has processed more than 60 complaints from consumers in 28 states about the company this year. In some instances, the company only contacted the consumer after they filed a complaint with the BBB.

Such promises would be illegal under the new FTC rule, which also prohibits companies from collecting fees until homeowners have a written offer from their lender or servicer that they find acceptable.

The BBB has received more than 3,500 complaints about misleading debt settlement offers in the last three years. Many consumers said the firms left them deeper in debt instead of providing help in paying off creditors.

In addition to the advance fee loan ban, the new FTC rules require companies to disclose key information to protect consumers from being misled. Companies must disclose that:

They are not associated with the government, and their services have not been approved by the government or the homeowner’s lender.
The lender may not agree to change the consumer’s loan.
Borrowers could lose their home and their credit rating may be damaged if they stop making payments.

Companies cannot make false claims about the likelihood that consumers will get the results they seek or about their affiliation with a government or private firm.

The FTC also bars companies from telling consumers to stop communicating with their lenders or mortgage servicers. Companies also must be able to back up any claims they make about the benefits, performance or effectiveness of their services.

Attorneys are exempted from the rules if they are engaged in the practice of law, if they are licensed in the state where the consumer or the house is located and if they are complying with state laws and regulations. Attorneys may only collect advance fees if the money is placed in a client trust account and if they abide by state laws and rules covering those accounts.

The advance fee loan ban takes effect Jan. 31. All the other provisions of the FTC rules take effect Dec. 29.

The BBB advises consumers who are having trouble paying their mortgages to first talk to their lender. Some lenders may be willing to work out a payment plan or consider a loan modification if the borrower isn’t too far behind or still has equity in the house. Some nonprofit community groups and government agencies also may be able to provide help renegotiating a loan.

The BBB advises consumers to ask questions, consider fees and all other financial obligations before entering into a new or modified mortgage. Things to watch out for include:

Excessive Mortgage Broker Compensation. Some mortgage brokers attempt to sell the borrower on a loan with the most fees and highest interest rate possible to increase the broker’s compensation. Some charge fees of 8 to 10 points. That means that on a $100,000 loan, the borrower is paying and financing an additional $8,000 to $10,000.
Excessive Points and Fees. Most borrowers can expect to pay a 1% origination fee and possibly another 1% of the loan amount in points, as well as basic closing costs, which would include appraisal and attorney's fees. Some predatory lenders load up loans with these up-front charges and charge additional "junk fees" to pad the closing costs.
Emphasis on Monthly Payment. Many brokers advertise "bill consolidation" home equity loans, which consolidate all debts into one loan. The problem with this is that the consumer is trading short-term debt for long-term debt. Instead of paying off credit card bills in three to four years, the new consolidation loan will take 15 to 30 years to pay off.
Balloon Payments. Another way for a predatory lender to reduce the monthly payment is to have the borrower pay only the accrued interest each month. Such financing will result in a huge balloon payment at the end of the repayment term, usually after 15 years. If the borrower is elderly, it will be very difficult to refinance the loan, and foreclosure may become inevitable.
Equity Stripping. Unscrupulous lenders target consumers with a significant amount of equity in their home, offering to lend more than the borrower can afford. The borrower defaults and the lender then forecloses and sells the house, stripping the homeowner of the equity he has earned over the years.
Flipping. This occurs when predatory lenders encourage consumers to repeatedly refinance their loan. Each time the loan is refinanced the lender charges more fees, placing the borrower further in debt over a longer period of time.

Before doing business, check with the BBB for a Reliability Report on a business or charity by going to www.bbb.org or by calling 260-423-4433.

A Chance to Shop in Your Pajamas – But, Be Careful in Cyberspace

11/29/2010

Posted on 11/29/2010 by

Cyber Monday—the Monday after Thanksgiving—has officially replaced Black Friday—the day after Thanksgiving—as the most popular day to shop for the holidays. Shopping online means avoiding the crowds, but it also opens the buyer up to attacks from scammers and hackers. In order to fight these online grinches, the Better Business Bureau recommends 10 tips for staying safe when holiday shopping online.

Every year, more people head online—rather than to the mall—to get their holiday shopping done. Last year, 96.5 million Americans shopped online during Cyber Monday while 79 million Americans shopped at brick-and-mortar retailers on Black Friday, according to the National Retail Federation.

“Every year after the holidays too many people contact us about a bad online transaction only to learn they should have checked with us before clicking the submit button! A quick search at bbb.org could have shown them the bad history many potential online merchants. The convenience and ease of shopping online has replaced the hassle of going to the store for many people—but online shopping has its own set of risks,” said Michael Coil, President of BBB serving Northern Indiana. “Taking steps to avoid the fraud online will result in a much happier holiday for everyone—except, of course, for scammers and hackers.”

Following are the “Top 10 Online Shopping Tips” for holiday shoppers to help fight unscrupulous online retailers, scammers and hackers:

1. Protect your computer – A computer should always have the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a secure firewall.

2. Shop on trustworthy websites – Shoppers should start with BBB to check on the seller’s reputation and record for customer satisfaction. Always look for the BBB seal and other widely-recognized “trustmarks” on retailer websites and click on the seals to confirm that they are valid.

3. Protect your personal information – BBB recommends taking the time to read the site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If there isn’t one posted, it should be taken as a red flag that personal information may be sold to others withoutpermission.

4. Beware ofdeals that sound too good to be true – Offers on websites and in unsolicited e-mails can often sound too good to be true, especially extremely low prices on hard-to-get items. Consumers should always go with their instincts and not be afraid to pass up a “deal” that might cost them dearly in the end.

5. Beware ofphishing – Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with an order or an account to lure the “buyer” into revealing financial information. If a consumer receives such an e-mail, BBB recommends picking up the phone and calling the contact number on the website where the purchase was made to confirm that there really is a problem with the transaction.

6. Confirm your online purchase is secure – Shoppers should always look in the address box for the “s” in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying. If there are any doubts about a site, BBB recommends right-clicking anywhere on the page and select “Properties.” This will let you see the real URL (website address) and the dialog box will reveal if the site is not encrypted.

7. Pay with a credit card – It’s best to use a credit card, because under federal law, the shopper can dispute the charges if he or she doesn’t receive the item. Shoppers also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on their credit card, and many card issuers have “zero liability” policies under which the card holder pays nothing if someone steals the credit card number and uses it. Never wire money and only shop locally on sites like Craigslist.

8. Keep documentation of your order - After completing the online order process, there may be a final confirmation page or the shopper might receive confirmation by e-mail – BBB recommends saving a copy of the Web page and any e-mails for future reference and as a record of the purchase.

9. Check your credit card statements often – Don’t wait for paper statements; BBB recommends consumers check their credit card statements for suspicious activity by either calling credit card companies or by checking statements online regularly.

10. Know your rights – Federal law requires that orders made by mail, phone or online be shipped by the date promised or, if no delivery time was stated, within 30 days. If the goods aren’t shipped on time, the shopper can cancel and demand a refund. There is no general three-day cancellation right, but consumers do have the right to reject merchandise if it’s defective or was misrepresented. Otherwise, it’s the company’s policies that determine if the shopper can cancel the purchase and receive a refund or credit.

For more advice on staying safe online this holiday season, and to see reports on thousands of online retailers, go to www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-holiday/

National Campaign Succeeds in Protecting Thousands Against Identity Theft

11/23/2010

Posted on 11/23/2010 by

Arlington, Va. – The recent 2010 Protect Your Identity Week (PYIW) campaign hosted by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) will be one for the history books, breaking records while protecting tens of thousands of consumers against the crime of identity theft.

Consider that during the one-week campaign

190 events were held in 40 states serving more than 24,000 consumers in-person
882 tons of material was shredded at events
More than 28,000 consumers visited the www.ProtectYourIDNow.org English website and the www.cuidesuidentidad.org Spanish website
Over 6,000 consumers took the Identity Theft Risk Check^SM in either English or Spanish

Additionally, the event broke an existing Guinness World Record™. Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Orange County, GreenPath Debt Solutions and BBB of Detroit & Eastern Michigan, and Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley were designated to compete in the Guinness category of Most Paper Collected in a 24-Hour Period. The existing record of 2,204 pounds was toppled by those three locations which collectively shredded a total of 31,979 pounds.

Cintas Corporation, national shredding partner for PYIW, provided free document destruction for events across the country, including the three that participated in breaking the world record.

“Protect Your Identity Week has grown to become a nationwide mobilization of government agencies, non-profits, business, and consumers coming together to fight identity theft and BBB is proud to work with the NFCC to make it happen,” said Stephen A. Cox, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “Even though the week is over, BBB is still here throughout the rest of the year to help educate small business owners and consumers on how to protect their identity.”

“The incredible amount of interest in this nationwide event confirms that consumers are concerned about protecting their identity, and are willing to take the necessary steps to arm themselves against this crime,” said Bob Ensinger, COO of the NFCC. “Further, our Coalition Members and sponsors believe that education around identity theft is the best protection, and provided guidance, leadership and promotion of the event, helping to make it a success.”

Intersections, Inc, a leader in consumer and corporate identity theft management services that also provides the award-winning Identity Guard ® brand, served as a presenting sponsor of Protect Your Identity Week 2010.

Wireless Alliance, national electronic device recycling partner, provided free cell phone disposal at many community events, resulting in hundreds of phones being responsibly disposed of and recycled.

MSN Money once again served as the national media sponsor for PYIW, with well-recognized personal finance writer, Liz Pulliam Weston, dedicating an article to identity theft protection. Additionally, nationally-known identity theft expert and blogger, Robert Siciliano, supported PYIW through numerous blogs on the PYIW websites.

The impressive list of organizations joining the NFCC and BBB as Supporting PYIW Coalition Members includes: American Bankers Association Education Foundation, American Financial Services Association Education Foundation, American Payroll Association, Consumer Action, Consumer Data Industry Association, Consumer Federation of America, Credit Union National Association, Federal Reserve Board, Federal Trade Commission, FICO, Foundation for Financial Planning, Identity Theft Assistance Center, Identity Theft Resource Center, Jump$tart Coalition for Financial Literacy, Junior Achievement USA, National Association of Triads, National Council of La Raza, National Crime Prevention Council, National Education Association Member Benefits, National Sheriffs’ Association, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Social Security Administration.

The websites, www.ProtectYourIDNow.org and www.cuidesuidentidad.org, will remain live to serve as a resource to consumers. The Web sites include identity theft prevention tips, videos, an interactive quiz to assess your risk of identity theft, and resources for victims.

The NFCC and the CBBB encourage consumers to remain committed to protecting themselves against identity theft, particularly as the holidays approach. Putting prevention tips in place is a much better option than spending time and money recovering from ID theft.

For more information about PYIW 2010, or to schedule an interview, contact Gail Cunningham with the NFCC at 940-691-6322 or Alison Southwick with the BBB at 703-247-9376.

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About the Better Business Bureau
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 65 million consumers rely on BBB Reliability Reports® and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visit www.bbb.org/us for more information.

About National Foundation for Credit Counseling
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), founded in 1951, is the nation’s largest and longest serving national nonprofit credit counseling organization. The NFCC’s mission is to promote the national agenda for financially responsible behavior and build capacity for its Members to deliver the highest quality financial education and counseling services. NFCC Members annually help four million consumers through more than 800 community-based offices nationwide. For free and affordable confidential advice through a reputable NFCC Member, call (800) 388-2227, (en Español (800) 682-9832) or visit www.nfcc.org.

BBB's Top 10 Tips For Safe Online Shopping

11/22/2010

Posted on 11/22/2010 by

Protect your computer: Install a firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Check for and install the latest updates.
Shop trustworthy websites: Look for the BBB seal and other widely-recognized “trustmarks” on retail websites. Click on the seals to confirm they’re valid.
Protect personal information: Read a site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If no policy is posted, that’s a red flag that they may sell your information without your permission.
Beware of too-good-to-be-true deals: Offers on websites and in unsolicited e-mails may offer extremely low prices on hard-to-get items. There may be hidden costs – or your purchase may sign you up for a monthly charge. Look for and read the fine print.
Beware of phishing: Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with an order or account to lure the buyer into revealing financial information. If you receive such an e-mail, the BBB recommends picking up the phone and calling the contact number on the website where the purchase was made to confirm any problem with the transaction.
Confirm that your online purchase is secure: Look at the website address or URL in the box at the top of your browser screen. There should be an “s” after “http” or a lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. If you have doubts about security, right-click anywhere on the page, and select “Properties” to see the real URL. The dialog box should say whether the site is encrypted.
Pay with a credit card: Under federal law, you can dispute the charges if you don’t receive the item. Shoppers also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on the card, and many card issuers have “zero liability” policies if someone steals your card number and uses it. Never wire money.
Keep documentation of your order: Save a copy of the confirmation page or e-mails confirming the order until you receive the item and are satisfied.
Check your credit card statements often: The BBB recommends that you check your account regularly for suspicious activity by going online or calling your credit card company. Make sure statements match up with purchases you know you made.
Know your rights: Federal law requires that orders made by phone, mail or online be shipped by the date promised, or within 30 days if no delivery time was stated. If goods aren’t shipped on time, shoppers can cancel and demand a refund. Consumers also may reject merchandise if it is defective or if it was misrepresented.

Call your BBB for any questions you may have BEFORE shopping online! We want your holidays to be happy and safe!

Holly Days Marketplace Opens Friday At Glenbrook

11/19/2010

Posted on 11/19/2010 by

Holly Days Marketplace Opens Friday At Glenbrook

By Scott Sarvay

November 18, 2010

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - The second-annual "Holly Days Marketplace" opens for business Friday at the former Marshall Fields space inside Glenbrook Square Mall.

The event benefits the Mad Anthony’s Children's Hope House.

BBB: Prepare Homes, Cars For Winter To Save Money, Headaches

11/18/2010

Posted on 11/18/2010 by
Fort Wayne, November 18, 2010 – Taking the time to prepare your home and car for cold weather can reduce heating costs, prevent damage and destruction of property or simply save headaches when ice and snow arrive, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises.

“Poorly maintained systems can create many problems, ranging from heating inefficiency to breakdowns and release of dangerous fumes,” said Michael Coil, BBB President and CEO. “An annual investment in home winterization is money well-spent.”

While snowstorms may be fun for children, they also can cause serious disruption. Be prepared for blizzards, blackouts and other winter storm-related problems by keeping important supplies in one place.

An emergency kit should contain bottled water, a first aid kit, battery-operated radio, fresh batteries, candles, matches and non-perishable food. The BBB recommends assembling a similar kit for the car, complete with blankets, extra gloves, a shovel and salt or snow-melting chemicals.

Other items on the cold weather checklist:

Furnace checkup and cleaning: Clean or replace your furnace’s air filters. Have a professional check the furnace and ensure the thermostat and other parts are working properly. A typical home furnace reaches the end of its useful life after 15 years and may need repair or replacement.

Consider insulating heating ducts: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that a centrally-heated home can lose as much as 60 percent of warmed air before it reaches vents if the ductwork is poorly connected, not insulated, or if it travels through unheated spaces. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt from vents.

Get a chimney checkup: Before lighting the first fire of the season, your chimney should be checked for animals, nests, leaves and other debris, as well as for any necessary repairs.

Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Homeowners should routinely test these devices to make sure they work and install fresh batteries as needed. Detector units should be replaced every 10 years.

Clear gutters and ridge vents: Clean gutters to prevent or remove any buildups that would cause rainwater to clog, freeze and damage gutters. Ridge vents should be cleared to allow the house to “breathe” properly to eliminate stagnant inside air. Close any attic vents or windows that would allow heated air to escape and cold air to seep in.

Plug holes: The average American home may have many small air leaks. Though they may not be large, they have a cumulative effect on home heating costs. Make sure windows close tightly. Check for leaks around them, and use caulking to plug the leaks. Inspect all weather stripping for cracks and peeling. In addition, consider applying insulating film to drafty windows, and install a tight-fitting fireplace door or cover to stop a day-long loss of heat through the chimney.

Final preparations: Test your snow blower to find out whether there is a problem now rather than waiting until a storm hits. Prepare your snow-clearing equipment, such as shovels, salt or other ice-melting products. Finally, don’t forget to drain outside faucets to prevent the pipes from freezing.

Check with the BBB before you do business with a company or charity by going to www.bbb.org or by calling 260-423-4433

13 Secrets Of An Identity Thief

11/8/2010

Posted on 11/8/2010 by

13 Secrets Of An Identity Thief

By Ryan Elijah

November 8, 2010

FORT WAYNE, IN (Indiana's NewsCenter) - While identity theft is very difficult to protect yourself from, there are many things a consumer can do to protect their privacy and personal information. We've compiled a list of 13 tips from actual identity thieves. The tips were gathered from a number of sources and printed by Reader's Digest.

1. Watch your back. In line at the grocery store, I’ll hold my phone like I’m looking at the screen and snap your card as you’re using it. Next thing you know, I’m ordering things online—on your dime.

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2. That red flag tells the mail carrier—and me—that you have outgoing mail. And that can mean credit card numbers and checks I can reproduce.

3. Check your bank and credit card balances at least once a week. I can do a lot of damage in the 30 days between statements.

4. In Europe, credit cards have an embedded chip and require a PIN, which makes them a lot harder to hack. Here, I can duplicate the magnetic stripe technology with a $50 machine.

5. If a bill doesn’t show up when it’s supposed to, don’t breathe a sigh of relief. Start to wonder if your mail has been stolen.

7. You throw away the darnedest things—preapproved credit card applications, old bills, expired credit cards, checking account deposit slips, and crumpled-up job or loan applications with all your personal information.

8. If you see something that looks like it doesn’t belong on the ATM or sticks out from the card slot, walk away. That’s the skimmer I attached to capture your card information and PIN.

9. Why don’t more of you call 888-5-OPTOUT to stop banks from sending you preapproved credit offers? You’re making it way too easy for me.

10. I use your credit cards all the time, and I never get asked for ID. A helpful hint: I’d never use a credit card with a picture on it.

11. I can call the electric company, pose as you, and say, “Hey, I thought I paid this bill. I can’t remember—did I use my Visa or MasterCard? Can you read me back that number?” I have to be in character, but it’s unbelievable what they’ll tell me.

12. Thanks for using your debit card instead of your credit card. Hackers are constantly breaking into retail databases, and debit cards give me direct access to your banking account.

13. Love that new credit card that showed up in your mailbox. If I can’t talk someone at your bank into activating it (and I usually can), I write down the number and put it back. After you’ve activated the card, I start using it.

Fighting Cold and Flu Season in the Workplace

11/8/2010

Posted on 11/8/2010 by

Fighting Cold and Flu Season in the Workplace

Cold and flu season is setting in and the close quarters of the workplace allow coworkers to easily trade germs. Better Business Bureau recommends that business owners take a few simple steps to prevent illnesses from spreading and promote productivity throughout the workplace.

According to the National Institutes of Health every year there are more than 1 billion cases of the common cold in the United States. The flu also affects 5 to 20 percent of Americans every year with the peak season starting in late November, according to the Center for Disease Control

“Fighting germs around the office is about keeping your employees safe and maintaining productivity throughout the peak cold and flu seasons,” said Mike Coil, BBB President/CEO. “Encouraging proper hygiene and a liberal leave policy will help maintain a happier, healthier workplace.”

BBB recommends taking the following steps to protect employees during cold and flu season:

Build up an arsenal to fight germs. Kleenex, hand sanitizer, and products for cleaning work spaces are three basic purchases employers can make for fighting germs around the office. Also consider investing in no-touch trashcans.

Encourage people to stay home. Sick employees may think they’re being dedicated workers when they still come into work but, the truth is, they spread germs to other employees and cut down on the overall productivity of the business. Encourage employees to stay home when they are sick at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or severe symptoms. Consider instituting a flexible leave policy—and appropriate technology—that allows employees to work from home if they or their kids are sick.

Promote good hygiene around the office – Remind everyone of the importance of hand washing and covering your mouth if you sneeze or cough. Encourage employees to regularly clean shared equipment such as phones and computers and wipe down common areas. Post friendly reminders around the workplace in languages that all employees can easily understand.

Encourage flu shots – Contact your local hospital to see if they provide on-site flu shots or consider reimbursing some or all of the cost for employees to get a shot on their own time.

Hold a health fair – Contact your local hospital to see if they provide health fairs for larger offices. You can also contract the coordination of an on-site health fair with a company specializing in the service.

Set a good example. Now that you’ve asked everyone to wash their hands regularly and stay home if they’re sick, it’s important as the business owner that you follow your own advice. When you’re the boss it can seem like an impossible task to take a sick day, but stay home and keep your germs out of the workplace.

For more advice on providing a safe and healthy workplace, visit us online at http://fortwayne.bbb.org/Business-Tips-Index/

Five Steps to Create and Keep a Holiday Budget

11/8/2010

Posted on 11/8/2010 by

Five Steps to Create and Keep a Holiday Budget

Unless you’re among a select group of people, sitting down and creating a budget does not sound like very much holiday fun. Nevertheless, in tough economic times, the Better Business Bureau recommends that mapping out your spending in November will help ease the strain of a financial holiday hangover in January.

According to a survey by Consumer Reports, shoppers planned on spending about $699 over the holidays last year, but, in a follow-up survey, admitted to actually spending closer to an average of $811, 16 percent more than planned. Creating a budget, and being disciplined enough to follow it, is one of the best ways to avoid overspending during the holidays.

“While it isn’t the most festive way to spend an evening, sit yourself down with a mug of eggnog and crunch the numbers, because tough economic times mean that you literally can’t afford to spend with abandon,” said Mike Coil, President /CEO. “Building a budget and sticking to it over the holidays will stave off a painful financial holiday hangover.”

Step One: Consider your Income.

The first step is to measure how much money is coming in. Add up your monthly salary along with your spouse’s and any child support payments, dividends or interest payments and other sources of income.

Step Two: Add up regular monthly expenses.

Adding up expenses is usually harder than determining your income because there are so many more factors to consider. Start with your rent or mortgage, utilities and credit card payments. Also factor in other expenses for gas and car maintenance, healthcare and groceries.

Step Three: Estimate Extra Holiday Expenses

A lot of little purchases have a way of adding up over the Holidays and it’s important to consider all of the expenses of the season including:

Gifts - Make an itemized list of everyone you want to buy presents for and estimate how much you’re willing to spend for each. This includes presents for family, friends and coworkers. Also consider the cost for holiday cards and postage.

Entertaining - Entertaining is big over the holidays. Think about who you’ll be having over and also budget for any food or beverages you might need to bring to someone else’s party. Also consider the costs for eating out and going to the movies—both popular expenses over the holidays.

Decorations - Take stock of what you already own and then consider any additional spending you might need to make for a tree, lights, ornaments, wrapping paper, etc.

Travel - If you’re heading out of town for the holidays, consider the cost of travel including any car maintenance or pet boarding if applicable.

Charitable Donations - The holidays are a time of giving, so budget in how much you plan on donating to a worthy cause. You can learn more about being a savvy donor from the BBB Wise Giving Alliance at http://fortwayne.bbb.org/charity.

Step Four: Revisit, evaluate and revise your budget along the way.

Once you’ve added up your income and your expenses, it’s time to compare. If more is going out than coming in, it’s time to go back over your budget and pare down expenses. Consider giving fewer gifts or less expensive ways of entertaining. Last year’s decorations are also probably just fine.

Once you’ve balanced your budget, revisit it frequently over the holidays to make sure you’re sticking to it. You might find that you over estimated in some categories and underestimated in others.

Step Five: Reward yourself. Work into your budget a small reward that you can earn if you meet your goals. If you don’t meet your goals, you can guess where that money is going instead: Paying off your credit card bill in January.

More advice on saving money over the holidays is available online at http://fortwayne.bbb.org/consumer-tips-holiday/

No Matter How You Give, Give Wisely with Advice from the BBB Wise Giving Alliance

11/8/2010

Posted on 11/8/2010 by

Because of technology and the creativity of charities, there are many different ways that donors can give to a worthy cause. Whether you’re giving money, canned goods, used items or your time, BBB Wise Giving Alliance reminds donors that how you give is just as important as what you give.

According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, charitable donations to the largest charities were down 11 percent last year. Despite the tough economy and the overall decline in giving, donors are still looking for ways to help the less fortunate particularly around the holidays. According to the Salvation Army, red kettle donations in November and December of 2009 actually increased by $9 million over the previous year.

“Despite the downturn in the economy, people are still looking for creative or small ways that they can give back and support those who are even less fortunate over the holidays,” said Michael Coil, President and CEO of the BBB of Northern Indiana. “However you decide to give, it’s important to stop and take the time to research the charity thoroughly to make sure that your dollar stretches the farthest it can in this tough economy.”

How you give—and not just what you give—to a charity matters. Following are five common ways that people donate to charities over the holidays and a few things to consider:

Give items – Many organizations solicit for donations over the holidays including coats, toys, and canned goods. Whatever you’re donating, make sure the items are of good condition and that the recipient charity is accepting such items to help further its cause.

Give when you shop - Many charities have had great success partnering with businesses who agree to donate some amount of the purchase price from sales of items to a worthy cause. This type of cause-related marketing means that you can help while you shop. Check if the promotion identifies the actual or anticipated amount of the purchase price the charity will receive. Also some businesses, like grocery stores, ask if you want to donate to a charity and have that amount added to your receipt which is called embedded giving. See if the embedded promotion states which specific charity will receive the collected funds.

Give online – Giving online with a credit or debit card is among the most efficient ways to support a charity. Before you enter in your numbers, give the website a thorough review and look for the organization’s privacy policy, and verify if the organization has appropriate security measures in place to protect such transactions.

Give through text messaging – The option to give via text message took off in the wake of the disastrous earthquake in Haiti. After texting a message to a number, the donation is tacked on to your cell phone bill. While donating via text is fast and easy for the donor, the actual money can take months to reach the charity so consider donating directly to a charity through its website if there is an urgent need.

Give your time – In today’s tight economy, you may not have money, but you can always give a little bit of your time to help support a worthy cause. In addition to volunteering around the holidays, you can also be a vocal supporter of a charity and help raise awareness among friends and family and on your Facebook page or blog.

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance reports on more than 1,200 national charitable organizations at www.bbb.org/charity and determines if they meet 20 accountability standards addressing governance, finances and fund raising practices.

To review charity evaluations and get more advice on how to give when times are tight, visit www.bbb.org/charity.

Beware of Debit and Credit Card Skimming

11/8/2010

Posted on 11/8/2010 by
Card skimming is a crime that involves the, ‘skimming’ or stealing of information implanted in your card’s magnetic strip. This is accomplished when a criminal attaches a device at the mouth of a card-acceptance slot that records the data on your card as you slide it in.

According to a recent article in Shop Smart Magazine, this scam is becoming even more sophisticated. The article quotes Brian Krebs, a computer security expert who says that criminals no longer have to return in person to collect the device and that the information can be sent to them wirelessly via text message. Here a small camera is installed in an adjacent pamphlet holder to record the information from the ATM's display screen and keyboard.

A small wireless transmitter hidden in the holder sends the pilfered information via a wireless transmitter to waiting thieves who can capture it on a laptop from ujp to 200 meters away.

Skimming techniques can be used not only at banks and other ATM sites, but also at many point-of-sale locations such as gas station pumps where customers commonly use debit cards to pay for purchases. As recently as January 2010, a Boston area man was arrested for using cameras and a skimming device to steal over $100,000 from the accounts of bank customers.

In another instance, U.S. Secret Service agents arrested a man who had installed 55 independent ATMs in California, Florida and New York to collect information on more than 1,400 different banks which he used to steal over $3.5 million dollars from customer account.

The BBB offers the following tips when using ATMs or paying for gas by card:

· Use your credit card at the gas pump instead of your debit card. This way, if you become victimized you haven’t lost the money directly. You can contact your credit card company and they will get the fraudulent charges removed. If money is stolen directly from your bank account, this could have much worse consequences for you and getting the money replaced could take quite some time.

· Avoid using ATMs that are not located at a bank. These ATMs are often less secure so thieves have more opportunity to tamper with them.

· Look closely at the machine you are putting your card into. If it appears compromised in any way, (i.e. plastic sticking out, anything out of the ordinary attached) do not use it.

· If your card gets stuck in machine, do not leave the area. Call your bank right away and report the issue.

· Monitor your accounts daily for any fraudulent activity. The sooner you detect fraud, the better off you will be at resolving it quickly and keeping it from continuing.

# # # #

About the BBB
The BBB is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Reliability Reports^TMon businesses and BBB Wise Giving Reports^TMon charities, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, your BBB also offers dispute resolution services for consumers and businesses. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada.

Tis’ the Season for Holiday Scams

11/8/2010

Posted on 11/8/2010 by

The holidays should be a happy time for food, family, and friendship, but they are also a time for fraud. Consumers can fall into any number of traps over the holidays and become victim to identity thieves, hackers and deceptive merchants online. The Better Business Bureau is warning holiday shoppers and donors to look out for five common scams this season.

While the rest of us are pulling the decorations out of the attic, scammers are blowing the dust off of their tried and true holiday scams. We can all help make these holiday scams a ghost of Christmas’ past by being vigilant.

BBB recommends being on the lookout for the following scams this holiday season:

Scam shopping sites online

We’re all looking for a great deal online, but some sites offer electronics or luxury goods at prices that are too good to be true. Every holiday season BBB hears from holiday shoppers who paid for a supposedly great deal online, but received nothing in return.

BBB advice: Always look for the BBB seal when shopping online and click on the seal to confirm it is legitimate. When shopping on sites that you aren’t household names, check the business out with the BBB before you buy.

Finding the season’s hottest toys and gadgets online

Every year, holiday shoppers fight over the “must have” toy or gadget of the season. When the item is sold out in stores, you can often find it online but for a much steeper price. The problem is that some sellers will take your money and run, leaving you without your money or the product..

BBB Advice: Shop locally on Craigslist and conduct the transaction in person—never wire money as payment. When purchasing items on auctions, research the seller extensively and always listen to your doubts if the deal doesn’t sound legit.

Identity theft at the mall

While you’re struggling at the mall with bags of presents, identity thieves see an opportunity to steal your wallet and debit or credit card numbers.

BBB Advice: Don’t let yourself get bogged down in purchases and lose track of your wallet. Know where your credit and debit cards are at all times and cover the keypad when entering your pin number while purchasing items or getting money from the ATM.

Bogus charitable pleas

The holidays are a time of giving which creates a great opportunity for scammers to solicit donations to line their own pockets. Also beware of solicitations from charities that don’t necessarily deliver on their promises or are ill-equipped to carry through on their plans.

BBB Advice: Always research a charity with the BBB Wise Giving Alliance before you give to see if the charity meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Phishing e-mails – Phishing e-mails are a common way for hackers to get at your personal information or break into your computer. Common phishing e-mails around the holidays include e-cards and messages pretending to be from companies like UPS or Fedex with links to package tracking information.

BBB Advice: Don’t click on any links or open any attachments to e-mails until you have confirmed that they are not malicious. E-mail addresses that don’t match up, typos and grammatical mistakes are common red flags of a malicious phishing e-mail. Also beware of unsolicited e-mails from companies with which you have no association. Make sure you have current antivirus software and that all security patches have been installed on the computer.

For more advice on being a savvy consumer this holiday season, visit us online at www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-holiday/

BBB Warns San Antonio Travel Company Makes Empty Promises

11/8/2010

Posted on 11/8/2010 by

BBB Warns San Antonio Travel Company Makes Empty Promises

Alamo Adventure Getaways Fails to Provide Sales Presentation Perks

BBB has issued an F rating to Alamo Adventure Getaways for failure to respond to consumer disputes. The San Antonio-based company sells travel memberships and solicits consumers nationwide to attend local sales presentations. The attendees are told they can expect rewards worth hundreds of dollars, such as gift cards or travel packages, in exchange for their time.

BBB reports that six consumers filed complaints in the past eight months alleging that the promised rewards were not available following the presentation. Consumers report to BBB that the company promised to mail the rewards instead, but consumers allege they have not received these items after several months. Additionally, consumers claim they have not been able to obtain a response from the company regarding an update on the delivery status.

This company was contacted by BBB in October 2010 regarding the pattern of unanswered complaints, but currently has received no response. Click here to view Alamo Adventure Getaways’ current BBB Business Review.

BBB advises taking the following steps when considering a travel company:

· Check with BBB First.

· Watch For High Pressure Sales Tactics.

· Be Skeptical of High Discounts.

· Request Everything in Writing.

Latest Scam Uses Businesses For Identity Theft

10/22/2010

Posted on 10/22/2010 by
Latest Scam Uses Businesses For Identity Theft

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - The latest scam is getting e-mailed to local businesses and looks like it’s from the IRS.

The fake e-mail claims the business's latest tax payment has been rejected and then urges the business owner to call a number or e-mail the sender.

New Laws Go Into Effect to Fight Deceptive Debt Relief

10/20/2010

Posted on 10/20/2010 by

Good news for those struggling to pay their bills: all of the new Federal Trade Commission regulations to help protect financially-desperate families from deceptive offers for debt relief will go into effect on October 27. While the new rule will have a significant impact on reducing predatory debt relief, the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana advises consumers that they still need to use caution when enlisting the help of a third party to get out of debt.

Since the start of the recession in December of 2007, the Better Business Bureau has received more than 6,000 complaints from consumers about debt relief or debt settlement companies. Typically, complainants say they were charged large up-front fees in exchange for the empty promise that the company would significantly reduce or eliminate their debt.

“The debt relief industry has flourished in the current economy and you can bet that many unscrupulous companies are feverishly trying to figure out ways to get around the new laws, such as relying less on telephones to solicit new customers,” said Michael Coil, President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana. “While these new rules provide effective new protections, consumers still need to be on the lookout for deceptive debt relief services.”

Under the new rule, any company that solicits debt relief services over the phone—including taking incoming calls from new customers—will not be able to charge upfront fees until:

the debt relief service successfully renegotiates, settles, reduces, or otherwise changes the terms of at least one of the consumer’s debts;
there is a written settlement agreement, debt management plan, or other agreement between the consumer and the creditor, and the consumer has agreed to it; and
the consumer has made at least one payment to the creditor as a result of the agreement negotiated by the debt relief provider.

Additionally, debt relief providers cannot require that consumers set aside payments in a “dedicated account” unless:

the dedicated account is maintained at an insured financial institution;
the consumer owns the funds (including any interest accrued);
the consumer can withdraw the funds at any time without penalty;
the provider does not own or control or have any affiliation with the company administering the account; and
the provider does not exchange any referral fees with the company administering the account.

Finally, before the consumer signs up for any debt relief service, providers must disclose fundamental aspects of their services, including how long it will take for consumers to see results, how much it will cost, the negative consequences that could result from using debt relief services, and key information about dedicated accounts if they choose to require them.

Businesses can learn more about how to follow this new rule on the FTC’s web site: Debt Relief Services & The Telemarketing Sales Rule: A Guide for Business.

For more information on managing credit and getting out of debt, check out BBB’s free advice at Managing Credit-Made Simpler.

The Customer's Rights

10/7/2010

Posted on 10/7/2010 by

Update on customer rights.

For Mobile User Click Here For Video Page

In Your Corner: Deceptive Advertising?

9/24/2010

Posted on 9/24/2010 by

FORT WAYNE, IN (Indiana's Newscenter)-- Is it deceptive advertising for a company to send out an offer that's designed to look like a bill? In Your Corner takes a look at the mailer a local business received and what restrictions are place for businesses.

Better Business Bureau Tips for using Craigslist

9/21/2010

Posted on 9/21/2010 by

Better Business Bureau Tips for using Craigslist
Consumers urged to be cautious

In the wake of another tragic death in the Twin Cities area involving a transaction initiated through Craigslist, your Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana is advising the public to practice caution when using the online service and others like it.

“There are certainly deals to be found online, but it’s good for both buyers and sellers to remember they’re usually dealing with people unfamiliar to them,” said Michael Coil, president and CEO of the BBB. “There are risks involved and we feel it’s very important that people take the time to pause and consider both their personal and financial security.”

Here are some basic tips from the BBB in regard to using sites like Craigslist:

Try to deal with local buyers and sellers.
Never wire funds.
Use caution when using an escrow service – make sure it’s reputable by checking them out at www.bbb.org.
Never give out your Social Security or personal financial information.
Don’t apply for jobs that require a payment.
Apartment or home rentals should be thoroughly checked out and inspected in person before money is put down.
Consider the risks involved with selling a high value item yourself and weigh that against any extra profit you might make. Is it worth it?

The following are red flags, signs you’re likely dealing with someone using Craigslist to defraud people:

The buyer or seller is from another country.
The buyer or seller will not meet with you and will only communicate via e-mail.
The buyer overpays and asks you to wire the extra funds back to him/her.

The riskiest part of buying or selling something through Craigslist (or other online e-commerce sites) is the meeting to complete the transaction. Here are some tips to ensure your transaction goes safely and smoothly:

Set up meetings during daytime hours and in a public place (coffee shop, restaurant).
Consider bringing a friend or family member with you if you have safety concerns.
If you’re the seller, consider using an escrow service.
If you’re buying an item, don’t pay with cash if the item is more than one hundred dollars; pay with a cashier’s check and let the seller know in advance you’re paying with a cashier’s check.
If the seller insists you come to their home or apartment, tell them you will only meet at a neutral public site.
Trust your instincts. If you don’t like the direction things are taking, walk away.

As in life, most of the people you deal with when buying or selling household goods on sites like Craigslist are honest. However, there are those who see these sites as an opportunity to commit crimes. The BBB advises everyone who uses websites like these to make sure they’re doing everything they can to protect themselves.

BBB Start With Trust

9/16/2010

Posted on 9/16/2010 by

BBB Director Honored for 50 Years of Service

9/3/2010

Posted on 9/3/2010 by

It's unusual to find people who've devoted entire careers to one employer.

But a Michiana woman was honored for just that on Wednesday.

Dreama Jensen was honored by friends and colleagues for her 50 years of service at the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana.

Jensen started her career with the BBB on September 1st, 1960 and she's now the area director.

Jensen says she loves the job and the fact that every day is different. And she says she never even considered looking for another job.

What does she love the most about her work? Helping people.

Dreama Jensen, Area Director for the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana says, "It's just really gratifying, even when you are talking to someone on the phone and they've just sort of panicked when they call. And you can just sort of ease them into it and by the time they hang up you can just tell that the tone of their voice is different. They're more relaxed and they say thank you so much for helping us."

Jensen has seen a lot of changes in scams over the years, due to technological advances.

The scam that continues throughout the ages? The scam in which someone tells you you've won the lottery, but have to pay taxes or fees before collecting.

Find a Roofer You Can Trust

9/2/2010

Posted on 9/2/2010 by

Your home can take a serious beating when a big storm hits and finding a roofing contractor you can trust isn’t always easy. Storm chasers and other door-to-door salesmen often peddle dubious deals that can cost homeowners thousands of dollars and create serious headaches. The Better Business Bureau recommends doing your research to avoid getting ripped off by an untrustworthy roofer.

Every year, homeowners research the trustworthiness of roofing contractors with BBB more than 2 million times—more than any other industry. Unfortunately, last year alone, BBB received more than 7,600 complaints about roofers from unsatisfied customers.

“Hail and wind damage from violent storms has taken a toll on homes across the country this summer and the cost of repairs can be in tens of thousands of dollars,” said Michael Coil, President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana. “When you’re spending that kind of money, it’s worth it to take your time and find a roofer you can trust.”

When looking for a roofer you can trust, BBB recommends that homeowners:

Start Your Search with BBB. In addition to having Reliability Reports on tens of thousands of contractors—good and bad—across the US, you can also rely on BBB’s Accredited Business Locator to find trustworthy roofers in your area. BBB Accredited roofers have pledged to uphold BBB’s Standards for Trust and are contractually obligated to resolve all complaints filed with the BBB.

Vet the Contractor Carefully. Verify the business meets all state and local requirements including being licensed, insured and bonded. Also ask the business for references from recent jobs. Confirm whether or not the roofer will be subcontracting the job or relying on his or her own employees.

Beware of Storm Chasers. In the wake of a storm, fly-by-night repair businesses will solicit work, often door to door, in unmarked trucks. They might require advance payment and make big promises that they won’t deliver on.

Get at least three bids. Beware of lowball estimates that may potentially balloon over time or foreshadow shoddy work to come.

Recognize the red flags. Beware of any contractor that uses high pressure sales tactics or requires full payment upfront. Also avoid contractors that require you to get the necessary permits.

Make sure everything is in writing. Make sure that the full scope of the work is explained in the contract including cleanup and disposal of waste. All verbal agreements need to be included in the written agreement. Pay close attention to the payment terms, estimated price of materials and labor and any warranties or guarantees.

For more advice on hiring professionals you can trust, visit us online at http://www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-home/.

What Did We Learn From Tiger?

9/1/2010

Posted on 9/1/2010 by

Hi everybody, it’s Dr. Mike again!

I’m out in San Diego visiting my daughter Holly and we are just finishing the final touches on our new web site.

You are going to LOVE this site. Lots of great stuff for you and everyone you know.

This week’s video blog is on the lessons we learned from Tiger – Let’s see what you think about my observations…

Click Here for to add comments

What Did We Learn From Tiger?

8/31/2010

Posted on 8/31/2010 by Better Business Bureau

What Did We Learn From Tiger?

August 30th, 2010

Hi everybody, it’s Dr. Mike again!

I’m out in San Diego visiting my daughter Holly and we are just finishing the final touches on our new web site.

You are going to LOVE this site. Lots of great stuff for you and everyone you know.

This week’s video blog is on the lessons we learned from Tiger – Let’s see what you think about my observations…

BBB featured on Coming of Age show: Beware Scams Targeting Seniors

8/26/2010

Posted on 8/26/2010 by

Fraud targeting senior citizens is a growing concern as millions have fallen victim to scammers. Better Business Bureau encourages families to keep the lines of communication open with their elders regarding finances and to recognize some common cons targeting senior citizens.

According to a June 2010 survey by Investor Protection Trust, more than 7.3 million senior citizens—roughly 20 percent of Americans aged 65 or older--already have “been taken advantage of financially in terms of an inappropriate investment, unreasonably high fees for financial services, or outright fraud.”

“Having a serious conversation with your elderly parents about how they are managing their money is not easy, but it is extremely important in order to help protect them from unscrupulous crooks,” said Michael Coil, President/CEO of the BBB of Northern Indiana. “It’s extremely important to keep the lines of communication open so that you can identify suspicious spending habits, as well as educate your elder family members on recognizing the red flags of common cons.”

BBB warns against the following three scams that commonly target senior citizens:

Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams –Typically, the victim receives a letter in the mail stating they have won a lottery or sweepstakes; it might even claim to be from Publisher’s Clearing House or Reader’s Digest. The letter instructs the victim to deposit an enclosed check and then wire a portion back to the company to cover taxes or administration fees. While the funds will initially show up in the bank account, the money will be removed when the bank determines the check is fake. The victim is out whatever they wired back to the scammers—often amounting to thousands of dollars.

BBB Advice: Never wire money to someone you don’t know. You should never have to send money to receive any winnings from a lottery or sweepstakes.

Medicare Scams – Navigating the Medicare system isn’t easy and some scammers will look for any opportunity to take advantage of the confusion. Commonly, a scammer will claim to be with Medicare and ask for personal information such as Medicare, Medicaid, social security, credit card or bank account numbers. The victim might be given any number of excuses to provide this information including that an error needs to be fixed, that he or she is part of a survey or eligible to receive free products or can sign up for a new prescription drug plan.

BBB Advice: Remind your elderly family members that Medicare will never call to ask for sensitive personal financial information. If you suspect fraud contact your local police or the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General at 800-HHS-TIPS.

Bereavement Scams – Scammers will often try to take advantage of the increased vulnerability of senior citizens who have recently lost a loved one, such as a spouse. In one recent example, a mother and daughter team in Ohio would find targets by scouring the obituaries. They would then call the widow or widower and claim that their spouse had outstanding debts that needed to be paid immediately. Victims would then provide a blank check or credit card.

BBB Advice: Offer help to elderly family members if they have recently lost a loved one and are inexperienced in managing finances. If you are uncertain about owing a debt when collectors call, ask for written confirmation.

Deceptive Professionals – While many scams targeting senior citizens might not have a face, some scammers will be invited in the front door including technicians, contractors, chimney sweeps, air duct cleaners and other services. Some professionals will lie about the extent of the problem or claim safety issues and then inflate prices for unsuspecting senior customers.

BBB Advice – Find professionals you can trust by checking out BBB’s directory of Accredited Businesses. Always research a company with BBB before you hand over any money and report any deceptive services to your BBB, local law enforcement and the state Attorney General.

Investment and Work at Home Opportunities - Promises of easy money often target older adults because they may be looking to supplement their income. The pitch might come in the form of an investment opportunity that promises big returns, or as a way to make money at home for an upfront cost. Regardless of the specifics, the victim is offered what sounds like a great opportunity but the extra income never materializes.

BBB Advice: Always research any work at home opportunity with BBB. Beware of investment or money-making offers that seem too good to be true or use high pressure sales tactics to get you to sign up immediately.

For more advice on avoiding scams and fraud visit: www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-scams/

BBB Warns Consumers To Avoid Credit Score Fixers

8/25/2010

Posted on 8/25/2010 by

The Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana (BBB) is warning consumers to steer clear of a new scam that promises to improve consumers’ credit scores using a “credit protection number,” or CPN.

Scammers get the numbers by using computers to find dormant Social Security numbers – often those assigned to children. They sell the numbers to people who use them to establish phony credit and run up huge debts they will never pay off. To get around the law, scammers call the numbers credit profile, credit protection or credit privacy numbers – CPNs – rather than Social Security numbers.

In an Associated Press story, Linda Marshall, an assistant U.S. attorney in Kansas City, was quoted as saying the fraud could lead to another financial collapse. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been working with lenders to alert them to the fraud, which was uncovered while investigating a mortgage fraud case.

In addition to fraud, the use of CPNs poses another danger to consumers: ruined credit scores for children and others whose Social Security numbers are used to perpetrate the fraud. The buyers open a new, unblemished line of credit, which they then use to build up their own rating in a process called piggybacking.

The BBB advises parents to check credit reports for their children regularly. If parents see unauthorized activity under a child’s Social Security number, they should alert authorities and credit reporting agencies.

“This scam is a two-edged sword – defrauding banks as well as consumers whose Social Security numbers are stolen,” said Michael Coil, President/CEO of BBB of Northern Indiana. “Consumers need to protect their credit by checking their credit reports annually at annualcreditreport.com or by calling the three credit reporting firms.”

Authorities say they aren’t sure how widespread CPN fraud is, but they believe it could grow as Americans watch their credit scores sink to new lows. As of April, more than a quarter of consumers – nearly 43.4 million people – had credit scores of 599 or below, making them poor risks for lenders.

The BBB advises consumers to take positive action to correct credit problems by paying bills on time and reducing the amount owed on credit cards. Other steps that can be taken include:

Contact your creditors at once and explain why you’re having trouble paying your bills. See if they will help you work out a manageable payment plan. Once arranged, follow it carefully. Don’t wait until your account has been turned over to a collection agency.
If you have been turned down or feel an error exists on your credit report, contact the reporting agency in writing and send your appeal by mail “return receipt requested.” Include your name, address, account number, dollar amount in question and the reason you believe the actions taken were wrong.
If in doubt, request written verification of the debt. Ask for a photocopy of the paperwork including the signature(s).
Keep receipts, sales slips and billing statements to make sure they match. You may need them if you dispute a bill or report. If the credit agency requests documents, send copies; never send your originals.
Be skeptical of companies that promise they can immediately solve your credit problems or “clean up your credit report.” There is nothing they can do for you – for a fee – that you cannot do for yourself at little or no cost.
Be persistent. If your credit file contains errors, you are entitled to have it investigated by the credit bureau. The credit-reporting agency must give you a written report of their investigation - and a copy of your report if the investigation results in any change. Inaccurate information must be corrected or deleted. Cleaning up errors on your credit report can take time and effort.

If you need help in developing a payment plan, non-profit credit counseling agencies may provide help for little or no cost. Questions to ask the agency include:

Are the agency’s services confidential?
Will they devise a plan tailored to fit your needs?
Are the counselors certified?
Are budget and credit education opportunities offered?
Will your funds be protected? How?
Is the agency accredited? By whom?
Is there a charge for the service?

For more advice on avoiding fraud, visit www.bbb.org.

Fraud Targeting Seniors Is Growing, BBB Warns

8/17/2010

Posted on 8/17/2010 by

The millions of senior citizens who fall victim to scams are a growing concern. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) encourages consumers to keep the lines of communication open with their elders to help them avoid scams or stop the drain on their finances.

A June 2010 survey by Investor Protection Trust showed that more than 7.3 million senior citizens—roughly 20 percent of Americans aged 65 or older—already have “been taken advantage of financially in terms of an inappropriate investment, unreasonably high fees for financial services, or outright fraud.”

“Having a serious conversation with your elderly parents about how they are managing their money is not easy, but it is extremely important in order to help protect them from unscrupulous crooks,” said Michael Coil, President/CEO of BBB of Northern Indiana.

“Keep the lines of communication open so that you can identify suspicious spending habits, as well as educate your elder family members on recognizing the red flags of common cons. When visiting their home, being aware of questionable offers in the mail and phone calls in the late evening and being curious - yet respecting their privacy - can be helpful."

Scams that commonly target senior citizens:

Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams - Typically, the victim receives a letter in the mail stating that he or she has won a lottery or sweepstakes. The letter instructs the victim to deposit an enclosed check and then wire a portion back to the company to cover taxes or administration fees. The check turns out to be fake, and the victim loses whatever they wired back to the scammers—often thousands of dollars.

BBB Advice: Never wire money to someone you don’t know. You should never have to send money to receive any winnings from a lottery or sweepstakes.

Medicare Scams - Navigating the Medicare system isn’t easy and some scammers will look for any opportunity to take advantage of the confusion. Commonly, a scammer will claim to be with Medicare and ask for personal information such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, credit card or bank account numbers. The victim might be given any number of excuses to provide this information, such as: an error needs to be fixed, that he or she is part of a survey or eligible to receive free products or can sign up for a new prescription drug plan.

BBB Advice: Remind your elderly family members that Medicare will never call to ask for sensitive personal financial information. If you suspect fraud, contact your local police or the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General at 800-HHS-TIPS.

Bereavement Scams - Scammers often try to take advantage of the increased vulnerability of senior citizens who have recently lost a loved one, such as a spouse. In one recent example, a mother and daughter team in Ohio found targets by scouring the obituaries. They would then call the widow or widower and claim that their spouse had outstanding debts that needed to be paid immediately. Victims would then provide a blank check or credit card.

BBB Advice: Offer help to elderly family members if they have recently lost a loved one and are inexperienced in managing finances. If you are uncertain about owing a debt when collectors call, ask for written confirmation.

Deceptive Sales - While many scams targeting senior citizens might not have a face, some scammers may be invited in the front door, such as furnace repairmen, contractors, door-to-door salespeople, air duct cleaners and other service providers. Some professionals will lie about the extent of the problem or claim safety issues and then inflate prices for unsuspecting older customers.

BBB Advice: Find professionals you can trust by checking out a company with the BBB before you hand over any money. Report any deceptive services to your BBB, local law enforcement and the state attorney general.

Investment and Work-at-Home Opportunities - The pitch might come in the form of an investment opportunity that promises big returns, or as a way to make money at home for an upfront cost. Regardless of the specifics, the victim is offered what sounds like a great opportunity but the extra income never materializes.

BBB Advice: Always research any work-at-home opportunity with the BBB. Beware of investment or money-making offers that seem too good to be true or use high pressure sales tactics to get you to sign up immediately.

Grandparent scam - Telephone calls come in from someone claiming to be a relative who is stuck in a foreign country and needs money to get home.

BBB Advice: Ask the caller for the person’s name or other information that would be known only to a relative. Do not wire money to someone you don’t know.

For more advice on avoiding fraud, visit www.bbb.org.

New laws to take effect for debt settlement companies

8/11/2010

Posted on 8/11/2010 by

HOUSTON (KTRK) --

Debt relief is big business, but very soon the companies that offer the service will have to live by new rules that some believe will help consumers. The changes would eliminate upfront fees. Monica Russo from the Houston BBB advises ABC13.

Identity Theft Tips for College-Bound Students As They Head To School

8/6/2010

Posted on 8/6/2010 by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 26, 2010

BBB - Serving the Community for 90 Years!

CONTACTS: Michael Coil, President

Marjorie Stephens, Communications Director

Toll-free (800) 552-4631 ~ (260) 423-4433

Identity theft tips for college-bound students as they head to school

[Fort Wayne, IN – August 26, 2010] – College students have enough to juggle when it comes to school, work and their social life and fighting fraud often doesn’t make the list of priorities. Because college students are so susceptible to identity theft, the Better Business Bureau recommends that they take steps to protect themselves on campus.

According to the 2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report released by Javelin Strategy and Research, more than 11 million people became victims of identity theft in 2009. Young adults aged 18-24 took the longest to detect identity theft - 132 days on average - when compared to other age groups. Subsequently the average cost ($1,156) was roughly five times more than amount lost by other age groups.

Identity thieves don’t care if you’re a struggling student and don’t have a penny to your name; sometimes all they want is to exploit your clean credit record. Young adults that establish good habits for monitoring and detecting fraud are laying a path that will help create a healthy financial road for the rest of their lives.

The BBB recommends that college-bound students take the following seven steps to fight identity theft on campus:

• School mailboxes are not always secure and can often be easily accessed in a dorm or apartment. To combat sticky fingers in the mailroom, have sensitive mail sent to a permanent address such as the parents’ home or a PO Box.

• Important documents should be stored under lock and key - such as in a filing cabinet. This includes social security card, passport and bank and credit card statements. Shred any paper documents that have sensitive financial information rather than just tossing them out. Yes, there are dumpster divers and they do find your information! Also shred any credit card offers that come in the mail. In fact, BBB recommends you call the number 888.567.8688 and OPTOUT from receiving credit card offers in the mail. You will be asked for your Social Security number, but it’s a safe bet you are making the right choice. (Pass this suggestion on to your parents as well).

• Never loan your credit or debit card to anyone, even if they are a friend. Also just say no if your friend wants you to cosign for a loan or financing for items like a TV.

• Make sure your computer has up-to-date antivirus and spyware software. Always install any updates and patches to your computer’s operating system or browser software which help keep your computer safe from any new advances by identity thieves online.

• Always check your credit or debit card statements closely for any suspicious activity. The sooner you identify any potential fraud, the less you’ll suffer in the long run.

• When shopping on unfamiliar web sites, always check the company out first with the BBB online. Also look for the BBB Accredited Business seal along with other trust seals; click on the seals to confirm that they are legitimate.

• Check your credit report at least once a year with all three reporting bureaus for any suspicious activity or inaccuracies. You can do this for free by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com.
Click Here for Indiana's NewsCenter's coverage of this story

For more advice on fighting fraud and managing personal finances visit us online at www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-finance. Students should become familiar with checking out BBB business reviews on companies they are considering doing business with. It’s an easy process: go to www.bbb.org and you can easily pull up a company’s report.

7 Tips To Avoid ID Theft On Campus

8/4/2010

Posted on 8/4/2010 by

College students have enough to juggle when it comes to school, work and their social life. Fighting fraud often doesn’t make their list of priorities. College students are susceptible to identity theft, however, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends that they take seven simple steps to protect themselves on campus.

Identity thieves don’t care if you’re a struggling student and don’t have a penny to your name. Sometimes all they want is to exploit your clean credit record. By establishing good habits for monitoring and detecting fraud, students can lay a path for healthy financial practices for the rest of their lives.

According to the 2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report by Javelin Strategy and Research, more than 11 million people became victims of identity theft in 2009. Young adults aged 18-24 took the longest to detect identity theft—132 days on average—when compared to other age groups. The average cost of losses to this age group—$1,156—was roughly five times more than amount lost by other age groups.

The BBB recommends that college-bound students take the following seven steps to fight identity theft on campus:

School mailboxes are not always secure and often can be accessed easily in a dorm or apartment. To combat sticky fingers in the mailroom, have sensitive mail sent to a permanent address such as a parent’s home or a P.O. box.
Important documents should be stored under lock and key. This includes your Social Security card, passport and bank and credit card statements. Shred any paper documents that have sensitive financial information rather than just tossing them out. Also shred any credit card offers that come in the mail.
Never lend your credit or debit card to anyone, even if they are a friend. Just say no if your friend wants you to cosign for a loan or financing for items like a TV.
Make sure your computer has up-to-date antivirus and spyware software. Always install any updates and patches to your computer’s operating system or browser software which help keep your computer safe from any new advances by identity thieves online.
Always check your credit or debit card statements closely for any suspicious activity. The sooner you identify any potential fraud, the less you’ll suffer in the long run.
When shopping on unfamiliar websites, always check the company out first with BBB online. Also look for the BBB Accredited Business seal along with other trust seals; click on the seals to confirm that they are legitimate.
Check your credit report at least once a year with all three reporting bureaus for any suspicious activity or inaccuracies. You can do this for free by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com.

For more advice on fighting fraud and managing personal finances, visit www.bbb.org or call 314-645-3300.

Contacts: Michelle Corey, President & CEO, 314-645-3300, mcorey@stlouisbbb.org, or Chris Thetford, Director of Communications, 314-645-3300, communications@stlouisbbb.org, or Adrian McBride, 573-886-8900, manager@columbia-mobbb.org

Hearing Aid Stimulus: Real or Not Real?

7/28/2010

Posted on 7/28/2010 by

Congress passed the $780-billion Federal Government Economic Stimulus last year, but it also came with economic stimulus grants, income relief stimulus checks and stimulus jobs. What about a hearing stimulus package?

Consumers Say Free Trials from Auction Agency are Anything But Free

7/28/2010

Posted on 7/28/2010 by

Consumers Say Free Trials from Auction Agency are Anything But Free

Unwanted Memberships and Unauthorized Charges Among Common Complaints to BBB

BBB has issued an F rating to Auction Agency, an Austin-based company which lists foreclosed homes and automobiles for sale on the Internet. Consumer complaints received by BBB allege Auction Agency represented their service as a free trial, then later assessed charges for unrequested services. Additionally, several disputes allege dissatisfaction with the company’s services.

In May 2010, BBB contacted Auction Agency to request responses to multiple unanswered consumer complaints and to address the underlying causes of these disputes. Despite assurances that responses would be forthcoming, BBB has received no correspondence from the company as of July 21, 2010.

Christian Hunter, owner of Auction Agency, runs several other companies including HomeCentrix LLC which provides foreclosure services and information via foreclosureagency.com, myforeclosurefinance.com, nationalreponetwork.com and publicloanconnect.com. Consumers frequently name these services in complaints to BBB as memberships they allegedly did not sign up for. For more details, visit Auction Agency’s BBB Business Review here.

Additionally, Hunter is CEO of the holding company Second Meta LLC and debt settlement company State Pay, co-Manager of Attention Ventures LLC and owner of My Town Media LLC. My Town Media attracted recent media attention for suddenly ceasing operations and failing to pay employee wages.

Clarify Details for Free Trail Offers:

· Verify when the free trial starts and ends.

· Read terms and conditions carefully for any hidden information that may not be communicated directly.

· Find out if accepting a product at the end of the free trail automatically transfers to a renewing plan.

To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit BBB.

BBB Urges Consumer Caution about Free Airline Tickets

7/16/2010

Posted on 7/16/2010 by

Better Business Bureau offices across the US and Canada have received information from the BBB office in Connecticut about questions consumers have about a letter they received informing them that they “qualify for an award of 2 (free) roundtrip airline tickets.” The letter comes from Nicholson Barnes, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based sweepstakes marketing company with an “F” rating, the lowest letter grade assigned by BBB.

Michael Coil, President/CEO of BBB of Northern Indiana, said "Should northern Indiana consumers get a letter such as this, they should not expect to simply claim their prizes and walk away. In this type of marketing, ‘awards’ of various kinds are an enticement to get people to attend what is typically a high pressure sales pitch for a membership of some kind.”

The Nicholson Barnes letter currently circulating in Connecticut provides a telephone number for consumers to make appointments to attend a sales presentation in order to receive the promised award. The presentations are taking place in Mystic, CT, at Triton Travel Group. Information provided to BBB by Triton Travel Group states that it is a franchise of Outrigger Vacation Club.

Outrigger Vacation Club of Tulsa, OK, is one of several companies and individuals named in a pending lawsuit filed earlier this month by the Massachusetts Attorney General for a “bait and switch scheme” that lured consumers with promises of free airline tickets and travel rebates. After consumers paid an upfront fee, the Massachusetts AG complaint says “they received none of those benefits.” The average cost of an Outrigger membership was $4,700.

The suit goes on to state none of the consumers who complained ever received the promised prizes or gifts.

Information submitted to BBB by Triton Travel Group, lists three people, including the company’s owner, who are named in the Massachusetts Attorney General’s lawsuit.

"Should northern Indiana consumers receive a letter such as this, beware," said Coil. "Our office wants to be proactive rather than reactive in letting consumers know. If you have questions or concerns, please call our office at 1.800.552.4631 before agreeing to anything."

###

Red Flags to Watch for When Using E-bay

7/15/2010

Posted on 7/15/2010 by

With the current economic condition, consumers are flocking to online auctions like eBay to bid and sell new and used items. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people that take advantage of the auction. If you, your employees, or family members frequent eBay and other online auction sites, watch out for the following schemes:

“Shill Bidding” – This occurs when a seller has multiple accounts or a group of friends who deceitfully raise bids to up the profit margin on a purchase.

“Bid Shielding” – In this scenario, the buyer with the multiple accounts or group of friend bidders will keep upping their bids but then retract them. This process is used to scare off other bidders from making a bid. Then, the bidder with the lowest bid gets the item for bottom-dollar price.

“Switch and Return” – A buyer will purchase an item from you and return it, only the item they return is not what you sold them but an imposter.

“Fakes and Reproductions” – Sellers may provide a fake certificate of authenticity on collector items. This may be done on rare items purported to be in “mint condition.” Also watch out for wording in the ad that states “to my knowledge” or “I think.” Be especially aware of counterfeit trading cards.

Sadly, those are just a few of the terms and practices of unscrupulous eBay participants. There are other precautions eBay users need to arm themselves with to be able to predict and prevent internet crime that can be found at www.bbb.org.

1. Know who you are dealing with! Find out the seller’s information. Do this by placing a low bid on an item and go to http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQtZvbQQsofindtypeZ9. Enter in “the seller’s name and item number”. EBay will send you the contact information. Then, call this person. Look up the phone number online at www.free411.com and verify their address if provided. “If the phone number does not work, that is a red flag.”

2. As far as payment methods, C.O.D. is ideal as is escrow.com, although somewhat expensive. PayPal is also acceptable, although unless stated in the ad, does not provide you with $2000 coverage protection. If using PayPal it is recommended that you use a credit card. Credit card companies will refund your money if the seller fails to provide the merchandise. Keep away from money transfers, i.e. Western Union and MoneyGram. Typically, a scammer uses money transfers to hide their identity, so law enforcement cannot track them down, especially if they reside in a foreign country where American laws will not protect you. Do not send a check as a method of payment. A tactic that overseas scammers will use is sending an overpayment via foreign cashier’s check. Then, they want left over monies sent to them via Western Union.

3. Be wary of fake eBay and PayPal sites. If a hot link is listed, place your cursor over it and look at the URL on the bottom. If the two do not match up, there is a problem. Also if there is no “s” in the “https:” web address, the link is not a secure site. DO NOT add your personal information here. This is how scammers access your eBay ID and password, credit card, and other personal information.

4. Another red flag to watch for is if the buyer or seller only wants to work with you through email. It is likely the account is stolen, especially if they are asking for payment via money transfer. Money transfers have to be requested via email because eBay will not publish these types of requests on their site.

5. Other red flags eBay tells you to watch out for are: auctions that hide the bidders, sloppy English, products located in a different location than the seller, ads missing the eBay “buy-it-now” button, products listed in the wrong category, (which scammers will do, since certain categories are flagged as “SCAM AUCTIONS”.)

6. Keep your password and account secure. Ignore pop-ups that may request personal information. Make sure your computer is protected by updated anti-virus and firewall software. Set your security options in your web browser to alert you when a website is unsafe. Always type out URL addresses provided by eBay and PayPal to ensure that you do not click on malware. Never send your personal information via email. Be careful about opening attachments, which may also contain malware.

7. Be familiar with the product you are buying to ensure you don’t purchase imitations.

8. Be leery of quick-sell auctions, as opportunists will always pressure you into buying but won’t always deliver.

9. Consider paying the extra money to the post office to get a tracking number so the post office can help locate your item if lost or stolen.

Transferring Your Positive Attitude

7/13/2010

Posted on 7/13/2010 by Better Business Bureau

Transferring Your Positive Attitude

This was written by the president of the Better Business Bureau in southern Colorado and I wanted to share it with you

I have just returned from one of the most touching funerals I have ever attended. It was for Harry Blunt. Harry and his wife Sandy made a robust positive team that loved life and people, especially their family.

The positive attitude of this team makes a deeper impression because Harry had a stroke when he was 44 years old and had been in a wheel chair and/or on a cane for 22 years. His stroke only made the two of them love life more, especially the little things. With Harry on his scooter and Sandy walking along side, they would stop to observe special things such as a chirping bird or a vividly colored flower. They appreciated each other and the day.

Harry was also unable to speak except for a few words. He understood everything but communicated mostly by body language and actions since his stroke. His actions spoke loudly of love.

To begin the day, Sandy would get up and start getting ready for work. Meanwhile Harry would struggle to get dressed and get his shoes on. One arm and leg had been crippled by the stroke. Carefully and slowly, he would walk down the stairs to the kitchen and put Sandy’s vitamins and dishes out for her. While Sandy ate breakfast, he would rub her back with his one good hand.

Wouldn’t that be a great scene to take and transfer that attitude to your office? Are you spreading the “Blunt Attitude” at work? What have your hands been doing for the team? Are you stroking others? What is the flavor of your words you speak? Are they words of kindness and appreciation?

If you are thinking that you’ll do better when life improves for you, forget it. Life will never be perfect. There will always be a challenge of some kind. We owe it to our teammates at work and home to live with the same attitude that the Blunts have. In fact, we owe it to ourselves.

What do you do at work to make it a special place to work? Your comments?

BBB Warns Car Shoppers About Online Dealer Scam

7/7/2010

Posted on 7/7/2010 by

July 7, 2010 – Arlington, VA - Better Business Bureau is warning car shoppers to beware of websites offering too-good-to-be-true deals on repossessed cars. BBB has heard from people across the country who thought they were buying from a reputable dealer online but were actually sending money to scammers posing as legitimate, already-established community dealerships.

“Because scammers essentially steal the identity and good name of real auto dealers, car shoppers will think that they’re buying a car from a reputable business,” said Michael Coil, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indiana. “The truth is, they’re being sold a bill of goods by a coordinated, agile and in all likelihood overseas outfit of scammers.”

Most recently, one Memphis auto dealer, America Auto Sales (www.memphisautoworld.com), received more than 1,000 calls from consumers across the country who had shopped for a new car on www.americautosales.com thinking that it was the website of the Memphis dealership. The phony website used the name, address and contact information of the real dealer.

The fraudulent website claimed to sell repossessed cars at prices well below market. Buyers were instructed to wire a deposit—as much as $5,000—to an individual rather than the company, which, according to the phony website, “helps us avoid taxes legally.” The balance was to be paid upon delivery at the consumer’s address within five days.

After paying the deposit, victims called the real dealership to arrange delivery of their car. Some customers even showed up at the lot to pick up the cars they had “bought” on the bogus site.

Similar websites have posed as many different dealers in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico and Texas. The websites are often taken down after a few days only to crop up shortly thereafter under a different URL address and under the auspices of another legitimate dealer.

BBB recommends that car shoppers look for the following red flags when shopping for a car online:

The prices are too good to be true.
The dealer only communicates through chat or e-mail—never by phone.
The dealer only accepts payment by money wire transfer.

If you have been the victim of a fraudulent auto dealer online, notify your BBB at www.bbb.org and the Internet Crime Center at www.ic3.gov to file a complaint.

For more information or to schedule an interview with a BBB spokesperson, contact Michael Coil or Marjorie Stephens at 423-4433.

eBay...A Great tool for buying or selling

6/11/2010

Posted on 6/11/2010 by

eBay…A great tool for buying or selling

Cautions visitors to watch for these “red flags” when using their site

eBay can be a great place to buy and sell items online. Unfortunately, with a popular auction site such as this, there are unscrupulous people that will take advantage of consumers if given the opportunity. Consumers need to be aware of this and need to know what to watch out for. Here is a list of things mentioned on eBay’s website:

“Shill Bidding” – This is basically when a seller has multiple accounts or a group of friends who deceitfully up bids to up the profit margin on a purchase.

“Switch and Return” – A buyer will purchase an item from you and return it, only the item they return is not what you sold them but an imposter.

1. Know who you are dealing with! Find out a seller’s information. Do this by placing a low bid on an item and go to http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQtZvbQQsofindtypeZ9. Enter in “the seller’s name and item number”. EBay will send you the contact information. Then, call this person. Look up the phone number online at www.free411.com and verify their address if provided. “If the phone number does not work, that is a red flag.”

2. As far as payment methods, C.O.D. is ideal as is escrow.com, although somewhat expensive. PayPal is also acceptable, although unless stated in the ad does not provide you with $2000 coverage protection. If using PayPal it is recommended that you use a credit card. Credit card companies will refund your money if the seller fails to provide the merchandise. Keep away from money transfers, i.e. Western Union and MoneyGram. Typically, a scammer uses money transfers to hide their identity, so law enforcement cannot track them down, especially if they reside in a foreign country, where American laws will not protect you. As far as checks, this is not a secure method of payment. “Counterfeit checks, commercial money orders, and postal money orders” may be used. The post office reports that some individuals are being left empty handed. A tactic that overseas scammers will use is sending an overpayment via foreign cashier’s check. Then, they want left over monies sent to them via Western Union. Scam!

3. Be wary of fake eBay and PayPal sites. If a hot link is listed, place your cursor over it and look at the URL on the bottom. If the two do not match up, there is a problem. Also if there is no “s” in the “https:” web address, the link is not a secure site. DO NOT add your personal information on here. This is how scammers get a hold of your eBay ID and password, credit card, and other personal information.

4. If a person only wants to deal with you through email, that is a red flag. It is likely the account is stolen, especially if they are asking for payment via money transfer. Money transfers have to be requested via email because eBay will not publish these types of requests on their site.

5. Other red flags eBay tells you to watch out for are auctions which hide the bidders, sloppy English, the product is in a different location from the seller, the eBay “buy-it-now” button is missing, a product is in the wrong category, (which scammers will do, since certain categories are flagged as “SCAM AUCTIONS”.)

6. Keep your password and account secure. Ignore pop-ups that may request personal information. Make sure your computer is protected by updated anti-virus and firewall software. Set your security options in your web browser to alert you when a website is unsafe. Always type out URL addresses provided by eBay and PayPal to ensure that you do not click on malware. Never send your personal information via email. Email is not secure. Be careful about opening attachments, which may also contain malware.

7. Be familiar with the product you are buying to ensure you don’t purchase imitations. Consult with the experts on a said product. Make note if a picture looks like it was personally taken or copied from the Internet.

8. Be leery of quick-sell auctions, as opportunists will always pressure you into buying but won’t always deliver.

9. Another tip, provided by a consumer, is pay the extra money to the post office to get a tracking number. A postal receipt means nothing without a tracking number, and without this the post office cannot help you locate your purchased item.

If you educate yourself and are aware of and avoid potential scams that are out there, you can have a very positive experience on eBay. Many people enjoy eBay as a great tool to find good deals, special interest items, etc., and many people also find eBay a convenient place to sell their wares for profit or simply to clean out their closets. However, consumers have unknowingly fallen victim to frauds that latch on to popular sites such as eBay. If you suspect a scam on eBay, report it to your Better Business Bureau at 800-552-4631/260-423-4433 before you fall victim to it. Don’t “assume” until you have checked it out! If you believe you have come onto something fraudulent, you can make a report by going to http://pages.ebay.com/securitycenter/reportproblem.html. Be safe!

Medicare Part D Scam Alert

6/11/2010

Posted on 6/11/2010 by

Phony Scam Websites Falsely Claim BBB Accreditation

6/4/2010

Posted on 6/4/2010 by
Consumers are urged to check with the BBB before completing a business transaction. However, neither an apparent A+ rating, nor BBB Accreditation logo always guarantees that the company in question is reliable. Since June 2010, the Better Business Bureau serving Southeast Louisiana has received inquiries about a firm that, posing as a BBB Accredited Business, swindles bargain-hunters across the nation out of their hard-earned cash.

The company operating under a number of names, including ZET Electronics and American Garden Appliances, and in other areas as Orange Electronics, Team Appliances, Home Garden Appliances, Chrystal Beauty and Aaron’s Shop among others, offers a variety of merchandise—ranging from beauty supplies to farm equipment—at prices well below suggested retail. The BBB has been notified that the firm, aside from running multiple websites, is active as a seller on such e-commerce websites as Amazon.com, eBay, and DealItem.

Even consumers who are skeptical about the enticing offers may be reassured by the BBB Accreditation seal proudly displayed on the company’s websites. Clicking on it forwards the shoppers to a fairly accurate replica of a BBB Reliability Report, where instead of the well-deserved rating of F, the businesses give themselves an A+. The BBB has contacted the company requesting the removal of the unauthorized BBB Accreditation logo with no success. The conmen went so far as to register several domains that mimic the official Internet address of the Better Business Bureau, including www.lousiana-bbb.org, (a misspelling of Louisiana), www.bbb-company.org, and www.bbb-community.org, which are NOT real BBB sites, but rather copied versions of BBB pages. Some of the phony links actually forward to the REAL www.bbb.org to lend authenticity.

Two of the scam websites offer local New Orleans addresses at 3900 S. Carrollton Ave. After investigating the addresses, they were found not to exist. The closest location to that address was an overpass of Interstate 10 and S. Carrollton Avenue, at which, of course, there are no businesses located.

According to BBB in New York, when misled consumers proceed to check out on one of these websites, all attempts to pay by a credit card result in an error message. At this point, the shoppers are told that the website is experiencing technical difficulties and are asked to wire the money for the merchandise via Western Union. If they do so, the complainants never receive the product they purchased and have no chance to recover their money. These scam businesses have sprung up and been identified by BBBs in New York, New Jersey, and Ohio, and these two seem to be the most recent iterations of this scam.

The BBB offers the following tips for shopping online:

Be cautious of companies that offer merchandise at prices significantly below market. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Avoid purchasing goods from the following websites:

americangardenappliances.com

zetelectronics.com

onlineluxury-shopping.com

orange-electronics.com

homegardenappliances.com

standard-electronics.com

team-appliances.com

appliances-4home.com

team-2appliances.com

team-4appliances.com

team-elctronics4you.com

team2appliances.com

team4appliances.com

teamapp-inc.com

beauty-shoponline.com

If a company claims to be a BBB accredited business, make sure that the URL of the page to which you are forwarded after clicking at the BBB Accredited Business Seal begins with "https://www.bbb.org/". Double-check by searching for the company’s name, address, URL, or phone number at http://www.bbb.org/us/Find-Business-Reviews or contacting your local BBB.
Read terms and conditions
Beware of the companies that accept payment via money transfer only.
Never wire money to anybody you have not met in person.

If you have any questions or concerns and are no able to verify the company’s authenticity yourself, please contact the BBB serving Southeast Louisiana at: (504) 581-6222 or info@neworleans.bbb.org.

BBB Questions Whether Crowd Sourcing International is a Pyramid Scheme

6/3/2010

Posted on 6/3/2010 by
Business opportunity to earn money by collecting license plate sightings may be a pyramid scheme

June 3, 2010 -- A business opportunity offered by Crowd Sourcing International (CSI) in Dallas claims that participants can earn money by collecting information about car license plate numbers and the cars’ locations. But the plan may be a pyramid scheme, warns Better Business Bureau. There does not appear to be a substantial source of income for participants (“independent consultants”) other than the money paid in by other participants.

In a pyramid scheme, participants make most of their earnings by recruiting others rather than from sales of a product. The Texas Attorney General’s Web site warns, “People who get in on a pyramid scheme early might make money in the beginning, but the schemes inevitably collapse, victimizing the recruits at the base of the pyramid.”

The BBB first asked Crowd Sourcing International about the business opportunity in January, 2010, and the business provided some information. In May, 2010, CSI provided the name of one client. The information did not resolve the BBB's concerns as to whether the company is selling a bona fide product with a true market value. In fact, the client's identity only raised more concerns, which the BBB communicated to the company.

Although Crowd Sourcing International claims that the information collected is purchased by clients such as auto loan companies, CSI has provided the name of only one client. The BBB questions whether that client, which has links to CSI, is independently paying CSI for car sightings.

Crowd Sourcing International, 1111 Empire Central Place, Suite 200, Dallas, was formerly known as Narc Technologies and has also done business as “Narc That Car.” Through a multi-level marketing plan, independent consultants are recruited to pay a $100 sign-up fee and a monthly $5 processing fee for commission payments, and offered a Web site for $24.95. Participants can earn up to about $20 a month for up to 10 license plate sightings and earn a part of the payments for license plate sightings to participants they recruit. Independent consultants are told they can also earn commissions by finding clients such as auto loan companies to pay for the license plate sightings.

But if there isn’t substantial income from clients paying for the information collected, then the main source of income available to CSI to pay independent consultants would be from sign-up and other fees paid by participants.

CSI came to the attention of the BBB in Dallas in January, 2010. Since the first of the year, the BBB has received over 28,000 inquiries – requests for the BBB Reliability Report® – on the business.

CSI has a BBB rating of “F”, on scale from A+ to F. The reasons for this rating include:
• 21 complaints filed against business
• 2 unresolved complaints filed against business .
• 5 serious complaints filed against business.
• Business has failed to resolve underlying cause(s) of a pattern of complaints
• Advertising issue(s) found by BBB.
• Length of time business has been operating.

Complaints on CSI are from independent consultants alleging misrepresentation of the business opportunity; non-payment of commissions; difficulties in cancelling and getting automatic charges stopped; and difficulties contacting the business.

A man in Bloomington, IN, complained: “I joined NARC (which is now called CSI) at the end of January. They hit my account at $124.95. I brought in several customers and entered my license plates from January through April. I received my first check of $75 minus $5 processing fee. They hit my credit card on March 1 and March 29 for $24.95 each time (total $49.90). I was never paid my other two fast start bonus of 2 times $25 which equals $50 and my license plate entries for January, February, March and April … I have called each week for the past four weeks and still get the same song and dance that it is being looked at by accounting.”

CSI answers complaints, stating that refunds or other adjustments have been made, or that it will do so.

The BBB offers these tips for anyone considering participation in a business opportunity:

• Have a clear understanding of the business opportunity. How do participants earn money? You may wish to review the contract or agreement with an attorney who is familiar with business opportunities to make sure you understand it and that all promises are in writing.

• Consider the market for the product being sold. The Texas Attorney General’s Web site advises, “Before you join, be sure the product offered is something for which there is a market. Ask what the average monthly retail sales are per salesperson. Be wary of anyone who tells you that you do not have to sell anything to make money. For it to be legitimate, commissions must come from the retail sales of goods, so at some point someone will have to sell something.”

• In a multi-level marketing plan, participants earn money through sales of the product and by recruiting others in order to receive commissions on their sales of the product. Consider your own ability to recruit, train and motivate others to sell.

• Check out business opportunities with the BBB. Start at www.bbb.org and click on “Check Out a Business”. If the BBB has a Reliability Report on the business, it will include basic information, the BBB rating, and customer complaint history, if any.

To file a complaint with BBB, start at www.bbb.org. To file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General, go to www.oag.state.tx.us.

About BBB serving Dallas and Northeast Texas
The Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Dallas, Inc., is an independent, non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's standards of ethical business behavior. BBB services include BBB Reliability Reports® on businesses, complaint resolution services, advertising review, and information on topics affecting marketplace trust. The BBB serving Dallas and Northeast Texas was founded in 1920 and is one of 124 BBBs serving the U.S. and Canada. The BBB System evaluates and monitors more than 4 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information.
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Avoid Petal Pushers this Mother's Day

5/5/2010

Posted on 5/5/2010 by

Loved ones who plan to send flowers for Mother’s Day should beware of “petal pushers.” These unscrupulous florists place bogus listings in local phone directories. When you call the local number listed, or given to you by the operator, you’re unknowingly forwarded to an out-of-town telemarketing company. The telemarketer takes your order and credit card information, and then forwards your order to an area florist. The telemarketer pockets a processing fee and usually a percentage of the total order. You don't know you've been scammed until you learn you've been charged more than you planned, then the flowers aren't delivered as ordered or worse -- not delivered at all.

Here are some tips from the BBB so you don’t get duped by petal pushers:

Ask family and friends for referrals to a florist they have used.
Check to see if a florist is a BBB Accredited Businesses at www.bbb.org.
If you find a florist from the phone book, look for a listing that includes a local address. When you call, ask for the directions to the store – if they hesitate or refuse, hang up.
Visiting the shop is another way to determine if the florist is reputable. Check the quality of the flowers and the overall quality of the business.
You can also ask for a guarantee. Most professional florists should have one.

For more tips, go to www.bbb.org or call 1-800-552-4631.

Avoid Moving Scams this Summer

5/3/2010

Posted on 5/3/2010 by
Arlington, VA – May 3, 2010 – Following a few simple rules when looking for a mover will go a long way toward protecting you from being victimized by scammers this summer, advises Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA).

May is National Moving Month, the start of the busiest time of the year for changing residences. More than 37 million Americans -- or about 13 percent -- move to a different home every year, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau statistics.

Unfortunately, every year, BBB receives extremely serious complaints from consumers who have fallen prey to dishonest and sometimes unlicensed moving companies.

BBB received more than 8,400 complaints against movers in 2009. Complaints to BBB about movers are primarily about damaged or lost goods and final prices in excess of original estimates. In a common worst-case scenario, the moving company will essentially hold the customer’s belongings hostage and require potentially thousands of dollars to unload the truck.

“Virtually anyone with a truck and a Web site can claim to be a mover and they can’t all be trusted to adhere to standards for honesty and ethical conduct,” said AMSA President and CEO Linda Bauer Darr. “When it comes to such an important decision, you can save a lot of heartache by doing just a little homework to track down the companies that put customer service and integrity first. For interstate moves, that means an AMSA certified ProMover.”

“Checking a mover’s credentials is critical and easy. Last year alone, consumers relied on BBB more than 1 million times for finding a trustworthy mover,” said Michael D. Coil, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana. “When making the final choice, go with a BBB Accredited Businesses or, at the very least, choose a business that has a good rating with BBB.”

BBB and AMSA offer the following checklist for finding a trustworthy moving company:

Research the Company Thoroughly. While state regulations vary, all interstate movers must, at minimum, be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and are assigned a motor carrier number you can verify at www.protectyourmove.gov. Also check the company’s rating with your BBB; BBB maintains more than 17,000 reliability reports on movers across North America. Having at least a satisfactory BBB rating is one of seven screenings that AMSA relies on when authorizing its interstate mover members to display the ProMover logo, the sign of a quality, professional mover which has pledged to abide by the organization’s Code of Ethics.

Get at Least Three In-Home Estimates. No legitimate mover will offer to give you a firm estimate on-line or over the phone. Also keep in mind that the lowest estimate can sometimes be an unrealistic low-ball offer which can cost you more in the end.

Know Your Rights. Research your rights as a consumer with both the state you currently reside in and where you are moving to. Also enlist the help of BBB or local law enforcement if the moving company fails to live up to its promises or decides to hold your belongings hostage.

More tips and information on how to choose a mover and plan your move are available at AMSA's consumer Web site, www.moving.org; and the U.S. Department of Transportation's site, www.protectyourmove.gov. To research a mover or find your nearest Better Business Bureau, visit www.bbb.org.

About BBB
BBB, the leader in advancing marketplace trust, is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability Reports® and charity BBB Wise Giving Reports®, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust.

About AMSA
The American Moving & Storage Association, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., is the trade association representing the nation’s moving and storage companies, which provide household goods moving services, specialized transportation for sensitive freight such as computers and trade show exhibits, and warehouse storage services. The association has 3,200 members, including more than 200 international members, and sponsors programs and activities that promote consumer protection, professional development, safety, and operational efficiency.

BBB Advice for Getting Deals on Collective Buying Sites

5/3/2010

Posted on 5/3/2010 by

Everyone is looking for ways to pinch pennies and collective buying Web sites are becoming an extremely popular option to save on goods and services from local businesses. Before signing up for the next big deal, Better Business Bureau recommends researching all businesses involved and reading the fine print thoroughly.

Collective buying sites have become increasingly popular in a short amount of time. Groupon.com, which is a BBB Accredited Business, is one of the pioneers of collective buying and has 2.6 million subscribers. According to Groupon, they have made 1.8 million transactions that saved shoppers 85 million in their relatively short history.

Collective buying sites typically offer one deal every day such as for products or gift cards redeemable at local businesses—including restaurants, retail stores and spas. If enough people sign up to buy it, they’ll get it at a significant discount. If not enough people are interested, the deal is canceled and no one is charged.

Collective buying is a great way for businesses to attract new customers and for savvy consumers to land a great deal.” said Alison Southwick, BBB spokesperson. It can be a win-win situation for everyone involved as long as the customer does their research and understands all of the restrictions and stipulations.”

Before signing up for a deal on a collective buying Web site, BBB recommends that online shoppers:

Check every business with BBB. Not only do you want to research the collective buying Web site with BBB, you also want to research the business that is offering the deal. Look for the BBB Accredited Business seal on both Web sites and only go with businesses that have a good rating with BBB.

Buy what you will use. While the idea of skydiving at half the usual cost sounds like a great deal, if you aren’t actually going to go through with it, you’re wasting your money. Focus on items and services you’ll use from stores and locations that are close by. If you experience buyer’s remorse, you might not have a way to get your money back.

Read the fine print—all of it. Don’t assume that every deal is like the next. The fine print on every offer is going to be different because every business has a different policy when it comes to eligibility, expiration dates, refunds, and black-out dates. Read the terms and conditions on the collective buying Web site, the specific terms and conditions listed with the offer and seek out the fine print on the business’s own Web site as well.

For more advice on being a savvy online shopper, visit www.bbb.org.

BBB Warns that Insurance Scams Are Flourishing in Current Economy

5/3/2010

Posted on 5/3/2010 by

In the midst of a tight economy and in the wake of the new national healthcare reform bill, State and Federal regulators are warning about a surge in healthcare-related scams. Better Business Bureau advises consumers to do their research before signing up for insurance coverage because their personal and financial health is on the line.

According to an October 2009 survey conducted by the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, 57 percent of state fraud bureaus reported a higher incidence of health insurance fraud in 2009 compared to the previous year. The increase was largely attributed to “unauthorized entities selling fake coverage” and “the rise of medical discount plans.”

“Navigating the healthcare system can be a tricky maze and coordinating your physicians, prescriptions and insurance coverage isn’t always easy,” said Michael Coil, President/CEO BBB of Northern Indiana. “One of the first steps to finding healthcare services that are a good personal fit, is to start with a provider you can trust.”

Companies such as HealthcareOne/Elite Healthcare, Consolidated Workers Association, and Smart Data Solutions/American Trade Association, have all recently come under fire from state regulators for peddling worthless coverage or discount medical plans—instead of actual insurance—to thousands of consumers.

Additionally, the new healthcare reform bill quickly sparked new scams; shortly after it was signed into law, the US Department of Health and Human Services issued a warning to consumers to beware of health insurance offers claiming to be part of new federal regulations. For example in Missouri, the state Insurance Director warned that a door-to-door salesman was claiming to be a federal agent selling insurance under the new law.

BBB recommends taking the following steps when shopping for health insurance coverage to avoid getting ripped off:

Research the company with BBB. Always check out the insurer’s BBB Reliability Report online at bbb.org. Reliability reports are available for free and will tell you how many complaints the business has received, whether there has been any government actions brought against the business, as well as BBB’s overall rating.

Confirm the company is licensed with the state insurance commissioner. Each state has a department devoted to regulating insurance companies. Make sure the insurer is licensed to operate in your state.

Read the fine print carefully. Make sure all verbal commitments are in the fine print. Don’t just take the company’s word for it. Also confirm with your pharmacist and doctor that they accept the plan you’re considering.

Recognize the difference between insurance and discount medical cards. Some consumers purchased what they thought was health insurance but was actually a discount medical card which could only be used to get reduced rates at limited doctor’s offices and pharmacies. Make sure you’re purchasing insurance coverage and not just a discount medical card.

Beware of copy cats. Some phony insurers will go by a name that is similar to a trusted company. Confirm that you’re really dealing with the right company that has a good reputation.

For more advice on finding healthcare companies and services you can trust, visit http://www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-health/

Company Claims to Help Troops, but is a Work-At-Home Scam

4/30/2010

Posted on 4/30/2010 by

Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana warns consumers that an alleged Wisconsin-based military support service, Help4Troops, is a work-at-home, shipping scam that claims to help American troops overseas.

Help4Troops, also known as Work4Troops, claims to manage mail and send packages to American troops in 36 countries. The company’s website reports that 90 percent of these packages are assembled by “volunteer shippers” who accumulate a number of small packages at their home address to consolidate into a larger box, which is then shipped overseas using Help4Troops-provided postage, tracking numbers and addresses.

Help4Troops promises to each volunteer a salary of $20 per package shipped, and requests personal banking information in order to deliver these payments via check, wire or money transfer using Western Union or PayPal. While boasting “powerful sponsors who help us to provide troops with this service and to pay our volunteers,” Help4Troops does not elaborate on important financial information.

A consumer contacted the Wisconsin BBB in mid-April to report her concerns about Help4Troops, which “hired” her as a “Volunteer Shipper” after she posted her resume on the online employment site CareerBuilder.com. After two weeks of receiving and repackaging items, she received a call from a Chicago resident whose bank had contacted him about a suspicious attempt to access his account to purchase gift cards. The gift cards were listed under the consumer’s mailing address.

Because of the bank’s intervention, the transaction did not take place. Help4Troops stopped returning the consumer’s e-mails, however, and she discovered that the telephone number provided to reach Help4Troops’ management was instead a fax number.

The BBB has confirmed that Help4Troops is not located at its listed address in Spring Green, Wis.; 121 West Jefferson St. is the location of a local barbershop. Neither Help4Troops nor Work4Troops is registered with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions or the IRS, as required by law to conduct business in Wisconsin. And despite its website’s claim that Help4Troops has been commended by “the President of the United States, the governor of Maryland, the mayor of Baltimore, and the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce,” the company is not known or recognized by the Department of Defense and is not listed in the National Resource Directory.

Red flags are critical in recognizing a shipping scam. Beware of employment offers in which:
• The company requires receiving and shipping packages, most often overseas, for a commission that is delivered via money transfer. These scams may involve an individual unknowingly shipping stolen goods overseas.
• The company claims to provide a personal account to reimburse shipping costs—it is most likely set up through stolen financial information.
• The company is difficult to contact or its information cannot be verified.
• Employment starts without a face-to-face interview and the primary form of communication is e-mail. Often the company’s website is a free, generic domain that has only recently been registered.
• Grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes abound in e-mail correspondences or on the company’s website, and especially if the website’s format is distractingly amateur.

To avoid being boxed in by shipping scams like this one, follow these BBB guidelines:
• Don’t be fooled by attractive advertising. Especially in instances of charity scams, be cautious of your emotions getting the best of your reason. Scams like Help4Troops often provide powerful testimonials or success stories to lure compassionate, unsuspecting victims.
• Check with the BBB. Help4Troops has an “F” rating with the BBB. A full Reliability Report is available for Help4Troops, and thousands of other businesses and charities, at www.bbb.org.

For more information or further inquiries, please contact BBB at 1.800.552.4631 or 1.260.423.4433.

BBB Offers Steps Consumers Can Take To Reduce Unwanted Mail

4/26/2010

Posted on 4/26/2010 by
Consumers can protect themselves against identity theft and also protect the environment by taking steps to reduce unwanted mail, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises.

“Some forms of unsolicited mail can put consumers at risk of identity theft,” said Michael Coil, BBB president and CEO. “Consumers can take control of their mailboxes by opting out of credit card offers, coupon packs and other types of unwanted mail.”

Reducing the volume of mail you receive can make a big difference in the amount of solid waste a household generates. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that Americans throw away more than 4 million tons of mail a year. That garbage can be a gold mine for identity thieves.

Pre-approved credit card offers can be an easy target for identity thieves. They can steal incoming mail and use the offers to open fraudulent credit card accounts. Consumers can opt out of credit card offers for at least five years by calling 1-888-567-8688 or by visiting www.optoutprescreen.com. Your Social Security Number and birth date are required, but they are encrypted for your protection. The service is offered by the three major credit reporting bureaus.

Unsolicited mail that is addressed to children under 13 years old can be a sign that identity theft has occurred. If a child is getting unwanted mail, parents should contact the three credit bureaus and inform them of the situation. The credit bureaus and their numbers are:

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285.
Experian: 1-888-397-3742.
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289.

Catalogs can easily overrun a consumer’s mailbox. Some catalog companies hand your address over to others, resulting in an avalanche of mail. You can ask individual companies to stop sending you catalogs by contacting them directly, or you can stop mass mailings by e-mailing Abacus, an alliance of catalog and publishing companies, at optout@abacus-us.com or by writing to Abacus Inc., P.O. Box 1478, Broomfield, CO 80038.

Some mail can be stopped by contacting organizations that represent direct marketers. In some cases, codes or addresses from the mail may be required to process a request.

The Direct Marketing Association, a trade group representing 5,200 companies that use telephone, mail and the Internet to pitch products directly to consumers, gives consumers the option to opt out of mail. Consumers can go to www.dmachoice.org. It can take six months for the solicitations to stop.

Consumers can stop mailings of coupon packs by filling out an online request at www.coxtarget.com/mailsuppression/s/DisplayMailSuppressionForm or by contacting the sender of the packs.

To stop “resident” or “occupant” mailings, consumers can contact Valassis, formerly known as ADVO Inc. by calling 1-888-241-6760, by sending a written request to ADVO Inc. Customer Assistance, P.O. Box 249, Windsor, CT 06095 or by going to www.advo.com/consumersupport.html.

For more advice on protecting yourself from identity theft or to check out a business or charity, go to www.bbb.org or call 260-423-4433.

Returning Acc-U-Lead Postcards May Lead To Sales Pitches

4/15/2010

Posted on 4/15/2010 by

An official-looking yellow postcard - being mailed nationally - that offers to help senior citizens save money on their taxes is actually a marketing ploy used by a Texas company to get consumers to reveal personal information.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that the company, Acc-U-Lead, collects the information from the returned cards and sells it to other businesses looking for leads to sell insurance annuities.

The postcard looks similar to a government notice. It is stamped “2010 Senior Income Tax Update” and “2010 Senior Tax Information.” It is decorated with two American flags, and the return address is National Data Research Center in Dallas. The only disclaimer is a single line in small print that says, “This is not a Government document not affiliated with any government agency.”

A consumer in Ballwin, Mo., who recently received one of the postcards, said it seemed odd “that I would receive a postcard telling me how I could stop paying taxes.”

The postcard seems intentionally misleading. “A company shouldn’t have to rely on trickery to get names, phone numbers, birthdates and other information from consumers,” said Michael Coil, President/CEO BBB of Northern Indiana. “Any sales company that buys information obtained in this way should be ashamed of itself. We appreciate the St. Louis, MO BBB office letting all BBBs know about this postcard before it reaches the seniors in our community.”

Acc-U-Lead has an F grade with the BBB. It has not responded to several complaints from businesses that said the sales leads received from the company were not what they had anticipated.

The Dallas BBB says the company is based in Melissa, Tex., and lists its owner as Ronald Morgan. The BBB says Acc-U-Lead also does business under the names National Data Research Center, Lead Room, United States Senior Service Inc. and USSS.

Acc-U-Lead and National Data Research Center have had a long and sometimes difficult history with state and federal officials. In 1997, the Oregon Division of Insurance issued a cease and desist order demanding that Acc-U-Lead and United States Senior Service “halt illegal insurance sales practices targeting senior citizens” in that state. At that time, the regulatory agency said the company distributed business reply mailers advertising life insurance or Medicare supplement health insurance.

As in the Ballwin, Mo., case, the company asked recipients to complete an accompanying card with personal information and return it. Information on the mailers, the agency said, created the impression that they had come from a U. S. government agency.

Four years later, the U.S. Social Security Administration ordered Acc-U-Lead and several related companies to stop another series of mailings directed at seniors. It also ordered the companies’ founders to pay $200,000 to the Social Security Administration.

That case alleged that Acc-U-Lead and its related companies sent misleading solicitations to seniors designed to obtain sensitive personal information. The companies then would sell the data to private insurance companies and/or agents for up to $16 per lead. Those companies, in turn, would contact the consumers and pitch products such as burial insurance.

In 2003, the Texas attorney general sued Morgan and his State and County Tax Redemption Center for sending solicitations that appeared to be from the Collin, Tex., County tax assessor’s office. The mailings asked for fees from seniors who wanted to file for an “elderly tax freeze.” Such a filing service was free through local tax offices, the attorney general’s office said.

In February 2009, the AARP issued a consumer warning about a similar green postcard mailed by National Data Research Center and Acc-U-Lead, also seeking personal information from seniors. That alert noted that the personal information would be sold to vendors of reverse mortgages.

The postcard sent to the Ballwin consumer does not mention that the information will be sold to a third party. It does provide a “request for information” that says: “Please see that I receive information on new tax legislation that may allow me to stop paying taxes.” The form asks for a signature, phone number, date of birth and spouse’s date of birth. The card includes several misspellings. Acc-U-Lead’s website, 4rmleads.com, is not mentioned on the mailing.

The website, aimed at businesses searching for leads, asks, “Do you want Strong Insurance and Annuity Leads?” The site offers various types of sales leads, including long-term care leads, Medicare supplement leads, funeral and burial insurance leads, and reverse mortgage leads. “In order to fill your sales pipeline, you need to have pre-qualified leads from warm prospects in order to write good business for your carrier,” the site says.

The site also contains a price list for various types of leads. The annuity leads cost between $20 and $25 per lead.

The company did not respond to a BBB request for additional information.

The BBB offers the following tips to consumers receiving unsolicited requests for personal information:

Be wary of providing personal information to anyone through the mail. That information can be sold and resold to other parties. In some cases, consumers may be contacted repeatedly by people selling a variety of products. The information also could be used to steal your identity.
Scrutinize carefully any mailing that appears to be from a government agency. Some private companies will use names and language that hide the true nature of their business. Look for any disclaimer, even in the fine print, indicating the mailing is not from a government agency.
If you have any question about a mailing or other solicitation, Indiana residents can contact the BBB at 800-552-4631 or at www.bbb.org. The BBB also offers Reliability Reports on companies.

BBB Warns Businesses About New Phishing Attack

4/14/2010

Posted on 4/14/2010 by

Beware of fake complaint reports coming from seatac@bbb.org

Better Business Bureau is warning businesses to beware of a new malicious e-mail that pretends to be from BBB about a complaint filed against the company. The e-mail first came to BBB’s attention on April 12, 2010.

Several businesses across the US – including law firms, advertising agencies and architecture firms – have reported receiving a suspicious e-mail from the address seatac@bbb.org with the subject line “BBB Complaint Case #” followed by a nine-digit number. Both BBB Accredited and non-Accredited businesses have been targeted.

The body of the e-mail claims that the company did not respond to a complaint filed by a Jason Harlow (however other names may be used) and includes a link to a page at www.ca-bbb.org where the business can supposedly review the complaint.

Because the message is fraudulent, BBB advises any business that receives this e-mail to take the following steps:

Do not click on any links or reply to the message,
Forward the message to phishing@council.bbb.org,
Completely delete the message from your inbox, and
Run a full virus scan on your computer if you did click on any links.

If you receive an e-mail from Better Business Bureau about a complaint filed against your business and need assistance in determining whether or not it is legitimate, contact the BBB directly at www.bbb.org or 800-552-4631.

For more advice on how to protect your business from malicious online attacks and data breaches visit www.bbb.org/data-security/

Task Force Urges Consumers To Research Fire, Police Charities Before Donating

4/9/2010

Posted on 4/9/2010 by
Before donating money on behalf of killed or injured police officers, firefighters or their families, consumers should be very selective in choosing the organizations to receive their contributions. Many charities that solicit by phone or mail have high overhead costs that leave little for the victims or their families.

Recent events have renewed the public’s attention on assisting police and fire families hit by tragedy, such as this alert put out in late 2009:

Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana has learned that “Police Protection” is attempting to solicit illegally. Homeowners in Kosciusko County have reported to the Sheriff’s Department there that “Police Protection” is attempting to solicit funds for the family of Sgt. Jeff Shaw, a fallen officer. There is NO such solicitation going on for the late Sgt. Shaw, who was killed in the line of duty last month on State Road 14.

The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department detective division is currently investigating the fraudulent scam that provides an Indianapolis telephone number and website.

“This transcends the worse of the worse, that frauds would actually do this in light of the tragedy this family has already endured,” said Michael Coil, President/CEO. “BBB offers reports on both charities and businesses and encourages consumers to always check before giving any money to an organization that does telemarketing’ or emails asking for a donation. Unfortunately, these frauds have no scruples and will do whatever it takes to get your hard-earned money. “

Coil said that there are so many worthwhile charities that offer needed assistance to the communities they serve, but there are also those that stop at nothing to get what they want. “Consumers must always be diligent, even when frauds hit to the core of the heart,” said Coil. “That seems to be their mode of operation.”

Before donating to anyone who approaches you, contact BBB and let them assist you in making wise giving decision. Call toll-free at 1.800.552.4631 or visit our web site at www.bbb.org.

Whenever a tragedy like this happens, it can galvanize a community. People are moved to do whatever they can to help and that often means trying to get money to the families. It is crucial that the public know that the money is doing the most good possible.

Many national police and fire charities, sometimes called “badge charities,” spend the vast majority of the money they raise to pay professional telemarketers, direct mail companies, salaries or other overhead expenses. In some cases, less than $1 of every $10 donation goes directly to aid injured police officers, firefighters or their families.

A donor may want to consider making a contribution to a fund set up to help a specific police officer, firefighter or their families. However, such donations may not be tax deductible.

Find out whether a specific fund has been established to assist the family. In most cases, those funds have no overhead costs and all donations go directly to the police officer, firefighter, or surviving family members.

Ask the officer’s or firefighter’s department where it suggests donations be made. In many cases, a department has a preferred organization for donations.

If you decide to donate to a local or national charity, ask detailed questions: Is the organization considered a charitable group in the eyes of the Internal Revenue Service? How much of your donation will go directly to help the family and how much will be used to pay organization salaries and fundraisers? Can the charity send printed information on exactly what it does? Does it have an independent audit?
If you are donating to any charitable organization, you should attempt to determine how transparent that charity is about its operations. Transparency in a charity is considered crucial for the public to understand how its money is being spent.

Citizens Contact BBB with Safety Fears About Lengthy Census Form

4/6/2010

Posted on 4/6/2010 by

Better Business Bureau has received calls from concerned people across the country who received a Census form in the mail that asked personal questions involving their income range and employment situation. BBB advises consumers that, while most will receive a short 10-question 2010 Census survey form, they should not be alarmed if they are chosen to respond to the 69-question American Community Survey (ACS) as well.

The 2010 Census form has 10 questions covering basic information while the ACS has 69 questions on topics such as income, household expenses, employment, education, and work commutes. Some individuals who received the ACS in addition to the 10 question form contacted their BBB over concerns that the form was actually the work of scammers.

“Everyone in the country has been prepped to expect the simple 10-question survey in their mailbox and red flags automatically go up when they receive the longer and more personal American Community Survey,” said Michael Coil, President & CEO of BBB of Northern Indiana. “While the questions in the ACS might seem invasive, especially when compared to the 10-question form, responding to the survey is safe, important and required by law.”

BBB reminds consumers that the ACS and the 2010 Census will never ask for donations or bank account, Social Security or credit card numbers. The Census Bureau may contact you by mail or phone, but will not send you unsolicited e-mails requesting sensitive personal information.

Following are a few answers to frequently asked questions to BBB about the American Community Survey:

How many addresses receive the ACS?
The ACS is sent to a random sample of approximately 3 million addresses per year, or approximately 250,000 each month of the year. This means that approximately 2.5 percent of the population will receive the ACS in any given year.

If I received both the 10-question survey and ACS do I need to respond to both?
If you receive both the 10-question form and the ACS, you are required by law to respond to both.

The questions seem to get personal, are my answers safe?
Responding to the ACS is safe and your personal information will not be shared with anyone, including other government agencies.

Why does the federal government need to ask me so many questions?
In addition to needing population counts, communities need data about the well being of children, families, and the elderly to provide services to them. The information you provide on the ACS not only helps your community get its fair share of federal funds, but also to establish goals, identify problems and solutions, and measure the performance of programs.

I received a survey from the federal government, but it isn’t the ACS or the 2010 survey. Is it legit?
At any point in time the US Census Bureau distributes a number of different surveys to the American public and the topics and length vary. Before responding to a survey you received in the mail that claims to be with the Census Bureau, do your research on the Census Bureau’s Web site (“Are you in a survey?” Link) at www.census.gov/survey_participants/.