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BBB Cautions on Fundraising to Assist Cleveland Kidnap Victims

5/10/2013

Posted on 5/10/2013 by

Crowdfunding becoming popular way to raise funds fast, but donations
are gifts and may not be deductible

Arlington, VA – May 9, 2013 – The rescue this week of three women and a child from a Cleveland home where they were held captive for a decade has gained worldwide attention. Generous donors wishing to help the victims are being cautioned by Better Business Bureau to confirm the legitimacy of all charitable fundraising and crowdfunding efforts.

“A tragedy of this nature that is the focus of high profile media attention inspires people to give,” says David Weiss, president and CEO of BBB of Greater Cleveland, “but, unfortunately, also catches the attention of scammers who try to take advantage of well-meaning generosity.”

BBB Wise Giving Alliance has seen charity scams following all recent natural disasters and manmade tragedies, and encourages donors to balance their generosity with thoughtfulness and research. “Try to avoid making emotional giving decisions,” says H. Art Taylor, President and CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, “The first request for a donation may not be the best choice. Check with the BBB to help avoid questionable fundraising efforts.”

BBB also reminds consumers that donations made through crowdfunding websites are usually considered gifts to the recipients and are not tax deductible unless the group receiving the funds is a 501(c)(3) organization as designated by the Internal Revenue Service.

BBB urges consumers to make wise choices with their donations:

Respond thoughtfully. Take the time to check out the charity to avoid wasting your generosity by donating to a questionable or poorly managed effort. The first request for a donation may not be the best choice. Be proactive and find trusted charities that are providing assistance.

Respect the victims and their families. Organizations raising funds should get permission from the families to use either the names of the victims and/or any photographs of them. Some charities raising funds for the Colorado movie theater and Newtown school victims did not do this and were the subject of criticism from victims’ families.

Registration confirmation. About 40 of the 50 states require charities to register with a state government agency (usually a division of the State Attorney General’s office) before they solicit for charitable gifts. If the charity is not registered, that may be a significant red flag. For example, Ohio requires charities to register with the Office of the Attorney General before they solicit for charitable gifts.

Results should be shared. After funds are raised for a tragedy, it is even more important for organizations to provide an accounting of how funds were spent. Transparent organizations will post this information on their websites so that anyone can find out and not have to wait until the audited financial statements are available sometime in the future.

Retail sale disclosures. If any items are being sold (such as t-shirts, etc.) in the context that their sales will benefit the victims, look for a disclosure that states the actual or anticipated amount of the purchase that will benefit the a specified charity and, if applicable, any minimums or maximums being raised (e.g. up to $100,000) as well as campaign term limits (e.g. during the month of May).

Remember Online Giving Cautions. Never click on links to charities on unfamiliar websites or in texts or emails. These may take you to a lookalike website where you will be asked to provide personal financial information or to click on something that downloads harmful malware into your computer. Don’t assume that charity recommendations on Facebook, blogs or other social media have already been vetted. Also, websites that enable individuals to raise funds (known as crowd funding sites) can be established very quickly but may not have oversight procedures in place to ensure that funds will be used as promised (for example, establishing a CPA, bank or other respected third party to receive collected donations and help distribute funds to victims).

Review BBB Charity Reports. Find out if the subject charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. Visit give.org for reports on nationally soliciting charities and bbb.org for information on regionally soliciting organizations.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

The Cleveland Foundation has set up the Cleveland Courage Fund for the victims. The organization is a community foundation that has been supporting various Cleveland area projects since 1914.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance is asking anyone who receives a suspicious charitable solicitation to report it to BBB Report a Scam.

ABOUT BBB WISE GIVING ALLIANCE: BBB Wise Giving Alliance produces reports on over 1,200 nationally soliciting charitable organizations, and local BBBs report on another 10,000 local and regional charities. BBB Wise Giving Alliance does not rank charities but rather seeks to assist donors in making informed judgments by providing objective evaluations of national charities based on 20 standards that address charity governance, finances, fund raising, appeal accuracy, and other issues. The outcomes of the evaluations are available online at give.org. BBB Wise Giving Alliance is an affiliate of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2012, consumers turned to BBB 124 million times for Business Reviews on more than 4.5 million companies and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for 113 local, independent BBBs across the United States and Canada, as well as home to its national programs on dispute resolution and industry self-regulation.

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

5/9/2013

Posted on 5/9/2013 by

Better Business Bureau warns consumers and businesses about vulnerability to scams

Better Business Bureau (BBB) is urging all consumers and businesses to pay close attention to a Cyber Security Advisory issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding a vulnerability in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 browser (IE8) that could allow scammers to access and take over users’ computers. The risk for all users – home, business and government – is high, and BBB is urging anyone with IE8 to follow the recommended steps to address the problem.

The problem was first announced yesterday, and last night Microsoft released a temporary fix. Here is the original overview from the FBI:

“A vulnerability has been discovered in Microsoft's web browser, Internet Explorer, which could allow an attacker to take complete control of an affected system. Exploitation may occur if a user visits or is redirected to a web page which is specifically crafted to take advantage of the vulnerability. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Failed exploit attempts may result in a denial-of-service condition.”

Microsoft today released a workaround which acts as a temporary fix. It is available at: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2847140. The company is working on a patch to undo the vulnerability, which does not affect other versions of IE.

“BBB recommends that everyone with Internet Explorer 8 apply the temporary fix immediately,” said Ben Steinberg, Chief Information Officer of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “If you are not sure which version you have, try running the fix. If you don’t have IE8, the fix will stop running and let you know that your system is not at risk. Microsoft will let you know when the patch is available, and you need to download that as soon as it is.”

For more details and the fix, go to: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2847140.

“This is a good opportunity for BBB to reinforce how critical it is to maintain up-to-date anti-virus software on every computer, tablet and smart phone connected to the internet,” Steinberg added. “Consumers also need to be extremely cautious when clicking on links in email and social media messages, or opening email attachments. Scammers are very sophisticated in their techniques, and the results can be devastating: identity theft, loss of personal data, bank and credit card fraud. If you are not sure, don’t click.”

For information on all types of scams, go to BBB Scam Stopper at bbb.org/scam. Sign up for BBB Scam Alerts to receive weekly updates on the latest scams.

NOTE: Microsoft is a BBB Accredited Business.

Secure Your ID Shred Events Brings in Tons Across Snake River Region

5/3/2013

Posted on 5/3/2013 by
Waving her hand, her window rolled down, Jenny yells to volunteers at the end of the long shred day line: “Thanks so much for doing this.”

Her expression of gratitude seemed to echo that of most of the 712 drivers who pulled through the parking lot of the Idaho Transportation Department on April 20, 2013 as part of the annual Better Business Bureau’s Secure Your ID Day.

“We heard about it in the news and jumped right in our car and came down,” the Boise woman says. “We’d been talking about what to do with all this stuff only last week.”

With record management employees from Western Records Destruction and Cintas on hand to take boxes and bags of sensitive documents, more than 33,510 pounds of material was shredded on site.

Bill Parks, manager of Western Records, says the mobile shred trucks can hold about 9,000 pounds each. With two trucks at the ITD parking lot, Western Records shredded 18,080 in two hours.

“Shred Day gets participation off the charts,” he says. “There’s no comparable free shred day anywhere; the closest one is the one in Utah at the university parking lot.”

Cintas collected a total of 15,430 pounds of materials.

Better Business Bureau CEO Dale Dixon says the program has been well received in the community, and is why it has been expanded to twice a year in two cities. BBB also offered free shredding in Pocatello through a partnership with Potelco Credit Union. BBB will have shred events in Idaho Falls and Nampa on Saturday, October 20, 10am – noon.

“People realize the importance of records and how, if not protected, can be used for identity theft,” Dixon says.

In addition to paper records, 30 computers, 15 monitors and 20 printers were turned over to Secure Data Sanitization. The volunteers of Big Brothers, Big Sisters collected 20 cellphones. The computers and cellphones will be scrubbed and used for non-profit distribution to needy children.

In Pocatello, more than 80 cars came through the lot, dropping off nearly 800 pounds of documents for destruction.

“This was a great event, cold, but great,” said Jacklyn Brown, marketing director for Potelco Credit Union.

She said cars pulled into the lot on a regular basis throughout the morning. Most people were grateful for the opportunity to get the documents destroyed and protect their identity. Cintas shredded about 5,600 pounds.

How to Claim Your Unclaimed Property

5/3/2013

Posted on 5/3/2013 by

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

Unclaimed property describes accounts in financial institutions and companies that have had no activity or account holder contact for one year or more. This can include savings or checking accounts, refunds, customer overpayments, contents of safe deposit boxes, etc.

To begin searching for lost property, check legitimate sites like missingmoney.com, which is endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). This site has official records of unclaimed property from every state and most U.S. territories, plus Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec in Canada. Check for property in every jurisdiction in which you have resided. It is free to search; however, you may have to pay a small fee to obtain the property.

According to NAUPA, there are many businesses (sometimes called finders or locators) that find legitimate lost property for owners and inform them how to obtain it for a fee, usually a percentage of the total (some states limit the fee to 10 percent). Sometimes, companies will hire these firms to find you before they turn the funds over to the state. Ultimately the finder will ask you to sign a contract.

The majority of firms that provide these services work within the law, but there are also some unclaimed property scams around. Before signing any contract, BBB recommends caution. If you are unsure that the firm is legitimate, contact your BBB or the unclaimed property office in your state for more information.

To prevent accumulating unclaimed property, NAUPA suggests the following tips:

· Deposit or cash all checks for dividends, wages, insurance settlements, etc. without delay.

· Respond to legitimate requests for confirmation of account balances and stock holder proxies.

If you have a safe deposit box, record its number, bank name and address, and give the extra key to a trusted person.
Prepare and file a will detailing the disposition of your assets.

For more information on how to recover unclaimed property, check out unclaimed.org/what/. For additional consumer tips, please visit bbb.org.

Beware of Memorial Day Scams Aimed at Military Personnel

5/3/2013

Posted on 5/3/2013 by

Memorial Day is a time to honor those who serve and remember those who have died in war. But sadly, it has also become a key opportunity for scammers to target those who are serving or have served their nation, especially elderly veterans. As Memorial Day approaches, the Better Business Bureau urges consumers and donors to be aware of scammers that feed off the military.

BBB Military Line, the military arm of the Better Business Bureau, provides free resources, such as financial literacy information, access to BBB services and scam alerts, and complaint and dispute resolution for all branches of the U.S. 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 loans that require an upfront fee are likely a scam.

Veterans’ 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 unnecessary, expensive life insurance policies. Solicitors may make false statements regarding the benefits that these policies offer.

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. Check out a business’ BBB Business Review at bbb.org or a charity’s Charity Report at give.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.

Put an Active Duty alert on your credit reports when deployed. Doing so will minimize the risk of identity theft because creditors and businesses cannot issue or grant credit until verifying identity.

For more tips you can trust, visit bbb.org and for the latest, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau and facebook.com/Militaryline.

Solar Panels – Make it a Sunny Decision

5/3/2013

Posted on 5/3/2013 by

Going green is all the rage these days. Sometimes going green can save you money and other times you just have to think of it as helping to save the environment a little bit at a time, with no monetary savings. Solar panel prices are starting to come down and more consumers are considering installing them on their homes or in their yards. In addition, more businesses are getting into the solar business because of the government subsidies that can be obtained.

Keep in mind that solar energy requires the sun. So find out how many sunny days your area has each year. As with every product or service, comparison shop with several businesses to make sure you are getting the best deal.

BBB offers the following tips for those leasing, buying or installing solar panels themselves:

Talk to your energy (electric) company.

· Most utilities have net metering programs. Net metering measures the difference between what consumers pay for the energy purchased from their utility minus the cost of energy that the consumer provides to the utility collected through the solar panels.

· Make sure you meet all standards and codes that are applicable along with local, state/provincial and federal laws.

· Ask about the cost of installing a new meter.

Find out about federal and state/provincial tax credits.

· How much will you receive – for what amount of energy generated?

· Will you be taxed on these tax credits?

· How long (months, years) will you receive tax credits?

· What do you have to do to receive the tax credits? Is there a filing date?

Choosing a business

· Check out the business with Better Business Bureau, bbb.org

· Will you be leasing or purchasing the solar panels? Compare costs - upfront versus long-term.

· Who receives the government (federal and state) benefits?

· Who pays for maintenance costs of the equipment?

· How long is the contract? 10, 15, 20 or 25 years?

· Is there a cancellation fee?

· If you move will the panels be moved for free? What if your new home will not accommodate the panels? Can you cancel?

· Consider location – on your house or in the yard?

· If the panels are located on your house, what happens if there is damage during installation – who pays to repair?

· If you have to have a new roof replaced (on average every 20 – 25 years) will the company remove and replace the panels for free or a cost?

· If the business promises a percentage savings from your current utility bill – what happens if that savings don’t materialize?

Complaints to BBB and ways to avoid these complaints.

Utility bill is more than promised by the sales person.

· Savings are usually based on past years utility bills – which may or may not reflect the weather of the current year.

· Obtain savings claims in writing and ask if the business guarantees to make up the difference if the savings claims are not accurate.

Damage was done to roof, gutter, vents or wall during installation

· Ask who will pay for damage, if done by the business and make sure that’s written in the contract. Make sure the business is licensed and insured for the work to be done.

Panels were not installed in a timely manner.

· Ask for a date of installation in writing. Read the contract to find out when you can cancel if the panels are not installed promptly.

Electrical system in house where panels are to be installed is too outdated to add solar panels/new meter.

· The new panels and electric wiring will usually need to be inspected by a licensing authority. If you believe your electrical system is outdated, ask your licensing authority prior to signing a contract if they will approve solar panels being installed.

The business selling or leasing the solar panels says that they are working in conjunction, in partnership with, or in cooperation with your utility.

· Verify any partnerships, with your utility company, prior to signing a contract.

Delays in receiving permit, if required.

· Check with municipal agencies on current average permit process time to have a realistic project timeline.

For more tips you can trust, visit bbb.org and for the latest, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau.

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

5/3/2013

Posted on 5/3/2013 by

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

In 2012, BBB received more than 3,900 complaints against florists. Many of the complaints were a result of the flowers being late, wrong, or just never delivered. When looking to find a florist, whether online or in person, make sure you’re dealing with a reputable business. BBB recommends the following tips when purchasing flowers:

Ask about guarantees. Request a written receipt for the order and ask about the business's refund policy if the delivery is late, never arrives or is in bad condition.

Make sure the florist has information on where to reach you. Delivery instructions may need to be confirmed or a driver may need additional directions. Check to see that the flowers can still be delivered even if the recipient is not home. Try to plan the delivery around a time that she will be home to avoid damaged or stolen flowers.

Research florists. Check out a florist's BBB Business Review to see any history of complaints, and additional details about the company. Ask friends and family which florist they recommend.

Allow time for shipping and delivery. Check with the florist or website to be certain that you have allowed enough time for delivery. Make sure that this date is specified clearly and guaranteed when you order. If you order ahead of time, delivery and other charges will be less than last-minute or overnight shipping. Some florists offer discounts for deliveries a day or two before a major holiday, since that helps them deal with the rush.

Have a back-up plan. Make sure you understand the store’s guarantee. Find out how customer complaints are handled and what recourse you will have if the arrangement is not satisfactory. It’s best to use a credit card when ordering online, because you can dispute charges if the vendor doesn’t come through.

For more tips you can trust, visit bbb.org and for the latest, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau.

Moving Scams Still a Problem for Many

5/2/2013

Posted on 5/2/2013 by

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

Arlington, VA (May 2, 2013) – May is National Moving Month, which kicks off the busiest time of year for Americans changing residencies. It also means unlicensed movers and dishonest scammers are waiting to take advantage of unwary consumers. Better Business Bureau is again joining with the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) to provide important tips on how to avoid scams.

In 2012, BBB received over 1.4 million moving-related inquiries and more than 9,300 complaints against movers. Complaints included damaged or missing items, big price increases over originally-quoted estimates, late deliveries, and goods being “held hostage” for additional (disputed) payment.

"Finding a mover you can trust can be easy, if you take the time to do so,” said Rodney Davis, senior vice president with the Council of Better Business Bureaus. "Check with BBB first before you find yourself paying thousands of extra dollars for damaged or lost items. BBB has more than 17,000 Business Reviews on companies that provide moving-related services.”

"A con artist with just a truck and a website can claim to be a legitimate mover with unfortunate results for consumers who don’t check out a company in advance,” agreed AMSA President and CEO Linda Bauer Darr. "When it comes to such an important decision, you can save yourself a lot of problems by finding a mover who puts customer service and integrity first. For interstate moves, that means an AMSA-certified ProMover."

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. FMCSA assigns a unique motor carrier number that can be verified at protectyourmove.gov.

Get at least three written in-home estimates. Not all price quotes online or over the phone are legitimate, and crooks are not likely to send an estimator to your home in advance. Also, remember that the lowest estimate can sometimes be an unrealistic, low-ball offer, which may cost you more in the end.

Know your rights. Research your rights with either the FMCSA for interstate moves, or with the appropriate state agency for moves just within that state. Interstate movers must give you two booklets detailing your rights. Also, enlist the help of BBB or local law enforcement if the company threatens to hold your belongings hostage.

Consider accepting full value protection. It may cost a few dollars more up front, but it can provide some peace of mind and eliminate headaches after your move. Purchasing full (replacement) value protection from your mover means any lost or damaged articles will be repaired or replaced, or a cash settlement will be made to repair the item or to replace it at its current market value, regardless of age. It’s important to note, for example, that the required minimum coverage of 60 cents per pound would not cover the replacement cost of a flat panel TV if damaged in transit. The cost of full value protection must be included in the initial estimate you receive for an interstate move. FMCSA requires interstate movers to offer arbitration to help settle disputed claims.

To check out a mover near you, and for more consumer information you can trust, visit bbb.org, and AMSA’s moving.org websites. For the latest, follow BBB on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau

Beware of Green Dot MoneyPak Scams!

4/24/2013

Posted on 4/24/2013 by

Beware of Green Dot MoneyPak Scams!

Your BBB wants to remind you to beware of scammers using the Green Dot MoneyPak prepaid cards you can purchase at local stores. Using a prepaid card is a convenient way to pay bills online without threat of risk to your bank account. But scammers have found a way to get that money from you too! Green Dot spokesman states, “Fraudsters will call or email you saying that you won a lottery or can buy discount merchandise at their phony websites – but you need to pay fees to get your prize or purchase that merchandise via MoneyPak –and only MoneyPak, then they ask for the 14-digit code.” Once you have given them that code – the crooks can then transfer your MoneyPak funds to their own prepaid cards.

MoneyPak offers these 7 tips to help protect you from fraud!

Never give your MoneyPak number to someone you don’t know.
Never give receipt information about your MoneyPak purchase to another party.
Use your MoneyPak only to reload your prepaid cards or accounts you control.
Refuse any offer that asks you to buy a MoneyPak and share the number or receipt information by email or phone.
To use your MoneyPak with PayPal or eBay or other online merchants, transfer the money to your PayPal account before you pay the merchant. Don’t email your MoneyPak number directly to any merchant.
Don’t use the MoneyPak to pay taxes or fees to claim “winnings” on a foreign lottery or prize promotion. Unless it’s an approved MoneyPak partner, don’t use MoneyPak for any offer that requires you to pay before you get the item.
Check this list of approved MoneyPak partners before you use your MoneyPak to pay.

To avoid falling for MoneyPak scams, consumers should:

Be wary of websites or Craigslist advertisements linking to websites where customers are specifically asked to pay with a MoneyPak card.

Never give their MoneyPak number to someone they don't know.

Remember that advance-fee loan offers are illegal and targeted at customers and companies struggling with debt and poor credit.

Remember that if you're told you have pay to a fee -- via MoneyPak or wire transfer -- to collect a cash prize or sweepstakes winnings, you're being scammed.

Avoid offers that don't accept credit card payments and require you to purchase a MoneyPak and provide the card number via email or by phone.

Beware of websites requesting MoneyPak as a form of payment even if they display the MoneyPak or Green Dot logo. Consumers should check www.moneypak.com for a list of approved MoneyPak partners.

Treat their MoneyPak cards like cash. Unlike credit cards, MoneyPak transactions can never be reversed.

If you are aware of a possible scam, alert Green Dot. If you believe you are a victim of fraud contact your local police to file a claim and complain to your state’s consumer protection bureaus and the Federal Trade Commission.

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

4/16/2013

Posted on 4/16/2013 by

Arlington, VA – April 16, 2013 – At least one poorly-conceived charity scam has already emerged in the wake of the explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon yesterday, and more are likely. BBB Wise Giving Alliance (“Alliance”), the national charity monitoring arm of the Better Business Bureau, and BBB Serving Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont (“BBB Boston”) cautions donors about potential red flags concerning tragedy-related philanthropy.

“Tragedies inspire people to give,” said H. Art Taylor, president and CEO of the Alliance, “but, tragedies – whether natural disasters or manmade catastrophes – also inspire scammers to take advantage of that generosity. Social media, in particular, makes it very easy to reach a lot of people quickly, when emotions are running high and people feel the need to take action, any action, to help.”

BBB Wise Giving Alliance urges donors to give thoughtfully and avoid those seeking to take advantage of the generosity of others:

BBB Wise Giving Alliance: Ten Tips for Giving with Confidence

1. Thoughtful Giving

Take the time to check out the charity to avoid wasting your generosity by donating to a questionable or poorly managed effort. The first request for a donation may not be the best choice. Be proactive and find trusted charities that are providing assistance.

2. Help Spread the Wise Giving Word

Remind your friends and family to be cautious about giving requests in the wake of such a tragedy and ask them to spread the word as well. People are emotionally moved by events like these and may react before they have time to carefully consider.

3. State Government Registration

About 40 of the 50 states require charities to register with a state government agency (usually a division of the State Attorney General’s office) before they solicit for charitable gifts. If the charity is not registered, that may be a significant red flag.

4. Respecting Victims and Their Families

Organizations raising funds should get permission from the families to use either the names of the victims and/or any photographs of them. Some charities raising funds for the Colorado movie theater and Newton school victims did not do this and were the subject of criticism from victims’ families.

5. How Will Donations Be Used?

Watch out for vague appeals that don’t identify the intended use of funds. For example, how will the donations help victims’ families? Also, unless told otherwise, donors will assume that funds collected quickly in the wake of a tragedy will be spent just as quickly. See if the appeal identifies when the collected funds will be used.

6. What if a Family Sets Up Its Own Assistance Fund?

Some families may decide to set up their own assistance funds. Be mindful that such funds may not be set up as charities. Also, make sure that collected monies are received and administered by a third party such as a bank, CPA or lawyer. This will help provide oversight and ensure the collected funds are used appropriately (e.g., paying for funeral costs, counseling, and other tragedy-related needs.)

7. Online Cautions

Never click on links to charities on unfamiliar websites or in texts or emails. These may take you to a lookalike website where you will be asked to provide personal financial information or to click on something that downloads harmful malware into your computer. Don’t assume that charity recommendations on Facebook, blogs or other social media have already been vetted.

8. Financial Transparency

After funds are raised for a tragedy, it is even more important for organizations to provide an accounting of how funds were spent. Transparent organizations will post this information on their websites so that anyone can find out and not have to wait until the audited financial statements are available sometime in the future.

9. Newly Created or Established Organizations

This is a personal giving choice, but an established charity will more likely have the experience to quickly address the circumstances and have a track record that can be evaluated. A newly formed organization may be well-meaning but will be difficult to check out and may not be well managed.

10. Tax Deductibility

Not all organizations collecting funds to assist this tragedy are tax exempt as charities under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donors can support these other entities but keep this in mind if they want to take a deduction for federal income tax purposes. In addition, contributions that are donor-restricted to help a specific individual/family are not deductible as charitable donations, even if the recipient organization is a charity.

Other Resources:

BBB Wise Giving Alliance is asking anyone who receives a suspicious charitable solicitation to report it to BBB Report a Scam.

The FBI has the lead investigative role following the bombing. Anyone who has information, visual images and/or details regarding the explosions should call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324), prompt #3. The FBI says no piece of information or detail is too small.

The American Red Cross says it has enough blood and financial resources committed to Boston at this time, but asks that people make appointments to give blood in the weeks and months ahead.

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino offers the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500 for anyone with concerns about their family members or friends who were at the race.

The Mayor’s office also suggested resources from the National Association of School Psychologists to help children deal with tragedies.

About BBB Wise Giving Alliance: BBB Wise Giving Alliance produces reports on over 1,300 nationally soliciting charitable organizations, and local BBBs report on another 10,000 local and regional charities. BBB Wise Giving Alliance does not rank charities but rather seeks to assist donors in making informed judgments by providing objective evaluations of national charities based on 20 standards that address charity governance, finances, fund raising, appeal accuracy, and other issues. The outcomes of the evaluations are available online at www.give.org. BBB Wise Giving Alliance is an affiliate of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

About BBB: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2012, consumers turned to BBB 124 million times for Business Reviews on more than 4.5 million companies and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for 113 local, independent BBBs across the United States and Canada, as well as home to its national programs on dispute resolution and industry self-regulation.

Pesky Robocalls Will Not Stop; What Can I Do

4/12/2013

Posted on 4/12/2013 by

“I can’t understand how they keep calling me,” says Idaho Falls resident Karl.

Day in and day out, the same number 210-280-8487, calls like clockwork.

“I can expect a call about every day, sometimes I miss a day, but the call comes,” he says. “This time the caller ID said it was from Providian Finance.”

But when he answered, the phone number showed up as the 210- number, and the man said he was with Microsoft , and he needed remote access to his computer.

“I just hung up on him,” Karl says.

Consumers are getting more robocalls than ever. Technology is to blame for increase. Companies are using autodialers that can send out thousands of phone calls every minute for an incredibly low-cost.
Using its enforcement authority, FTC has stopped companies responsible for billions of illegal robocalls that have offered fraudulent credit card services, so-called auto warranty protection plans, medical discount cards, and grant procurement programs.

The commission recently concluded (April 2, 2013) a market-stimulation challenge, awarding prizes to innovators who developed technical solutions to the problem of illegal robocalls. (Learn how robocalls work)

The winners Serdar Danis and Aaron Foss will each receive half of the $50,000 grand prize.

Both inventions would intercept and filters illegal robocalls using technology to “blacklist” the bad guys and “whitelist” the good guys. According to the FTC, both proposals would also separate unapproved robocallers using a CAPTCHA-style test to prevent illegal calls from even ringing through.

The top two:

Foss’s Nomorobo is cloud-based and hangs up on scammers before they can get through!
Danis’s Robocall Filtering System and Device with Autonomous Blacklisting,Whitelisting, GrayListing and Caller ID Spoof Detection could be applied as a mobile app, an electronic device, or part of your phone service.

In addition, the FTC is continuing aggressive law enforcement efforts, pursuing innovative strategies to gather evidence against robocall kingpins, producing consumer education, and coordinating with industry and other experts to fight robocallers.

BBB says Bogus Bills from AYPR Inc should be Returned to Sender

4/11/2013

Posted on 4/11/2013 by
The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) is warning businesses nationwide to be on the lookout for questionable bills from a company called AYPR Inc, which claims an address in Duluth, Minnesota. Complainants have stated the company is billing them for services they never ordered or authorized. Due to suspect business practices and a pattern of complaints, the BBB has given the company an “F,” their lowest rating.

AYPR Inc. claims to publish a business directory and attempts to charge businesses for being listed or featured in that directory. However, in many schemes of this nature, businesses are tricked into paying for services they weren’t interested in or something for which they didn’t know they would be charged. Some complainants say the person AYPR claims authorized their billing no longer works for them or is not the person such authorizations would go through.

“We often see these directory billing schemes and far too often legitimate businesses fall for them, assuming the company has provided them a service of some kind,” said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. “This is a good reminder for all companies of the importance of a verification system in their accounts payable departments.”

In addition to the address the company claims in Duluth – which is a mail shipping and services store – the BBB has learned that AYPR is also claiming addresses in: Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.

Directory schemes begin when companies are contacted by phone asked a few vague questions “for verification purposes” or else they receive an innocuous fax which asks them to confirm basic company information and fax the form back to the sender. However, employees often don’t realize that by simply providing this information they will be opening the door to future billings. Most of these faxes also have language buried in the fine print which states that by signing and faxing in the form businesses are agreeing to be charged for representation in directories – which may or may not exist – at a cost of hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.

These scammers will also sometimes pretend to verify or renew a company’s “existing” directory listing. They then send as many urgent invoices as it takes to get paid, sometimes including a useless “directory,” sometimes not. They create confusion and count on an organization paying to avoid their hounding. When companies refuse to pay, the scammers may use high-pressure tactics, like bullying or threatening collection or legal action. Sometimes, they offer “a better deal” with a phony discount. Or, if a business received a directory, they may allow them to return it (if they pay the shipping costs), but insist on being paid for the so-called listing.

These directories are usually worthless; they are rarely distributed or promoted as promised. In any case, if a business pays for their “listing,” they likely will receive additional invoices ¬— either from the same scam artists or from others who have purchased their company’s contact information.

The BBB and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggest a few simple precautions to put an end to paying for goods or services you haven’t ordered.

Designate certain employees as buyers. For each order, the designated buyer should issue a purchase order to the supplier that has an authorized signature and a purchase order number. The purchase order can be electronic or written. The order form should tell the supplier to put the purchase order number on the invoice and bill of lading. The buyer also should send a copy of every purchase order to the accounts payable department, and keep blank order forms secure.

Train Your Staff. Advise employees who are not authorized to order supplies and services to say, “I’m not authorized to place orders. If you want to sell us something, you must speak to ________ and get a purchase order.” Establish a team of employees who order and receive merchandise or services and those who pay the bills to develop some standard procedures.

Check All Documentation Before You Pay Bills. If you receive merchandise, the receiving employee should verify that the merchandise matches the shipper’s bill of lading and your purchase order. Pay special attention to brands and quantity, and refuse any merchandise that doesn’t match up or isn’t suitable. Don’t pay any supplier unless the invoice has the correct purchase order number, and the information on the invoice matches the purchase order.

Know Your Rights. If you receive supplies or bills for services you didn’t order, don’t pay. Don’t return unordered merchandise, either. Treat any unordered merchandise you receive, like a business directory or even office supplies, as a gift. It’s illegal for a seller to send you bills or dunning notices for merchandise you didn’t order or ask you to send back the merchandise — even if the seller offers to pay the shipping costs.

Report Fraud. If a business directory scam, or other business product or service scam, has struck your organization, file a complaint with the BBB (bbb.org) and the FTC (ftc.gov). You also can report scams to the Postal Inspection Service and your state Attorney General.

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

4/10/2013

Posted on 4/10/2013 by

April is National Pest Management Month, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). When your pest problem gets too big for a flyswatter, a mousetrap or do-it-yourself spray, it's time to call in a professional service. In 2012, more than 786,000 people turned to Better Business Bureau for information on pest control services.

Take the time needed to select a reputable business, and make sure you’re doing business with someone you trust. BBB and NPMA recommend the following tips for finding a qualified pest management professional:

Check them out. Evaluate pest control professionals and companies that are members of national, state or local associations. Always check out the business’ BBB Business Review at bbb.org first and visit Pestworld.org to find a local professional. Ask friends and neighbors to recommend pest control companies they have used successfully and ask how satisfied they were with the service.

Always deal with a qualified and licensed pest management company. Ask to see the license or other credentials of the pest control professional that comes to solve your pest problem.

Don’t rush. If a sizable amount of money is involved, get bids from several pest management companies. Since you are paying for professional knowledge as well as skillful application of pesticides, look for someone whose judgment you can trust.

Understand before you sign. Before signing a contract, be sure to fully understand the nature of the household pest to be exterminated, the extent of the infestation, and the work necessary to solve the problem. Find out if the pest control company has liability insurance to cover any damages to your house or furnishings during treatment. If a guarantee is given, know what it covers, how long it lasts, what you must do to keep it in force, and what kind of continuing control, prevention and management are necessary.

Don’t fall for high-pressure sales tactics. Buy value, not price. Beware of companies that offer bargains that sound too good to be true. Be wary of companies that come to your home uninvited and offer to give your house a free inspection for pests or press you for immediate and/or costly treatments.

For more home improvement tips you can trust, visit bbb.org and for the latest, follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau. Homeowners can also call state pest control regulatory agencies for information regarding the status of pest management companies. In most states the regulatory agency is the State Department of Agriculture. Canadian consumers can check out the Canadian Pest Management Association for more information.

Top Five Tips for Mobile Banking

4/5/2013

Posted on 4/5/2013 by

In our tech-savvy world, everything is readily accessible and convenient…even banking. Gone are the days of waiting in line at the bank or even waiting for your computer to boot up. Now you can access your bank account from anywhere in the world via your smart phone or tablet.

But consumers need to be more cautious than ever when banking through any device, as hackers can prey on the unsuspecting. The FINRA Investor Education Foundation, part of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, offers these five tips on how to keep your identity safe and your money in the bank:

Password-protect your phone or tablet so that only you can access the information on your device. This will help protect you if your phone or tablet is ever lost or stolen.

Never provide personal information unless you initiate contact with your bank or other financial institution. Financial institutions should not request account numbers, Social Security numbers or other sensitive information through email or text messages. If you’re not sure about a request, contact your bank by calling number on the back of your debit or credit card.

Don’t stay “auto-logged in” to your accounts. Even though it’s convenient, it increases the risk that an unauthorized user will access your accounts.

Delete old texts from your bank to reduce your exposure to fraud.

Report lost or stolen devices immediately to your wireless provider and financial institutions.

Read more from FINRA about how to protect your money.

For more tips you can trust, visit bbb.org and for the latest, follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau.

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

4/5/2013

Posted on 4/5/2013 by

April is National Pest Management Month, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). In 2012, Better Business Bureau received more than 3,100 complaints against pest control services.

When your pest problem gets too big for a flyswatter, a mousetrap or a do-it-yourself spray, it's time to call in a professional service. Take the time needed to select a reputable business, and make sure you’re doing business with someone you trust.

BBB and NPMA recommend the following tips for finding a qualified pest management professional:

Check them out. Evaluate pest control professionals and companies that are members of national, state or local pest management associations. Always check out the business’ BBB Business Review at bbb.org first and check to see that the business is a certified NPMA QualityPro company. Ask friends and neighbors to recommend pest control companies they have used successfully and how satisfied they were with the service.

Always deal with a qualified and licensed pest management company. Ask to see the license or other credentials of the pest control professional that comes to solve your pest problem.

Don’t fall for high-pressure sales tactics. Buy value, not price. Beware of companies that offer bargains that sound too good to be true. Be wary of companies that come to your home uninvited and offer to give your house a free inspection for pests. They may try to scare you into authorizing immediate and costly treatments.

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

4/5/2013

Posted on 4/5/2013 by

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

BBB asked the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB), a group whose members offer a 200% guarantee on tickets that don’t arrive in time for a game, concert or show. NATB says buying from one of their authorized ticket brokers is the safest way to purchase resale tickets for Major League Baseball.

BBB and NATB offer the following tips for safe ticket purchasing:

Check out the seller/broker. Look them up on bbb.org and check to see if they are a member of the NATB.
Know the difference between a ticket broker (legitimate and accredited reseller) and a ticket scalper (unregulated and unlicensed ticket seller).
Check the ticket broker’s refund policy. Only buy from a ticket reseller that provides clear details about the terms of the transaction.
Always use a credit card so you have some recourse; never use cash.
Always ask for section, row and seat number to avoid obstructed view seats or seats that do not exist.

Also, feel free to ask questions to make certain you get all the answers you need to feel comfortable with your ticket purchase.

If you believe you have purchased a counterfeit ticket, immediately report it to the NATB’s hotline at 1-630-510-4594.

For more tips you can trust, visit bbb.org and for the latest, follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau.

BBB Free Shredding Event and What Paperwork to Keep When Spring Cleaning

3/28/2013

Posted on 3/28/2013 by

Although the temperatures are still low, spring has arrived and it is a good time to rid your home of the clutter and paperwork you have accumulated over the past year. However, when it comes to reviewing your financial records, it is important to know what to keep, what to discard, and when. The Better Business Bureau serving Snake River Region (BBB) offers advice on how to safely clear your clutter.

Spring cleaning is a great time to reorganize and clear out. It is important to understand what you can get rid of and the BBB Shred Day offers a safe way to dispose of sensitive information.

The Better Business Bureau suggests the following record keeping and removal tips:

Canceled checks: All canceled checks and related receipts or documents for a home purchase or sale, renovations, or other improvements to a property you own should be kept indefinitely. The same holds true for non-deductable contributions to a retirement account. Checks that support your tax returns must be kept for a minimum of seven years. All other checks may be discarded after a year.
Deposit, ATM, credit card and debit card receipts: Save them until the transaction appears on your statement and you have verified that the information is accurate.
Credit card and bank account statements: Save those with no tax or other long-term significance for about a year, but save the rest for up to seven years. If you get a detailed annual statement, keep that and discard the corresponding monthly statements. Also, be sure to mark closed deposit accounts as such.
Credit card contracts and other loan agreements: Keep for as long as the account is active; they may be needed in the event you have a dispute with your lender over the terms of your contract.
Documentation of your purchase or sale of stocks, bonds and other investments: Retain these while you own the investment and then seven years after that.

To avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, be sure to shred any document that contains a Social Security number, bank account number or other personal and financial information before disposing.

The BBB offers its FREE shred day events in Boise and Pocatello. On Saturday, April 20, 2013, our shred day event will be held at the Idaho Transportation Department, 3311 W. State St., Boise and Potelco Credit Union, 1873 Bend Rd., Pocatello. For more information as well as a list of approved materials to shred, visit http://snake-river.bbb.org/secure-your-id/.

US Bank Will Not Block Your Debit Card by Text Message; Smishing!

3/26/2013

Posted on 3/26/2013 by

"I do not have a U.S. Bank debit card and I am smart enough to know that they would not send me a text message," says Nancy Luckraft, of Boise.

She reported it to BBB, and chose to ignore the text spam message. She's not alone in receiving it. Apparently, many messages were sent throughout the Treasure Valley.

In researching the information provided, the text message says "Your US Bank debit card has been temporarily blocked, please call the contact number." -- 574-269-7454. When BBB called, the number went straight to voice mail.

An email address was also provided, which went through the TrainX campus in Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies.

This is a scam involving text messaging.

These text messages – “smishing” – are not from legitimate companies, but from scammers hoping to lure you into revealing your bank account, debit, or credit card numbers. SMiShing is basically phishing scams sent over Short Message Service (SMS) text messages.

If you receive any suspicious texts like these, BBB advises you not to reply by any method instructed by the text message. Instead, contact the company using a telephone number or website address you know to be genuine to discuss the situation.

These smishing scams also come in the form of gift cards, prize-winning, or cash giveaways.

BBB warns:

Don’t fall for it. Know that retailers or others generally don’t just give away very valuable gift cards or products for free. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Don’t reply. Delete the message, without replying. If the text includes a phone number, don’t call it. You’ll just be calling attention to yourself as a potential victim to target. Don’t click any links, as they could leave dangerous files on your phone or other device.
Don’t give up your personal information. You may be told that your information is needed to release a prize to you. Don’t believe it. Don’t give your bank account number or wire money to anyone, either. (Some scammers say you need to send in money for shipping or taxes, such as, before they can send you a big gift.)
Report it. Call your cell-phone service provider and have the number the text came from blocked. You might have them block all premium text messages, as well.

Use Bluetooth? Protect Yourself from Hacking Scams

3/25/2013

Posted on 3/25/2013 by
Cell phone users are increasingly turning to Bluetooth technology to talk - hands free - on their phones. But as this high tech tool gains popularity in the US and Canada, scammers are finding ways to exploit it.

How the Scam Works:

Scammers use specialized software to intercept your Bluetooth signal and hack into your device. It's called "bluebugging." Doing this gives them access to all your texts, contacts, photos, call history... everything on your phone.

Scammers sometimes use hacked phones to make long distance calls. Other times, they access your private text messages or photos. But unless you are a celebrity, government official or high-powered corporate executive, you are unlikely to be a target.

Recently, the newest scheme is for scammers to set up a pay-per-minute phone number. Then, they hang out in a busy area and hack into phones. Scammers use the phones to dial the number and rack up charges by the minute.

Tips to Ensure Your Bluetooth Isn't Hacked:

Always use a minimum of eight characters in your PIN. The longer your code, the more difficult it is to crack.
Switch Bluetooth into "not discoverable" mode when you aren't using it. If you make a call from your car, be sure to switch it off when you get out. Crowded public places are top spots for hackers.
Don't accept pairing requests from unknown parties. If you happen to pair your phone with a hacker's computer, then all your data will be at risk.
When pairing devices for the first time, do so at home or in the office.
Make sure you download and install regular security updates. Device manufactures will release updates to address threats and correct weaknesses.

For More Information

Check out Bluetooth.com for tips on using products with Bluetooth technology. Also, see your cellphone manufacturer's website for more advice.

To find out more about scams, check out BBB Scam Stopper.

Unlicensed Internet Payday Lenders Ordered to Stop Doing Business In Idaho

3/19/2013

Posted on 3/19/2013 by

Boise, Idaho …. Today the Idaho Department of Finance ordered nine unlicensed Internet payday lenders to stop making illegal loans in Idaho.

Gavin Gee, director of the Idaho Department of Finance, said the unlicensed lenders that were ordered to stop making illegal online payday loans targeted their Idaho victims from distant locations throughout the world, including the West Indies, New Zealand, Canada, and Belize.

Gee advised the public to never borrow from unlicensed Internet payday lenders. “Providing bank account information to scofflaw lenders over the Internet is fraught with peril,” Gee warned. “Consumers need to know that when they provide private financial information over the Internet to someone they don’t know, that information becomes a hot commodity that may be sold or transferred to others, often leading to further consumer abuses, including aggressive and unlawful collection tactics, fraud, and identity theft.”

The unlicensed payday lenders ordered to stop making illegal payday loans in Idaho include:

· Aboriginal GR Enterprises, also doing business as SignMyLoan.net Center, Invicity, Cash Advance Service, NLS CashAdvance, GoMyTown, LLC, US National Payday Loan, and Enom, Inc. (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

· Fast Funds, LLC also doing business as FasteFunds.com (West Indies)

· Hydra Financial Limited Loan Fund I also doing business as Hydra Financial Limited Loan Fund II, Hydra Limited Loan Fund III, and Hydra Limited Loan Fund IV (New Zealand)

· Cash Jar, also doing business as Down Under Ventures LTD and Hong Kong Partners, LTD (Belize City, Belize)

· GTI Holdings, LLC (Wilmington, DE)

· VIP PDL Services, LLC also doing business as The VIP Loan Shop (West Indies)

· Shoreline Online, LLC (Kansas City, MO)

· Huskhawk Group LTD, also doing business as Huskhawk Marketing Group and Huskhawk Marketing Company (West Indies)

· Vince Enterprises LTD (Encino, CA)

To illustrate the impact of dealing with an unlicensed Internet payday lender, Gee told of an Idaho consumer who responded to an unlicensed Internet payday lender by merely inserting an email address on the online form. “Within two days, that consumer received more than 30 email solicitations from unlicensed Internet payday lenders offering high-cost payday loans,” Gee said. “Unlicensed Internet payday lenders can immediately sell or transfer your contact information all over the world once they have that information.”

A payday loan is a cash advance secured by a personal check or by an electronic payment authorization. Gee urges Idahoans to be aware of their rights when considering a payday loan. “If you are considering a payday loan, prior to obtaining the loan, be sure that the lender is licensed with the department.” Whether the payday lender is an online company or is local, it must maintain a license with the department to offer and make payday loans in Idaho.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Idaho law requires the following from payday lenders doing business in Idaho:

►Payday loans made in Idaho in violation of licensing requirements are void, uncollectable and unenforceable

►Payday loans are limited to no more than $1,000

►Each licensee must post a notice of fees, expressed in a dollar amount as a cost per $100 borrowed

►Payday lenders must also disclose to prospective borrowers that:

a. payday loans are short-term loans

b. the borrower will be required to pay additional fees if the loan is renewed

c. the borrower may rescind/cancel the loan, at no cost, no later than the end of the next business day following the day the payday loan was made

d. the costs for the payday loan must be disclosed as an annual percentage rate (APR) on a federal truth-in-lending form

The department’s listing of licensed payday lenders may be reviewed on its Web site at http://finance.idaho.gov/consumerfinance/consumercreditlicense.aspx. The department also has a payday loan brochure available online at, http://finance.idaho.gov/education/documents/payday-loans-in-idaho.pdf. The brochure entitled, “Payday Loans in Idaho; Your Rights and Remedies,” outlines borrowers’ rights under Idaho’s Payday Lending Act.

Special lending laws apply to payday lenders making loans to military personnel. Guidance is available from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for military personnel, including alternatives to payday loans and financial planning assistance. For more information, consumers can contact the DoD, toll-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-800-342-9647, or online at www.militaryonesource.com.

Unsolicited Fax From a Debt Relief Program Creates a Warning Throughout the Region

3/18/2013

Posted on 3/18/2013 by

Your BBB office has received random faxes addressed to our president from a company called "Small Business Debt Relief Program" with a web site of www.sbdrp.org and a toll-free # of 888-310-8666 stating that "you may be eligible for an estimated $39,120.44 in debt relief through our small business hardship program."

These faxes are reappearing beginning March 13, 2013. They were first sent out in September of 2011. This time the name of the organization has been changed, but the wording and amount of relief is the same. The company's website (which boasts a dot-org) provides little information about the program, no corporate information, and no contact information other than email and phone. It also lists two locations: Washington D.C. and Vancouver, British Columbia.

The information form appears to be an application for a loan requiring financial and personal information about your business.

BBB Advice
Make certain that the company faxing you such offers is 1) legitimate and for real, 2) properly licensed in the state it does business from, and that they have any proper licensing required in your state to extend the offer to you.

We urge caution. New debt relief laws effective October 27, 2010 designed to prevent for-profit debt relief companies from collecting fees in advance do not apply to companies that perform business to business services

Our experience with business debt relief companies has been that despite promises to the contrary, creditors continue to harass clients, fees and interest continue to accumulate, and that the companies do not contact the creditors. Usually, creditors turn the claims over to collection agencies, file lawsuits and pursue collections of the unpaid amounts. Debts are seldom settled, credit histories are ruined, and many companies are forced to seek bankruptcy protection

If you have an unresolved issue concerning this business, file a formal complaint at: www.bbb.org

Unsolicited Faxes from Small Business Debt Relief Program Offer Debt Relief Services

3/13/2013

Posted on 3/13/2013 by

These faxes are reappearing beginning March 13, 2013. They were first sent out in September of 2011. This time the name of the organization has been changed, but the wording and amount of relief is the same. The company's website (which boasts a dot-org) provides little information about the program, no corporate information, and no contact information other than email and phone. It also lists two locations: Washington D.C. and Vancouver, British Columbia.

The information form appears to be an application for a loan requiring financial and personal information about your business.

BBB Advice

Make certain that the company faxing you such offers is 1) legitimate and for real, 2) properly licensed in the state it does business from, and that they have any proper licensing required in your state to extend the offer to you.

We urge caution. New debt relief laws effective October 27, 2010 designed to prevent for-profit debt relief companies from collecting fees in advance do not apply to companies that perform business to business services

Our experience with business debt relief companies has been that despite promises to the contrary, creditors continue to harass clients, fees and interest continue to accumulate, and that the companies do not contact the creditors. Usually, creditors turn the claims over to collection agencies, file lawsuits and pursue collections of the unpaid amounts. Debts are seldom settled, credit histories are ruined, and many companies are forced to seek bankruptcy protection

If you have an unresolved issue concerning this business, file a formal complaint at:www.bbb.org

Get the Most from Your Auto Insurance

3/8/2013

Posted on 3/8/2013 by

Motor vehicle collisions and other auto-related mishaps result in billions of dollars in property damage, medical and legal bills and lost income every year. Car owners need to protect their vehicle and themselves with auto insurance, but how do you know if you are properly covered?

It’s not enough to simply have car insurance. Car owners should be aware of what their insurance covers…and what it doesn’t. Better Business Bureau advises:

Understand the insurance coverage you are buying. Compare the different types of insurance and choose the coverage that best suits the vehicle you own and your financial situation. Most jurisdictions require you to carry liability insurance in case you are at fault in an accident. But if your car is relatively new or if you still owe money on it, you will want to consider collision insurance, as well.

Know and monitor the condition of your vehicle.
When considering a new car purchase, think about maintenance costs. Cars that are expensive to service and repair are often targets for theft. If you are buying a used car, ask to see the title, check all the gauges, and consider getting a vehicle history report, which will tell you if the vehicle has ever been in an accident or flood.

Report damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
If you are in an accident, or if your vehicle suffers damage from severe weather, contact your insurance agent or claims center right away. They may be able to save you money and may also arrange to have your car towed if it’s not drivable.

Get to know your mechanic.
Have them explain the repair process to you and get estimates in writing for large service jobs.

BBB rates tens of thousands of insurers, car dealers and auto repair facilities. Be sure to check out bbb.org before buying, insuring or repairing your vehicle.

New Merchant Surcharges on Credit Purchases

3/8/2013

Posted on 3/8/2013 by

Most of us have gotten used to charging purchases, large and small, on a debit or credit card. Just swipe the card and avoid the hassle of carrying cash. Look carefully; you may notice a new fee on your receipt. Retailers are now allowed to pass along to consumers the cost of processing credit cards.

It’s called “merchant surcharging” and it’s permitted in most states. You can be charged up to four percent on each transaction and, similar to sale taxes, merchant surcharging can be automatically added to your bill. After a while, these charges can add up, so consumers may want to reconsider how they pay for goods and services.

Why now? Well, merchants have long been charged a processing fee by the credit card companies when consumers chose to charge their purchases. Previously, the fee could not be passed along to customers. However, as a result of litigation, merchants in the U.S. and its territories can pass that fee along directly to customers using credit cards (but not debit or prepaid cards).

What can consumers do?

· Use cash for smaller purchases; some retailers may offer you a discount if you pay with cash

· Look for notices about merchant surcharges; retailers are required to let you so you can decide beforehand if you want to pay with a credit card

· Use a credit card for online purchases when you need the greater protections that credit cards offer

· Get into the habit of monitoring your bank account and credit cards accounts online

Several states have banned merchant surcharges: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma and Texas. In other states, it’s optional, and will vary from store to store.

For more information on managing your credit, check out BBB’s “Managing Credit – Made Simple” at bbb.org/credit-management

Please note this article only applies to U.S. residents only.

Watch Out for These Small Business Scams

3/8/2013

Posted on 3/8/2013 by

Consumers aren’t the only victims of fraud. Every year, thousands of small businesses are targets of fraudulent or deceptive sales practices. Protect your business from scams by learning what to look out for. Often, it’s only a matter of identifying suspicious situations and asking the right questions.

Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection have put together a list of some of the top business scam situations:

Business opportunities. Many small business owners are approached to invest in other business opportunities. Promoters may even claim that the venture will increase customer traffic flow into the current business or that little effort is required to collect high profits. Before jumping into a business collaboration, make sure you know the value of the product and its true costs. Always make sure to check out the business at bbb.org.

Charity pitches. Most businesses are regularly asked to donate funds to needy causes, from requests to support the neighborhood’s latest fundraising project to appeals for sizeable charitable contributions. While many requests are legitimate, every year small business people become victims of fraudulent or deceptive charitable solicitation schemes. Make sure to always check out the charity at give.org.

Coupon books. Small business operators are often approached to participate in coupon book promotions. The business offers discounts or extras in the coupon books that are sold by promoters to consumers. Problems occur if the promoters change the terms of the coupons to make them more attractive to buyers, when the books are oversold or when books are primarily distributed outside the firm’s normal business area. Make sure the coupon book is being promoted by someone you trust, and that the terms and conditions are clearly spelled out.

Overpayment scams. Your firm usually receives an unexpected telephone contact first. Sometimes an advance call is made to find out what brand of supplies or equipment the business uses. On the return call, the caller claims to represent a reputable company with which the firm often does business. The caller may state that surplus merchandise is available at a reduced price due to a cancellation or over-order by another purchaser. Don’t be fooled. Accepting this gift may mean other obligations have been accepted as well, and you’ll be left with demands for payment and threats to turn your account over to a collection agency or attorney.

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

For more fraud prevention tips, check out the FTC website.

Tips for Driveway Improvements

3/8/2013

Posted on 3/8/2013 by

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

Better Business Bureau advises home owners to take the time to choose a contractor you can trust. When looking to hire a contractor for your driveway, BBB recommends the following tips:

Check references. Ask for local references and verify that the contractor is in compliance with all local licensing, bonding and insuring requirements. Always check out a contractor on bbb.org before doing business with them. Before you agree to a paving or paving repair job, there are three things to check: the status of the contractor's license, whether the contractor's bond is current, and the contractor's complaint resolution history with BBB. You may want to make sure that the contracting company is a member of an industry trade association such as National Asphalt Pavement Association.

Get it in writing. Be sure that the contract spells out which party is responsible for grading and subgrading, equipment and materials, labor, pavement thickness and smoothness, etc. Make sure the payment schedule is satisfactory and that there is a clear guarantee or warranty for the work. Also, get in writing an agreement that your yard is to be returned to pre-construction condition. Don’t sign an agreement without understanding it.

Know your rights. If you hire a contractor, pay by check or credit card when the work is completed to your satisfaction. If you are dealing with a traveling contractor, be extra cautious and make sure to ask for identification and note the license plate number on the contractor's vehicle. If you get “buyer’s remorse,” you may be able to change your mind after the contract is signed:

In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission has a three-day cooling off rule for in-home purchases.

In Canada, most provinces have a ten-day cooling off period for door-to-door purchases.

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

3/8/2013

Posted on 3/8/2013 by

Arlington, VA (March 7, 2012) – Better Business Bureau celebrated its Centennial year by ringing the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Cemetery, and helping a record-breaking number of consumers across the United States and Canada. The organization set new records in virtually all categories of service:

· Total instances of service (online and in person) topped 180 million, up from 142.5 million in 2011, a 27% percent increase.

· Inquiries jumped more then 20%, from just over 103 million in 2011 to 124.5 million in 2012 (inquiries are primarily consumers looking up a specific business or searching for a business in their area at bbb.org or via the mobile app).

· The number of complaints against businesses handled by BBB in 2012 was 984,721, up more than six percent from 927,256 in 2011.

· National charity reports viewed on Give.org were up from three million in 2011 to five million in 2012, due in part to a new, easier-to-read reporting format.

· Visitors to the organization’s website averaged 8-10 million a month, also a record.

“These numbers confirm BBB’s leadership in helping consumers make smarter buying decisions,” said Carrie A. Hurt, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “They demonstrate the trust that consumers place in us to give them good information, to steer them toward good businesses and away from bad ones, and to help them resolve problems when they arise. It’s gratifying as we enter our second century to know that our brand is more relevant than ever.”

Hurt credits the venerated organization’s Centennial with helping to remind people just how valuable BBB can be. 2012 was also the first full year that BBB Business Reviews and ratings were available on an iPhone app. The organization’s popular Scam Alerts, blog and social media sites attracted a new generation of BBB users. Two new microsites – BBB Smart Investing and BBB Scam Stopper – generated a lot of interest, as did the group’s annual list of Top Ten Scams.

One startling statistic had to do with online-only businesses, which had approximately seven times the number of complaints per business as “bricks and mortar” retailers. “When shopping online, it’s even more important to take the time to know who you are dealing with,” said Hurt. “It takes less than a minute to look up a company at bbb.org. Do that before you enter your credit card information and click ‘Buy.’”

One number that was down was good news – BBB AUTO LINE handled fewer lemon law disputes (17,158, down from 17,367 in 2011). “Automakers are making better quality automobiles and improving customer service,” noted Hurt. “This positive trend has been going on for years.”

BBB maintains Business Reviews on more than 4.5 million businesses and rates them based on complaint histories, responsiveness to customers, licensing, legal and government action, and other factors. Nearly 400,000 are Accredited Businesses that meet the BBB Code of Business Practices and are permitted to display the BBB logo in their marketing and place of business.

The top industries by inquiry and the percentage change over 2011 were:

Industry	2012 Total Inquiries	Rank by number of Inquiries1	Percentage Change over 2011
Roofing Contractors	3,502,493	1	5 %
Contractors – General	2,488,480	2	11.5 %
Auto Dealers – Used Cars	2,149,417	3	34 %
Auto Repair & Service	1,915,473	4	21 %
Mortgage Brokers	1,805,244	5	22.5 %
Plumbers	1,773,853	6	16 %
Auto Dealers – New Cars	1,649,661	7	9 %
Collection Agencies	1,543,234	8	40.5 %
Heating & Air Conditioning	1,540,500	9	25.5 %
Construction and Remodeling Services	1,538,574	10	19 %

1 Inquiry rank is out of 5,034 industry categories

These numbers were not surprising, as consumers tend to do more research on large purchases such as cars and home remodeling. The top four categories for inquiries remained the same from 2011, and most of the rest changed only slightly. Movers fell off the top ten while collection agencies moved up to #8.

Complaints are filed by consumers against a particular business when they have a problem they cannot resolve on their own. Every complaint is reviewed by a staff member at the BBB where the business is located, and the company is given two weeks to respond. Through a self-regulatory process, honed over 100 years, about 95% of complaints to BBBs are resolved at this level (either the business and consumer work it out, which may impact the business’s rating positively, or the business refuses to cooperate, which may impact their rating negatively). For those that cannot be resolved, mediation or arbitration is offered, and BBB has trained mediators and arbitrators across North America.

The top industries for complaints in 2012 were:

Industry	2012 Total Complaints	Rank by number of Complaints1	Percentage Change over 2010	Percentage of Resolved Complaints 2
Cellular Telephone Service & Equipment	41,809	1	9 %	96.2%
Auto Dealers – New Cars	27,025	2	4 %	87.7%
Television – Cable, CATV & Satellite	25,714	3	3 %	97.7%
Collection Agencies	25,068	4	38.5 %	85.9%
Telephone Communications	17,508	5	265 %	95.6%
Auto Dealers – Used Cars	17,506	6	7.5 %	73.4%
Telephone Companies	16,010	7	2 %	97.2%
Internet Shopping	14,744	8	14.5 %	67.3%
Auto Repair & Service	14,380	9	-.75 %	66.5%
Furniture – Retail	14,003	10	-3.5 %	78.7%

1 Complaint rank is out of 5,034 industry categories

2 Average resolution rate across all industries for 2012 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.”

Telephone communications as a category saw the largest increase in the number of complaints, up 265%. This was due primarily to mergers and acquisitions within the industry, which caused a number of smaller companies to move into this category for the first time, and a few “bad apples” that currently have low ratings with BBB due to unresolved complaints.

Three industries increased in complaints by more than 35%: internet marketing, credit cards and collection agencies. Financial services had the biggest decrease in complaints, about 38%.

* The most improved/declined industries were those with the highest percentage changes in complaints from 2011 to 2012 for those industries with at least 1,000 complaints in 2012. All of those noted are in the top 200 industry categories that BBB tracks.

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

3/7/2013

Posted on 3/7/2013 by

Consumer Inquiries Up 20%, Instances of Service Top 180 Million for Oldest Consumer Rating and Review Organization

Total instances of service (online and in person) topped 180 million, up from 142.5 million in 2011, a 27% percent increase.
Inquiries jumped more then 20%, from just over 103 million in 2011 to 124.5 million in 2012 (inquiries are primarily consumers looking up a specific business or searching for a business in their area at bbb.org or via the mobile app).
The number of complaints against businesses handled by BBB in 2012 was 984,721, up more than six percent from 927,256 in 2011.
National charity reports viewed on Give.org were up from three million in 2011 to five million in 2012, due in part to a new, easier-to-read reporting format.
Visitors to the organization’s website averaged 8-10 million a month, also a record.

The top industries by inquiry and the percentage change over 2011 were:

Industry	2012 Total Inquiries	Rank by number of Inquiries1	Percentage Change over 2011
Roofing Contractors	3,502,493	1	5 %
Contractors – General	2,488,480	2	11.5 %
Auto Dealers – Used Cars	2,149,417	3	34 %
Auto Repair & Service	1,915,473	4	21 %
Mortgage Brokers	1,805,244	5	22.5 %
Plumbers	1,773,853	6	16 %
Auto Dealers – New Cars	1,649,661	7	9 %
Collection Agencies	1,543,234	8	40.5 %
Heating & Air Conditioning	1,540,500	9	25.5 %
Construction and Remodeling Services	1,538,574	10	19 %

1 Inquiry rank is out of 5,034 industry categories

The top industries for complaints in 2012 were:

Industry	2012 Total Complaints	Rank by number of Complaints1	Percentage Change over 2011	Percentage of Resolved Complaints 2
Cellular Telephone Service & Equipment	41,809	1	9 %	96.2%
Auto Dealers – New Cars	27,025	2	4 %	87.7%
Television – Cable, CATV & Satellite	25,714	3	3 %	97.7%
Collection Agencies	25,068	4	38.5 %	85.9%
Telephone Communications	17,508	5	265 %	95.6%
Auto Dealers – Used Cars	17,506	6	7.5 %	73.4%
Telephone Companies	16,010	7	2 %	97.2%
Internet Shopping	14,744	8	14.5 %	67.3%
Auto Repair & Service	14,380	9	-.75 %	66.5%
Furniture – Retail	14,003	10	-3.5 %	78.7%

1 Complaint rank is out of 5,034 industry categories
2 Average resolution rate across all industries for 2012 was 76.3 percent

Three industries increased in complaints by more than 35%: internet marketing, credit cards and collection agencies. Financial services had the biggest decrease in complaints, about 38%.

* The most improved/declined industries were those with the highest percentage changes in complaints from 2011 to 2012 for those industries with at least 1,000 complaints in 2012. All of those noted are in the top 200 industry categories that BBB tracks.

ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2012, consumers turned to BBB 124 million times for Business Reviews on more than 4.5 million companies and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for 114 local, independent BBBs across the United States and Canada, as well as home to its national programs on dispute resolution and industry self-regulation.

Publishers Clearing House Calls - It's A Scam

3/6/2013

Posted on 3/6/2013 by

Arlene’s phone rang at her Parker residence for a third time, and the same voice was on the phone.

“The first time he identified himself as being with the FBI,” she says. She described the details of the heavy accented voice on the other end of the line. “My husband answered the first time, and he could barely understand what the man was saying.”

So, on the second call, she says the man identified himself as John Franklin, with Publisher’s Clearing House.

“It was interesting to us, because we’d just seen an interview on TV with a couple who was supposed to send money through Walmart,” she says. “I kinda knew where he was headed.”

After about 10 minutes of conversation about winning and being presented the check, Franklin asked if Arlene wanted to pay the taxes on her winnings up front, and if so, she would need to go to Walmart and get a “Green Dot” card for $200, and call him back.

“We got off the phone and talked about the call,” Arlene says. “So, when he called back to get the numbers off the card, we were ready.”

By the third call, Arlene gave him several numbers and false information and finally couldn’t hold back much longer.

“When my husband told him it was a scam, he became very rude,” she says.

John Franklin began his rude tirade with insults on how they could not believe it was a real PCH winning check.

Arlene took the phone from her husband, and again said this was a scam.

“He got pretty huffy, when I took over,” she says. “Then he asked ‘What was wrong with my husband and what sort of rehab is going to?’”

At that point she hanged up the phone, called the police department and the Better Business Bureau.

Tips to identity a fake PCH sweepstakes can be found at pch.com.

Prize winners will not call by phone or by regular mail. Consumers who win over $10,000 will be awarded in person by the PCH Prize Patrol, with no advance notification. Those who win less than $10,000 will receive an affidavit via certified mail. Additionally, PCH does send out post cards and mailings promoting their services and surveys.

At the real Publishers Clearing House, the winning is always free. Do not send or wire any money to collect the prize. Don’t trust anyone requesting payment for “taxes,” “custom fees,” “border security” or other purported reasons.

If suspicious of a fraudulent call, letter, e-mail or check from someone claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House, contact the real PCH at 1-800-645-9242 then press 5.

BBB investigated John Franklin, and tracked him to Washington D.C. where he said he was with PCH, and gave a physical address on Sweet Lane. There is no such address.

Publishers Clearing House Calls - It's A Scam

3/6/2013

Posted on 3/6/2013 by

Arlene’s phone rang at her Parker residence for a third time, and the same voice was on the phone.

“The first time he identified himself as being with the FBI,” she says. She described the details of the heavy accented voice on the other end of the line. “My husband answered the first time, and he could barely understand what the man was saying.”

So, on the second call, she says the man identified himself as John Franklin, with Publisher’s Clearing House.

“It was interesting to us, because we’d just seen an interview on TV with a couple who was supposed to send money through Walmart,” she says. “I kinda knew where he was headed.”

After about 10 minutes of conversation about winning and being presented the check, Franklin asked if Arlene wanted to pay the taxes on her winnings up front, and if so, she would need to go to Walmart and get a “Green Dot” card for $200, and call him back.

“We got off the phone and talked about the call,” Arlene says. “So, when he called back to get the numbers off the card, we were ready.”

By the third call, Arlene gave him several numbers and false information and finally couldn’t hold back much longer.

“When my husband told him it was a scam, he became very rude,” she says.

John Franklin began his rude tirade with insults on how they could not believe it was a real PCH winning check.

Arlene took the phone from her husband, and again said this was a scam.

“He got pretty huffy, when I took over,” she says. “Then he asked ‘What was wrong with my husband and what sort of rehab is going to?’”

At that point she hanged up the phone, called the police department and the Better Business Bureau.

Tips to identity a fake PCH sweepstakes can be found at pch.com.

Prize winners will not call by phone or by regular mail. Consumers who win over $10,000 will be awarded in person by the PCH Prize Patrol, with no advance notification. Those who win less than $10,000 will receive an affidavit via certified mail. Additionally, PCH does send out post cards and mailings promoting their services and surveys.

At the real Publishers Clearing House, the winning is always free. Do not send or wire any money to collect the prize. Don’t trust anyone requesting payment for “taxes,” “custom fees,” “border security” or other purported reasons.

If suspicious of a fraudulent call, letter, e-mail or check from someone claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House, contact the real PCH at 1-800-645-9242 then press 5.

BBB investigated John Franklin, and tracked him to Washington D.C. where he said he was with PCH, and gave a physical address on Sweet Lane. There is no such address.

Collection Scam Targets Idaho Utility Customers

3/1/2013

Posted on 3/1/2013 by

Attorney General Lawrence Wasden today warned Idaho businesses and consumers to be wary of telephone calls demanding immediate payment of utility bills. Wasden said Idaho Power notified his office that several customers have received threatening phone calls.

“The caller threatens to shut off the power unless the business immediately pays several hundred to several thousand dollars via wire transfer or Green Dot Money Pack,” Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said. “These calls are fraudulent. They are not coming from Idaho Power.”

Idaho Power has received reports of the attempted scam from the owners of Chinese restaurants in Boise, Mountain Home, Pocatello and Blackfoot.

“No one who receives these calls should send money or provide personal or financial information to the caller,” Wasden said. “These calls are an attempt to commit a criminal fraud. Anyone who has lost money to these calls should contact their local police or sheriff.”

“We advise our customers to not make payments to these callers, or disclose any personal or account information to anyone claiming to be from Idaho Power,” said Maggie Brilz, Idaho Power Customer Service Manager. “Anyone who is concerned about the legitimacy of a call from Idaho Power should just hang up the phone and call us directly at the Customer Service Center.”

Customers can call the Idaho Power Customer Service Center at 388-2323 or 1-800-488-6151 outside the Treasure Valley area.

A similar scam directed to residential customers was reported last May, and again, last month. That version of the scam targeted Hispanic customers with phone calls, in Spanish, demanding bill payment by providing personal information for the purpose of identity theft.

Phony Officials Trick Consumers into "Verifying" Info on Do Not Call Registry

2/15/2013

Posted on 2/15/2013 by
Scammers have been making phone calls posing as representatives of the National Do Not Call Registry. The calls claim to provide an opportunity to sign up for the registry or ask consumers to verify their info. Of course, the callers are really trying to solicit personal information, which opens victims up to identity fraud.

How the Scam Works:

Someone calls you claiming to represent the National Do Not Call Registry, the FTC or Canada's National Do Not Call List. The registry "official" asks for personal information, such as name, address and Social Security number. The scam has several variations. In one, the caller wants to verify that you are on the National Do Not Call Registry. In another, he/she claims to give you a chance to register your phone number.

Just hang up the phone; this situation is always a scam. Representatives from the registry will not call you. And sharing personal with the caller will just put you at risk for identity theft.

How to Protect Yourself from Scam Calls:

Don't share your personal information if someone calls you claiming to represent the National Do Not Call Registry or even the FTC itself.
Do not call the scammers back.
Remember that your participation in the National Do Not Call Registry does not expire. Do not listen to claims otherwise.
If you want to add your number to the Do Not Call Registry, go to Donotcall.gov or call 888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register. If you want to verify your number, use this feature on the registry's website.
Canadians have their own National Do Not Call List. Register for that here.

For More Information

For frequently asked questions about the Do Not Call Registry, check their website.

To find out more about scams, check out the new BBB Scam Stopper.

National Consumer Protection Week – Sign Up for a Tip-a-Day!

2/12/2013

Posted on 2/12/2013 by

To celebrate the 15th Annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), BBB is offering savvy consumers seven important tips. Sign up here to receive a BBB tip-a-day on the latest consumer topics.

NCPW is March 3-9, and government organizations and nonprofits across the country are offering consumers a wealth of tips and information from federal and state governments and non-profit partner organizations. BBB is, once again, encouraging every consumer to take full advantage of their consumer rights and make better-informed purchasing decisions.

NCPW.gov offers consumers a wide selection of free materials to learn how to protect their privacy, stay safe online, manage their money, avoid identity theft, understand mortgages and steer clear of frauds and scams.

For more consumer tips visit, bbb.org/news and like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest Facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau. For information scams, visit BBB Scam Stopper at bbb.org/scam.

Believe It Or Not, Now Is the Time to Think About Air Conditioning

2/12/2013

Posted on 2/12/2013 by

It’s still winter, so why worry about air conditioning? BBB recommends planning ahead now, while temperatures are low, to make sure that your air conditioner is working properly when the temperatures are high.

Take the time to check contractors out carefully; rushing to find a cooling contractor can burn a hole in your wallet instead of keeping you cool. Last year, BBB received more than 9,000 complaints against heating and cooling contractors and repair services. Some of the most common mistakes consumers and business owners make when looking for repairs stem from 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 recommends the following tips to make sure your inspection and service go off without a hitch:

Research the company’s background and licensing. Visit bbb.org for the BBB Business Review of any AC service company you plan to hire. Learn more about its reputation and history of complaints. Always confirm that the company is licensed and insured.

Compare prices and service packages. Get at least three estimates for any air conditioning repair work 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. 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 more energy efficient than others. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to find out more about products that may cost a little more up front, but save you in energy costs over time. Some models may even be eligible for a tax credit. Ask your HVAC contractor (heating ventilation and air conditioning) to verify tax credit eligibility and provide the Manufacturer Certification Statement for the equipment you plan to purchase. For more information, check out these government sites:

In the United States, check out ENERGY STAR.

In Canada, check out Cdn ENERGY Star.

For more tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org/news, and for the latest news checkout our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau.

Helpful Tips for Finding a Trustworthy Tax Preparer

2/12/2013

Posted on 2/12/2013 by

Need help filing your taxes but want to make sure the tax preparer is legitimate? Do your research! BBB hears about lots of tax scams every year, from ill-trained preparers to companies that file for you without your permission. Although tax preparers must sign off on the paperwork, the taxpayer is ultimately responsible for filing the return…and will be subject to penalties if there are problems.

BBB advises taxpayers to be extra cautious when choosing a tax preparer, since that person or company will have access to lots of personal information. Here are some tips on finding a trustworthy tax preparer:

Ask around. Get referrals from friends and family and check out the service’s BBB Business Review at bbb.org.

Look for credentials. Ideally, your tax preparer should either be a certified public accountant, a tax attorney, an enrolled agent, and/or a certified E-file provider. Find out if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that requires continuing education and has a code of ethics.

Make sure they are properly registered. In the U.S., a tax preparer must obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service. In Canada, the representative must have a RepID (if they are representing you or your business) or a Business Number issued by the Canada Revenue Agency.

Do not fall for the promise of big refunds. Be wary of any tax preparation service that promises larger refunds than the competition, and avoid tax preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the refund.

Read the contract carefully. Read tax preparation service contracts closely to ensure you understand how much it is going to cost for the service, and how the cost will be affected if preparation is more complicated and time consuming than expected.

Remember that a paid preparer is required by law to sign your return and fill in the preparer areas of the form. They should also include their appropriate identifying number on the return. In addition, the preparer must give you a copy of your return.

For more information on tax filing in the United States, go to the Internal Revenue Service. For more information on tax filing in Canada, go to the Canada Revenue Agency.

BBB Tips to Avoid Valentine’s Day Heartache

2/11/2013

Posted on 2/11/2013 by

With Valentine’s Day less than a week away, many consumers are still searching for that perfect last minute gift or way to show affection for their significant other. Some are even still hoping to find a special person to share the holiday with. Unfortunately, scam artists take advantage of the heightened emotions and communication that takes place surrounding this holiday of love.

It is important for consumers to think with their heads, as well as their hearts all year, but especially leading up to Valentine’s Day. Whether you are still searching for love or wish to show appreciation for a current relationship, you should spend your money and time wisely and always Start with Trust.

Your Better Business Bureau is issuing advice regarding some of the most commonly reported consumer issues pertaining to Valentine’s Day:

Faulty Florists –Valentine’s Day still ranks first for fresh flower purchases and is the number one holiday for florists, according to aboutflowers.com. Not all florists are equal in the level of service they provide though, and typical complaints concern flowers not being delivered as promised or recipients receiving the wrong arrangements.

BBB Tip: Confirm that the florist you are placing an order with is actually the florist fulfilling the order and who your contact should be for follow-up communication. Ensure that you have the florist’s accurate street address and phone number in case you need to adjust your order. It is not uncommon for a third party to be involved with fulfillment during periods of high demand. Request a written receipt for the order and get the business’s refund policy in writing if a delivery is late, incorrect, never arrives or is in poor condition. Place your order as soon as possible to allow adequate time for shipping and verify the delivery date and time.

Pesky Package Phishing – Many consumers order Valentine’s Day gifts and have them automatically shipped to loved ones as a surprise. Cyber criminals are well-aware of this shopping trend though and are creating phony package delivery phishing emails. The emails can be very official looking, fraudulently using trusted companies’ logos to trick consumers into divulging personal information that can be used for identity theft. Usual emails claim that the recipient must click on a link or enter personal or financial information to re-confirm the order or that there was an issue with billing and you account information must be re-entered.

BBB Tip: If you receive an email about a package or delivery that you do not expect or did not send, do not open it. If you suspect that someone sent you a package and you are receiving an email delivery confirmation, verify with the shipping company on the phone through their known telephone number, not one listed in the email, before opening the message. Be especially careful with any unexpected emails that ask you to download items or click on website links.

Evil E-cards – E-cards are a popular way for consumers to send funny or thoughtful greetings to loved ones around Valentine’s Day. Due to their popularity, scammers have been known to setup fake emails directing the receiver to a bogus website that appears to be a lot like Hallmark or American Greetings. Recipients who open the E-card may be prompted to download the latest version of a software in order to view the card. If this program is installed however, it will download a virus that can provide a scammer with full access to computer files and personal information.

BBB Tip: Pay close attention to links and files before clicking or downloading them. Verify that any web address you are being directed to is where you intend to visit by hovering your mouse over the link first to see where it is actually taking you. Enhance email filters and maintain updated anti-virus and malware software. Overall, be sure to only open E-cards from people that you know and trust.

Conniving Catfishing – A new label for an old scam, catfishing occurs when a scammer assumes a persona on a social networking site and creates a fictitious identity using the pictures, hobbies, interests and even friends of someone else. While the purpose for doing so varies, the most common progression of this scam is the development of a relationship in hopes that the scammer will be able to ask for and receive money from their unsuspecting love interest. This scam has grown with the popularity and increased use of social media sites and can target those who may be lonely on Valentine’s Day.

BBB Tip: If you begin corresponding with someone online, be cautious of anyone who proclaims instant feelings of love, claims to be from the U.S. but is currently overseas and is continually cancelling face-to-face visits because of tragic or unexpected events. Be suspicious if the person hints that they are in financial trouble or if you are asked to wire transfer money. Never wire your own money unless you know and trust the receiver on the other end. Do a search of the name, text of a message or profile description in Google to see if similar information is used by others. Some criminals create multiple profiles and use the same information over and over.

Buying a Boat and Boat Shows

2/6/2013

Posted on 2/6/2013 by

Purchasing a Boat

Buying a boat is a significant investment. Before you go to a boat show or boat dealer take some time to plan what you want and need in a boat.

Why? Every year, BBB receives hundreds of complaints against boat dealers, marine sales and service and suppliers. Most complaints allege contract disputes and failure on the part of the business to provide the agreed-upon services or products.

General Questions:

· Determine how much money you have to spend on a boat and related costs (insurance, registration, required safety equipment, boat cover, accoutrements, storage, repairs, fuel, trailer, additional warranty, etc.).

· Will you need financing? If so check with your local financial institution for financing rates. A boat dealer may also offer financing, comparison shop.

· What kind of boating are you planning? Ocean, large lake, river or quiet lake? Sailing, paddling or motoring?

· What are your plans for the boat? Will you be fishing, tubing, water-skiing, sailing or cruising? Will these activities require you to purchase other equipment? At what cost?

· Where will you keep the boat? Marina, on a trailer at home, rental storage area? What will the storage cost?

· Are you required to take classes in order to get a license to drive the boat? How much is the license registration for the boat?

· How much maintenance is required and will you have time to perform the maintenance yourself or will you hire a company to perform it. How much will the maintenance cost annually?

· Make sure you know exactly what is included in the price of the boat. Make sure any extras are in writing. Get the delivery date in writing.

· What is the manufacturer’s warranty and what does it cover? Will you need to purchase warranties on other pieces of equipment in the boat?

· Do you and your family know how to swim? If not, look into swimming lessons to be safe on the water.

Navigating a Boat Show

Research exhibitors ahead of time. Visit the boat show’s website to educate yourself on the various boat dealers and manufacturers who will be in attendance. This can help you choose which booths you’d like to visit and which exhibitors you’re most interested in meeting.

Ask the right questions. Before falling in love with a boat offered by a dealer, make sure the boat will cover your wants and needs. Find out what extras are included in the price and what other items you will need to purchase.

Get All Promises in Writing. Be sure to document with whom you spoke and all verbal agreements (sale prices, add-ons, etc.) made or mentioned. Obtain a business card before you leave and set a time to follow up after the show. Don’t be pressured to put down a large deposit for fear of losing out.

Research the boat dealer before signing a contract. Go to bbb.org to see a company’s business review and any history of complaints. Make sure you look up the manufacturer of the boat as well.

Bring someone you trust. Bring someone with you who is not as emotionally or financially connected to you buying a boat. This individual may provide a different, yet helpful, perspective when talking with dealers or manufacturers.

Wave of Telemarketing Scams Target Seniors

2/1/2013

Posted on 2/1/2013 by
Seniors nationwide are reporting pushy, suspicious telemarketing calls from businesses going by the names "Senior Emergency Care," "Senior Safety Alert" or "Senior Safe Alert." Follow our advice to tell a legitimate sales call from a telemarketing scam.

How the Scam Works:

You receive a prerecorded telemarketing call pitching a personal emergency alarm system. The alarm, warns the recording, is necessary to protect against a long list of dangers, such as break-ins and medical emergencies. It claims that you can get an alarm system worth several hundred dollars installed for free. You are just responsible for a monthly charge of about $30.

The recording prompts you to press a button and speak to a live person for "verification." However, victims reported that staff refuse to provide basic business information, such as the address.

The exact details of the scam vary. The alarm business goes by a variety of names, including "Senior Emergency Care," "Senior Safety Alert," "American Senior Benefits Program," and "Senior Safe Alert." Typically, the calls appear to come from an area code in the surrounding region, but these numbers can be misrepresented.

In some cases, the sales calls are pushy but legitimate. In others, the calls are phishing scams that impersonate real businesses and seek credit card numbers and personal information. Use the tips below to tell a scam from a sales pitch. Many of those contacted by the telemarketers were on the Do Not Call Registry. If this includes you, you can file a complaint here. You can also file a complaint with the FTC.

How to Spot a Telemarketing Scam:

If a call does the following, it's probably a scam:

Tries to create a sense of panic. In this case, the call alarms seniors by describing a situation where they are incapacitated at home and cannot call for help. Also watch out for calls that push for immediate action.
Promises something for free... that really isn't. Be wary of "free" offers that ask you to pay a handling fee or other charges.
Implies an endorsement from a well-known organization. In this case, the call claims the alarm system is endorsed by the American Heart Association and the "American Diabetic Association," which is really the "American Diabetes Association." Others claim a good BBB rating, so be sure to check this on BBB.org.
Just as scam emails often contain misspellings and grammar errors, watch for errors in fraudulent calls, such as referring to the American Diabetes Association as the "Diabetic Association."
The business doesn't have a legitimate mailing address and website.

For More Information

Visit the FBI's website for more information about scams targeting seniors.

To find out more about scams, check out the new BBB Scam Stopper.

New Wave of Phishing Scams Uses Facebook Info for Personalized Spam

1/29/2013

Posted on 1/29/2013 by

Check your privacy settings. Scammers are tapping into the personal data available through Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn to pose as your friends in fraudulent emails. Watch out for these personalized scam messages and take steps to prevent them.

How the Scam Works:

You receive an email that appears to be sent by a friend or family member. The message addresses you by name, but the content is strange. Usually, it's just a link to a website. If you click on it, you could end up downloading malware to your computer.

What's going on here? The scammers are exploiting the fact that you're more likely to click on a link if it was sent by a friend.

Scammers find your information through Facebook or other social media accounts. Some set up fake accounts and send out friend requests. When you accept the request, they can view your friends and personal and contact information. Other scammers rely on social media users not locking down their privacy settings, so basic information, such as your name, email address and friends' names, is publicly available.

How to Protect Your Facebook Account from Spammers?

Review your security settings. Check out Facebook's information on setting your privacy settings to be sure you aren't sharing personal information with strangers. Look here for information on what can be found publicly in search engines.
Don't accept Facebook friend requests from unknown people.
Report scam profiles and other suspicious activity to Facebook by following these instructions.
Consider enabling login notifications, so you will know when someone uses a new device to access your account.
When accessing Facebook from public wi-fi in places like hotels and airports, text "otp" to 32665 to receive a one-time password to your account.

What to do if You Receive a Suspicious Email:

Don't click on strange links, even if they're from friends. Notify the person who sent you the email if you see something suspicious.
Check the "header" field. Even though a friend's name is in the "from" field, spam email won't be from their email address.
If you click the link, be sure to run a virus scan on your computer.

For More Information

Visit Facebook's privacy section for more information about protecting your account.

To find out more about scams, check out the new BBB Scam Stopper.

New Twist on Scam Tech Support Calls Installs Viruses on Victims' Computers

1/22/2013

Posted on 1/22/2013 by
It's classic scam: a fake tech support caller claims he needs access to your computer to fix a non-existent bug. But a new twist involves the caller actually installing a virus on victims' computers.

How the Scam Works:

You get a telephone call from someone claiming to be with tech support from a well-known software company. Microsoft is a popular choice. The callers often have strong accents but use common names such as "Adam" or "Bill." The scammers may know your name and other personal information, which they get from publicly available phone directories. They might even guess what computer operating system you're using.

The caller tells you that your computer is sending error messages, and they've detected a virus on it. He says only a tech support employee can remove the virus, but first you need to grant him access to your machine. If you give the OK, the caller will run a scan of your files and actually point out how the virus has infected the computer. The scammers then offer to remove the virus.... for a fee. Of course, they need your credit card details first.

Here's the twist. Those who allowed the caller remote access to their computers, whether they paid for the virus to be removed or not, reported difficulties with their computer afterwards, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. Some said their computers would not turn on or certain programs/files were inaccessible. Some victims even reported taking their computers for repair, and the technicians confirmed software had been installed.

What to do if "Tech Support" Calls?

Never give control of your computer to a third party unless you can confirm that it is a legitimate representative of a computer support team with whom you are already a customer.
Never provide your credit card or financial information to someone claiming to be from tech support.
Take the caller's information down and report it to your local authorities or the FTC.
If you did allow a caller to access your computer:

Change the passwords for your computer, email and online banking/credit card accounts.
Be sure to run a virus scan
Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report if you shared personal and banking information with the scammer.

For More Information

See Microsoft's advice on avoiding tech support call scams.

To find out more about scams, check out the new BBB Scam Stopper.

Centric Group Sends Letters Warning Idaho Residents of Possible Data Breach

1/17/2013

Posted on 1/17/2013 by

If you've had any dealings with anyone in prison, you may have received a letter from Centric Group.

Letters started arriving in mailboxes in the Snake River Region on Tuesday, notifying recipients of a data breach at a Centric Group subsidiary, Keefe Group, dba. Access Securepak, a company that provides services allowing family members and friends to send packages to inmates. People were going through the company website – www.accesscatalog.com – to order and purchase items. Keefe is the nation’s leading supplier of food, personal care products, electronics and clothing to the correctional commissary market.
The company sent letters to all persons who may have dealt with the Keefe Group and its subsidiaries, Centric Group attorney Alex Williams says. In addition, the payment processing for this website was moved to alternate site, and the company is working with payment card brands to monitor and help prevent unauthorized transactions.

Williams says after an internal investigation it was discovered there was a data breach that may have been as far back as 2010. A forensic accounting firm is working with Centric Group to determine possible damage, if any, which may have occurred. Centric Group learned of the breach on Dec. 13, 2012.

"We have set up a special hotline (800-416-4601) where people can get assistance," Williams says. The large number of calls has created some delays in connecting with company representatives, but he assures that all calls will be handled. Information on how to protect their credit was also included in the letter, he says.
BBB advises:

• Start with your bank – Most financial institutions offer services to monitor your transactions, and will contact you immediately if there is suspicious activity, for example, any transaction of more than $150. The key to preventing the many problems caused by identity theft is to move quickly.

• Free insurance – ID theft insurance is often included in homeowner insurance policies at no extra cost. Speak with your insurer to determine whether you are covered and discuss the terms and conditions.

• Keep an eye on your credit reports – Your credit reports will tell you if someone else is opening lines of credit in your name. You can obtain reports from the three major credit reporting bureaus, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion free of charge every twelve months from the only government-sanctioned source, www.annualcreditreport.com. You can monitor your credit reports all year long by checking with one of the three bureaus every four months.

• Stay on the alert – If you find unauthorized financial activity, contact the credit reporting agencies to place a “fraud alert” on file. This will let lenders know that if someone applies for credit under your name, they may have stolen your personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number and address.
• Freeze your credit – A “credit freeze” is a more powerful tool than a fraud alert. A permanent credit freeze puts the brakes on any new creditors from accessing your credit report. You must request a credit freeze from each of the credit reporting agencies.

Centric Group has updated its computer security, Williams says.
Centric Group, is headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., is a BBB accredited business. The company employs more than 2,300 people, with offices nationwide and annual sales expected to exceed $750 million. Along with Keefe, its affiliates include TRG Group and Courtesy Products.

Time to Check Your Credit Report: Why Do They Want All My Information, Again?

1/16/2013

Posted on 1/16/2013 by
Mr. Murdoch, a Boise resident, says he felt real uncomfortable about filling out the endless paperwork for the credit report company – Experian.
He was concerned because he’d received a letter because he’d asked his annual free credit report be mailed to him. The letter clearly stated that it was precautionary measure to confirm his identity.
“I have never had any credit reporting agency ask for this much person information through the mail,” he says.
Mr. Murdoch was on the right track in checking his credit report. It’s a good reminder to start the New Year knowing where your credit is. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumers can receive a free copy of their credit report from the three nationwide reporting agencies — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — every 12 months.
Today’s companies and organizations – BBB included – are most likely trying to drive as much activity to their websites as part of a streamlining processes, finding efficiency, or improving security. The security aspect is definitely at the heart of the questionnaire sent to Mr. Murdoch. Today’s online option is much more secure. The credit reporting information they are seeking is already online – whether you ask it or not. Accessing the online version takes advantage of many security tools.
BBB urges people to learn, once a year, what is on their credit reports:
Do not access the annual credit report request service through links from unfamiliar websites. If you get an e-mail or see a pop-up ad claiming it’s from AnnualCreditReport.com or any of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies, do not reply or click on any link in the message. To help make sure the privacy and protection of your personal information, go to AnnualCreditReport.com directly to ask your free annual credit report either by secure website, phone or email. AnnualCreditReport.com will not approach consumers by email, telemarketer or direct mail.

Consider pulling your reports quarterly. While you can pull all three credit reports at once, you can also consider pulling your credit reports quarterly. Pulling your reports separately allows you to better watch your reports and keep track of any changes or new information that may seem on your credit report. If you pull all your reports at once, you won’t be eligible to pull your report for another 12 months.

Pull your child’s credit report. As child identity theft remains a national problem, it can be just as imperative to pull your child’s report as it is to pull your own. While the credit reporting agencies do not knowingly keep up credit files on minor children, you can contact the credit reporting agencies directly and they can run the report.
Avoid companies that claim they can improve your credit for free. The

Federal Trade Commission cautions consumers to be wary of companies that make claims about credit repair. These companies, commonly called credit clinics, don’t do anything for consumers that consumers cannot do for themselves at little or no cost. Beware of any organization that offers to create a new identity and credit file for you. For more information on credit clinics and a list of warning signs visit www.ftc.gov.

Dispute inaccuracies on your credit report. Inaccurate, derogatory information can lower your credit score and may show possible fraudulent activity. If you find information that you believe is inaccurate, you have the right to dispute it free of charge. Go directly through the reporting agency you pulled your report from to file your dispute.

BBB urges credit reporting services to be sure their computer anti-virus software is up to date. Always use the Internet through a secure connection.

Tips on Facebook's New Search Tool

1/16/2013

Posted on 1/16/2013 by

Social media giant Facebook is opening up a new search function for its billions of users.

Facebook’s Graph Search allows users to filter through photos, people, places and business pages to find activities, locations, groups and people who have posted on their timelines similar activities. Using complex data processing and transfers from Facebook to third-party software – apps and widgets – users will be able to look for information on everything from music and movies to food and services.

This search capability is expected to encourage users to share more interests on Facebook. Officials say Graph Search will respect the same privacy settings that already limit the visibility of its members' pages. Facebook is the world’s largest social media network – 1 billion users.

Users will be able to review their activity log – a compilation of their likes, status updates, photo-uploads and other items – that shows a presence on Facebook. Only things included by friends and followers or marked “public” will show up in search.

Here are four things you can do to protect your privacy:

1) Lick your “likes” – Be aware the personal endorsement you give to a business or corporate page can be used to influence friends to shop there.

If you don't want businesses to use your endorsements when advertising to friends, edit your social ads setting:

1. Navigate to "Privacy Settings," found by clicking on the gear icon in the top right corner of your Facebook page

2. Click on "Ads," found in the left-hand column of the privacy settings page.

3. Click the edit link next to "Ads & Friends."

At the bottom of the page, click on the box located next to the words "Pair my social actions with ads for," select "No One," and save your changes.

2) Tackle those “Tags” – Friends can link to your profile, giving access through tags to pictures and such. Reach out to friends and ask them to guard your privacy as well. You can block ubiquitous taggers.

3) Fend off Facebook recommendations – Facebook will offer recommendations for you through the “tag suggestion.” This feature detects photos you like and uses that information to generate suggestions.

Disable the “timeline and tagging” link in the left-hand column of the privacy setting page. Near the bottom, click the edit button on “Who sees tag suggestions” and select the “No One.”

4) Pamper your page – change you settings so you get a text message whenever a friend tags a post or photo on your wall.

Change this under the “Notification” setting in left-hand column of the privacy setting page.

While Facebook’s newest release provides new search capabilities, your privacy is yours.

Consumers’ Phones Being Flooded with Annoying Robocalls

1/14/2013

Posted on 1/14/2013 by

BBBs across the country are being inundated with calls from consumers complaining about an increase in annoying “robocalls”. The callers use automated dialers that can place thousands of calls per minute. The phone numbers they call may come from lists that the companies have acquired or may be randomly generated by the auto-dialers.

Robocalls often use a technology called “spoofing” to disguise the originating phone number. Most, if not all, of the calls violate the Do Not Call Registry.

The most common products being peddled on these calls are offers to reduce credit card interest rates and offers for free home security systems. The automated messages are often deceptive and/or use scare tactics, claiming that:

They’re calling on behalf of the consumer’s credit card issuer.

A government program allows them to reduce credit card interest rates.

There have been burglaries in the neighborhood and they’re calling on behalf of the police or homeowners’ association.

The call generally instructs you to press 1 to be connected to a live representative or 2 to be deleted from the call list. Many of the people who opt to speak to a live representative end up being convinced to divulge credit card information to enroll in a debt relief program or to pay upfront fees for services. They usually get little or nothing in return for any charges they authorize and may get hit with one or more unauthorized charges.

There is very little that consumers can do to stop these calls. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has had some success in shutting down robocall operations; however, it’s even been stymied in its efforts to put an end to these calls. The FTC convened a summit of experts to explore innovative ways to stop the calls and even offered a $50,000 prize to an individual, group or small company that can come up with a solution.

The BBB advises that consumers heed the following advice when dealing with robocalls:

<!-Hang up immediately on any robocall offering reduced credit card interest rates or home security systems, unless you are certain it’s from a current provider or is a legitimate offer.

<!--Do not press any numbers while on the call as that may simply confirm to the people originating the call that they’ve reached a valid phone number.

<!--Do not press 2 in the hopes of being deleted from the call list.

<!--Do not press 1 to listen to the offer or speak to a representative.

A consumer reported that she pressed 1 to speak to a representative. After she refused to provide her credit card number, the caller told her that $10,000 would be charged to her account at a 29% interest rate, that she had committed a crime according to the BBB and that she was stupid and uneducated.

The BBB has no involvement in such calls and cannot lower the rates on your credit cards.

Don't Fall for Medicare Card Phone Scam

1/11/2013

Posted on 1/11/2013 by

Seniors nationwide are reporting scam phone calls informing them that a new Medicare card is in the mail. Hang up on suspicious callers and don't fall for this attempt to obtain your personal information.

How the Scam Works:

You answer the phone, and the unknown caller, often with an accent, claims to be with Medicare or another government office. He informs you that your new Medicare card is in the mail, and you will receive it in a few days. In the meantime, you need to set up your direct deposit so your Medicare funds can be deposited into your bank account. To do this, you just need to tell the caller your banking information information. He/she will take care of the rest.

Of course, there is no new card and no direct deposit. The caller just wants you to share your banking information so he/she can steal from your account.

A Twist on the Medicare Card Scam:

This is just one twist on the Medicare card scam. Scammers may also ask you to verify your identity in order to receive the new card. They will ask for your Medicare card number, which is the same as your Social Security number, as well as other personal information. With that info, a scammer can easily steal your identity.

How Can I Avoid Medicare Card Identity Theft?

It can be hard to know when to allow macros in your Microsoft files. Follow these tips to ensure you don't accidentally allow a virus to run on your computer.

Don't carry your Medicare card around in your wallet. If the card is lost or stolen a scammer can use the information to commit identity theft.

Don't give your information out over the Internet, over the phone, or to anyone who comes to your home uninvited. Only give personal information to doctors or other providers approved by Medicare
If you suspect identity theft, or feel like you gave your personal information to someone you shouldn't have, call the Federal Trade Commission's ID Theft Hotline at 1-877-438-4338.

For More Information

See Medicare.gov for more information about Medicare fraud, ID theft and other issues. For advice on preventing these crimes, check out this PDF.

To find out more about scams, check out the new BBB Scam Stopper.

Be Brick Smart if You Choose a Brick Home Exterior

1/10/2013

Posted on 1/10/2013 by

When you’re looking to make home improvements, it’s important to balance reliability, cost-effectiveness and attractive design. Whether you are remodeling an existing home or working with a builder on a new home, if you choose brick, make sure you know what to expect. Better Business Bureau and the Brick Industry Association recommend the following tips to help home buyers choose the right brick exterior.

Understand your options. Although a production builder will likely offer a limited brick selection that will be packaged with other trim and detail features – such as matching brick and shutter styles – home buyers may be able to mix and match various options to achieve a unique look.

Be brick smart. There are three major types of brick manufacturing available, at widely different price points.

· Most modern construction brick is extruded – forced through a rectangular die – then sliced into individual bricks with added textures, making it the lowest-cost brick option.

· Machine-molded bricks offer the look and elegance of handmade brick but at a more affordable price.

· Handmade brick are pressed into wood molds in a traditional process that goes back centuries, and cost more than extruded or other machine-made brick.

Understand your contract. Review your contract to determine what your builder allows and your options (both standard and what can be ordered) and compare that to your available budget.

Visit your brick distributor’s showroom. Your local brick distributor can show you hundreds of sample bricks, demonstrate how mortar can change the look of your brick, and direct you to actual sample houses.

Don’t forget the mortar. Mortar makes up 20 percent of a brick wall, and comes in different colors and shades. A minor change in mortar color could dramatically change the look of your house. Many home buyers now match the mortar to the brick for a monochromatic, seamless look, and often used computer or Web-based programs to view their options.

Roof, shutters and trim create the total package. The type and color of your roof shingles and window shutters will also have a dramatic effect on your home’s overall appearance. Where possible, use a computer or Web-based program that allows you to mix and match roof and shutter options to determine the finished look you want.

Consider the details. Custom arches and windowsills can personalize the look of your home. Custom brick detailing comes in several varieties—from projecting the brickwork on the corners of your home to installing artistic designs above doorways or other locations.

Always compare your options. Other exterior options may cost less than brick, so review the pros and cons of different exteriors such as vinyl, fiber cement, concrete masonry, manufactured stone, and exterior insulation finishing system.

For more BBB tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/betterbusinessbureau.

Don’t Let Paperless, E-Receipts Compromise Your Personal Information

1/10/2013

Posted on 1/10/2013 by

Have you ever opted for a paperless, e-receipt? Some retailers and banks have started offering customers the option of receiving receipts from purchases and ATM transactions via email. While this is a convenient alternative to paper clutter, Better Business Bureau is reminding shoppers to protect their identity in the process.

Many retailers offer e-receipts for both our convenience and theirs. E-receipts save retailers money, and they make it easier for you to electronically file them away until they’re needed for returns, warranties or taxes.

E-receipts can often be tied to your store affinity card, but you can often opt for paperless simply by providing your email address to the clerk at the time of purchase.

There are also online companies that offer to organize and store digital receipts. You must create an account and provide your credit or debit card information, which the company uses to track transactions. After purchases, the company retrieves receipt information directly from retailers and stores it online. Be careful! Obviously this kind of service is ripe for scammers to mimic in order to steal your information.

While paperless receipts may offer savings for retailers and convenience to you, be sure you’re aware of what else you could be receiving in your inbox. Along with receipts, businesses may send “junk mail” filled with surveys, coupons and other promotional offers. They may also use your information to build profiles on demographics and buying habits.

For shoppers who are interested in opting for the paperless, e-receipt, BBB offers the following tips:

Find out how the business plans to keep your information secure. You’ll want to check to see if the business plans on selling your information to third-parties. If they do, be on the lookout for unsolicited emails requesting your personal information; they could be scams that download malware on your computer.

Ask if you can opt-out of receiving promotional emails. Now that the business has your email address, it’s possible you’ll start to receive coupons, newsletters and other promotional emails from them…and even from others if they’ve sold or shared your data. You may want to set up a separate email address to use for paperless receipts so that you can easily monitor it for spam.

Beware of scams! Having receipts emailed can also make you susceptible to phishing and other identity theft scams. Scammers pose as retailers or banks with realistic-looking emails that may claim there are problems with your purchase and request that you click a link to fix it. The link may take you to a fraudulent site that asks for your personal information, or it might download malware on your computer that will search your hard drive for account numbers and passwords.

Make sure your anti-virus software is up-to-date. Whether or not you plan to increase your internet and email use, it’s always a good idea to make sure your system’s security plan is updated regularly. Spammers feed off of online shoppers who fail to update their security patches.

For more BBB tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/betterbusinessbureau.

Three Things You Need to Know Before Investing

1/10/2013

Posted on 1/10/2013 by

Investments take risk; sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. But smart investors know that the best way to minimize risk is to educate yourself about your basic rights, the protections you are entitled to under the law, and the common scams and frauds to avoid. Better Business Bureau has teamed up with the FINRA Investor Education Foundation to bring you up-to-date research and tools on investment fraud at BBB Smart Investing.

Studies have shown that investment scams have risen in the last decade. Baby Boomers are managing their own retirement funds and are particularly vulnerable. In 2011, according to the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), state and provincial regulators in the U.S., Canada and Mexico launched more than 2,600 administrative, civil and criminal enforcement actions involving investors, 1 in 5 of whom were seniors.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) suggests three key steps to take before investing:

Check out the seller. A legitimate investment professional must be licensed. Before giving out your personal information, ask whether the seller is registered with FINRA, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or your state securities regulator. Find registration and other information on individual brokers, securities firms and investment advisor firms at: www.SaveAndInvest.org/CheckSeller.

Ask questions. Are you licensed to sell this investment to me? Is this investment registered with the SEC?

Check out the investment. Check whether the investment itself is registered. Confirm whether a security is registered with the SEC and get access to a company’s financial information by using the SEC’s EDGAR Database. Learn how at www.SaveAndInvest.org/CheckInvestment.

For more information on protecting yourself from investment fraud, visit www.bbb.org/smartinvesting and www.saveandinvest.org.

Sweepstakes Letters Offer No Return

1/9/2013

Posted on 1/9/2013 by

When you’re living on a fixed income, the chance that you’ve been selected in a sweepstake can create a bit of excitement.

Joe, a Boise resident, says the letter from Reader’s Digest Sweepstakes Award, looked to be real. It stated that he was the rightful owner of a $920,000 grand prize. All he needed to do was contact Anthony Williams or Stacy Anderson.

“Contact our office and our representative will assist you with insurance fee, legal fee, and documentation fee as well as your taxes,” he says.

And to top it off, “Enclosed is a cheque” to help pay all fees.

Joe was alert if you win a sweepstakes you don’t have to pay anything. It’s a sweepstakes, but the tipoff was the Canadian spelling for “check.” The envelope was stamped "Canada" and the return address was from Hart & Associates, Surrey, British Columbia. The letter was signed David Williams, vice-president.

Joe folded up the letter and accompanying check and mailed it to BBB.

Better Business Bureau is warning residents about the sweepstakes scam. The letter bears a Reader’s Digest letterhead and a New York City address, and has a check for more than $9,000, supposedly issued by Tower Hill Insurance. Neither company is involved in the phony sweepstakes.

Reader’s Digest issued the statement saying, “the reputations of legitimate corporations whose names are being hijacked are also tarnished. Our own company, Reader’s Digest, has fallen victim to these thieves, as have other well-known firms.”

The phone number to call is 778-714-0498 is registered for British Columbia region.

When consumers call the telephone number, they are urged to deposit the check drafted on a Wachovia Bank account that is provided to aid in the mandatory payment of the insurance and administrative fees and send some money back. Tower Hill Insurance, in this instance, has issued a statement and is working diligently with national law enforcement to help solve these crimes.

BBB’s advice:

· Never wire money to someone you don’t know personally and trust completely. Once the money is wired, it’s gone.

· Don’t believe claims that you must pay the prize company for “taxes.” The IRS will contact you about any taxes due.

· If you have to pay to get a lotto/sweepstakes prize, don’t fall for it: it’s a scam!

Reader’s Digest encourages consumers who have fallen victim to file a report at www.fraud.org.

Be prepared and educated before attending a bridal expo

1/9/2013

Posted on 1/9/2013 by
Planning a wedding involves orchestrating a symphony of vendors, and bridal expos can be a great one-stop shop to find everything a bride is looking for. But before making an emotional decision or signing on that dotted line, Better Business Bureau encourages couples to take their time and do their research.

Every year, BBB receives hundreds of complaints against wedding services and suppliers. Most complaints allege contract disputes and failure on the part of the vendor to provide the agreed upon services.

BBB offers these tips to help brides navigate a bridal expo:

Research exhibitors ahead of time. Visit the bridal expo's website to educate yourself on the various exhibitors that will be in attendance. This can help you narrow down which booths you’d like to go to and which exhibitors you’re interested in speaking to.
Ask the right questions. Before falling in love with a vendor, first ask if the company is available for your wedding date. Also ask about its various packages and pricing to ensure the company fits within your budget.
Get all promises in writing. Be sure to document with whom you spoke and all verbal agreements made or mentioned. Obtain a business card before you leave and set a time to follow up after the show. Don’t be pressured to put down a large deposit for fear of losing out.
Research the vendor before signing a contract. Go to centraltx.bbb.org to see a company’s rating and any history of complaints. Additionally, ask each potential vendor for a list of references so that you can speak to brides who have successfully used the company.
Create a new email just for the show. Whether you are pre-registering or signing up at the door, it is a good idea to create a new email for wedding vendor communication. This allows the bride to keep track of all of the special offers and promotions she will likely receive after the show. This can also help reduce high volumes of email in your personal inbox.
Bring someone you trust. Bring someone with you that is not as emotionally or financially connected to the wedding planning. This individual may provide a different, yet helpful, perspective when talking with vendors and visiting booths.

Better Business Bureau Names “Top Ten Scams” of 2012

1/9/2013

Posted on 1/9/2013 by

Arlington, VA (January 9, 2013) – The Better Business Bureau investigates thousands of scams every year, and this past year launched two websites to help consumers figure out which offers are real and which ones are possibly frauds:

BBB Smart Investing (www.bbb.org/smartinvesting), developed in partnership with the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, informs consumers about investment fraud, Ponzi schemes and risky investments, and helps them assess their risk, check out brokers, and avoid getting taken.

BBB Scam Stopper (www.bbb.org/scamstopper), developed in partnership with Western Union, educates consumers about the major types of scams and provides information on how to avoid them and how to report them.

The annual “Top Ten Scams” list is culled from a variety of sources. BBB gathers information on scams from consumers, some of whom have been victims of scams; from federal agencies; and from other reliable information sources.

“It’s hard to say which are the ‘biggest’ scams, as far as the number of people affected or the amount of money stolen, because many go unreported or under-reported,” said Carrie A. Hurt, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “Some of these scams have been around as long as BBB – 100 years – and some take advantage of brand new technologies. Our list is made up of the ones that seemed the most audacious, the most egregious. They hurt a lot of people, and it seems that scams are only getting more prevalent even as consumers are getting savvier.”

Here are BBB’s Top Ten Scams of 2012:

Top Overpayment/Fake Check Scam: Car Ads

The online ad says something like “Get Paid Just for Driving Around” – a prominent company is offering $400+ per week if you’ll drive around with their logo all over your car. They send a check to you, which you are supposed to deposit in your account and then wire part of the payment to the graphic designer who will customize the ad for your vehicle. Whoops! A week later, the check bounces, the graphic designer is nowhere to be found, and you are out the money you wired. The Internet Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov) says they saw this one a lot in 2012.

Top Emergency Scam: Grandparents Scam

The “Grandparents Scam” has been around a while, but it’s still so prevalent we need to mention it again: grandchild/niece/nephew/friend is traveling abroad and calls/texts/emails to say he or she has been mugged/arrested/hurt and needs money right away (“…and please don’t tell mom and dad!”). Plus the FBI says that, thanks to social media, it’s getting easier and easier for scammers to tell a more plausible story because they can use real facts from the supposed victim’s life (“Remember that great camera I got for Christmas?” “I’m in France to visit my old college roommate.”). Easy rule of thumb – before you wire money in an emergency, check with the supposed victim or their family members to make sure they really are traveling. Odds are they are safe at home.

Top Employment Scam: Mystery Shopping

If you love to shop, working as a secret shopper may sound like an ideal way to supplement your income. But scammers have figured that out, too, and many job offers are nothing more than a variation on the Overpayment/Fake Check Scam (above). Sometimes they even tell you that evaluating the wire service company is part of the job, which is why you need to send back part of the money. The Mystery Shopping Providers Association says it’s not the practice of their members to pre-pay shoppers, but if you have your heart set on this type of job, you can find a legitimate gig through their website at www.mysteryshop.org.

Top Advance Fee/Prepayment Scam: Nonexistent Loans

Loan scams continued to fester in 2012. It seems for every legitimate lender out there, there is a scammer waiting to prey on people in desperate situations. Most of the scams advertise online and promise things like no credit check or easy repayment terms. Then the hook: you have to make the first payment upfront, you have to buy an “insurance policy,” or there is some other kind of fee that you have to pay first to “secure” the loan. This year, we heard a new, aggressive twist on loan scams: consumers who were threatened with lawsuits and law enforcement action if they didn’t “pay back” loans they said they had never even taken out in the first place. Some got calls at their workplace, even to relatives. The embarrassment of being thought of as a delinquent caused some victims to pay even when they knew they didn’t owe the money.

Top Phishing Scam: President Obama Will Pay Your Utility Bills

Of all the politically-related scams, this one seemed to be the most prevalent. At the peak of summer with utility costs soaring, consumers got emails, letters and even door-to-door solicitations about a “new government program” to pay your utility bills. Hey, the president wants to get re-elected, right? Maybe he’s just trying to win votes. Victims “registered” with an official-looking website and provided everything scammers needed for identity theft purposes, including bank account information.

Top Sweepstakes/Lottery Scam: Jamaican Phone Lottery

This is an old one that flared up again this year. We consider it flattering (in a weird way) that BBB is such a trusted brand that we “star” in so many scams! In this one, the calls come from Jamaica (area code 876) but the person claims to represent BBB (or FBI, or other trusted group). Great news: you’ve won a terrific prize (typical haul: $2 million and Mercedes Benz) but you have to pay a fee in order to collect your winnings. There are lots of variations on this; sometimes it’s a government grant. Best just to hang up and then file a phone fraud report with the appropriate government agency (see below).

Top Identity Theft Scam: Fake Facebook Tweets

Two top social media sites were exploited in one of this year’s top scams. You get a Direct Message from a friend on Twitter with something about a video of you on Facebook (“ROFL they was taping you” or “What RU doing in this FB vid?” are typical tweets). In a panic, you click on the link to see what the embarrassing video could possibly be, and you get an error message that says you need to update Flash or other video player. But the file isn’t a new version of Flash; it’s a virus or malware that can steal confidential information from your computer or smart phone. Twitter recommends reporting such spam, resetting your password and revoking connections to third-party applications.

Top Home Improvement Scam: Sandy “Storm Chasers”

BBB spends a lot of time investigating and reporting on home improvement scams, but this year we saw an unusual amount of “storm chaser” activity following Super Storm Sandy. Tree removal, roofing, general home repairs – some were legitimate contractors who came from other areas for the volume of work available; others were unlicensed, uninsured and ill-prepared for the work; while some were even out-and-out scam artists who took the money and never did the work. In an emergency, it’s tempting to skip reference checking, but that’s never a good idea. BBB has tens of thousands of Accredited Businesses in the home contracting field who are committed to upholding our mission of trust. Next time you need home repairs, find a contractor at www.bbb.org/search.

Top Sales/Rental Scam: Real Stars, Fake Goods

Sports memorabilia and phony tickets always make the list of top counterfeit goods. From the Super Bowl to the World Series, counterfeiters manage to have their hands in your pocket all year long. With the London Olympics added to the mix, it appears that 2012 was a good year for sports fakes. Some scammers were selling cheap knock-offs in front of stadiums. Others set up websites that just stole your money and never had any goods to begin with. Counterfeit goods are not only a rip-off for you because the merchandise is usually shoddy, but they are also a rip-off for the teams, athletes, designers and artists who create, license and sell the real thing. Buy directly from team stores and websites, or from legitimate retailers. You’ll pay a little more, but it will be the real deal. Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Scam of the Year: Newtown Charity Scams

Within hours of the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, social media pages dedicated to the child victims began cropping up…and some of them were scams asking for money. The FBI has already arrested one woman for posing as the aunt of one of the children killed, and state and federal agencies are investigating other possible fraudulent and misleading solicitations. In response to these reports, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offered tips for donors to understand how and when to best support those dealing with such a tragic crisis. Although the number of people defrauded and the total dollars stolen is most likely low, the cynicism and sheer audacity of these scams merits our selecting it as the “Top Scam of 2012.”

More information for consumers:

For more information on these and other scams, go to BBB Scamstopper. Sign up for our Scam Alerts and learn about new scams as soon as we do.

To search for a business in the U.S. or Canada, or to find your local BBB, go to BBB.org.

For information on charities, go to Give.org.

For information on U.S. government services, go to: USA.gov.

For information on Canadian government services, go to Service Canada.

ABOUT BBB:

For 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2011, consumers turned to BBB more than 100 million times for Business Reviews on more than 4 million companies and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at www.bbb.org. The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for 114 local, independent BBBs across the United States and Canada, as well as home to its national programs on dispute resolution and industry self-regulation.

Watch Out for Malware Disguised as Sudoku Generator

1/4/2013

Posted on 1/4/2013 by

A scam that promises unlimited Sudoku puzzles is extra tempting this time of year. You have hours to kill sitting through a slow day at work, waiting at the airport or hanging out at a relative's house. It's a great time to waste time.

How the Scam Works:

You receive a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that promises to automatically generate Sudoku puzzles. However, when you open the file and try to create a new puzzle, you get a message that you need to "enable macros" by disabling the software's security setting.

If you do so, you will allow the malware to run on your computer. It will scan your system and send an email with details about your machine, according to computer security blog Naked Security.

What are Macros?

If you perform a task repeatedly in Microsoft Excel (or another Microsoft Office program), you can speed up your work by automating the task with a macro, a series of commands. However, macros are also a common way for scammers to sneak malware onto your computer.

Back in the 1990s, scammers frequently used this trick until Microsoft set all its software to automatically block macros. This adjustment forced scammers to abandon this technique and find new ways of fooling users. With this new malware, scammers hope that today's Excel users have forgotten all about macros.

My File is Asking me to Enable Macros. Is This a Scam?

It can be hard to know when to allow macros in your Microsoft files. Follow these tips to ensure you don't accidentally allow a virus to run on your computer.

Whenever you open an Excel workbook that contains macros, you can verify their source before you enable them. Just look for the digital signature, an electronic stamp of authenticity. Learn more about macros
Set your macro security level to control what happens when you open a workbook that contains a macro. You can choose to run macros based on whether they are digitally signed by a developer on your list of trusted sources. (To find this setting, go to the Tools menu, Macro submenu. Then, click the "Security Level" tab in the "Security" dialog box).
Watch out for macros in other Microsoft software. This scam involves Excel, but if this technique works, scammers will produce similar tricks using Power Point and Word Documents.

For More Information

Learn more about macros on Microsoft's support website.

To find out more about scams, check out BBB Scam Stopper.

Free Money Isn't Really Free

1/3/2013

Posted on 1/3/2013 by

Maria Malano (not her real name) came to the United States under all the normal – if you can call being a political refugee normal – ways.

Once she arrived in Boise, her priority was to make a living. Overcoming the typical barriers, she set out to establish a sewing/alteration business. This was something she had learned in her home country of Bosnia.

Short on start-up money, she went online. The company she'd contacted was found on the Internet. Malano contacted the Summit Business Consultants in Las Vegas, Nevada. Better Business Bureau issued an "F" rating for Summit Business Consultants.

Next, she contacted the Small Business Development Center to see if there was more she could be doing.

"She'd received approval for a $203,000 grant," says Betti Newburn, with SBDC located on Boise State University's campus, who began working with Malano. "They were going to charge her between $5,000 and $6,000 to complete the grant application and business plan – depending on the number of hours required."

Newburn says Malano had talked to four to five Summit "consultants," all on different phone numbers. Most consultants simply answered "hello" as opposed to stating the company name, as is customary, Newburn says.

"My investigation created many 'red flags,'" she says. "Needless to say, we were able to protect our client and refer her to legitimate sources of possible funding."

BBB says be wary of online searches for grants, loans and "free money." Solicitations - email or mail – offer claims that "foundations can be a better source for finance than banks" and "anyone can get an interest-free cash grant." Responding to such postings or email solicitations generally ask for an upfront application fee of $20 to $50, and a promise to match the applicant with a suitable private foundation. Or, they may promise to provide a list of available grants.

Ron Berning, program director for META, says Malano is a great candidate to work with the META program. META (MicroEnterprise Training & Assistance) is a Boise-based nonprofit that specializes in the support needed to launch and grow local businesses through our microloan funds, one-on-one consulting, and business plan training courses.

"We don't only help refugees, but all small businesses that are looking for initial funding," says Berning.

City, state and government agencies offer assistance in small business funding, as well. The first stop when investigating any business offering funding is www.bbb.org.

Newburn says, "I am glad she came here before writing a check, but I assume others get taken or they would not continue."

BBB offers this:

Watch out for phrases like "free grant money." Grants do not have to be repaid; thus there is no need to use the word "free."

Organizations do not usually give out grants for personal debt consolidation, or to pay for other personal needs.

Grants are usually given only to serve a social good, such as bringing jobs to an area, training under-employed youth, preserving a bit of history, etc.

Always remember to check out any company you plan to do business with by contacting Better Business Bureau (BBB). Also check with a regional or state economic development office to see if they know of grant programs for which you might qualify.

Visit your public library. Ask a librarian to help you find reference books describing foundations and the criteria they use in awarding grants.

Be wary if you are asked to provide money up-front to an unknown company before the company will provide the promised services.

BBB Advises Caution When Considering Diet, Weight Loss Plans

1/3/2013

Posted on 1/3/2013 by

Almost as soon as consumers push away from holiday dinner tables, advertising for weight loss products and health clubs begins to hit the airwaves, the Internet, newspapers and other media.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to be skeptical of ads promising quick and easy ways to lose weight. Doctors, dietitians and other experts agree that the best way to lose weight is to eat less and increase your physical activity so you burn more energy.

At this time of year, you’re likely to see claims such as, “Lose weight without diet or exercise,” “Block the absorption of fat, carbs or calories!” or “Lose weight with our miracle diet patch or cream.” Some companies use celebrity endorsements to promote their products.

One particularly annoying ad online shows a woman’s midriff that shrinks and expands, while promoting “one weird trick” or tip to lose weight that is revealed if you click on the ad. The Federal Trade Commission has linked the belly ad and similar ones to a network of companies that promote everything from African mangoes to potions made from acai berries. The FTC says that millions of people have been conned by the ads.

Deceptive ads lure consumers into buying diet pills, treatments or ‘cures’ with the promise of better health, fitness or appearance. But many of these products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and may be ineffective or even harmful. In most cases, they’re a waste of money.

The BBB processes hundreds of complaints against weight loss products and health clubs every year. Complaints range from recurrent charges on credit cards for “free” products to dissatisfaction with the hours or service provided by fitness clubs.

The BBB advises you to watch for false claims and consider your needs and budget:

Avoid products that claim to help you lose weight without diet or exercise. Doctors, dietitians and other experts agree that losing weight takes work. Pass up any product that promises miraculous results without any effort.
Be skeptical of claims that you don’t have to give up favorite foods or reduce the amount you consume. Try filling up on healthy vegetables and fruits so you can resist high-calorie treats. However, eliminating all your favorites could set you up to fail. It’s better to limit portion size or how frequently you indulge.
Determine your fitness goals. It’s hard work to lose weight, and you need to find a program you can stick with, and preferably one that you enjoy. Find a health club or exercise facility that is convenient and that offers times that fit with your schedule.
Visit the facility before joining. Check on cleanliness, adequacy of space, machines and qualifications of instructors and any other factors important to you. Ask if you can try the facility out before you join.
Consider your budget. Ask the health club about joining or enrollment fees and ongoing monthly costs. Does a weight loss plan require you to buy special foods? Can you cancel if you move or find that the program doesn’t meet your needs? If the facility closes, can you transfer your membership to another facility?
Read the entire contract. Does it list all services and facilities and hours of operation? Is everything the saleperson promised included in the contract? What’s included in the monthly fee and what will cost you extra? What is the total cost, including enrollment fees and finance charges?
Check with the BBB first. Anyone can check a company’s BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org or by calling 208-342-4649 during business hours. Look at the firm’s complaint history and whether the complaints were resolved.

Before starting an exercise program or diet, the BBB advises consumers to consult a doctor for an assessment of over-all health risk. Get the doctor’s recommendations on weight-loss options and/or exercise regimens that fit your health status and ability to stick with it.

If your doctor prescribes a medication to assist in weight loss, ask about complications or side effects. Tell the doctor about other medications or over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements you may be taking.

If You Buy Prescriptions Online, Be Aware of Possible Scam

12/10/2012

Posted on 12/10/2012 by
"He was starting to get under my hide," says 65-year-old Pauline from Nampa, of the caller claiming to be a DEA agent.
Thomas J. Gormam, DEA investigator, out of Detroit, Mich. Badge No. 101525, soon found out that he'd dialed the wrong number. Not that he wasn't trying to reach the Pauline and her daughter, only that his scam was not going to work here. (Phone number – 313-355-8134)

Identifying himself as a DEA agent, he told the victims the agency had completed an investigation in to people who were buying drugs over the Internet or by telephone. And, so, Pauline did confess that her daughter had bought diet pills from a pharmacy online, but that was nearly four years ago.

"He said, 'We just shut down an illegal pharmacy, and just shut down the factory. The DEA has two orders of diet pills she'd ordered,'" Pauline says.

With her daughter in tears, the fraud continued. It's been almost a year since the Drug Enforcement Administration first warned the public about criminals posing as DEA special agents or other law enforcement personnel as part of an international extortion scheme.

The DEA says it has received calls from more than 2,000 victims. The agency estimates there are many more people who fell or almost fell for the scam that they don’t know about.
And while the extortion calls continue, they are eerie in the fact they knew Pauline had shopped online at this pharmacy.
Pauline said she'd read reports in October of how police and investigators worldwide closed 18,000 online pharmacy sites, in what has become the largest-ever clampdown on criminal gangs selling unauthorized medicines online.

Mr. Gormam had the hook in. He told Pauline that since her daughter had a clean record, he could work something out.
"First thing off the bat; there was only one way to save her, either pay the fine rather than go to court or jail," she says. "As soon as he said 'a fine,' I said I'm really not comfortable talking to you over the phone, so I'd rather go through our Boise office."

That's when the man's voice changed, and he became threatening. Stating that she'd better be prepared, because within half an hour, he'd be there to arrest her daughter.

"How could an agent for DEA decide that it would only be a penalty?" she asks.

In most cases, the impersonators instruct their victims to pay the "fine" via wire transfer to a designated location, usually overseas, according to a DEA release. If victims refuse to send money, the impersonators often threaten to arrest them or search their property. Some victims who bought their drugs using a credit card also reported fraudulent use of their credit cards.
Pauline says it never got as far as that because she saw right through the imposter's pitch.

The agency posted a warning on its website, with a clear understanding: DEA agents will never contact the public by telephone or email to demand money or any other form of payment.
If you buy pharmacy drugs over the Internet, BBB reminds users to:

• use caution when purchasing any pharmaceuticals by telephone or through the Internet.

• use pharmacies that are registered with the DEA to sell controlled substance pharmaceuticals by Internet.

• remember there are risks of receiving unsafe, counterfeit, and/or ineffective drugs from outside the U.S.

• safeguard personal and financial information.

If you get a telephone call from someone claiming to be a DEA special agent or other law enforcement official seeking money, hang up and report the threat: 877-792-2873

Homeowners Tricked into Overpaying for Their Deed

12/10/2012

Posted on 12/10/2012 by
Homeowners nationwide are receiving letters asking them to pay upwards of $80 to obtain a certified copy of their property deed. What the mailings don't mention is that deeds are available from the county for a few dollars or less.

How the Scam Works:

You receive a letter in the mail in an official-looking "open immediately" envelope. It warns that you should have a certified copy of the deed to your house or condo. Getting a copy is easy; just pay the business $80 or more, and they will mail you one.

The letter is misleading. Deeds really only cost a few dollars, so the scammers are making a hefty profit.

As with most scams, the letters take several forms and the exact name, amounts and wording used change over time.

Some versions of the letters look like a bill. Others warn that an additional $35 will be tacked on to a base charge if you don't order by a set date. However, the mailing always uses an official sounding business name, including National Deed Service, Secured Document Company and Conveyance Transfer Services. These three all have a Washington DC return address and a toll-free number.

View a sample scam letter posted by the Missouri Attorney General.

How Can I Get a Copy of My Deed?:

If you are thinking about selling or refinancing your home, you will need a copy of your deed. But you don't need to pay scammers for one.

Where to get a new one: Call or check the website of the county clerk's office, where deeds are usually recorded.
What you need to get it: The street address of the property. There is no fee if you request the title yourself, but there may be a small charge for copying and certification.
How long it takes: The process takes about 10 business days in most cases.

For More Information

For more advice, check out www.bbb.org for more home improvement tips.

To find out more about scams, check out the new BBB Scam Stopper.

Make Sure Your Holiday Giving is Wise Giving

12/6/2012

Posted on 12/6/2012 by

December is a critical fundraising month for charities. Many people make year-end gifts for tax reasons, or to extend the spirit of thanksgiving and generosity to those less fortunate. BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers a few DOs and DON’Ts when it comes to charity giving, both at holiday time and year-round.

DON’T succumb to high-pressure, emotional pitches. Giving on the spot is never necessary, no matter how hard a telemarketer or door-to-door solicitor pushes it. The charity that needs your money today will welcome it just as much tomorrow…after you’ve had time to do your homework.

DO check out the charity carefully. Make sure you feel comfortable with how your money will be spent. Don’t just take the word of someone else; even good friends may not have fully researched the charities they endorse. Go to www.give.org to verify that a charity meets BBB Wise Giving Alliance’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

DON’T assume that only “low overhead” matters. How much money a charity spends on the actual cause – as compared to how much goes toward fundraising and administration – is an important factor, but it’s not the whole story. A charity with impressive financial ratios could have other significant problems such as insufficient transparency, inadequate board activity and inaccurate appeals.

DO be sure it’s the right charity. With so many charities in existence, their names can blur in a donor’s mind and similar-sounding organizations are common. Many phony charities purposefully choose a name that sounds familiar. Be sure you know which charity you’re supporting and that it’s not a case of mistaken identity.

DON’T assume that the charity wants any item you donate. Worn out, unusable or unwanted donated goods cost charities millions of dollars each year because the organization has to bear the cost of tossing the unacceptable donation. If you have questions about an item’s acceptability, call the charity and ask.

DO consider easy text-to-give options. The BBB Mobile Giving Foundation makes it easy to give smaller donations (usually $10) to charities they have selected and monitor, including those providing relief to victims of Hurricane Sandy. Go to www.mobilegiving.org to find out more.

Donors can check out BBB Wise Giving Alliance evaluations on nationally soliciting charities for free at www.give.org. Many BBBs also rate local and regional charities at www.bbb.org.

For more consumer tips this holiday season in both English and Spanish, visit www.bbb.org.

For the latest news, subscribe to our blog (www.bbb.org/blog), Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau) and follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/bbb_us).

Preventing Cold and Flu Season in the Work Place

12/6/2012

Posted on 12/6/2012 by

With cold and flu season upon us, the transfer of germs and illness in the workplace increases. Better Business Bureau advises business owners to take initiative in preventing the spread of illness.

Beginning in late November each year, the flu affects millions of us. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says this germy bug costs businesses nearly $10 billion in employee medical visits every year. Keep your employees healthy by maintaining a clean and productive work environment. The CDC has made it easier with a free employer tool kit, “Make It Your Business to Fight the Flu.”

Here are some tips to help protect employees and customers as much as possible:

Acquire products that ward off germs. Hand sanitizers, tissues and disinfectants are all products that can aid employees in keeping the workspace clean. Make them readily available throughout your workspaces.

Advise employees to stay home. While sick employees may deem it necessary to attend work, their presence will only expose healthy employees to contagions. If employees are sick, they should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer show symptoms. Consider creating a leave policy that allows employees to work from home should they (or their children) fall ill.

Enforce good hygiene in the work place. Institute the cleaning of shared equipment such as phones and computers, and wipe down common areas with disinfectant regularly. Remind employees of the importance of washing their hands, as well as covering their mouth when sneezing and/or coughing. Encourage them to “sneeze in your sleeve,” rather than into their hand, to reduce the spread of germs.

Promote flu shots. Search for on-site flu shots through your local hospital, retail pharmacy or other health care provider, or consider reimbursing some or all of the cost for employees to receive the shot on their own.

Hold a health fair. Contact your local hospital to see if they provide health fairs for employers. If your business isn’t large enough, you can possibly team up with others in your building, office park or neighborhood. If you are in a retail location, you can invite the community, as well. You can also contract the coordination of an on-site health fair with a company specializing in the service.

Be the example. It is important for the employer to follow the same advice being given to the employees. As the boss, it may seem impossible to take a sick day, but it is just as important for you to stay home and keep your germs out of the office.

Visit BBB’s website for more Business Tips or join our LinkedIn business group.

Purchasing a Gift Card? Read This First!

12/6/2012

Posted on 12/6/2012 by

Gift cards may take the guess work out of gift giving, but you sure don’t want to leave the recipient feeling bamboozled.

Gift cards make excellent presents, especially during the holidays when you’re unsure of what to buy for a family member or friend. But like everything else, gift cards may have hidden fees and strings attached. It’s important to read the fine print before buying and giving.

Both the United States and Canada have recently made changes in federal laws to improve consumers’ chances of getting full value out of the cards they buy and give. These rules generally apply to gift certificates, store gift cards and general use prepaid cards, which are often branded by payment networks such as Visa or MasterCard.

Here are some helpful tips from BBB regarding gift card purchases:

Buy from sources you know and trust. Avoid buying gift cards from online auction sites, because the cards may be counterfeit or may have been obtained fraudulently.

Read the fine print before you buy. Is there a fee to buy the card? If you buy a card by phone or online, are there shipping and handling fees? If you don't like the terms and conditions, buy elsewhere.

See whether any fees will be deducted from the card after you purchase it.

Inspect the card before you buy it. Verify that none of the protective stickers have been removed. Make sure 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.

Give the recipient your original receipt so they can verify the card's purchase in case it is lost or stolen.

Consider the financial condition of the retailer or restaurant.

Despite ongoing issues with gift cards, sales of gift cards are still expected to increase this year. According to a survey by Consumer Reports, 62 percent of consumers are planning to buy gift cards this holiday season.

For more information on U.S. regulations of gift cards:

www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt010.pdf

For more information on Canadian regulations of gift cards:

www.retailcouncil.org/advocacy/national/cards/GiftCardLegislation-Canada.pdf

For more consumer tips this holiday season in both English and Spanish, visit www.bbb.org.

For the latest news, subscribe to our blog (www.bbb.org/blog), Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau) and follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/bbb_us)

Stay Warm and Cozy This Winter with Energy Efficient Windows

12/6/2012

Posted on 12/6/2012 by

The winter weather is here and many consumers are looking to winterize their home and save money through better energy efficiency. Better Business Bureau and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) advise consumers to balance cost effectiveness with energy efficiency, as more efficient windows, doors and skylights can make a big difference in energy consumption over time.

According to the Energy Information Administration, home heating costs this winter are expected to rise by 10.2 percent for homeowners who rely on heating oil. Luckily, homeowners can fend off some of the rising energy costs by winterizing their home before the harshest weather takes hold.

“With the unpredictability of Mother Nature, it’s never too late to winterize your home,” noted Katherine Hutt, spokesperson for the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “Taking the time to do so gives you the peace of mind that you will not only save money, but be energy efficient as well.”

“NFRC’s independent ratings can help homeowners make informed choices when comparing the energy performance of replacement windows,” commented Jim Benney, CEO of NFRC. “Consumers in northern climates concerned about indoor comfort in the winter should pay special attention to U-factor ratings to determine which products are better at keeping heat in. The lower the U-factor, the better the performance.”

BBB and NFRC recommend the following checklist for consumers to consult when preparing their windows and skylights for the cold, winter months ahead:

Start by looking for products that carry the NFRC Energy Performance Ratings label. The label can help determine how well a product will perform its key functions - helping to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, keeping out wind, and resisting condensation. By using the information contained on the label, builders and consumers can reliably compare one product with another, and make informed decisions.

As with any home improvement project, it’s important to make sure you are dealing with a reputable contractor and reputable materials. BBB encourages consumers to consult with their home contractor to see that all energy performance materials carry this label. Check out www.bbb.org to find a home contractor you can trust.

If you are looking for a well insulated room, check the window’s U-Factor. During the cold winter months, you’ll want to make sure your windows are trapping heat. U-Factor ratings generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20. The lower the U-value, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.

Is your room sunny and bright? The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) rates how much solar radiation is admitted through the window. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window's solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits in the house.

Are you looking for a well lit room or one that’s on the dimmer side? Visible Transmittance is an optical property that indicates the amount of visible light transmitted through the window. VT is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted.

Make sure your window doesn’t give off any unwanted breeziness. Heat loss and gain occur by Air Leakage through cracks in the window assembly. The lower the AL, the less air will pass through cracks in the window assembly.

Check to see how well your window will resist the formation of condensation. The higher the Condensation Resistance (CR) rating, the better that product is at resisting condensation formation. While this rating cannot predict condensation, it can provide a credible method of comparing the potential of various products for condensation formation. CR is expressed as a number between 1 and 100.

Look for ENERGY STAR® products before making a purchase. ENERGY STAR helps consumers to easily identify products with superior energy performance. Since the energy efficiency performance of windows can vary by climate, ENERGY STAR’s performance criteria vary by climate zones, so that you can choose products that are best suited for where you live.

For more information of NFRC’s Energy Performance Ratings label, visit www.nfrc.org/label.aspx.

For more consumer tips this holiday season in both English and Spanish, visit www.bbb.org.

For the latest news, subscribe to our blog (www.bbb.org/blog), Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau) and follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/bbb_us)

BBB Tips: Staying Safe While Using Your ATM Machine

12/4/2012

Posted on 12/4/2012 by

With holiday shopping in full swing, many, if not most of us will be using our debit cards for transactions. That’s why many retailers have ATM machines in their place of business or an ATM machine is located close by. The problem is that scammers know this and want to take full advantage of this fact especially during the holiday season.

Let’s keep the holidays merry and bright. BBB provides the following tips on how to be safe when using an ATM machine during the day and night and how to protect yourself from being a victim of ATM skimming.

• Always pay close attention to the ATM and your surroundings. Don't select an ATM at the corner of a building -- corners create a blind spot. Use an ATM located near the center of a building. Do your automated banking in a public, well-lighted location that is free of shrubbery and decorative partitions or dividers.

• Maintain an awareness of your surroundings throughout the entire transaction. Be wary of people trying to help you with ATM transactions. Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked car nearby. When leaving an ATM make sure you are not being followed. If you are, drive immediately to a police or fire station, or to a crowded, well-lighted location or business.

• Do not use an ATM that appears unusual looking or offers options with which you are not familiar or comfortable.

• Do not allow people to look over your shoulder as you enter your PIN. Memorize your PIN; never write it on the back of your card. Do not re-enter your PIN if the ATM eats your card -- contact a bank official.

• Do not wear expensive jewelry or take other valuables to the ATM. This is an added incentive to the assailant.

• Never count cash at the machine or in public. Wait until you are in your car or another secure place.

• When using a drive-up ATM, keep your engine running, your doors locked and leave enough room to maneuver between your car and the one ahead of you in the drive-up line.

• Maintain a supply of deposit envelopes at home or in your car. Prepare all transaction paperwork prior to your arrival at the ATM. This will minimize the amount of time spent at the machine.

• Closely monitor your bank statements, as well as your balances, and immediately report any problems to your bank.

• If you are involved in a confrontation with an assailant who demands your money, COMPLY.

Using an ATM at Night:

• If possible, take another person with you.

• Park in a well-lighted area as close to the machine as possible.

• Do not use the machine if the lights on it are not working.

• If the view of the ATM machine is blocked by overgrown shrubbery or trees, or any other objects, use another machine.

• Notify the bank about the visibility problem.

How to Avoid being Skimmed

How skimming works

The devices planted on ATMs are usually undetectable by users—the makers of this equipment have become very adept at creating them, often from plastic or plaster, so that they blend right into the ATM’s façade. The specific device used is often a realistic-looking card reader placed over the factory-installed card reader. Customers insert their ATM card into the phony reader, and their account info is swiped and stored on a small attached laptop or cell phone or sent wirelessly to the criminals waiting nearby.

In addition, skimming typically involves the use of a hidden camera, installed on or near an ATM, to record customers’ entry of their PINs into the ATM’s keypad. We have also seen instances where, instead of a hidden camera, criminals attach a phony keypad on top of the real keypad ... which records every keystroke as customers punch in their PINs.

Skimming devices are installed for short periods of time—usually just a few hours—so they’re often attached to an ATM by nothing more than double-sided tape. They are then removed by the criminals, who download the stolen account information and encode it onto blank cards. The cards are used to make withdrawals from victims’ accounts at other ATMs.

- Inspect the ATM, gas pump, or credit card reader before using it…be suspicious if you see anything loose, crooked, or damaged, or if you notice scratches or adhesive/tape residue.

- When entering your PIN, block the keypad with your other hand to prevent possible hidden cameras from recording your number.

- If possible, use an ATM at an inside location (less access for criminals to install skimmers).

- Be careful of ATMs in tourist areas…they are a popular target of skimmers.

- If your card isn’t returned after the transaction or after hitting “cancel,” immediately contact the financial institution that issued the card.

Another BBB Phishing Scam. Don’t Bite!

12/3/2012

Posted on 12/3/2012 by

Phishing scams look like legitimate email, and they are getting more sophisticated every day. What these con artists are really after is your banking and financial information. And they won’t mind destroying your computer to get it.

Once again, scammers are sending emails that appear to come from your trusted Better Business Bureau. They’ll tell you that a complaint has been registered against your business, or that a customer has submitted a review of your business. (It doesn’t matter that you might not even OWN a business.)

The email will ask you to download and complete an attached form, or it will ask you to click on a link to view and respond to the consumer posting. Don’t do either!

The “attached form” is actually an executable file that will drop a nasty virus onto your system. Next thing you know, you’ll see a pop-up message that claims your computer is infected with dozens of viruses, and that will offer to clean your system for a fee. If you provide your credit card or banking information to have your system cleaned, you will waste your money, and the scammers will then have access to your funds and will steal even more of your money.

The links in the bogus email are dangerous, as well. They look like a link to a BBB page, but the code behind the link will actually route your browser to a website where malware is dropped onto your computer. The malware is written in such a way that it usually passes by anti-virus programs undetected. Once the malware is in place, the scammer can sniff for your banking information (including user names and passwords), and can use your system to send more scam emails out to your contacts under your name.

The bottom line is this: If you don’t own a business, you can disregard any BBB email that claims your company has been the subject of a customer communication. If you do own a business, you can always check with your local office to confirm the legitimacy of any email purporting to come from BBB. To find your local office, visit www.bbb.org/find. But never click on a link in an email or download an attachment unless and until you confirm that it truly came from BBB.

BBB would like you to send us any bogus emails claiming to come from BBB. Forward the email(s) to phishing@council.bbb.org. Don’t worry if you receive a notification that the email could not be delivered because of an attached virus. We pull them from quarantine and examine them anyway. Please understand that we would like to reply to each email, however, when the traffic to the phishing mailbox is particularly heavy, we might not be able to offer a direct reply. If you need personal assistance with an email, contact your local BBB.

Twin Falls USPS Warns of Phone Solicitation Scam

11/29/2012

Posted on 11/29/2012 by
It has come to the attention of US Postal Inspectors (federal law enforcement arm of the US Postal Service) that US Postal Service customers around the Twin Falls area are experiencing a fraudulent phone solicitation scam. These fraudulent scammers identify themselves as agents of the US Postal Service and are asking unsuspecting residents to provide personal information as part of a service to deliver packages held for them at their local Post Office. The callers even use the correct local Post Office phone numbers as proof they are legitimate. The main targets of this particular fraud are the residents of the Hispanic community.

Please be aware this is a fraudulent scam and targets unsuspecting Postal customers in an effort to obtain their personal information. The US Postal Service will never call and ask for personal identification information.

If you believe you have been a victim of this type of scam please contact the US Postal Inspectors at 1-877-876-2455 and your local police or sheriff’s office, to report that you believe you have been a victim of identity theft.

The following are tips you can use to prevent Identity Theft.

•Check your monthly bank statements for charges you don’t recognize.

•Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three national credit bureaus once a year from annualcreditreport.com.

•Take an active interest in the financial activities of your aging parents.

•Share information about scams with friends and family. Use social networking to help keep them safe.

On Giving Tuesday, Give Wisely

11/27/2012

Posted on 11/27/2012 by

BBB Wise Giving Alliance Offers
Tips for Holiday Donations

Arlington, VA – November 26, 2012 – Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, “a national day of giving at the start of the annual holiday season” that was started by several major charities. BBB Wise Giving Alliance enthusiastically supports Giving Tuesday, with the caveat that donors and volunteers make sure the charities they support are well-managed and make good use of their donations.

“Giving Tuesday is a great way to balance the excesses of the long weekend dedicated to eating and shopping,” said H. Art Taylor, President and CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. “But it’s important for donors to do a little homework first to make sure they are comfortable with each charity they support, not only its mission but also how well it follows guidelines for financial management, transparency and leadership.”

BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips:

1 . Consider more than finances.

How much money a charity spends on the actual cause – as compared to how much goes toward fundraising and administration – is an important factor, but it’s not the whole story. A charity with impressive financial ratios could have other significant problems such as insufficient transparency, inadequate board activity and inaccurate appeals.

2. Research before you give.

Even good friends may not have fully researched the charities they endorse, so don’t just take their word for it. Expertise is available. Go to give.org to see if a national charity meets the BBB’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. Visit bbb.org for information on local charities.

3. Be wary of high-pressure, emotional pitches.

Giving on the spot is never necessary, no matter how hard a telemarketer or door-to-door solicitor pushes it. The charity that needs your money today will welcome it just as much tomorrow.

4. Verify donated items are needed.

Worn out, unusable or unwanted donated goods cost charities millions of dollars each year because the organization has to bear the cost of tossing the unacceptable donation. If you have questions about an item’s acceptability, call the charity and ask.

5. Confirm the charity’s identity.

With so many charities in existence, their names can blur in a donor’s mind and similar-sounding organizations are common. Be sure you know which charity you’re supporting and that it’s not a case of mistaken identity.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance also has suggestions for businesses that engage in cause-related marketing promotions that announce a consumer purchase will help a charity. The business should be sure to (a) have a written agreement with the charity that authorized this use, and (b) disclose in promotions the actual or anticipated amount of the consumer purchase that will benefit the charity.

BBB Warns of Text Message Promising $1,000 Gift Card

11/16/2012

Posted on 11/16/2012 by

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning about huge numbers of consumers throughout country who are receiving “phishing” text messages on their cell phones promising a free gift card.

The message in one of these texts received by BBB yesterday reads: “Attn: Ne. Target shopper your entry won! Go to http://targetrdzn.com/?111 and enter code XXXX to claim your $1000 Target gift card now!” This link took the person to numerous pages asking for personal information in order to continue.

"At the beginning, in the fine print, it states that a consumer must fill out everything on each page in order to receive the gift card, and the offer “...is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any of the listed products or retailers”.

After completing the entire process, a call was received requesting $4.95 and a credit or debit card number to get two $100 gift vouchers to Target, Walmart, Home Depot or Best Buy. There was no mention of the original offer for a $1,000 Target gift card, and the BBB cannot verify that anyone has ever received a free gift card from these offers.

Consumers responding to these kinds of deals may unknowingly be registering for products that they would have to pay for. Also, you are giving out personal information to an unknown party that could sell it to others or use it to steal your identity.

The BBB advises people to be extremely cautious when responding to unsolicited text messages.

Clicking 'Like'? You are Helping Spam Go Viral

11/16/2012

Posted on 11/16/2012 by

The newest Facebook spam is probably clogging up your newsfeed right now. You've seen them: photos that have ten of thousands of "likes" and a caption that promises something amazing. Despite what these pics claim to be, they are just a way for shady businesses to make money off Facebook.

How the Scam Works:

An attention-grabbing photo appears in your Facebook newsfeed. The striking image has a caption (such as the one below) that promises something will happen in the photo if you "like" it or leave a particular comment.

But when you comment on the photo, nothing happens. The photo is just spam gone viral.

What's the point of these photos? Savvy spammers set up Facebook pages and populate them with funny and/or moving images. Each picture has a message that urges users to "like," share or comment on the posts. The images run the gamut from amusing teasers, such as the one above, to heart tugging images of sick children with captions that falsely promise "a dollar donated for each 'like.'"

The more times the images are shared or "liked," the more it boosts the spam page's "edge rank," the score a Facebook page is given to dictate how it interacts with other Facebook profiles. The higher your "edge rank," the more often the page appears in other users' newsfeeds. After the page accumulates enough fans and a high enough "edge rank," the spammers sell it.

I Spotted Facebook Spam. What Should I Do?

Don't share, like or comment on the images. That just perpetuates Facebook spam.
Report spam to Facebook by following these instructions.

For More Information

For tips on identifying Facebook scams and ensuring your account is secure, please see Facebook's Help Center.

To find out more about scams, check out the new BBB Scam Stopper.

BBB Tips for Holiday Budgeting and Shopping

11/15/2012

Posted on 11/15/2012 by

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday
Make Up a Busy Weekend for Holiday Shoppers

Grab your shopping bags and compile your lists, the biggest holiday shopping days are almost here! With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday all crammed into one long weekend, Better Business Bureau wants to help make your shopping adventure go as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips:

Create a budget and stick to it

According to the National Retail Federation, the average holiday shopper will spend $749.51 on gifts, decor, greeting cards and other seasonal items, up slightly from the $740.57 they spent last year. How can you keep from overspending? BBB has once again teamed up with Clearpoint Credit Solutions to offer the Holiday Planner Calculator. This easy-to-use online tool will help you create a budget that is realistic for the way you celebrate, entertain, travel and give gifts this holiday season.

Don’t fall for the too-good-to-be-true deal

On “Black Friday” (and every day), get to know retailers first by checking out their BBB Business Reviews at bbb.org. Compare prices before you hit the stores on Black Friday so you know if you really are getting a great deal. Newspapers will often have coupons that give discounts for Black Friday. When searching for coupons online, make sure to get them from the store’s website, not from an offsite deal promoter.

Shop small on Small Business Saturday

November 24 is Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on the busiest shopping weekend of the year. BBB is teaming up with American Express, a BBB Accredited Business and National Partner, to spread the word on why small businesses are so awesome. Here’s a fun infographic to show just how important small businesses are to our economy.

Watch out for scams

The new BBB Scam Stopper website can tell you all about the latest scams, and help you learn the most common tactics used by scam artists both in-person and online. Be especially careful of holiday related scams. Be sure that letter from Santa is from a legitimate site before you share your child’s personal information. And that friend or grandchild who was mugged while traveling and needs some cash wired ASAP? That’s a scam. Don’t fall for it!

Shop safely online

November 26^th is “Cyber Monday,” and there will be lots of online deals to be had. Before your surf the net, make sure your computer has the most recent updates for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Scammers use this holiday time to prey on online shoppers. Only shop on trusted websites, and look for the Ad Choices logo for sites that give you more control over whether advertisers can use your information for targeted advertising. It’s also best to use a credit card when shopping online because you can dispute the charges if you don’t receive the item you ordered.

Know your rights

Whether shopping retail or online, know your legal rights. U.S. 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. Consumers also 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, so be sure you understand return policies before you buy. Keep track of all receipts and documentation, too.

For more advice on safe shopping this holiday season, visit www.bbb.org. And check us out on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest consumer news: www.facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau.

Secret Shopper Job Offer Promises Easy Cash ... But Delivers a Scam

11/14/2012

Posted on 11/14/2012 by

Love to shop? Need extra money? Securing a part time job as a secret shopper may sound like an ideal way to supplement your income. But watch out for a detailed scam job offer that lures victims into parting with thousands of dollars.

How the Scam Works:

You receive a blast email informing you that you've been offered a job as a secret shopper. The email provides detailed, realistic instructions on how to conduct your secret evaluations. It even provides your first assignments: reporting on your neighborhood's Wal-Mart and Western Union. Sounds easy enough!

To get started, the email urges you to reply and confirm your mailing address. After doing this, you will receive in the mail an informational packet, which contains a fake check. This check supposedly covers your $300 payment and contains money to spend on your investigations.

The instructions tell you to deposit the check and subtract your fee. Then, use the rest to "evaluate" Western Union by sending three $950 money orders. Of course, a few days later, the bank will reject the check and delete the advanced funds from your account. You'll be out the more than $2,500 that you wired to the scammers.

As this scam gains more publicity, scammers will likely alter the exact stores and amounts featured. However, the central scam (depositing a fake check and wiring money before it clears) will remain the same.

I Was the Target of This Scam. What Should I Do?

Help law enforcement track the scammers by reporting it to the following agencies:

The Federal Trade Commission. Visit ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Visit www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect or call your local post office.
Your state or local consumer protection agencies. Visit www.naag.org

For More Information

For tips on avoiding the secret shopper scam and other fake check scams, check out this information on the FTC's website. The FTC provides detailed information about who's responsible for what in a check fraud case.

To find out more about scams, check out the new BBB Scam Stopper.

BBB Tips: Protecting Your Online Purchases When Being Delivered

11/14/2012

Posted on 11/14/2012 by

The countdown has begun! Christmas is closer than you think and now the buying frenzy begins. Like millions of people who wish to avoid the longs lines at stores, and who just like shopping from the comfort of their home, you do most of your shopping online. View merchandise, add to cart, buy and you’re done! Great. Now you just wait for your merchandise to be sent to you.

But have you considered what could happen if your merchandise is delivered to your home and you’re not there? Well we have and we have some tips to help protect your purchases from those who might want to take advantage of your shopping for themselves:

See if the store has the ability to allow you to track your purchases. If so, do so and often until you receive the merchandise. Contact the store immediately if not received when indicated.

None of the package delivery companies deliver on weekends. If you know you will not be at home, consider having your items shipped to your place of employment or to a trusted neighbor or friend.

Try and request a delivery time when you know you will be home if possible.

Ask the package delivery company to put your purchases somewhere they cannot be seen from the street, e.g. back porch, behind the back door, etc.

See if you can arrange to pick up your items at the package delivery company’s place of operations.

Request a signature upon delivery. This makes it harder on you but also harder on those who would want to steal your merchandise.

When you do receive your merchandise examine it immediately. If you believe it’s been tampered with, contact the store immediately.

Holiday times need to be stress free but you also need to know that scammers will be in full force. In this time of good will and giving, just be sure the good will and giving is done for those you care about and not for some stranger who sees the brown boxes in front of your home and thinks Christmas has come early for him!

Don't Be Fooled; Fake Postal Deliveries Look Real

11/8/2012

Posted on 11/8/2012 by

The tag has everything on it – USPS logo, UPC bar code, correct spelling good grammar, and a click through.

"Unfortunately we failed to deliver the postal package you have sent on the 27th of October in time, because the recipient's address is erroneous. Please go to the nearest UPS office ..." it states.

What? Wasn't his from the USPS?

Boise resident Nancy Hansen's reaction was completely accurate. "We do send package through USPS and through UPS, but we did not send one on the 27th."

The email address suggests that if you have questions, write to questions@u-usps.com. On examination, the email is "u-usps.com." There's an extra 'u.' When a internet search is done, it redirects to the USPS.com which is the real United States Postal Service. Email is undeliverable to the address.

"I'm assuming if I'd clicked on the 'print shipping label' button, it would have allowed access to my computer," she asked when she called BBB.

A quick call to the local UPS store, prompted this response: "We do not recognize this type of label, so we suggest that you contact the local UPS HUB at 116 N 42nd st [Boise], or call the main post office and give them the label number which is the very long number at the bottom of the label to see if it is valid."

The label has 30 digits on the UPC bar code is too long for anything the USPS uses, Postal Inspectors told BBB.

This is a SCAM email!

Some postal customers are receiving fictitious emails about a package delivery or online postage charge. The emails contain a link or an attachment that, when opened, installs a malicious virus that can steal personal information from your PC.

"The e-mail claims to be from the U.S. Postal Service and contains fraudulent information about an attempted or intercepted package delivery or postage charge. In the e-mail, you are instructed to click on a link, open an attachment or print a label," the statement reads.

But Postal Inspectors warn: Do not click on the link or open the attachment!

This is a phishing scam.

Phishing attacks use phone, fax, mail, email or malicious websites to solicit personal information by posing as a trustworthy organization.

BBB reminds:

•DO NOT give sensitive information – personal or financial – to anyone unless you are sure they are indeed who they claim to be.
•DO NOT give access to electronic information – via unknown links, emails or advertising.

For routine SPAM (i.e. advertisements, commercial content, social media) the best course of action is to simply delete the message.

Know Your Rights on Door-to-Door Meat Sales

11/6/2012

Posted on 11/6/2012 by
With holiday season upon us, BBB warns of companies going door to door selling packaged meat.

Trucks like these are making their way into the southwest region of Idaho, with their door-to-door sales tactics. BBB says be ready and understand these types of sales.

Nationwide, inquiries and complaints against companies who sell boxes of meat for hundreds of dollars via door-to-door sales in residential communities come in all year-long. Complaints always seem to rise during the holiday seasons. In the past year, nearly 98 people have complained to BBB against meat sellers, more than 11 in the Snake River Region.

Complaints generally involve product dissatisfaction and sales tactics, but most complaints allege inability to reach the company after the sale.

“If you change your mind after you’ve paid for the meat and call the company for a refund, chances are the company is not going to answer the phone or return your calls,” said Dale Dixon, president/CEO of the BBB serving the Snake River Region. “It seems they deliberately avoid contact in the chance that you’re requesting a refund.”

BBB wants residents to know their rights which include canceling a sale made on their doorsteps, and the proper and correct procedure to follow.

The Three Day Right to Cancel, or “Cooling-Off Rule”, allows a person to cancel a purchase of $25 or more within three days. The transaction must be initiated by a face-to-face solicitation away from the merchant’s regular place of business.

“If you’ve bought something at your home, at a fair park, a mall or a trade show and you change your mind, put your cancellation and refund request in writing and keep a copy for your records,” Dixon said. “Then, mail your letter, making sure it is postmarked by midnight on the third business day.”

As a side note, Saturday is considered a business day.

BBB offers the following list:
■Ask for literature from the company and read about the products offered.
■Know who you’re buying from. Reputable companies will have a local office with a published price list or brochure that includes the company’s street address and phone number
■Never pay in cash. Only pay by check or credit card.
■Ask to see licensing and vendor permits. If one cannot be produced, call your local police department to report it.
■Be sure your receipt is dated.

Baby Boom Your Business’ Branding Strategy – Do you Know How to Engage the Nation’s Aging Population?

11/5/2012

Posted on 11/5/2012 by

When looking to create or update the branding strategy for your business, it’s always important to take every demographic into consideration. According to the International Council of Active Aging (ICAA), the majority of adults over the age of 55 feel that advertising does not reflect their current lifestyle, and they are turned off by marketing messages targeted to them. Better Business Bureau is reminding business owners to include our nation’s aging population in their branding and marketing.

Creating ads that work is one of the top goals for all businesses. And while many boomers are much more apt to rely on referrals than the younger generation, 90% of adults 50 and older also rely on and comfortably use email, according to ICAA. Forrester Research found that 49% of consumers who are 66 or older rely on personal emails to direct them to sites, compared to 28% of non-seniors.

One of the problems in today’s marketing world is the fact that many businesses don’t even have a viable strategy for targeting the nation’s 77 million baby boomers, ICAA notes. When creating or sprucing up your branding strategy, the best way to make sure that it doesn’t neglect the aging population is to get input from them directly.

Better Business Bureau and ICAA recommend the following 6 steps to businesses that are looking to make their branding strategy more baby boomer friendly:

Create ads that work. Don’t assume that you’ll reach the aging population by default. Actively design ads to portray baby boomers in a positive, uplifting light. Don’t use negative stereotypes of older adults to humor younger audiences.

Deliver the message effectively. Tell a story instead of lecturing. Let your ad arouse emotions and tug at the heart strings of your audience. Help your audience with comprehension by breaking up lengthy facts into short snippets.

Use terms that work. The key to tugging at the hearts and minds of older adults is to speak their language. Every word counts. Business owners should focus their advertising using language that implies health, well-being, and productivity.

Focus your ad photos using realistic images. According to a recent study by AARP, researchers discovered that images showing exercise that looks like too much work turns off older adults. Grimacing, sweaty, straining models won’t entice many 50-plus adults to become engaged. Make sure your business branding strategy uses images that are both realistic and fun. Baby boomers are more likely to engage with your brand if they feel accurately represented.

For more business tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org, and for more information on engaging the aging population visit International Council of Active Aging, www.icaa.cc.

Purchasing a Puppy over the Holidays? Check Your List Twice

11/5/2012

Posted on 11/5/2012 by

What could be more charming than surprising the kids with a puppy under the Christmas tree? Not so fast! Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to think twice before investing in and giving a puppy as a present this holiday season.

With emotions high and priorities stretched, giving a puppy as a present during the holidays can be stressful for both you and the new pet. Puppies are an exciting new addition to any family, but many animal experts recommend against introducing a new pet, especially a young one, into the family during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. If you have your heart set on surprising the family, give them a “gift voucher” for the dog and pick one out together after the holidays.

Regardless of when you buy or rescue your new dog, BBB and the American Kennel Club offer the following advice:

Don’t fall victim to a puppy scammer. Because of the emotional investment in buying a puppy, scammers are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Make sure to ask around for a breeder, rescue group, or shelter referral. Always check out the business’s BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org.

Never send money without first checking a breeder or shelter’s credentials. If you locate a puppy through a website, do not send money without speaking to the breeder and checking references and credentials first. Ask if the breeder is a member of an American Kennel Club-affiliated club and contact the club to verify membership.

Don’t support puppy mills. Unless you can visit the breeding facility before the purchase and bring your puppy home personally, do not purchase a puppy from a website. When you have a puppy shipped from another area, you don’t know how that puppy has been treated, how healthy or young it is, or whether or not the puppy exists at all.

Don't be fooled by a well designed website. Unscrupulous scammers will often create a professional-looking but fraudulent website designed to lure the potential buyer in with cute puppy pictures.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Beware of scammers who offer to "re-home" their purebred puppy in exchange for transportation or vaccination fees. If a free purebred puppy sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Scammers will continually ask for more money for unexpected, and fraudulent, costs.

For more tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org for a full list of tips in English and Spanish.

Tis’ the Season for Holiday Scams – Don’t Let Them Take You for a Swindling Sleigh Ride

11/5/2012

Posted on 11/5/2012 by

Looking forward to the holidays? So are the scammers. As many begin to make their holiday gift list and charity donations, unscrupulous scammers are gearing up to deck the halls with their tried and true holiday scams. Better Business Bureau is warning holiday shoppers and donors to know the red flags and to be on their guard for this season’s holiday scams.

Every year, thousands of shoppers fall victim to the holiday deals that seem too good to be true, and the bogus charity pleas that pull at the heart strings. This holiday season, BBB urges consumers to take the following tips into consideration before doing their holiday shopping and making charity donations:

Always check a business’s BBB Business Review, at www.bbb.org, before making a purchase in the store or online. Make sure that the company has a physical address and telephone number. When shopping online, some websites 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 "great deal" online, but received little or nothing in return.

If you shop Craigslist or other free bulletin board sites, look for local sellers and conduct transactions in person. Bring a friend if you're uncomfortable meeting the seller alone. Never wire money as payment. If you're shopping on auctions like EBay, look at seller ratings and read their reviews. Don't buy if the deal sounds too good to be true.

Don't let yourself get bogged down in purchases or lose track of your wallet. While you're struggling with bags of presents, identity thieves may see an opportunity to steal your wallet or look over your shoulder to copy your debit or credit card numbers. Know where your credit and debit cards are at all times and cover the keypad when entering your PIN while purchasing items or getting money from an ATM. Make sure you put your card back in your wallet after each purchase.

Always research charities with BBB before you give to see if the charity meets BBB's 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. 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. Up-to-date reports on local and national charities are available at www.give.org.

Don't click on any links or open any attachments to emails until you have confirmed that they are not malicious. Phishing emails 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. Email addresses that don't match up, typos and grammatical mistakes are common red flags of a malicious phishing email. Also beware of unsolicited emails 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 holiday tips that you can trust, visit www.bbb.org for a full list of tips in English and Spanish.

Sticking to Your Holiday Budget

11/5/2012

Posted on 11/5/2012 by

With the joy of the holidays comes the stress of over spending…and over-spending. Every year, many consumers overspend during the holidays, starting off the New Year in debt. But not to worry! You can make this year debt-free by creating a holiday budget and sticking to it.

Although retailers are anticipating an increase in holiday spending over last year, that doesn’t mean you have to spend more. According to the National Retail Federation, “American shoppers will spend just under $750 on average on their holiday purchases this year, with a record percentage of shoppers buying online.”

Whether you plan to spend more or less than that average, the key is to set a budget and stick to it. BBB has again teamed up with Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions to offer financial tips to help you manage your expenses and stay clear of debt. To get started, check out our Holiday Planner Calculator, which helps you compartmentalize your holiday budget into categories like gifts, travel and food. You set the overall budget, and adjust it depending on your needs and plans for the holiday season.

Here are some other ideas from Clearpoint for sticking to a budget:

Make a list

Jot down a list of the persons to whom you wish to give a holiday gift.

Set a Limit

Look at your budget to see what amount you can afford to spend in total and then set limits for the amounts you will spend on each person.

Do your research

Many retailers are offering holiday deals, but it’s always a good idea to comparison shop. Online prices may be better, but don’t forget to factor in shipping costs.

Plan your purchases

Decide on what items you will buy online and which items you will purchase at local retailers. Go to www.bbb.org to check out their BBB Business Reviews before you shop.

Make your holidays merry and bright with a plan, a budget and the resolve to stick to it. Come January, you can start the New Year with a clean slate instead of a stack of bills.

For more tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org for a full list of tips in English and Spanish.

Small Business Tip: Small Business Saturday Helps Make a Big Difference

11/5/2012

Posted on 11/5/2012 by

Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on the busiest shopping weekend of the year. Better Business Bureau is spreading awareness and advising consumers to support the small businesses in their area.

As a joining member, BBB is teaming up with American Express OPEN to spread the word on why small businesses are so awesome. For the third year in a row, American Express OPEN has declared November 24th, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, to be Small Business Saturday. Sandwiched between “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday,” Small Business Saturday is a perfect way to support the small businesses that you love…and to discover some new ones, too.

Businesses can take advantage of free tools offered online at www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday: free signage, free ads on Twitter, and lots of ideas to help grow your business.

Last year, more than one hundred million people came together to Shop Small in their communities on Small Business Saturday. Whether you're a small business owner or a customer, you’ll want to encourage your friends to Shop Small. Or help rally an entire town! Everyone can help spread the word about Small Business Saturday. The more people and the more businesses that get involved, the bigger and more beneficial the day will be.

For more information on Small Business Saturday, visit http://smallbusinesssaturday.com and for more consumer information you can trust, visit www.bbb.org.

Is Your Home Ready For Winter?

11/1/2012

Posted on 11/1/2012 by

Dan Flynn, of D&R Drainage Systems, in Boise, has his finger on the weather. Cool springs, hot summers and winter snow and rain.

“Every year we get calls from people who find water intrusion in basements and crawl spaces as the rainy season begins,” Flynn says.

Conditions under a home fluctuate as the weather changes and getting an inspection before the rains and snow come can only help.

“A winterization checkup can help residents correct and repair problems before they get bigger, save money in the long run,” he says.

Getting ready for the cold winter months can save money through energy efficiency. Better Business Bureau offers a checklist for homeowners to safely prepare for winter and perhaps save a few dollars.

According to the Energy Information Administration, home heating costs this winter are expected to rise by 23 percent for homeowners who rely on heating oil, 18 percent for homes relying on natural gas and 10-11 percent for homes heated by propane or electricity. Luckily, homeowners can fend off some of the rising energy costs by winterizing their home before the harshest weather takes hold.

“As if people needed some more bad news about high prices, high heating costs are the next hurdle for cash-strapped consumers, and yet another reason for homeowners to take steps to winterize their homes before the cold sets in,” says Dale Dixon, BBB spokesperson. “Winterizing a home makes good economic sense because a small up-front investment can pay dividends for months by increasing the energy efficiency of a house and reducing overall heating costs.”

Following is a home winterizing checklist:

• Furnace. Furnaces older than 15 years might be due for a replacement. For younger furnaces, BBB recommends making sure the furnace filter is clean, the thermostat is working properly and the pilot light is functioning. Homeowners can also hire an inspector to do the job and make sure the furnace is in safe working order.

• Heating ducts. Ducts should be cleaned once every two years. Homeowners should also consider adding insulation to any exposed ductwork. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a home with central heating can lose up to 60 percent of its heated air before that air reaches the vents if ductwork is not well-connected and insulated, or if it travels through unheated spaces.

• Chimney. Before lighting up, homeowners planning on using their fireplace come winter should have the chimney inspected for animals, debris and leaves that may have fallen in. BBB also recommends installing a screen over the chimney opening.

• Gutters and ridge vents. Gutters should be cleaned to prevent any clogs that would cause rainwater to back up and freeze, making the gutters expand and crack. The ridge vents need to be cleaned as well in order to allow the house to "breath" correctly. Otherwise, air will stagnate and create an unhealthy environment.

• Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors. BBB recommends testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and installing fresh batteries. Homeowners should consider replacing smoke alarms older than 10 years.

• Caulking and Weather Stripping. The average American home has air leaks that amount to a nine-square-foot hole in the wall, according to the EarthWorks Group. To prevent leaks, homeowners should inspect the caulking around windows and doors and check for cracking and peeling. In addition, BBB recommends ensuring that doors and windows shut tightly and no cold air is coming in due to worn down weather stripping.

• Seasonal equipment. Homeowners won’t need their spring and summer equipment for a few months, so BBB recommends draining the water from garden hoses and air conditioner pipes and the gasoline from the lawnmower and other garden tools. It’s also time to pull out the snow shovels and plows and ensure they are in good repair.

• Emergency kit. When a winter storm strikes, an emergency kit should have all essential materials in one handy place. An emergency kit should include flashlights, candles and matches, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food and a battery-powered radio. BBB recommends creating the same emergency kit for the car as well, including a couple blankets.

Electronic Seller Wants Amazon Payments Only; Is It Legal?

10/30/2012

Posted on 10/30/2012 by

Watford, North Dakota, is in the middle of the oil/gas boom. Hundreds of workers have come to the area seeking higher wages while working on the drilling rigs.

Many workers take with them their toys – Two 2007 Honda Rincon-680 EFI Camo 4X4 with Trailer – but are finding very little time to use them. So, to beat it, they place ads on craigslist.com to sell the items.

Justin45gardner@msn.com did just that. However, he listed the items for sale on the Boise area listing, and when Rick, of Caldwell, responded, he asked the same question. “Why Boise.”

Rick became a little suspicious, but the $4,200 price tag was reasonable, and he’d been looking for a couple of ATVs. The package sounded right.

He contacted a friend who worked at Watford City High School and asked that he take a look at the vehicles, inspect them, try them out and then get back to him.

The reply from Justin45gardner was a bit obscure: “Sorry, but unfortunately my schedule is very very busy and is impossible for me to close the deal in person. That’s why I want to use Amazon.”

Amazon Payments (http://askville.amazon.com/Amazon-payments-work/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=582042) was established to allow credit card payments for items you buy from others. When a person wants to sell an item at Amazon Marketplace, he or she registers the item and amount (including shipping charges) and make arrangements. There is no payment by check, money order or PayPal.

This allows buyer and seller to make money transactions through Marketplace, securing your privacy – financial and personal information – in the transaction.

This process is secure and legitimate, however, scammers have compromised the system. The con providers the buyer with the address for the Amazon Payment location.

Instead of going to the “official” Amazon Payment page, the URL is altered and directs the buyer to the fraudulent site. Unless he or she is paying attention, the URL goes unnoticed. The site, with its insignias, logos and drop downs looks for all intentional purposes to be legitimate.

This site accepts check and money order payments when drafted on U.S. banks. It limits the amount of money paid by credit card.

Another flaw is that it requires payment confirmation before shipping will be made. All the ads use the same terminology: “The shipping will be started in 24 hours after your payment is confirmed.”

BBB warns:

• Be wary of items being sold where the seller is not able to close the deal in person.

• Be cautious when the item is being held by a third-party. “I’m in Europe and can’t ship the item overseas.”

• Be involved in the purchase. Look it over before buying. Shopping locally will take the risk out of Internet purchases.

• Be on guard to never give out personal information.

• Be on the lookout when the “I want to use a third-party to handle the sale. This way we are both protected.

• Be alert of URL addresses. (Official web address is payments.amazon.com)

And, if it doesn’t feel right, cancel out.

BBB Urges Consumers To Give Wisely In Aftermath Of Hurricane Sandy

10/30/2012

Posted on 10/30/2012 by
Even as rescue workers rush to the Atlantic Coast to assist victims of Hurricane Sandy, Samaritans around the world are looking for ways to help victims of the devastating storm.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) urges donors to be cautious when giving money or other assistance to charities.

Every natural disaster is followed by the crooks and scammers. If you are giving money or donating goods, you want to do everything possible to make sure your donations are doing real good.

The best way to help is to donate money to a reputable humanitarian organization like the American Red Cross, a BBB Charity Seal holder. The American Red Cross has a long history of responding to local, national, and international disasters.

The BBB offers the following tips to help you decide where to direct donations:

Rely on respected experts to evaluate a charity. Be cautious when relying on third-party recommendations such as bloggers, because they may not have fully researched the listed relief organizations. The BBB provides a Wise Giving Guide to charities at www.bbb.org/charity. The guide shows which charities are accredited by the BBB and whether they meet the BBB’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Be wary of claims that 100 percent of donations assist victims. All charities have fund-raising and administrative costs. Even a credit card donation will involve, at a minimum, a processing fee.
Be cautious when giving online to unfamiliar charities. Be wary of spam messages and emails that claim to link to a relief organization. After the tsunami disaster in 2004 and the earthquake in Haiti last year, many websites and organizations that were created overnight allegedly to help victims turned out to be scams.
Find out if the charity has a presence in the impacted areas. Unless the charity already has staff in the affected areas, it may be difficult to get new aid workers into the area to provide assistance. See if the charity’s website clearly describes what it can do to address immediate needs.
Find out if the charity is providing direct aid or raising money for other groups. You may want to avoid the middleman and give directly to charities that have a presence in the region. Check out the ultimate recipients of the donations to ensure that the organizations are equipped to effectively provide aid.
Gifts of clothing, food or other in-kind donations may not be appropriate. Unless the organization has the staff and infrastructure to distribute such aid, the donations may be more of a burden than a help. Ask the charity about their transportation and distribution plans. Be wary of those who are not experienced in disaster relief assistance.

Smile, Your Smartphone’s Taking Your Personal Identity

10/26/2012

Posted on 10/26/2012 by

A recent study by Google shows 38% of our daily media interactions occur on a smartphone, with 54 % of us using it to only communicate with someone and 33% of us using it for entertainment.

Most smartphone users consider their phone as their go-to device … immediate, quick, precise feedback. Smartphone and mobile devices are ingrained in our daily routine.

Downloading apps to make smartphone use easier are available for everything from browsing the Internet to shopping online, from planning a trip to managing finances. There are any numbers of social networking apps.

Now, a new malware program is targeting smartphones and mobile devices. A recent discovery by the Naval Surface Warfare Center and Indiana University should remind everyone of the security risk you carry in your pocket everywhere you go.

This malware is nasty, and runs on phones running Android 2.3 and later. It hijacks your phone’s camera, snapping pictures of your surroundings and sends them back to an offsite server, where they can be used in a number of ways, ways you may not consider possible.

It’s called the PlaceRaider, and is a program that runs in the background, muting your phone while taking pictures. That’s right, you don’t hear the “snap” of the shutter sound, because the malware mutes your camera first.

It gives candid pictures of your surroundings: who you’re with, where you’re at, and anything of value you may have. All images pass a filter, sorting out the dark and blurry images.

But there’s more, the malware uses your phone sensors to track your location and pinpoint your position.

The U.S. Naval Center has copied the malware, created a test scenario, and determined that with some expertise, this PlaceRaider pictures could be used to steal your personal information – banking information on personal checks or crucial business secrets

Experts say while it was developed to be hidden in Android platform, it could easily be converted and moved into the IOS or Windows Phone.

BBB suggests phone users take steps to stop this malware by checking out reviews on the app before downloading it; make certain all firewall protections are in place, and upgrading virus and malware protection software.

BBB recommends:

- Password protect your phone. Most smartphones allow you to lock your phone with a password or screen pattern. Make sure this security measure is enabled for all mobile payment applications. If you lose your phone and someone takes it, this can prevent him or her from gaining access to your personal information.

- Consider disabling auto-populate features. Some phones have the option to automatically store your username and password for each application. Keep the feature off so you don’t make accidental purchases.

- Avoid making transactions over public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks may not be secure and hackers could steal your personal information.

- Use a different password for each application. This adds more protection should someone steal your smartphone and attempt to access your mobile payment applications.

FTC Helps Slow Tech Support Scam; Don’t Give Remote Computer Access

10/25/2012

Posted on 10/25/2012 by

“Oh, I think I’ve done something horrible,” the woman’s voice spoke quickly and somewhat wavering. “I think I’ve lost control of my computer, and I don’t know what to do.”

Without stopping, she continued to describe how there was a “wicked” virus on her home computer and that Microsoft Tech Support had contacted her to say they needed to fix her computer.

When she took a breath, I asked if they were in her computer at this time.

“Why, yes! I don’t want this virus to take over my entire computer,” she says.

In spite of the major efforts to close down the tech support scam, calls continue to plague unsuspecting Snake River Region computer owners. In the end, the con artists charge hundreds of dollars to remotely access and “fix” the computers.

After calming her down, explaining the scam, I had her simply unplug the computer, call a trusted computer repair shop, and take no further calls from the phone number.

On Oct. 4, the Federal Trade Commission cracked a major international tech support scam in which telemarketers masquerade as major computer companies, con consumers into believing their computers are riddled with viruses, spyware and other malware, and then charge hundreds of dollars to remotely access and “fix” the consumers’ computers.

The FTC charged that the five operations – mostly based in India – target English-speaking consumers in the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and the U.K. from telemarketing boiler rooms.

Telemarketers claimed affiliation with Dell, Microsoft, McAfee and Norton, and told intended victims malware was detected by the company and needed immediate removal. The scammers direct consumers to a utility area of their computer to show that the computer had been infected. The scammers charge from $49 to $450 to remove it. When consumers agreed to pay the fee, the scammers took remote access to the victim’s computer to “remove” non-existent malware and downloaded otherwise free programs.

A sixth company lured computer owners through Google ads that appeared when consumers searched for their computer company’s tech support telephone number.

When in operation, FTC claims, tens of thousands of people were tricked into paying removal fees that are standard warnings and errors generated by software companies, and are not viruses.

ALERT: Phishing Scam Looks Like BBB Email…But It’s Not

10/24/2012

Posted on 10/24/2012 by

The BBB name and logo are being fraudulently used by criminals in an on-going phishing scam. The emails look very much like notice of a complaint from BBB, but contain links to malware that can infect your computer, steal passwords, etc. BBB is working with law enforcement, as well as with a private deactivation firm (at our own expense), to shut down as many criminal websites as possible. To date, we have shut down well over 100 sites.

If you get an email that looks like it is a BBB complaint, here is what you should do:

1. Do NOT click on any links or attachments.

2. Read the email carefully for signs that it may be fake (for example, misspellings, grammar, generic greetings such as “Dear member” instead of a name, etc.).

3. Be wary of any urgent instructions to take specified action such as “Click on the link or your account will be closed.”

4. Hover your mouse over links without clicking to see if the address is truly from bbb.org. The URL in the text should match the URL that your mouse detects. If the two do not match, it is most likely a scam.

5. Send a copy of the email to phishing@council.bbb.org (Note: This address is only for scams that use the BBB name or logo)

6. Delete the email from your computer completely (be sure to empty your “trash can” or “recycling bin,” as well).

7. Run anti-virus software updates frequently and do a full system scan.

8. Keep a close eye on your bank statements for any unexpected or unexplained transactions.

If you have a business and are not certain whether the complaint is legitimate, contact your local BBB (www.bbb.org/find).

Idahoans Receive e-Book Settlement Notification

10/23/2012

Posted on 10/23/2012 by

(Boise) - Idahoans who purchased electronic books (“e-Book”) from five of the largest U.S. book publishers between April 1, 2010 and May 21, 2012, are receiving notifications that they are entitled to refunds as part of a national settlement, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said. Idaho consumers will receive up to $347,000.

In the September settlement, Hachette Book Group (USA), HarperCollins Publishers L.L.C., and Simon & Schuster Inc. agreed to pay a total of more than $69 million to consumers nationwide to resolve antitrust claims of an alleged unlawful conspiracy to fix the prices of electronic books.

“This settlement helps consumers in two important ways,” Attorney General Wasden said. “First, it provides payments to Idaho consumers harmed by the publishers’ scheme to increase e-Book prices. Second, the terms of the settlement should ensure competitive e-Book prices, by requiring these publishers to change their business practices when pricing e-Books.”

E-book retailers have contacted their eligible customers by e-mail. These are legitimate e-mails authorized by the Attorney General, but consumers should be wary of copycat scams. If you purchased e-Books from Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, or Kobo, you will receive a refund automatically; you are not required to file a claim. For purchases from all other retailers, you must submit a claim either online at www.EBookAGSettlements.com or request a form by calling 866-621-4153. You may obtain more information regarding the settlement by visiting that website or calling that toll-free number.

Consumers with additional questions may contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division toll free at (800) 432-3545, or, in the Boise calling area at 334-2424.

Consumers will receive either a credit in their e-Book retailer account or a check. The precise amount consumers receive per qualifying e-Book purchase is not yet determined.

The lawsuit continues against Apple, Inc., Holtzbrinck Publishers L.L.C. d/b/a MacMillian and Penguin Group (U.S.A.), Inc. A trial is currently scheduled for June 2013.

Under Self Regulation Cereals Advertised to Children Are Less Sugary

10/23/2012

Posted on 10/23/2012 by

BBB’s Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative “Cereals Snapshot” Shows Participants’ Pledges Are Working

Arlington, VA – OCTOBER 23, 2012 – Cereals advertised to children contain more whole grains and key nutrients, and less sugar, calories and sodium than before, according to the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI), an industry advertising self-regulation program administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

The CFBAI participants have significantly lowered the amount of sugar in cereals advertised to children. Over 70% have no more than 10 grams of sugar, and 33% have 9 grams or less. This is a significant improvement since before the CFBAI participants adopted voluntary standards.

“Cereal companies that participate in the CFBAI have created new cereals and steadily improved the recipes of popular cereals that are advertised to children,” noted Elaine D. Kolish, Vice President of CBBB and Director of CFBAI. “Today, overall these cereals have less sugar, calories and sodium, and more whole grains, fiber, vitamins and minerals.”

The majority (71%) of cereals advertised to children have at least eight grams of whole grains, a half serving. A third contain at least 12 grams, and more than a third have more whole grains than any other ingredient.

All of the participants’ cereals are a “good” source (10-19% of the government-established Daily Value) of nutrients that the government’s 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans identified as “nutrients of concern” because of inadequate intake (calcium, fiber, potassium and vitamin D). More than half provide a good source of two of these nutrients. These cereals also are rich in other important nutrients, such as iron.

Further improvements are underway as a result of the participants’ adoption of CFBAI-developed uniform nutrition criteria that go into effect in December 2013.

NOTE TO MEDIA: CFBAI’s “2012 Cereals Snapshot” is available online here. Elaine Kolish is available for media interviews on this topic.

ABOUT BBB:

ABOUT CFBAI:

The CFBAI was launched in November 2006 with the goal of shifting the mix of ads directed to children to include healthier products ─ those with fewer calories, less sodium, sugar and fats, and more nutrient dense. The CFBAI’s participants agree to use science-based nutrition standards to govern their advertising primarily directed to children under 12 (“child-directed advertising”) or not to engage in such advertising. The participants represent the substantial majority of child-directed food advertising on TV.

The CFBAI’s 16 participants are: Burger King Corp.; Campbell Soup Company; The Coca-Cola Company; ConAgra Foods, Inc.; The Dannon Company; General Mills Inc.; The Hershey Company; Hillshire Brands (formerly Sara Lee Corp.); Kellogg Company; Kraft Foods Global, Inc.; Mars, Incorporated; McDonald’s USA, LLC; Nestlé USA; PepsiCo, Inc.; Post Foods, LLC and Unilever United States. For more information about the CFBAI, visit www.bbb.org/kids_food.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

For further information, media representatives should contact Katherine Hutt (703-247-9345 or khutt@council.bbb.org) or Kelsey Owen (703-247-9376 or kowen@council.bbb.org).

BBB and Federal Government Warn Consumers and Repair Shops about Counterfeit Vehicle Airbags

10/22/2012

Posted on 10/22/2012 by

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a consumer safety advisory to alert vehicle owners and repair professionals to the dangers of counterfeit air bags.

NHTSA has become aware of a problem involving the sale of counterfeit air bags for use as replacement parts in vehicles that have been involved in a crash. While these air bags look nearly identical to certified, original equipment parts—including bearing the insignia and branding of major automakers — NHTSA testing 1 showed consistent malfunctioning ranging from non-deployment of the air bag to the expulsion of metal shrapnel during deployment. NHTSA is not aware of any deaths or injuries connected to counterfeit air bags.

While the full scope and scale of the problem of counterfeit air bags is uncertain from currently available data, NHTSA has identified certain vehicle makes and models for which these air bags may be available and believes this issue affects less than 0.1 percent of the U.S. vehicle fleet. Only vehicles which have had an air bag replaced within the past three years by a repair shop that is not part of a new car dealership may be at risk.

Consumers whose vehicles have been in a crash and had their air bags replaced by a repair shop that is not part of a new car dealership within the past three years or who have purchased a replacement air bag online should contact the call center that has been established by their auto manufacturer to have their vehicle inspected at their own expense and their air bag replaced if necessary.   The full list of call centers and additional information are available at www.SaferCar.gov.

“Anytime equipment that is critical to protecting drivers and passengers fails to operate properly, it is a serious safety concern,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We want consumers to be immediately aware of this problem and to review our safety information to see if their vehicle could be in need of inspection.”

NHTSA has been working with a number of government agencies — including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Department of Justice—to better understand the issue of counterfeit air bags and how to prevent them from being purchased and installed in vehicles.

NHTSA is currently gathering information from automakers about their systems for verifying the authenticity of replacement parts and is working with the industry to make the driving public aware of the potential safety risk posed by counterfeit air bags. Moving forward, the agency will continue to monitor consumer complaints, police accident reports, and other sources for additional information.

CONSUMERS THAT SHOULD NOT BE AT RISK:
• Consumers who purchased their vehicle new and have not had their air bags replaced
• Consumers who have full knowledge of the entire history of their used vehicle (including knowing whether the vehicle had been in a crash in the last three years and being certain that the air bag was replaced at a new car dealership)

CONSUMERS THAT MAY BE AT RISK AND SHOULD CONTACT THE CALL CENTER ESTABLISHED BY THEIR AUTO MANUFACTURER:
• Consumers who have had air bags replaced within the past three years at a repair shop that is not part of a new car dealership
• Consumers who have purchased a used car that may have sustained an air bag deployment before their purchase
• Consumers who own a car with a title branded salvage, rebuilt, or reconstructed
• Consumers who have purchased replacement air bags from eBay or other non-certified sources—especially if they were purchased at unusually low prices (i.e. less than $400)

VEHICLES FOR WHICH COUNTERFEIT AIR BAGS MAY BE AVAILABLE:
As of today, NHTSA is aware of counterfeit air bags available for the following vehicle makes and models:
Make Model Year(s) Model(s)
Acura 2009-2011 TSX
Audi 2006-2009 A3, A4, A6, A8, Q5, Q7
BMW 2007-2011 X5, E70, E60, E61
2008-2010 5-series, 528i, 535i
2004-2007 5-Series, 525i, 530, 535, E60, E61
2007-2011 E90, E91
Not listed E92, E93
2007-2011 X5, E70
2004-2007 525i, 530, 535
2011-2012 X3
Buick 2010-2011 Lacrosse
Chevrolet 2011-2012 Cruze
2006-2010 Aveo
2011-2012 Volt
2012 Camaro
Ford 2012 Focus
2005-2009 Mustang
Honda 2003-2012 Accord
2006-2011 Civic
2002-2011 CRV
2007-2011 Fit
2009-2011 Pilot
2009-2011 Insight
2009-2011 Crosstour
2011 Odyssey
Hyundai 2007-2011 Elantra
Not listed Genesis
Not listed Sonata
Infiniti 2007-2011 G35, EX35
Kia 2010-2011 Soul/Forte
2004-2009 Spectra
Land Rover 2012 Range Rover Evoque
Lexus 2006-2011 IS250, IS350, IS-F
2003-2008 GX470
2007-2009 RX350
Not listed ES350
Mazda 2004 Mazda 3
2010-2012 Mazda 3
Mercedes 2009-2011 C, GLK
2010-2011 E350, E550
2007-2008 S550
2006-2009 ML
2009-2010 GL, ML
Mitsubishi Not listed Outlander
Nissan 1992-2002 Quest
2010-2011 Quest
2009-2011 Cube
2007-2011 Versa
2009-2010 Murano
Not listed Altima
Subaru 2008-2009 Forester
  2008-2009 Imprezza
  2008-2009 Outback
  2010-2011 Legacy
Suzuki 2007-2010 SX4
Toyota 2002-2006 Camry
2012 Camry
2009-2011 Corolla, Matrix
2007-2011 Yaris
2004-2011 Highlander
2004-2011 Sienna
2004-2011 Tacoma
2010-2012 Prius
2003-2006 Tundra
2007-2011 Tundra
2003-2006 Sequoia
2003-2010 Land Cruiser
2004-2007 Highlander
2008-2010 Highlander
2004-2009 4Runner
2007-2009 Solara
2005-2011 RAV4
Volkswagen 2006-2010 Jetta
Volvo Not listed XC60, XC70
Not listed V70, S60, S80

Just Hang Up on New Twist in Jamaican Phone Scam

10/19/2012

Posted on 10/19/2012 by

A classic scam is back in action! Jamaican scammers are calling unsuspecting consumers across the country, but this time they are pretending to be representatives of BBB.

How the Scam Works:

You get a call from a phone number with a "876" area code. The person on the other line may have an accent but claims to work for BBB. The caller tells you that you won a sweepstakes with a prize of $2 million and a Mercedes Benz. The catch is that you can't collect your winnings until you pay them a fee.

This is the current scenario, but the scam will evolve as word gets out. Scammers are claiming to represent the Acadiana BBB in Louisiana, but this may change to another location or even another credibility-boosting organization, such as the FBI.

The scam itself also may change. Instead of asking victims to collect lottery winnings, scammers may ask for you to deposit a check and wire them part of the money or inform you that you are receiving a fake government grant.

I Think I've Found a Scam. What Should I Do?

Hang up and don't call the scammer back. We all like to have the last word, but returning the phone call may just give the con artist information he can use.
Report phone scams to the Federal Trade Commission. Check out FTC.gov for more information about making a phone fraud report.

For More Information:

Join the national Do Not Call registry. This won't stop scams entirely, but it can help reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive.

To find out more about scams, check out the new BBB Scam Stopper.

Don't Be Fooled by Rumors that Facebook is Charging

10/16/2012

Posted on 10/16/2012 by

Rumors that Facebook will start charging are as old as the social network itself. But recently the old stories have taken on new life. Just don't believe what you hear... or read on a friend's wall.

How the Scam Works:

You spot a message on your Facebook friend's wall that saying that Facebook is going to start charging users a monthly fee. The latest iteration claims a new pricing structure will have different membership tiers, starting with "gold" level for $9.99 per month.

However, the post says, you can avoid any fees by just sharing the message. Post it on your wall and your "icon will turn blue." This color change will exempt you from the new charges.

Here's another version of the same scam:

The posts above are really more of an annoying hoax than an actual scam. But be wary of any such posts that contain links or ask you to download software.

I Think I've Found a Scam. What Should I Do?

Tell your friend! These scams circulate because users think they are doing their friends a favor by sharing them. Refer your fiends to Facebook's common myth's page for confirmation.
Make Facebook aware of the fake messages by reporting it as spam. Check out Facebook Help Center's scam page for details.

For More Information:

Check out Facebook's Help Center for information about common scams and advice for avoiding them.

To find scams in your area, check BBB's scam directory.

Data Retrieval Cards Request Homeowners Buy Unnecessary Deed

10/11/2012

Posted on 10/11/2012 by

When Millie from Weiser received the post card from the State Record Retrieval Board, she fretted slightly about the fact that she needed a copy of her property deed.

They had bought their home and thought they had all the paperwork when she received this card.

She was not alone. Idaho residents are receiving misleading mailings from a company by the name of State Record Retrieval Board. The solicitation targets homeowners telling them they need a copy of the property deed. Cost is $87.

The return address for the company is not a physical site but a drop box at a UPS store in Boise, Idaho. According to our research, a similar mailing is being sent to people throughout the United States. The telephone number are the same but the mailing addresses vary from place to place.

This company’s headquarters are in California and has an “F” rating with BBB for two unanswered complaints. Customers report having received a letter from the company that lists their deed number recommending that landowners keep a certified copy of their deed on hand as evidence that the property was transferred properly. The letter conveys a sense of urgency, urging homeowners to get a deed directly from State Record Retrieval Board.

Homebuyers should know their county recorder’s office keeps property deeds on file, and they can ask for a certified copy of their deed from their own county auditor/recorder’s office. The cost varies depending upon the number of pages to be printed.

If you already have an original deed, then no, you do not need a copy. And if you sell the property, you won’t need the deed to sign it over to the buyer; you’ll have a new deed ready for that purpose.

You may need an old deed to get the property description from the county clerk.

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month

10/11/2012

Posted on 10/11/2012 by
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. It's a topic that's important to us both as consumers and as business leaders.
From our own online banking, to filing our taxes, to supporting our nation's infrastructure, it seems every aspect of our lives is dependent on the Internet.
We're more connected than ever before and it seems that almost daily, there are headlines about cyber attacks including corporate security breaches, spear phishing (very targeted attacks through emails that appear to be from colleagues), social media fraud and more.
The Department of Homeland Security offers tips to help you and your business stay safe online:

Set strong passwords (mix of lower case and capital letters, numbers and special characters) and do not share them with anyone.
Keep your operating system, browser and other software safe by installing updates as soon as they're available.
Communicate regularly with your family and employees about Internet safety.
Limit the amount of personal information you post online and use privacy settings to avoid over-sharing, especially on social networks.
Be cautious about what you receive or read online: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Stop. Think. Connect.

Stop: Before using the Internet, understand the risks and learn how to spot potential problems.
Think: Be certain the path is clear. Consider how your actions online could impact the finances and safety of yourself, your family and your business.
Connect: Enjoy the Internet with greater confidence knowing you've taken the right steps to safeguard yourself and your computer.

The Department of Homeland Security has provided a list of resources for business owners interested in protecting their bottom line.
For additional information and advice you can trust, start with bbb.org.

Are you in need of Long Term Care?

10/10/2012

Posted on 10/10/2012 by

What exactly is long term care?

According to the National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information, long term care is “a range of services and supports you may need to meet your health or personal needs over a long period of time.” These services fall into two major categories:

“Activities of Daily Living” include bathing, dressing, transferring to or from a bed or chair), and eating.

“Instrumental Activities of Daily Living” include (but are not limited to) housework, taking medication, errands, caring of pets, and using communication devices.

The need for long term care, which can be provided at home or in a special facility, usually stems from a health condition, such as a chronic illness or disability. Age-related factors can also increase the likelihood for needing services.

The National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information is a government website that provides information and resources to those who are inquiring about long term care needs for themselves or a family member. Here’s a short list of age-related factors or risks they cite when considering long term care:

Age: The older you get, the more likely it is that you’ll need help.
Living alone: If you live alone, you’re more likely to need paid care than if you live with others.
Gender: Women are more likely to need long-term care than men, primarily because women tend to live longer.
Lifestyle: Poor diet and exercise habits increase the chance that you’ll need long-term care.
Personal history: Health and family history can increase the chances you’ll need long-term care.

The cost of long term care is a major issue to consider, and you may benefit from signing-up for coverage early on.

“Medicare, VA benefits and employer programs cover some costs of long term care,” says Katherine Hutt, spokesperson for the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “But more and more people are adding private long term care insurance policies to their retirement planning. Make that decision sooner rather than later; the younger you are when you buy the policy, the less it will cost you. And once you have a major health issue, such as stroke, Alzheimer’s, metastatic cancer or Parkinson’s, you may not be able to get coverage.”

To find out more information about long-term care, go to www.longtermcare.gov/LTC/. For more consumer tips or to check out a business or charity, go to www.bbb.org.

Auto-Deer Collision? Your Auto Insurance May Cover More Than You Think

10/10/2012

Posted on 10/10/2012 by

With migrating and mating season occurring between October and December, your chances of a single-vehicle accident involving a deer or other large animal just went up. Are you covered?

Better Business Bureau recommends that drivers read their auto insurance policy closely or they could miss out on reimbursements or other benefits they are entitled to receive. You might be surprised to see what is included, and what’s not.

According to the non-profit Insurance Information Institute, on average a deer-vehicle collision costs $2,800 per insurance claim; $10,000 if there is injury to the driver or a passenger.

Only comprehensive coverage reimburses drivers for loss due to contact with animals such as birds or deer. This fact often causes confusion among drivers who are not aware that collision coverage will not cover a collision with an animal. In addition, most auto insurance policies do not automatically cover the cost of a replacement rental car after an accident.

Although many drivers have coverage for a replacement rental car, they may not realize it because this optional coverage was added at such a minimal expense, usually just a couple of dollars a month. This coverage provides immediate access to a replacement rental car until repairs are made to their damaged car, or you are authorized by your insurance company to purchase a new car.

You should also know if you have gap coverage. If you do and your car is totaled, you won’t have to continue making payments on the balance owed on the car. Gap coverage pays the difference between the amount the insurer pays for the totaled car and the amount the insured owes on his or her lease or loan. Without this coverage, drivers are responsible for paying the remainder of their lease or loan even when their car is totaled.

BBB recommends the following tips to car owners who are looking to understand what their auto insurance covers:

Report the damage as soon as possible. If your car is not drivable, your agent or claims center may be able to save you time and money by having the car towed directly to the repair facility instead of to a temporary storage facility. In addition, arrangements may be made immediately to provide you with a replacement rental car, but only if your policy includes this coverage.

Know what your deductible is and ask about any additional charges before authorizing work. Expect your insurance adjuster, claims representative or repair facility appraiser to review the damage with you and explain the repair process, including the use of original or generic auto parts. Before authorizing repairs, know what your deductible is, as well as any additional charges you will be expected to pay once repairs are complete.

Ask about warranties on repairs. Ask whether your insurer has a repair facility referral program that offers a written limited or lifetime repair warranty backed both by the repairer and insurer for as long as you own your vehicle.

Do business only with a reputable company. Obtain insurance from companies, independent brokers or direct marketers that have a proven track record of handling auto insurance claims effectively. Get a referral, or check out the insurer’s BBB Business Review at bbb.org. Your State Department of Insurance is also another great resource.

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

Help Your Customers Trust Your Business – Secure Their Personal Data

10/10/2012

Posted on 10/10/2012 by

Customers expect that every business — large or small — that collects their sensitive personal information will protect it. Beyond customer expectations, there are legal requirements, as well. Depending on your type of business and the states in which your customers reside, you may be legally required to protect the personal information you collect. Better Business Bureau is reminding businesses to safeguard the privacy of their customers.

“Protecting your customer’s personal data against mishandling needs to be a top priority of every business that collects customer information,” noted Carrie Hurt, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “Your customer needs to trust that their private, personal information is safe with your business before they can trust doing business with you.”

When looking to secure your customers’ private data, BBB recommends the following:

Determine what makes sense for your type of business. This will be based on the type of data that you collect and store, and the kind of resources you have managing that data. If your small business keeps information about customers in several formats (e.g., on paper, on computers, and online), you should sit down with a team of your employees — an IT person, office manager, etc. — and discuss these issues together to make sure you consider all viewpoints.

Inventory your data. Inventory the type of data you collect, store and/or transmit. Inventory how you store your data. Inventory where you store your data for each type and format of customer information. Inventory how data is moved and who has access to it. Take into consideration your type of business, and the stationary and portable tools your employees use to do their jobs. This is a very important part of the inventory process, as it will help you begin to identify the potential ways that sensitive data could be inadvertently disclosed. If you think you need outside help to identify potential leak points, consider consulting with a data forensics team or the bank or processor that provides your merchant account services. Inventory the data controls you have in place…or not.

Evaluate costs vs. benefits of different security methods. Brainstorm different types of security procedures and think about whether they make sense for the type of information you maintain, the format in which it is maintained, the likelihood that someone might try to obtain the information, and the harm that would result if the information was improperly obtained.

Write it down. Type up the checklists you’ve just created, the security measures you are taking, and an explanation on why these security measures make sense. Congratulations — you've just created the foundation of your written security policy!

Don’t get Tricked When Buying Halloween Treats

10/10/2012

Posted on 10/10/2012 by

Looking to buy or rent a fun Halloween costume this season? You’re not alone.

According to the National Retail Federation, a record 170 million Americans will spend close to $8 billion on candy, pumpkins, decorations and costumes – both for them and for their pets. Canadians will spend even more…about $75 per person (most of it on costumes). It’s a holiday we love, and retailers respond to that with specialty stores that set up shop in October and are gone the minute Halloween is over.

When shopping at seasonal, temporary Halloween stores, and especially last-minute, it’s important to exercise caution. Better Business Bureau is advising shoppers to know the red flags and read the fine print to avoid fly-by-night costume venders. Even if the store has a returns policy, you should go in with the assumption that whatever you buy is yours to keep, no matter what.

Here are some BBB tips to make sure your Halloween is “spooktacular” fun:

Do your research. Many seasonal stores are run by reputable retailers who take advantage of short-term leases on vacant space to set up temporary stores to augment their permanent space, but other shops may be in and out in a matter of weeks. While it is always good to check out a shop’s BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org, some seasonal businesses change their name from one year to the next as a way of disguising a poor track record. Ask around and know with whom you’re doing business before getting “tricked.”

Read the fine print. Just because it’s a seasonal store doesn't mean that the store or the business backing it up doesn’t have the same responsibilities as a year-round operation. Make sure to note the store’s refund and return policies to get a feel for all of the terms and conditions – they have to be made available.

Know what to expect before renting a costume. Rental costumes tend to be sturdier and more elaborate than the average Halloween costume, and you can often find something unique. Make sure you understand you responsibilities. What happens if, for example, the costume rips, you get a stain on it, or you lose it altogether? Do you have to pay for the whole costume? What about the cleaning? Make sure everything is spelled out in the rental agreement.

When purchasing costumes online, do it securely. Check a site’s security settings. If the site is secure, its URL (web address) should start with “https://.” You also may see a small picture of a closed lock in the lower right corner of the screen.

For more consumer tips, check out www.bbb.org.

Online Payday Loan Scheme Draws Hundreds of Complaints Nationwide

10/9/2012

Posted on 10/9/2012 by

Hundreds of consumers across the nation say they have been victimized by an online payday loan scheme involving at least seven questionable businesses, all claiming the same Las Vegas address, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns.

In every case, the complainants told the BBB that the businesses used electronic checks to take $30 from their accounts. Some consumers said the companies told them the charges were payday loan application fees, even though the consumers maintain they never formally applied for loans. Other consumers said they have no idea where the businesses got their banking information or how they were able to access their accounts.

More than 300 people, including an Idaho consumer, have filed complaints against the businesses, most of them in the past several months.

“These people need to be stopped,” said a Denver, CO. consumer. “How did they get my bank account and social security number?” asked a man from Las Vegas, NV. “Please help!!!” pleaded a woman from Milton, DE.

The businesses identified by the BBB are Capital Advance Capitol (also known as Loan Assistance), Ideal Advance, LoanTree Advances, Pacific Advances, Palm Loan Advances, Vantage Funding, and Your Loan Funding. All list addresses at 2780 S. Jones Blvd., Suite 3675, in Las Vegas, NV, and most have virtually identical websites. All have “F” ratings with the BBB for failing to respond to complaints.

Consumers should always be mindful of giving out their personal information. The lure of quick cash causes people to drop their guard and become victims of these scam artists. It is reprehensible for these types of companies to prey on people who are already experiencing financial difficulties.

Several of the complainants said they have been promised refunds repeatedly, but never received them. Several also said they were promised $1,000 gasoline vouchers in lieu of a refund, but never received those either.

The BBB has found six nearly identical websites for the companies, with only the businesses’ names changed. “Get up to $1,000 in as fast as 1 hour!” claim the sites. “4 out of every five applicants is approved on the spot! Get approved for a loan regardless of your credit score or credit history!” All of the sites have identical testimonials, again with only the company’s names changed.

A consumer from Alton, IL, who receives medical disability benefits, said he had been researching a payday loan on the Internet and was asked to type in bank routing information in the event he applied for a loan. Immediately after entering the information, it appeared that his computer switched to a different website and a message on that site asked whether he wanted to join an online savings club. He said he clicked “no,” and ended his efforts at applying for a loan. He said it was soon after that his bank notified him of a withdrawal by Vantage Funding. “I have talked to them 10 times and I have talked to 10 different people,” he said. “I’ll never do anything like this on my computer again,” he said.

A Las Vegas consumer said he, too, had been considering an online payday loan, but decided not to go through with the application process. “Vantage Funding withdrew $30 from my account which resulted in overdraft penalties. Luckily my bank reversed the overdraft charges.” When he contacted the company requesting a refund, he was told the withdrawal was for an application fee for a loan and offered a gas voucher in lieu of a refund. “I don’t understand why they charge people when they already know we are experiencing financial difficulties.”

The BBB offers the following tips to avoid losing money in an online payday loan scheme:
● Be extremely cautious about providing banking or other personal information to strangers.
● Read and understand all “terms and conditions” printed on a website.
● Check for BBB Business Reviews by going to www.bbb.org or by calling 800-218-1001.

BBB Partners with Western Union to Introduce BBB Scam Stopper

10/9/2012

Posted on 10/9/2012 by

Arlington, VA – October 9, 2012 – Better Business Bureau and Western Union today launched BBB Scam Stopper, an education campaign to help consumers in the United States and Canada avoid common scams that con artists use to commit consumer fraud.

“Western Union devotes extensive resources to stopping fraud,” says Shelley Bernhardt, the company’s Director of Consumer Protection. “Our agents are trained to intervene if they suspect a customer is the victim of a scam. Through our partnership with BBB, we aim to give consumers the information and resources they need to protect themselves and help stop fraud before it gets that far.”

Consumer fraud is a serious problem in North America. According to the Federal Trade Commission and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, consumers reported losing more than $1.5 billion to all types of scams in 2011.

“We investigate thousands of scams every year, and we know the tactics that scammers commonly use,” says Carrie Hurt, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “A portion of these scams involves the wire transfer of funds, so Western Union is the ideal partner for this campaign. The best defense against fraud is awareness and education. It’s crucial for consumers and business owners to recognize scams before they become victims.”

On the Scam Stopper website, consumers can find facts and tips to stay informed and help reduce their chances of becoming a victim of a scam. The site also explains the science of scams, and how scammers use many of the same “sales tactics” that are used by legitimate businesses. Visitors can also sign up to receive BBB Scam Alerts, weekly emails with the latest scams reported to BBBs across the country.

The site highlights common scams like Emergency Scams (a friend or family member has an emergency, often in another country, and needs money), Overpayment Scams (a buyer overpays and asks for the difference wired back to them), Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams (you’ve won a lot of money, but you have to pre-pay taxes before claiming your prize), and more. Personal finance writer/blogger Erica Sandberg has also joined the effort and is blogging and creating public service announcements about scams and fraud for BBB Scam Stopper.

-30--

ABOUT BBB:

ABOUT WESTERN UNION:

About Western Union

The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta, Pago Facil and Western Union Business Solutions branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, to send payments and to purchase money orders. As of June 30, 2012, the Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded services were offered through a combined network of approximately 510,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories. In 2011, The Western Union Company completed 226 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $81 billion of principal between consumers, and 425 million business payments. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

For more information, journalists should contact the Council of Better Business Bureaus (Katherine Hutt at 703-247-9345 or khutt@council.bbb.org or Kelsey Owen at 703-247-9376 orkowen@council.bbb.org) or Western Union (Anna Alejo at 720-332-3884 or anna.alejo@westernunion.com).

Know Your Valuable Investmentt: Your Car!

10/8/2012

Posted on 10/8/2012 by
Finding a trustworthy mechanic to give you the second opinion is the best idea. Research and basic auto knowledge also will serve you well. That’s why Better Business Bureau and CWI are offering Car Care 101 on Thursday, October 18, in Nampa. I’ll share more details at the end of this column.

As you talk with a mechanic, clarity and understanding will serve you well – especially when it comes to what you’ll pay for the work. Ask how the shop prices its work. Some shops charge a flat rate for labor on auto repairs. This published rate is based on an estimate of the time required to complete repairs. Others charge for the real time the technician works on the car.

Find out if there will be a diagnostic charge if you decide to have the work performed elsewhere. Many repair shops charge for diagnostic time.

If you decide to get the work done, ask for a written estimate and give clear instructions on how the shop will handle more needed repairs above and beyond the estimate.

Since it sounds like you’re dealing with recommended maintenance, you have to decide whether to do the work now or postpone. Some thoughts to consider as you decide.

Many parts on your vehicle are interrelated. Ignoring maintenance can lead to trouble. Neglecting even simple routine maintenance, such as changing the oil or checking the coolant, can lead to poor fuel economy, unreliability, or expensive breakdowns. It also may void your warranty. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual for your type of driving.

Some repair shops create their own maintenance schedules, which call for more frequent servicing than the manufacturer’s recommendations. Compare shop maintenance schedules with those recommended in your owner’s manual. Ask the repair shop to explain why it recommends service beyond the recommended schedule. Press hard on the question and be sure you fully understand and are comfortable with the answer.

Bottom line: Don’t be frightened or pressured into having unnecessary maintenance performed on your car.

Visiting the Car Confidence 101 event at CWI on Thursday, October 18, 6-8 pm, will arm you with the knowledge to ask the right questions when talking to your mechanic. The instructors at CWI will pop the hood on the car and explain the basics. It’s a hands-on experience for all involved. Space is limited and the $15 dollar registration is probably one of the best investments you can make in getting to know your vehicle. Visit http://snake-river.bbb.org/car-confidence-/ or call 208.947.2107 to register.

OMG! Stop With The Fake Tweets Already

10/5/2012

Posted on 10/5/2012 by

If this comes to your twitter account: STOP!

It’s hard to believe that the scammers are still at it, but they are. This is from a friend whose twitter account was hacked.

When you click on the “Facebook” link, it takes you to bitly.com warning page , that has already disabled the link. Key to not falling into this scam is that most people wouldn’t be promoting such personal information.

If you receive a Twitter direct message that seems to be alerting you to a video, a post, or something else on a social media – stop and think.

Senders try to grab your attention by implying the video is embarrassing. Other messages posted:

■rofl they was taping you
■how did you not see them taping u
■whatt are you doing in this fb vid ?
■what on earth you’re doing on this movie
■O M G your in this
■what on earth could you be doing in our vid
If you open any of the links, it drops a malware or virus on your computer.

If your account has been hacked, review your password, change your Twitter account password and any other accounts that have the same password. Look at applications that have access to your Twitter account (these are Facebook, WordPress, YouTube, Google, etc.) — whether approved or indirectly approved. Revoke access for any suspicious applications, and delete tweets and direct messages you sent and received while your account was compromised.

Twitter offers a step-by-step guide to stop the problem

Paid Your Taxes Online? Don't Get Fooled by Fake IRS Email

10/5/2012

Posted on 10/5/2012 by

Pay your taxes online this year? Scammers are hoping to grab the attention of the many Americans who filed electronically. Watch your inbox for this latest round of phishing scams that poses as a IRS email.

How the Scam Works:

You receive an email saying your federal tax bank transfer failed. It appears to come from the Internal Revenue Service, but look closely at the "From" line, and you will see another email address.

The email gives a fake account number and urges you to check out the attached file, supposedly a Word Document explaining the details of the failed transfer. But of course, the file is really a virus.

The scammers behind this con are even craftier than usually. Some consumers have reported receiving a follow up email with the subject line "SECOND NOTICE: Your IRS federal tax bank transfer is cancelled."

I Think I've Found a Scam. What Should I Do?

As always, don't click any attachments or links. If you did download the file, be sure to run a virus scan on your computer.
If you receive the above message or any suspicious email posing as the IRS, forward the message to phishing@irs.gov.

For More Information:

Check out the IRS website for examples of common phishing scams using the IRS name and tips for dealing with them.

To find scams in your area, check BBB's scam directory.

Don’t Panic, Your ACH Payment Has NOT Been Rejected

10/2/2012

Posted on 10/2/2012 by

Mary Pond of Boise didn’t panic when she received an email claiming that her ACH Payment had been rejected.

The email, from ACH Network Rules Department in Herdon, VA, claimed that her direct deposit software was out of date.

“This is the second fraud email I have received regarding a Direct Deposit ‘disallowance,’” she says.

ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, a federally regulated network that allows U.S. financial institutions to electronically send money back and forth. The network is governed by the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) – operated by the Federal Reserve and Electronic Payments Network.

ACH provides a more efficient payment method than traditional paper checks and eliminates the need to get a credit card number.

In this email, it asks the recipient to check out the details of the “disallowance” with a link.

When you call the phone number, 703-561-1100, it rings to an answering machine. When you try the website (www.direct.nacha.org), it isn’t allowed to open because it’s a lookalike address. The website nacha.org is for the Electronic Payments Association, an official organization that manages the development, administration, and governance of the ACH Network, the backbone for the electronic movement of money and data.

In a news release, NACHA states it had been entwined in a fraud and phishing scam. READ IT

The association’s statement: “The ACH Network serves as a safe, secure, reliable network for direct consumer, business, and government payments, and annually facilitates billions of payments such as direct deposit and direct payment.”

Scammers Taunt Twitter Users With Fake Facebook Video

10/2/2012

Posted on 10/2/2012 by
Twitter users, don't fall for this! A new scam uses direct messages to tease potential victims with a link to an embarrassing Facebook video. Try to view the clip, and you'll get a virus instead.

How the Scam Works:

You receive a Twitter direct message that seems to be alerting you to a video of yourself posted on Facebook. Senders try to grab your attention by implying that the video is embarrassing. Variations of the message include:

rofl they was taping you
how did you not see them taping u
whatt are you doing in this fb vid ?
what on earth you're doing on this movie
O M G your in this
what on earth could you be doing in our vid

The message contains a link that appears to go to a Facebook.com address. But users who click on it are greeted with what appears to be a video player and a warning message that "An update to Youtube player is needed." The message says it will install an update to Flash Player 10.1, but the file that downloads isn't a new version of Flash. It's a virus.

I Think I've Found a Scam. What Should I Do?

If another Twitter user is sending you links to maleware or other spam, report them to Twitter by following these instructions.
If you notice that your account is being used to send spam/maleware messages, your account has likely been hacked. Follow Twitter's instruction to reset your password and revoke connections to third-party applications.

For More Information:

For tips on how you can avoid phishing scams and prevent your account from being hacked, see Twitter's "Safe Tweeting" help page.

To find scams in your area, check BBB's scam directory.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance Draws Line in the Sand on Acceptable Charity Fundraising Copy

10/2/2012

Posted on 10/2/2012 by

Keynote Speech at Charity Regulator Conference Outlines Plan to Verify Truthfulness of Charitable Appeals

Washington, DC (October 1, 2012) – Paid fundraising firms must adhere to the same rigorous standards for truth and accuracy as the charitable organizations they represent, and BBB Wise Giving Alliance says “truth in advertising” must prevail. H. Art Taylor, President & CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance (the Better Business Bureau’s charity watchdog arm), announced a new initiative to verify the truthfulness of charitable appeals during his keynote speech today at the National Association of State Charity Officials’ conference in Washington, DC.

“We are concerned about the extent to which charities are not providing sufficient oversight over paid fundraising firms,” said Taylor. “These firms sometimes employ more aggressive and potentially misleading tactics to increase donor response.”

Taylor noted that this is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Better Business Bureau, which now includes 115 BBBs across the United States and Canada. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance, along with about 55 local Better Business Bureaus cumulatively produce over 11,000 reports on national and local charities using the 20BBB Standards for Charity Accountability, and is the oldest and largest charity evaluation service in the nation for many years.

“BBB was founded on the principals of truth in advertising,” explained Taylor, “BBB Wise Giving Alliance will launch an expanded review of national charity appeals. We will not only request samples but will select charities that have been the subject of significant inquiry and complaint and will request and review every single direct mail and telemarketing script used in the past year to verify the accuracy of appeal content. This is especially important since the Alliance is the only major national charity monitor that includes truthful solicitation as part of its charity accountability standards.”

“The BBB Wise Giving Alliance believes that drawing a line in the sand for what is acceptable, and cleaning up the tactics that charities use to raise funds, is vital to the health of the charitable sector,” added Taylor.

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BBB WISE GIVING – PAGE 2

Taylor cited the following examples of problem appeals:

• Exaggerating financial need

• Sending appeals that look like invoices

• Omissions of material facts about the charity’s major programs

• Inaccurate financial ratio references

Taylor noted that ultimately charity governing boards are responsible for ensuring that fundraising is properly conducted: “The buck stops with the charity’s board of directors….and the board will need to answer questions raised about bad fundraising agreements, misleading copy and overly aggressive tactics,” he said. To accomplish this, Taylor urged charity boards to follow seven tips to strengthen fundraising oversight:

1. The charity’s governing board (or a development committee of the board) should review major fundraising agreements

2. The agreement should include a termination clause that enables the charity to end the contract within a reasonable length of time (i.e. several months.

3. All direct mail and telemarketing copy should be reviewed and approved by the charity before use

4. The board should be provided with periodic updates about fund raising campaign results.

5. Competitive bids should always be considered before contracting for significant fundraising work

6. Charities should never rely on a single method to raise funds, but diversify development efforts to avoid a financial emergency if one fund raising method begins to decline

7. Charities should own the list of donors acquired through a fund raising firm’s efforts.

MEDIA: For more information or to schedule an interview with a BBB Wise Giving Alliance spokesperson, contact Katherine Hutt at 703-247-9345.

About BBB Wise Giving Alliance

BBB Wise Giving Alliance produces reports on over 1,300 nationally soliciting charitable organizations. BBB Wise Giving Alliance does not rank charities but rather seeks to assist donors in making informed judgments by providing objective evaluations of national charities based on 20 strict standards. The outcomes of the evaluations are available online at www.give.org. BBB Wise Giving Alliance is an affiliate of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

About BBB:

For 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2011, consumers turned to BBB more than 100 million times for Business Reviews on more than 4 million companies and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at www.bbb.org. The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for 115 local, independent BBBs across the United States and Canada, as well as home to its national programs on dispute resolution and industry self-regulation.

Accountability Program Looks Under Hood of Online Ad Campaign

10/2/2012

Posted on 10/2/2012 by

Accountability Program Looks Under Hood of Online Ad Campaign

Self-Regulation Process Ensures Consumers Receive Notice of

Interest-Based Ads

Kia Motors America, Initiative, Specific Media, Rocket Fuel, and Microsoft’s Atlas Ad Platform Pledge Support, Implementation of Self-Regulatory Principles for Online Behavioral Advertising

Arlington, VA – October 1, 2012 – The Online Interest-Based Advertising Accountability Program (Accountability Program) today released five decisions following inquiries into whether an online interest-based advertising campaign for Kia Motors America (Kia) was consistent with the Self-Regulatory Principles for Online Behavioral Advertising (OBA Principles).

The OBA Principles require that consumers receive notice and choice when served ads based on their prior browsing activity. The Accountability Program determined that certain Kia ads were served without this notice and choice mechanism. Kia responded to the Accountability Program’s inquiry by stating that it supports the self-regulatory principles; that it expects (and has expected) its third-party ad networks to serve the Advertising Option Icon (the AdChoices Icon or Icon) to give notice and choice to consumers; and that it in the process of implementing its own mechanism for providing consumers with notice and choice. Kia said that it would investigate to see whether there was a misunderstanding or miscommunication on this campaign.

In response to the Accountability Program inquiry, Kia has instructed Initiative, its media agency, that it expects its third-party ad networks to comply with the OBA Principles, including serving the AdChoices Icon.

Initiative stated that, as instructed by Kia, it was working with advertising networks to ensure that all Kia OBA campaigns going forward would be in compliance with the OBA Principles. Initiative also reiterated its support for the OBA Principles.

In the other decisions released today, the Accountability Program determined that two advertising networks, Specific Media and Rocket Fuel, had served Kia ads without giving consumers notice that they were receiving these ads based on their browsing history, as required under the Principles.

NAD™, CARU™, ERSP™ are trademarks of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

Both companies pledged to begin providing notice immediately on all interest-based ads in the Kia campaign. The Accountability Program found that a third company, Microsoft Advertising’s (Microsoft) ad serving platform, Atlas Solutions (Atlas), had acted only as the ad delivery platform and therefore was not covered by the OBA Principles.

These decisions also clarify for all parties in the advertising ecosystem how important it is that they communicate and work together to ensure that consumers are provided with notice and choice, as provided for under the OBA Principles.

“Today’s decisions demonstrate that self-regulation works because of strong oversight and support throughout the industry,” said Genie Barton, Vice President of the Council of Better Business Bureaus and Director of the Accountability Program. The Accountability Program provides objective, independent and vigorous monitoring and enforcement of the OBA Principles, a set of best practices developed by leading advertising trade associations to address consumers’ concerns about interest-based advertising practices. We appreciate the high levels of voluntary compliance demonstrated by all the participants in these inquiries.

The advertising industry’s OBA Principles provide new solutions that address two of consumers’ biggest concerns: their lack of knowledge and control of OBA data collection and interest-based ads. The Transparency Principle provides a way for consumers to “check under the hood” and see when data is being collected for OBA or interest-based ads are being served to them. The Consumer Control Principle gives consumers an easy-to-use opt out if they choose not to participate in OBA. Companies must give consumers notice about interest-based ads as the ad is served, a major innovation and improvement over notices buried in privacy policies. Companies most often provide this notice by placing the AdChoices Icon, a blue forward-facing triangle with an “i” in the middle, inside or near the ad. By clicking on the Icon, a consumer can learn more about OBA and choose whether to opt out. Notice can also be provided by the website operator on every Web page where data is collected for OBA or where an interest-based ad is served.

“Accountability is a key Principle that makes this self-regulatory program stand out. We are here to make sure that consumers can trust that they will have notice and choice about OBA ads delivered to them,” Genie Barton stated. “We believe today’s decisions will serve as a reminder to all companies in the advertising industry about the importance of following the OBA Principles at all times.”

Decisions:

Kia: Kia responded to the Accountability Program that it supports the OBA Principles and uses the AdChoices Icon on its interest-based campaigns. Further, as part of its response, Kia instructed its media agency to ensure that all ad networks involved in any OBA campaign comply with the OBA Principles. The Accountability Program is pleased with Kia’s prompt action and commends Kia for taking steps to clarify its support of the OBA Principles to its agency and ad network partners.

Initiative: In response to the Accountability Program’s formal inquiry, Initiative confirmed that it has acted as Kia’s media agency. Initiative also stated that it supports the OBA Principles and has taken steps to educate clients such as Kia of the self-regulatory program. Finally, Initiative stated that it is working closely with Kia to help Kia ensure that all Kia campaigns are compliant with the OBA Principles going forward.

NAD™, CARU™, ERSP™ are trademarks of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

Microsoft Advertising: Microsoft’s ad serving platform, Atlas, was used to deliver ads for the Kia campaign in question. However, Microsoft neither collected nor supplied data for OBA purposes for the Kia campaign; it only provided the ad serving technology. Therefore, Microsoft’s role in the Kia campaign falls outside the OBA Principles’ definition of OBA.

Specific Media: The Accountability Program found that Specific Media was serving interest-based ads for a Kia campaign without enhanced notice and choice. Specific Media stated that it typically uses the AdChoices icon, unless instructed to do otherwise, as it was in this case. Specific Media stated that it as a backstop it contractually requires its publisher partners to provide notice on every Web page where data is collected or an OBA ad served and that it believed that this was sufficient to comply with the OBA Principles. The Accountability Program found the practices Specific Media instructed its publisher partners to follow did not fully satisfy the requirements of enhanced notice. Specific Media has agreed to provide enhanced notice on all OBA ads in future by using the AdChoices Icon and/or ensuring that its publisher partners provide enhanced notice that complies with the Transparency Principle.

Rocket Fuel: Rocket Fuel was found to be out of compliance with the Transparency Principle because it was not providing enhanced notice on interest-based ads served as part of a Kia campaign. The company explained that it provides enhanced notice on OBA ads through the AdChoices Icon, but had been requested not to do so in this instance. Rocket Fuel has committed to ensuring the AdChoices Icon is served on all interest-based ads going forward. Rocket Fuel has also undertaken to educate its sales team and clients about the benefits of compliance with the OBA Principles. The company stated that compliance on all OBA ad campaigns is company policy.

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The Accountability Program’s inquiries were conducted under Online Interest-Based Advertising Accountability Program Procedures which are available at http://www.asrcreviews.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/OBA-Procedures2.pdf

About Advertising Industry Self-Regulation: ASRC establishes the policies and procedures for advertising industry self-regulation, including the National Advertising Division (NAD), Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU), National Advertising Review Board (NARB), Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) and Online Interest-Based Advertising Accountability Program (Accountability Program). The self-regulatory system is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

Self-regulation is good for consumers. The self-regulatory system monitors the marketplace, holds advertisers responsible for their claims and practices and tracks emerging issues and trends. Self-regulation is good for advertisers. Rigorous review serves to encourage consumer trust; the self-regulatory system offers an expert, cost-efficient, meaningful alternative to litigation and provides a framework for the development of a self-regulatory solution for emerging issues.

To learn more about supporting advertising industry self-regulation, please visit us at: www.advertisingselfregulation.org.

Sprint Users Beware; It’s The Next Phony Phone Bill Scam

9/21/2012

Posted on 9/21/2012 by

Gayle Alvarez of Boise knows a fraud when she sees it in her email in box.

“Pretty convincing graphics so somebody went to a lot of effort to build this,” she says.

A few months ago, scammers attempted to trick Verizon customers into opening fake bill notices, and before that AT&T, and T-Mobile.

How the scam works is all across the nation, people receive fake emails that look like real alerts from their phone providers as reminders their monthly bills are coming due.

This phishing scam is notable for its painstaking replication of Sprint emails and the large bill amounts (in this case it was over $1,000). See this sample email for a perfect example.

Alvarez took the right action: “I happen to have an account with them so I contacted Sprint directly – not via the phony link in the message – and verified that this is a hoax.”

It’s easy to spot this scam because of the large bill amounts and by hovering over the links. When you place your mouse on a link, the destination URL will appear. Check whether it leads to Sprint’s website or, in a scam email, to a third-party site.

Don’t click the link, don’t respond. If you are a customer listed in the email, contact your service provider directly or stop into a provider’s store and they can verify your account.

By responding, you’ll give away your cash, identity or infecting your computer or phone with a virus.

Fake Attorney Website Sparks FBI Investigation

9/20/2012

Posted on 9/20/2012 by

Be extra careful when hiring a lawyer, or you could end up giving away personal information and money to a scam artist. The FBI is warning attorneys and their clients to be on the lookout for scam websites that use real lawyers' information to cheat people seeking legal services.

How the Scam Works:

The FBI is currently investigating a case in Texas where scammers set up a fake website in the name of a retired attorney. They used her maiden name, former office address and portions of her biography to create a believable site.

The Texas case is not an isolated incident, and other attorneys have complained about the use of their names and professional information to solicit legal work.

Although the fake website is a new twist, scammers have long been known to impersonate law firms and call members of the public attempting to collect debts.

I Think I've Found a Scam. What Should I Do?

As a consumer, if you have a question about whether you are dealing with a legitimate attorney, please contact your state or local bar association. They can provide you with the real contact information for a lawyer in your area.
Lawyers, if you spot a suspicious use of your name and/or law firm, immediately report the incident to local authorities, your state bar, and the FBI at the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

For More Information:

For updates about the FBI's investigation into the lawyer impersonation scam, please see the "E-Scams and Warnings" section of FBI.org.

To find scams in your area, check BBB's scam directory.

BBB Alerts Consumers: Fake FBI Email Threatens Recipients with Arrest

9/19/2012

Posted on 9/19/2012 by

If you receive an official-looking email purportedly from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in which you are threatened with arrest, just delete it and ignore it.

There are several variations of the scam email making the rounds. One version, signed by “Special Agent Terry Williams,” supposedly comes from the Anti-Terrorist and Monetary Crimes Division.

The email, which bears an FBI seal and address in Washington, DC, tells recipients that $10.5 million has been deposited in a bank account in their name by a foreign government “without the proper documentations (sic) to prove the funds are not related to terrorist/money laundering activities.” The email says that the proper certification is required to prove that the money is not connected to illegal activities, and that the recipient will be arrested unless the paperwork is received by the FBI within 48 hours.

Some versions of the email request personal information, others ask for payment information for documentation and one requires you to simply reply to the email. Any reply tells the sender that you are receptive to bogus emails and more will follow, either demanding payment, or personal information, or containing a hyperlink that can download malware into your computer to track your logins, passwords and all of your other keyboard and browsing activity.

Similar phony emails have been sent out under the name of other government agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Scammers also create authentic-looking emails supposedly from financial institutions, requesting personal information to “unlock” a closed or suspended account.

Federal agencies caution:

“Some websites and emails try to mislead customers and members of the public into thinking they are official U.S. government websites. MThese websites are designed to appear official, and often have images of the U.S. flag, U.S. Capitol, White House, or Statue of Liberty. What these websites and emails are missing is the “.gov” suffix on their addresses. Remember that anything that does not end with “.gov” should be considered suspect.”

Better Business Bureau reminds consumers:

The government and other institutions do not send out such alerts or ask for personal or financial information by email

Report the incident to http://www.ic3.gov, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center

Never click on a link in or respond to a suspicious email

Delete the email and let friends and family know about the scam

For more tips on identifying and preventing internet-based fraud, visit the “For Consumers” pages at www.bbb.org.

Don’t Fall for Tweet About Seeing ‘U Being Tapped,’ It Steals Your Log-In Info

9/18/2012

Posted on 9/18/2012 by
The email came from a trusted associate in Portland, and looks like it’s directed from my Twitter account.

It simply reads: “u even see them taping u himhttp://facebook.com/419853461409468?vbnjszn thats awful”. I waited to open this email until I got to work, because I am wary of any poorly written texts or emails.

When you click the link in the message, you’re directed to a Facebook page that asks you to log-in from your Twitter account.

It’s a fake page and adding your details exposes you to identity theft. Our virus protector wouldn’t allow me to explore this one further.

An Internet search shows that the redirect is just a first step to get more information from you. It also takes you to a YouTube site, and beyond to a second Facebook page.

Don’t open suspicious emails.

Credit Card May Be Least of Worries in Identity Theft

9/18/2012

Posted on 9/18/2012 by
Fear of losing or having a credit card stolen ranks as the highest identity theft concern in a recent survey conducted by the BBB.

However, more serious and costly threats are considered less worrisome, according to a poll by the Better Business Bureau in August 2012.

Thirty percent of the respondents ranked credit card loss or theft as their greatest ID protection concern. Another 23 percent worried hackers would steal credit card and personal data from a business database. Rated least concerning, by 14 percent of those responding, was the disposal of personal papers in the garbage. Also low on the anxiety list was use of credit card information online (18 percent) or on the telephone (15 percent).

Losing or having a credit card stolen is certainly a worry. However, credit card companies have elaborate security programs to quickly stop credit access and limit consumer financial exposure to fraudulent use. On a rating scale, credit card loss is towards the less distressful end, though it should always be guarded against.

Card holders should be most worried about the material they have the most control over, their personal papers in the trash. Yet, this was the area where the fewest expressed concern.

Papers with personal data and credit card numbers on them can be a treasure trove of information for fraudsters, and a serious risk to consumers. Shredding these types of documents is essential for any type of personal identity protection plan. BBB’s annual free shredding day is coming up on Oct. 20 on the College of Western Idaho campus in Nampa.

Here are a few tips to watch:

■Start with your bank – Most financial institutions offer services to watch your transactions, and will contact you immediately if there is suspicious activity, such as, any transaction of more than $150.

■Free insurance – ID theft insurance is often included in homeowner insurance policies at no extra cost. Speak with your insurer to decide whether you are covered and discuss the terms and conditions.

■Keep an eye on your credit reports – Your credit reports will tell you if someone else is opening lines of credit in your name. Get reports from the three major credit-reporting bureaus, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, or a free of charge every 12 months from the only government-sanctioned source, www.annualcreditreport.com. You can check your credit reports all year-long by checking with one of the three bureaus every four months.

■Stay on the alert – If you find unauthorized financial activity, contact the credit reporting agencies to place a “fraud alert” on file. This will let lenders know that if someone applies for credit under your name, they may have stolen your personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number and address.

■Freeze your credit – A “credit freeze” is a more powerful tool than a fraud alert. A permanent credit freeze puts the brakes on any new creditors from accessing your credit report. You must ask a credit freeze from the credit reporting agencies.

Identity theft is much easier to prevent than fix.

BBB Tips: Understanding What That Grade On The Meat Package Means

9/18/2012

Posted on 9/18/2012 by

Grade A Beef. Okay, so what does that mean?

100 years ago, BBB was founded on truth in advertising. And where else would you want truth in advertising than when buying meat products for your family? BBB, with information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides you with a quick guide to what all those grades stamped on the packages of the meat and poultry you buy really mean.

Grading

After meat and poultry are inspected for wholesomeness, producers and processors may request that they have products graded for quality by a licensed Federal grader. The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (http://www.ams.usda.gov) is the agency responsible for grading meat and poultry. Those who request grading must pay for the service. Grading for quality means the evaluation of traits related to tenderness, juiciness, and flavor of meat; and, for poultry, a normal shape that is fully fleshed and meaty and free of defects.

USDA grades are based on nationally uniform Federal standards of quality. No matter where or when a consumer purchases graded meat or poultry, it must have met the same grade criteria. The grade is stamped on the carcass or side of beef and is usually not visible on retail cuts. However, retail packages of beef, as well as poultry, will show the U.S. grade mark if they have been officially graded.

The grade symbol and wording are no longer copyrighted; however, according to the Truth in Labeling Law, it is illegal to mislead or misrepresent the shield or wording.

USDA Grades for Meat and Poultry

Beef
Beef is graded as whole carcasses in two ways:
• quality grades - for tenderness, juiciness, and flavor; and
• yield grades - for the amount of usable lean meat on the carcass. There are eight quality grades for beef. Quality grades are based on the amount of marbling (flecks of fat within the lean), color, and maturity.

Quality Grades:
• Prime grade is produced from young, well-fed beef cattle. It has abundant marbling and is generally sold in restaurants and hotels. Prime roasts and steaks are excellent for dry-heat cooking (broiling, roasting, or grilling).
• Choice grade is high quality, but has less marbling than Prime. Choice roasts and steaks from the loin and rib will be very tender, juicy, and flavorful and are, like Prime, suited to dry-heat cooking. Many of the less tender cuts, such as those from the rump, round, and blade chuck, can also be cooked with dry heat if not overcooked. Such cuts will be most tender if "braised" — roasted, or simmered with a small amount of liquid in a tightly covered pan.
• Select grade is very uniform in quality and normally leaner than the higher grades. It is fairly tender, but, because it has less marbling, it may lack some of the juiciness and flavor of the higher grades. Only the tender cuts (loin, rib, sirloin) should be cooked with dry heat. Other cuts should be marinated before cooking or braised to obtain maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Standard and Commercial grades are frequently sold as ungraded or as "store brand" meat.
• Utility, Cutter, and Canner grades are seldom, if ever, sold at retail but are used instead to make ground beef and processed products.

Note: Grades such as Prime, Choice and Select are not acceptable terms for raw cuts of pork or poultry.

Yield grades range from "1" to "5" and indicate the amount of usable meat from a carcass. Yield grade 1 is the highest grade and denotes the greatest ratio of lean to fat; yield grade 5 is the lowest yield ratio. Though yield grades are not something consumers normally see, they are most useful when purchasing a side or carcass of beef for the freezer.

Veal/Calf
There are five grades for Veal/Calf: prime, choice, good, standard, and utility.
• Prime and choice grades are juicier and more flavorful than the lower grades. Because of the young age of the animals, the meat will be a light grayish-pink to light pink, fairly firm, and velvety. The bones are small, soft, and quite red. Cuts such as chops can be cooked by the dry-heat methods of roasting, grilling or broiling.

Lamb
There are five grades for lamb. Normally only two grades are found at the retail level — prime and choice. Lower grades of lamb and mutton (meat from older sheep) — good, utility, and cull — are seldom marked with the grade. Lamb is produced from animals less than a year old. Since the quality of lamb varies according to the age of the animal, it is advisable to buy lamb that has been USDA graded.
• Prime grade is very high in tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Its marbling enhances both flavor and juiciness.
• Choice grade has slightly less marbling than prime, but still is of very high quality. Most cuts of prime and choice grade lamb (chops, roasts, shoulder cuts, and leg) are tender and can be cooked by the dry-heat methods (broiling, roasting, or grilling). The less tender cuts — breast, riblets, neck, and shank — can be braised to make them more tender.

Pork
Pork is not graded with USDA quality grades as it is generally produced from young animals that have been bred and fed to produce more uniformly tender meat. Appearance is an important guide in buying fresh pork. Look for cuts with a relatively small amount of fat over the outside and with meat that is firm and grayish pink in color. For best flavor and tenderness, meat should have a small amount of marbling.

Pork's consistency makes it suitable for a variety of cooking styles. Chops can be prepared by pan broiling, grilling, baking, braising, or sautéing. Ribs can be braised, roasted, or grilled. Slow cooking yields the most tender and flavorful results. Tenderloins are considered to be the most tender and tasty cut of pork.

Poultry
The USDA grades for poultry are A, B, and C.
• Grade A is the highest quality and the only grade that is likely to be seen at the retail level. This grade indicates that the poultry products are virtually free from defects such as bruises, discolorations, and feathers. Bone-in products have no broken bones. For whole birds and parts with the skin on, there are no tears in the skin or exposed flesh that could dry out during cooking, and a good covering of fat under the skin. Also, whole birds and parts will be fully fleshed and meaty.

The U.S. grade shield for poultry may be found on the following chilled or frozen ready-to-cook poultry products: whole carcasses and parts, as well as roasts, tenderloins, and other boneless and/or skinless poultry products that are being marketed. There are no grade standards for necks, wing tips, tails, giblets, or ground poultry.
• Grades B and C poultry are usually used in further-processed products where the poultry meat is cut up, chopped, or ground. If sold at retail, they are usually not grade identified.

Food Safe Families

By following four simple steps, you can help keep your family safe from food poisoning at home.
• CLEAN. Wash hands and surfaces often.
• SEPARATE. Separate raw meats from other foods.
• COOK. Cook food to the right temperature.
• CHILL. Refrigerate food promptly.

For more information about meat and poultry grading, go to USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Web site at www.ams.usda.gov/

Medicare Card Scare Makes its Way Back to Our Region

9/13/2012

Posted on 9/13/2012 by

A local bank manager was extremely concerned when one of his bank customers reported she’d given out her bank account information.

“They told her that she was going to get a new Medicare card, and needed her account number to make certain the information was correct,” he says. “We took care of tagging the account.”

The woman told the banker the caller was so smooth that she was caught off guard before she recognized the error.

“She said he was verifying her status, and she fell for it – giving him the account number,” the banker says.

Calls are being made to elderly and disabled residents in the Snake River Region by scammers looking for Medicare or Medicaid information under the ruse of information verification.

In the last few weeks, the BBB has received numerous phone calls from residents reporting they received phone calls, supposedly from federal agencies, asking 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.

If the crooks can get banking information, they’ll use it to commit identity theft.

These crooks can be very aggressive, often calling many times and at all hours of the day to wear down their potential victims. They may even have limited information about the person that’s easily gleaned from public databases that they use to make the call seem legitimate.

Medicare, Medicaid and the Social Security Administration will not call you to update information or issue a new card. If you get one of these calls, hang up and report it to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at www.cms.gov website.

The BBB recommends the following tips to avoid this scam:

• Never give out their personal information over the phone, especially if it is from an unsolicited caller. IF consumers receive a suspicious phone call, they should hang up immediately.

• Remind 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.

• Never sign blank insurance claim forms.

• Never give blanket authorization to a medical provider to bill for services rendered.

• Ask your medical providers what they will charge and how much you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket.

• Carefully review your insurer's explanation of benefits statement. Call your insurer and provider if you have questions.

• Don’t do business with door-to-door or telephone salespeople who tell you that medical services or equipment are free.

• Give your insurance/Medicare identification only to those who have provided you with medical services.

• Keep accurate records of all health care appointments.

Most Medicare related scams reported to BBB involve some form of identity theft.

Email with "Visual Voicemail" Have Scam Attached

9/13/2012

Posted on 9/13/2012 by

Keep a careful eye on your work email this week! Fake "visual voicemail" emails are making the rounds. These emails appear to contain a new voicemail message, but click the attachment and you'll end up at a scam website.

This is new approach that we've not seen at BBB before. The scammers probably hope that the novelty of it will make you curious enough to click on the link. Don't do it!

How the Scam Works:

The emails appear to come from Microsoft Outlook on "Behalf of an Anonymous Caller," but the messages reference a variety of URLs and phone numbers. Of the cases we've seen, employees are receiving emails that contain an "Email ID" (see screen shot below) that appears to be from an internal company email address. For example, an employee at business ABC would receive a message citing email ID "voice.mail@ABC.com."

However, the one thing certain about scams is that they will change. Watch out for new variations on the theme. For example, we have seen multiple emails with a fake voicemail from a 703 (Northern Virginia) area code and from BBB.org email addresses. But scammers are likely to change this up.

Don't Click the Attachment:

The email attachment appears to be a .wav audio file, but it's really an HTML link that redirects recipients to a malicious website. The destination website may download malware to scan for banking and other sensitive information on your computer.

For More Information:

To find scams in your area, check Scam Source. To learn more about phishing emails and how to spot them, see our information on the subject.

Fidelity Alert Hits Inboxes; It’s a Trojan … Don’t Open

9/12/2012

Posted on 9/12/2012 by

Fidelity Alerts ... the title is for anyone who has an investment with Fidelity investments, but truth is, this fidelity alert provides anything but trustworthiness.

The address is from Fidelity Alerts <fidelity.costumer.alerts@fidelity-notice4864123.com> while the official Fidelity Investment is http:// www.fidelity.com. The message appears to be written from Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC.

When you open this email you can expect to download a bunch of trouble. This has a Trojan malware on it that will capture your information and transfer it to a computer in Canada. Don't fall for it.
It asks for you login information. Once you provide it, they can enter it into the official website and manipulate or steal you account.

BBB advises consumers to follow these tips to protect their computer from malware:

Research before you click. Before clicking on an unknown popup or email, take the time to research the company on your own to assure it’s a reputable email, company or website.

• Don’t believe the message. To persuade you to launch a virus-laden link or give your personal information, virus authors must earn your trust. They try to carry out this by composing convincing-looking messages that entice consumers to click the advertisement.

• Protect your personal information. Don’t provide your personal information or credit card information to an unknown company or website. If you’re thinking of purchasing something from a website, there are various icons and software programs that show that security software is in place, such as “https” instead of “http” or a padlock icon will show at the bottom of the screen.

Protect your computer. Installing updates to your operating system can be done for free by enabling the option on your computer’s security center. Keep all anti-virus software up to date and make sure all security patches and updates are installed for programs that access the Internet.

California-based US Telecom targets Idaho Businesses with Phony Invoices

9/12/2012

Posted on 9/12/2012 by

Better Business Bureau Serving Snake River Region is warning businesses of misleading invoices being mailed to companies all over the country including Idaho by an California-based company, US Telecom (UST).

The invoices are actually solicitations for USTs services, but appear to be standard invoices, billing companies $425 for services rendered. Nowhere on the solicitation does UST disclose that the invoice is actually a solicitation.

It is against U.S. Postal Service regulations to mail a bill or invoice that is actually a solicitation, unless it bears a clear disclaimer that such unsolicited invoice is for information only and not a request to pay.

The U.S. Postal Service requires solicitations that look like invoices, bills, or account statements to carry one of the following notices:

1. “THIS IS NOT A BILL. THIS IS A SOLICITATION. YOU ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO PAY THE AMOUNT STATED ABOVE UNLESS YOU ACCEPT THIS OFFER.”

2. “THIS IS A SOLICITATION FOR AN ORDER OF GOODS OR SERVICES, OR BOTH, AND NOT A BILL, INVOICE OR STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT DUE. YOU ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO MAKE ANY PAYMENTS ON ACCOUNT OF THIS OFFER UNLESS YOU ACCEPT THIS OFFER.”

UST has accrued 461 consumer complaints with the Los Angeles BBB in the past year, including 182 unanswered complaints. In September, 2011 the Los Angeles BBB conducted an Advertising Review on USTs solicitations and requested that the company include a Disclosure Statement to let businesses know that the mailer is a solicitation.

BBB also requested U.S. Telecom alter the composition and layout of the solicitation so that businesses wouldn’t confuse it with an invoice. U.S. Telecom did not respond to either of BBB’s requests.

In February the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office filed a Cease and Desist order against U.S. Telecom, and its principal, David Bell, for “engaging in unlawful acts or practices” by mailing businesses solicitations that could “reasonably be interpreted” as a bill or invoice.

BBB encourages businesses in Idaho that receive or mistakenly pay this invoice to file a complaint with the Idaho Attorney General’s office. They can be reached at 208-334-2424.

BBB tips for avoiding invoice scams:

The best protection against phony invoices is knowledge and vigilance- never pay a bill unless you’re sure you have a service agreement or contract with that company.
Businesses should alert its accounts payable department to be on the lookout for disguised solicitations
Carefully review invoices from companies you do not normally do business with
Establish effective internal controls for the payment of invoices, and verify all invoices with the person who gave authorization

Bill Payment Process Will Help Eliminate Pesky Billing Scams

9/11/2012

Posted on 9/11/2012 by
When Adriana DalSoglio, contract manager with Fisher’s Document Systems, received a call from a customer questioning a bill for toner, immediately red flags started going up.

The “toner scammers” are hitting Fisher’s customers. The scammers are gleaning information from customer’s front desk staff about models and makes of copiers in service, and types of cartridges used.

Then, armed with that information, the fraudulent sales person contacts the company and makes the sales pitch.

“They are calling and saying they represent Fisher’s,” she says. “They say that the price of the toner they use is about to increase dramatically, and they should buy it now, and save money in the end.”

Then, the shipment from the fraudulent salesman is delivered, and billed.

DalSoglio says Fisher’s tries to stay in front of the fraudulent sales by calling customers and educating them on such scams.

Every year, BBB receives calls about phony invoices and attempts to “over-ride” sales contracts. These fake billings are another way to get businesses to pay for materials they did not order or receive. A small business can protect itself against increased liability on its financial transactions by using strong ways to secure the credentials they use to get access to their bank accounts.

Just this week, BBB received an invoice from Maria Decaney, executive assistant at KIVI 6 – On Your Side, in Boise. The invoices were for $425.00 Telecom Maintenance Agreement from UST in La Verne, Calif.

“We received these invoices today but we do not do business with UST’” she says. “When I asked our engineer about them, he said that they are a scam.”

Companies that do not have a payment process can sometimes be caught off guard when official looking invoices come across the desk. Sometimes they get paid.

Probably the best way to uncover such fraudsters is to do extensive background checks, ask for “vender” documentation, and reference.
Also, avoid making quick-pitch decisions. Have a policy in place that clearly states, “We don’t do business over the phone, please send your sales opportunity to ….” And then, make certain staff adheres to the policy.

In addition, BBB recommends these guidelines:

Initiate a “dual control” payment process with your bank and employees. Ensure all payments are initiated from your bank accounts only after two employees approve. One employee will create the payment file and a second employee will be responsible for authorizing the release of the file. This process should be in place regardless of the type of payment being initiated-including checks, wire transfers, fund transfers, payroll files, ACH payments, and etc.

Have dedicated workstations. Restrict the use of certain workstations and laptops to be used solely for online banking and payments, if possible. For example, a workstation or laptop used for online banking should not be used for web browsing or social networking.

Use robust authentication methods and vendors. Make sure your financial service providers allow for “multi-factor authentication.” This means that you need more than just a username and password to get access to your account.

Update virus protection and security software. Ensure that all anti-spyware, anti-malware, and security software and mechanisms are robust and up-to-date for all computer workstations and laptops used for online banking and payments. Implement a process to periodically confirm they stay up-to-date. Security patches are often available via automatic updates.

Reconcile accounts daily. Monitor and reconcile accounts daily against expected credits and withdrawals. If you see any kind of unexpected activity on your account, tell your financial institution immediately.

Just When You Think It’s Over! Nigerian Scam Makes a Comeback

9/10/2012

Posted on 9/10/2012 by

When the Better Business Bureau’s office is included in a ‘fax’ blast that hit statewide, you know it’s desperation on the part of someone.

The Nigerian scam, named so because of its popularity in the 1980s when then President Shehu Shagari was in power. A letter was first delivered and a promise of wealth detailed for compliance in helping transfer money out of the country.

The sender, generally claiming to be a government official, member of a royal family or someone of status, requests assistance in transferring millions of dollars of excess money out of Nigeria and promises to pay the person for his or her help.

The message is always of an "urgent, private" nature.

The fraud went from postal delivery to faxes to email and most recently text messages. The request for assistance generally seeks a banking account number – to "safekeep" the funds – and Social Security number, birth date, or other personal information. Most recently, victims are asked to send money to the letter-sender for taxes or various fees.

Victims never see their money again, and the con artist obtains the ability to empty their bank account and/or steal their identity.

Laugh at the insanity of falling for such a fraud, but the FBI reports annual losses of millions of dollars to these schemes. Some victims have actually been lured to Nigeria, where they were imprisoned or even worse killed.

Variations of this con are attracting the attention of a new batch of victims.

BBB serving the Snake River Region received numerous copies of the “fax” from and calls asking if the BBB was aware of them.

Consumers can take steps to protect themselves against the Nigerian Letter Scam and its variations.

• If you receive a letter from Nigeria, or any other country, asking you to send personal or banking information, do not reply! The BBB suggests you immediately delete or throw away any such correspondence.

• If you have already responded to such a plea, or if you know someone who is corresponding in this scheme, contact the U.S. Secret Service as soon as possible (phone: 202.406.5572 or e-mail 419.fcd@usss.treas.gov)

• Ignore individuals representing themselves as foreign government officials asking for your help in placing large sums of money in overseas bank accounts.

• Be leery when strangers are eager to place unexpected, large amounts of money at your disposal, in exchange for your bank account number or other personal or financial information.

• Cashier checks and money orders can be counterfeit. When a stranger sends a check or money offer to purchase a product or service from you, consult with your bank about the time it will take to verify the check, and wait for the funds to clear.

Scam Alert: Verizon Calls a Reminder About Billing Requests

9/10/2012

Posted on 9/10/2012 by

Shelley resident Justin says he didn’t pay any attention to the phone number. He says he usually answers all calls coming to his phone.

Surprised, he listened more intently when the woman on the phone began telling him his recent payment has been rejected and that he would need to give her a credit or debit card number immediately to avoid having his phone service shut off.

“Geez, I couldn’t let my phone get shut off,” the 27-year-old says. “So, I pulled out my credit card and began to give her the number.”

As he began to read off the second set of four on his Visa, he says he stopped.

“I just asked her who she was again,” he says. “That’s when she got screwed up, and I hung up.”

Several months earlier, BBB issued a warning to residents in the Snake River Region about a text message scam that requested immediate credit card payment to avoid disconnect.

Now, the scammers are using stolen phone lists to call users direct.

BBB had five calls from concerned Verizon subscribers on Thursday of last week, and the calls keep coming in.

First, don’t ever give out your personal or financial information to someone you don’t know or trust.

Second, ask yourself these questions:

• Who's calling - and why? Telemarketers must tell you it's a sales call, the name of the seller and what they're selling before they make their pitch. If they don't give you the required information, say "no thanks," and get off the phone.

• What's their hurry? Fast talkers who use high-pressure tactics could be hiding something. Take your time. Most legitimate businesses will give you time and written information about an offer before asking you to commit to a purchase.

• If it's free, why are they asking me to pay? Question charges you need to pay to redeem a prize or gift. Free is free. If you have to pay, it's a purchase - not a prize or a gift.

• Why am I "confirming" my account information - or giving it out at all? Some callers have your billing information before they call you. They're trying to get you to say, "okay" so they can claim you approved a charge.

• And, can I call back. Incoming calls can be from anyone and anywhere. We all pay bills through the Internet. Most companies have options on how they can contact you that include calling you on the phone. Just remember that even if you have pre-enrolled to have a business contact you by phone or email, be suspicious.

Contact your service provider – via phone or email – and ask for verification. If you truly have a problem with a bill – whether its Verizon or another company – hang up, look up the number and make a call. Don’t trust taking callback number from the person on the phone.

In addition, there are kiosks, strip mall phone service centers that you can stop into and verify your account status.

If there is an error or problem with the billing, the customer service representative will understand.

Kick off September With Kindness – Does Your Business Have What it Takes?

9/7/2012

Posted on 9/7/2012 by

A warm smile and a kind gesture can brighten even the gloomiest of days. When working with customers, it’s always important to recognize the integral part of quality service. September is National Courtesy Month and Better Business Bureau is encouraging business owners to recognize the importance of proper business etiquette for when it comes to dealing with customers.

The trust that’s established between a customer and a business is not only the foundation for a successful business transaction, but makes for an overall healthy business relationship between the business and the customer. The customer needs to feel that they have been heard and that they have received the time and patience from the business.

“First impressions matter,” commented Katherine Hutt, spokesperson for the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “As a business owner, the first step to ensuring quality customer service is to provide that same quality service to your own employees. Do you greet your employees with a positive hello? Do you listen to them when they seek feedback? The kindness that you show to your employees will become threefold as it quickly trickles down to the level of the customer.”

Some BBB tips for business owners and managers:

Lead by example. Employees take their cue from management. Make sure that all senior staff are aware of how they treat their staff. Their staff can become the face of the business and it will be important that the positive interactions they receive from their management reflect in their daily interactions with customers.

Always greet your customer with a warm welcome. When a customer comes to your business, make sure to address them by name and with a friendly welcome. Customers pick up on your attitude and will quickly judge your business accordingly. A warm welcome invites the customer to stay a while and encourages them to do business with you.

Go the extra mile. Thank you notes, birthday cards, and personalized coupons are a great way to show your appreciation to your customers. If a customer makes a request for something special, do everything you can to say yes.

Give the customer the benefit of the doubt. Whether it’s online or in person, customers can and will complain at some point during your business’ lifetime. Make sure you know how to handle even the most disgruntled complaint. Give your employees guidelines on what to say and how to act. Respond consistently and timely if the complaint is online. Outsiders will see and appreciate your attempt to resolve, even if the disgruntled customer does not.

Seek out feedback. Ask your customers and fellow employees, “How are we doing?” Make an honest effort to resolve and execute any suggestions. Keeping customers and employees happy is the key to success for any business. Feedback allows for a great pat on the back and time to reflect on what needs to be changed.

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

Protect Yourself from Investment Scams

9/7/2012

Posted on 9/7/2012 by

Before you invest your earnings, it is important to check for scams and verify credibility of the investment firm. Asking questions, research the company, reach out to local investment firms and advisers, talk to other investors. It’s essential to take precaution with all investment opportunities.

Studies show that investment scams are on the rise over the past decade. Baby boomers in particularly are more vulnerable to such schemes, as many are now managing their own retirement account. In 2010, state securities regulators initiated more than 1200 enforcement actions, including criminal complaints and cease-and-desist orders, involving investors ages 50 or older, according to the North American Securities Administrators Association. That was more than double the 506 cases in 2009.

FINRA Investor Education Foundation, specializing in investment fraud, has a plethora of valuable information to help you sort through your next investment decision making. FINRA has provided three key strategies you can use if you aren’t certain about a specific investment opportunity:

1. End the conversation

Practice saying “No”. Simply tell the person, “I am sorry, I am not interested. Thanks you.” Or tell anyone who pressures you, “I never make investing decisions without first consulting my___. I will contact you if I am still interested.” Fill in the blank with whom ever you choose – your spouse, child, investment professional, attorney or accountant. Knowing your exit strategy in advance makes it easier to leave the conversation, even if the pressure starts rising.

2. Turn the tables and ask questions

A legitimate investment professional must be properly licensed, and his or her firm must be registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or a state securities regulator, depending on the type of business the firm conducts.

3. Talk to someone first

Be extremely skeptical if the person promoting the deal says, “Don’t tell anyone else about this special deal!” A legitimate investment professional won’t ask you to keep secrets.

Exercising these three key strategies will help protect you from fraudsters. Remember, the more knowledgeable you are when making investments, the less likely you are to become a victim. When making an investment there’s no urgency to race against the clock – take your time and make an informed decision.

For more information on protecting yourself from investment fraud, visit www.saveandinvest.org.

In an Emergency, When Seconds Count, Know Where to Turn

9/7/2012

Posted on 9/7/2012 by

September is National Preparedness Month and what better time to ensure your family’s emergency readiness than with a month dedicated to your safety. Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when the seconds start to count. Better Business Bureau urges families to devise and discuss their disaster plans with their loved ones.

Safety is paramount in an emergency, but basic protective actions – for instance, whether to evacuate or shelter-in-place – can differ depending upon the disaster. There are important differences among potential emergencies that should influence the decisions you make and the actions you take.

“Families should familiarize themselves with website of FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” recommends Katherine Hutt, spokesperson for the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “It outlines the emergencies that could potentially occur where you live and offers the appropriate ways to respond to each.”

Two things every family needs no matter what the disaster, whether a natural disaster or terrorism, are an emergency plan and an emergency kit.

Recommended items for an emergency kit include:

a gallon of water per person per day for three days,
a three-day supply of nonperishable food for each family member,
a flashlight with extra batteries,
first-aid kit,
a whistle to signal for help,
dust masks,
a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities,
a power inverter or solar charger for your cell phone.

You may consider including prescriptions (at the very least a list of prescriptions), infant formula and diapers, pet food and cash. Place copies of important family documents (insurance policies, identification and financial records) in a waterproof, portable container near your escape route. Pencil and paper, paper cups and plates, and plastic utensils are useful. And if you have kids, pack some games, books or puzzles. Maintaining your kit is also important. You will want to replace stored water and food about every six months. Mark the date on containers or cans.

For an emergency plan, make sure all family members know where to meet and who to contact in the case you get separated. A relative or friend in another area is an ideal emergency contact person. Make sure everyone in the family knows how to send and receive text messages. Consider downloading smart phone apps that provide emergency information.

For more information you can trust, visit www.bbb.org.

Grandparent Scams are on the Rise – Do you Know the Red Flags?

9/7/2012

Posted on 9/7/2012 by

Sunday, September 9^th is National Grandparents and as we look to celebrate this day with the grandparents that we love, it’s important to take the time to educate our loved ones on the scams that target them. Better Business Bureau is warning well-meaning seniors about “emergency” scams designed to fool them into thinking that their grandchild is hurt, arrested or stranded, and in need of money.

According to recent FBI reports, the “Grandparent Scam” has been around since 2008, but there has been a surge recently. Retirees are an attractive target for financial scammers. As noted by Western Union, emergency scams play off of peoples’ emotions and strong desire to help others in need. Scammers impersonate their victims and make up an urgent situation – “I’ve been arrested,” “I’ve been mugged,” “I’m in the hospital” – and target friends and family with urgent pleas for help, and money.

BBB offers the following tips to avoid the Grandparent Scam:

Communicate. Teens should share travel plans with family members before leaving the state or country.

Share information. Teens should provide the cell phone number and email address of a friend they are traveling with in the case of an emergency. Family members should remind students to be cautious when sharing details about travel plans on social media.

Know the red flags. Typically, the grandparent receives a frantic phone call from a scammer posing as their grandchild. The “grandchild” explains that he or she has gotten into trouble and needs help, perhaps caused a car accident or was arrested for drug possession. The "grandchild" pleads to the grandparents not to tell his or her parents and asks that they wire thousands of dollars for reasons posting bail, repairing the car, covering lawyer's fees or even paying hospital bills for a person the grandchild injured in a car accident.

Ask a personal question, but don’t disclose too much information. If a grandparent receives a call from someone claiming to be their grandchild in distress, BBB advises that the grandparent not disclose any information before confirming that it really is their grandchild. If a caller says "It's me, Grandma!" don't respond with a name, but instead let the caller explain who he or she is. One easy way to confirm their identity is to ask a simple question that the grandchild would know such as what school he or she goes to or their middle name.

For more information you can trust, visit www.bbb.org.

Google 13th Anniversary Awards Scam Running Since its 10th Anniversary

9/6/2012

Posted on 9/6/2012 by
The number 13 for many may be an unlucky number, but for one Boise resident it was a lucky number.

Wayne is strong believer that good things come to people who do good things. He’s always supported the web browser Google. His first and only Internet email account is a Google Gmail.

“I’m one of those people who have helped make it a verb,” he says, and smiles with a somewhat proud look. “I ‘Google’ everything.”

That’s why he was earnestly elated to receive the email that declared he was the winner of the Google 13th Anniversary Awards. The prize – 800,000 British pounds – about $1,008,232.75 on today’s exchange rate.

“I’m one of 20 winners,” he says. “I couldn’t believe I was selected.”

That’s when Wayne did the right thing. He contacted Better Business Bureau and brought a printout of the million-dollar email to the office.

In it he was instructed to contact Mr. Phillip Benson, +44 703 174 0762, or write to phillipbensonclaims@xbmail.com, and receive instructions on how to claim the prizes he’d been selected to win. The letter was signed by Susan Leonard, Awards Notification Officer.

The claim agent was to collect personal information to release the award.

BBB reminds you that if you receive a letter or phone call informing you that you’ve won money or a prize or a trip in a contest you entered, be cautious. While there are legitimate contests, there are many which are not. Prizes in legitimate contests are awarded by chance and contestants don’t have to pay a fee, prepay taxes, or buy anything to enter or increase their odds of winning. International sweepstakes are illegal in the United States.

This is just the latest among scams that target people who let themselves to be swept away by dreams of free money. Some offers arrive via computer; others enter the home through direct mail or the telephone. In addition to phony sweepstakes announcements, BBB report that consumers are receiving

■suspicious foreign lottery solicitations (from UK, Australia, Canada, Spain and other countries) advising winners to send money orders for hundreds of dollars;

■notifications of cash awards from international security firms or disbursement offices that demand payment up-front to cover entry, judging or postage fees; and

■phone calls from people claiming to be representatives of reputable retailers, who want to “reward” loyal customers with special gift certifications or cash cards, after payment of a delivery fee.

BBB Warns of Microsoft Phone Scam

9/6/2012

Posted on 9/6/2012 by

The growing number of computers per household all over the world gives scammers a variety of fraud opportunities.

A recent telephone scam has criminals calling every house number they can, claiming to be Microsoft technicians. They offer “free security checks.” Once they get the victim’s trust, they get them to log into their computers, and either allow the scammers remote access to the computer or trick the victim into giving away a credit card number.

According to a Microsoft survey, 16% of their product users have received such phone calls. You can get one too, not necessarily from “Microsoft techies”, but from fake Apple, Samsung, Google reps, etc.

Some organizations that cybercriminals claim to represent include:

Windows Helpdesk
Windows Service Center
Microsoft Tech Support
Microsoft Support
Windows Technical Department Support Group
Microsoft Research and Development Team (Microsoft R & D Team)

BBB advises consumers to protect themselves from scammers attempting to use their computer by doing the following:

Go through your service provider directly. If you are concerned your computer may be exposed to viruses or other security threats, contact your service provider directly. Some providers offer free tools that can help detect and remove viruses.

Install virus detection. To help protect your computer from viruses make sure you have virus detection software installed on your computer. This software can also help show if a virus appears on your computer.

Don’t trust odd calls. Never give out personal information, over the phone, to someone you don’t know. Regardless of the claims made by a caller, if you didn’t make the call yourself and trust the person on the other end of the phone – don’t share your personal information!

Penny Auctions, Like bidsthatgive.com, Gain in Popularity and Concern

8/31/2012

Posted on 8/31/2012 by
Online “Penny Auctions” are gaining popularity, and while claiming to offer opportunities to win quality merchandise at low prices, BBB reminds people purchasing bids only provides the right to bid; it does not guarantee any product in return.

Even the most recent penny auction, bidsthatgive.com, entices bidders with the thought part of each bid goes to helping the needy.

Typically, penny auctions 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 specified rate – $1 per bid. If a bidder buys 100 bids – then $100 is paid, which gives him/her an opportunity to bid 100 times. It does not guarantee any product.

Bidders must pay a fee of 50 cents to $1 each bid, depending on the site, and each new bid extends the auction 15 seconds, according to Moneywatch.com,. 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.

Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission advise caution:

• 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 about 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 enters, several seconds gets added to the end of the auction, so save your bids until it’s close to the end.

• Remember bids ONLY give the bidder the right to bid on an item, and do not guarantee any product in return.

• Do not accept any offers to “free” trials that need 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, bidders that 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 give 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 www.ftc.gov.

Hundreds of Idaho Residents Part of ZeekRewards Ponzi Scheme

8/31/2012

Posted on 8/31/2012 by

The 72-year-old Boise woman’s voice asked sheepishly about ZeekRewards after hearing about it this week. Laura, who asked not to be identified, said she’d heard only bits and pieces about what was happening to the North Carolina-based company.

“I knew I could get good information from the BBB,” she said. She lost $10,000 in the company that was taken over by the Securities Exchange Commission on Aug. 17.

In an email, just hours later, Rick from Idaho Falls thanked BBB: “I was glad to see that Zeek was shut down in a Ponzi scam. Thanks for saving a few folks from more losses.”

Gary, of Boise, pleaded for updated information in an email on Thursday: “Any word on ZeekRewards all we can get is Internet hype. Can you assist there are several hundred people in the Boise area that were involved.”

And Paul, of Meridian, said this was all going to be resolved and Zeek Rewards would come out unscathed, and that a group of Idahoans is filing a lawsuit to stop this investigation.

The investigation into ZeekRewards began after Better Business Bureau received massive inquiries and complaints.

President of BBB serving North Carolina David Dalrymple told Forbes more than 30,000 inquiries were fielded within a month.

“In twelve years as the president here, I cannot compare that to any level of inquiry for any other business. Ever," he told Forbes.com. BBB contacted authorities and notified them of concerns they were answering.

In May, Idaho BBB was inundated with inquiries on the “penny-auction” company Zeek Reward, and began referring them to North Carolina.

“We were getting calls of three, four and five a week,” says Dale Dixon, CEO BBB serving the Snake River Region. “We had contact with attorneys asking for advice on this company.”

Rex Venture Group LLC, an online subsidiary of Lighthouse America, a company established in 1997 in Nevada, operates Zeekler.com and ZeekRewards.com. ZeekRewards operated as investment wing, the other wing of the company known as Zeekler functioned as an online "penny-auction" site, where bidders could place a bid of one cent on an item and reap as much 50 percent in the daily profit shares.

ZeekRewards, the investment wing, guaranteed 1.5 percent daily-returns to its customers. Customers usually reinvested these "profit points" rather than cashing out. According to the SEC’s complaint filed in federal court in Charlotte, N.C., customers were offered several ways to earn money through the ZeekRewards program, two of which involved purchasing securities in the form of investment contracts. These securities offerings were not registered with the SEC as required under the federal securities laws.

When the company was seized, more than 2 million people around the world had put up cash in the zeekrewards.com Ponzi scheme. SEC officials closed the operation because the obligations to investors drastically exceeded the company’s cash on hand, and the company engaged in classic Ponzi scheme fashion.

The SEC alleges Rex Venture and owner Paul R. Burks fraudulently offered and sold securities in an unregistered offering as part of a combined Ponzi and pyramid scheme on the verge of collapse.

“The obligations to investors drastically exceed the company’s cash on hand, which is why we need to step in quickly, salvage whatever funds remain and ensure an orderly and fair payout to investors,” said Stephen Cohen, an Associate Director in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. “ZeekRewards misused the power of the Internet and lured investors by making them believe they were getting an opportunity to cash in on the next big thing. In reality, their cash was just going to the earlier investor.”

A receiver, Kenneth D. Bell of McGuireWoods LLP, is gathering ZeekRewards investment history and harmed investor information. Contact his office at info@zeekrewardsreceivership.com.

PCH Sweepstakes Calls Plague Snake River Region Residents

8/29/2012

Posted on 8/29/2012 by
Get out your wallet …. “You’ve won the Publisher’s Clearing House Sweepstakes!”

Sounds great, right? No, wait, it’s a scam Publisher’s Clearing House Sweepstakes’ call.

The scam goes as follows: Global International representatives are calling residents and telling the person who answers the phone that he/she has won a prize from PCH. But first, the person must pay a fee to retrieve the money they have allegedly won. (Amounts have varied from $150 to $500.)

Better Business Bureau serving the Snake River Region warns this is a scam; one of several using the Publisher’s Clearing House name.

Publishers Clearing House awards its prizes in a personal visit (depending on the value) to the winners’ homes and does not charge winners to collect their prize. If you’ve won the PCH sweepstakes, you don’t have to pay. Never pay any money to collect supposed sweepstakes winnings. And, this includes paying taxes upfront before receiving your prize! Your federal tax filing is due April 15! Federal law dictates that no money can be paid to win a prize.

Do the following:

Record the call if you can, or take notes and then contact the BBB– Write down the phone number. Then, contact BBB at info@boise.bbb.org or (208)342.4649.

You must enter to win. Remember lottery tickets must be purchased and sweepstakes must be entered to win. Sweepstakes usually involve application paperwork that you have personally completed and government grants have a thorough application process as well.

Never pay any money to collect supposed sweepstakes winnings. If you have to pay to collect your winnings, you’re not winning. Legitimate sweepstakes don’t require you to pay “insurance,” “taxes” or “shipping and handling charges” to collect your prize.

Never wire money. Scammers pressure people to wire money through commercial money transfer companies because wiring money is the same as sending cash. When the money’s gone, there’s very little chance of recovery. Likewise, resist any push from the caller to send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier. Con artists recommend these services so they can get their hands on your money before you realize you’ve been cheated.

Phone numbers can deceive. Internet technology allows con artists to disguise their area code so it looks like they’re calling from your local area. But they could be calling from anywhere in the world.

Watch the grammar. If the scam comes in writing – scam letters, faxes or emails are often full of grammatical and spelling errors.

Ask Questions: If the caller has a difficult time answering any “off script” questions, this is a red flag that it’s not legitimate.

Never give personal information. Scammers can be very charming and charismatic and will lure or pressure for personal information.

Foreign lotteries are illegal. Beware of lottery applications or win announcements coming via telephone or mail from outside the country. Foreign lotteries violate federal law and participating in any way is illegal. The only legal lotteries in the United States are state-run.

Safeguard Your Child’s Information as the New School Year Begins

8/24/2012

Posted on 8/24/2012 by

With the start of a new school year comes the filling out of many different types of paperwork including: emergency contact cards, healthcare forms and registration documents. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns it is important to be aware that this information can be misused by the wrong individual to commit fraud.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers advice to parents and offers guidelines on how to decrease the possibility of your child’s identity theft. In Safeguarding Your Child’s Future, the article focuses on what the best course of action if fraud is committed.

It is important to be aware how the information you are providing is being used and to be able to respond if identity theft occurs, a few simple steps can safeguard your child’s identity.

The following tips for protecting your child’s identity are from the BBB and FTC:

· Ask about your child's school directory information policy. It varies from school to school how much information is included in the directories. It can range from name and phone number to include email, address, date of birth and photo. Under the Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) schools are required to notify parents or guardians about what information is included and parents have the opportunity to opt out.

· Be aware of what documents are being sent home. Before releasing any of your child’s information, find out who is able to access it and how it will be used. It is also important to confirm that all forms are stored in a secure place.

· Monitor your child’s online use. With the start of the school year, children have more reasons to look up information online. If a site requires users to register, see what kind of information it asks for and whether you’re comfortable with what is needed. If the site allows kids to post personal information, talk to your child about the risks and benefits of disclosing certain information in a public forum.

· Understand the policies of other organizations. Some children are involved in other after-school programs that are not sponsored by the school. These organizations may list photos or other information of your child’s information online and it is important to understand the policies of the organization.

· Set strict privacy settings on social networking sites. As the new school year starts, children become more active on social networking sites to stay in contact with friends after school. Social networking sites let users determine with whom they want to share information with. Talk to your child about restricting access to his or her profile to only friends or users in safe networks such as their school, clubs or church groups.

· Be ready to take action if your school’s database is breeched. If a security breech happens be ready to speak with different teachers and administrators. Keep a record of your conversations and make sure that they are using secure methods.

For more consumer tips, visit www.bbb.org

###

Tips on Hiring a Roofing Contractor

8/15/2012

Posted on 8/15/2012 by
Weeks of high temperatures may impact homes throughout the Treasure Valley come fall rains and winter snows.

Heat tends to help roofing professionals identify potential problems, or areas that need repair, says Mike LaPointe, Point Roofing & Construction, in Boise.

"Putting a roof on your home is something that most of us only have to do once or twice in a lifetime," he says. "But, homeowners need to get in the habit of looking at their roof."

Over time, a roof takes a lot of stress ... stress that goes unrecognized, he says. Each storm, winter freeze or summer heat wave, affects the materials that comprise a roof.

"Homeowners can do a simple inspection," LaPointe says. "Look for shingles that may have curled, or that look loose. Look for entire sections that may have lifted or appear to be loose. Those are first signs you may need an inspection."

BBB serving the Snake River Region warns residents to inspect their roofs and be aware not all roofing and construction companies are the same. 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.

"Too many people don't understand the importance of keeping a roof in shape,” says LaPointe, a 12-year roofing specialist. "It's what keeps everything else in the house safe."

He says most companies will offer a free inspection and estimate when they are called. LaPointe suggests that when an inspection is conducted that the homeowner's insurance agent be present when possible. Many times damages to the roof may be covered under the policy.

Ask the roofing contractor about the employees whether they are certified. Most manufactures provide training on the proper installation of their materials.

Just Give Me Money Plea Comes Across Internet

8/15/2012

Posted on 8/15/2012 by
The request is unlike any other request received at BBB, “I’m out of work, but I need money, so that’s why I’m making this plea to you.”

BBB sees anywhere from 10-15 scams daily, but this plea went beyond a scam. The cry for help came from a website called “experience project.” Founded by a graduate of Stanford University, it was developed as a site where people would post their life experiences. Armen Berjikly, founder, said it was inspired by a friend’s diagnosis with the debilitating disease MS. No one seemed to relate to what he felt or imagined he was going through.

“It gave voice to a group of people know to suffer in silence, and the opportunity to be among new friends, those who truly understood each other’s challenges,” he posted on the Experience Project.
Now considered the world’s largest living collection of shared experiences and passion-based networking. Millions have shared their personal and intimate feelings. Members claim the entire regurgitation allows people to grow, learn, educate and support one another.

The site was launched in 2007 and now has 24 experience categories, providing an online social conversation destination where people can connect with others who “really get it.”

Now that said, the plea was posted under the “sendmemoney.com” where there were several requests for money … everything from “help with utility bills” to “I’m getting kicked out of the house.”
The site is self monitored and scam reports are generated, posts are then tagged.

That said, if you’re giving to an individual person or charity, consider the following:

▪ Research the Charity in Advance. Before contributing, visit www.give.org to view a detailed report on the organization.

▪ Ask Questions. Do not hesitate to ask for written information that describes the charity’s programs, community reputation, privacy policy and financial standing. If a charity is reluctant to answer these reasonable questions, it should be considered a red flag.

▪ Avoid Giving Cash. Cash donations are difficult to track, making it harder for consumers to get tax deductions and easier for scammers to go unnoticed. It is best to use a credit or debit card that offers consumers protection for when a problem arises. If you must write a check, make it out to the name of the charitable organization, not to the person collecting the donation.

▪ Be Wary of Imitations. Keep an eye out for fake charities that imitate the name and style of well-known organizations to potentially steal personal information such as credit card numbers.

▪ Confirm Text Code Numbers. If you plan to give by text message, confirm the text code number directly with the charity. Also, keep in mind that text message donations are typically not immediate. Depending on your cell phone provider, the donation may not show up on your bill for 30 to 90 days.

▪ Watch Out for High Pressure-Solicitations. Do not give in to excessive pressure for an immediate donation. Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion but short on describing what the charity will actually do to meet their organizational goals.

▪ Protect your Personal Information. Never give your credit card number or other personal information in response to an unexpected telephone call, e-mail or personal message on your social media profile from someone who is soliciting a donation.

Find out about Tax Deductibility in Advance. For your donation to be tax-deductible, the charity must be tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Visit IRS Publication 78 on www.irs.gov for a current list of all organizations eligible to receive contributions that are deductible as charitable gifts.

Can the FBI Takeover My Computer? Not the Real FBI

8/13/2012

Posted on 8/13/2012 by

Shocked! That’s how Boise resident Bill Allen says he felt when he opened up his computer and discovered that it had been taken over by the FBI.

“You can’t imagine what it was like to see this full-screen view stating that I violated the criminal code,” Allen says. “It claimed that I had violated copyright laws, dealt with pornography, and contracted malware.”

Allen was so convinced the Federal Bureau of Investigation had taken over his computer on a late Friday afternoon that he stewed about what to do all weekend.

After the initial shock diminished, he says he felt puzzled as to why the FBI would demand he pay a $200 fine within 72 hours to unfreeze his computer. “Fines may only be paid within 72 hours after then infringement. As soon as 72 hours elapse, the possibility to pay the fine expires, and a criminal case is initiated against you automatically within the next 72 hours!”

Allen was among a handful of victims of this latest FBI Moneypak virus malware that has moved into the Treasure Valley. Designated by the FBI as the Reveton – because unlike many viruses that activate when users open a file or attachment – this one can install itself when users simply click on a compromised website.

This virus is traced to links on several different websites – both text and video sites. The virus is automatically transferred to the computer without the user’s knowledge.

Reveton freezes your computer and stops it in its tracks. And the average user will not be able to easily remove the malware, Donna Gregory of the Internet Crime Complaint Center says. Some virus elements can be overridden, but experts say it will reappear each time the computer is rebooted.

There are a couple of statements made in the fake FBI letter that sound official – citation of legal articles, the titles of some laws, and the official website to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“It looks so official with all the symbols and website address material,” Allen says.

The computer user is urged to go to a retail outlet and use Moneypak Green Dot, an upfront payment system. Transfer that number to the system and then it allegedly goes away. It doesn’t really, it just lies in wait.

FBI says this latest malware version is in conjunction with “Citadel malware”, a software delivery that first came to the bureau’s attention in 2011. The FBI issued a warning in May, and it has since expanded across the country.

“Some people have actually paid the so-called fine,” Gregory says.

If this screen appears, follow these tips:
• Do not pay any money or provide any personal information.
• Contact a computer professional to remove Reveton and Citadel from your computer.
• Be aware that even if you are able to unfreeze your computer on your own, the malware may still operate in the background.

More information can be found at the BBB.org or the FBI’s IC3 website.

IRS Call Offers Nothing for Something

8/10/2012

Posted on 8/10/2012 by
Seven thousand dollars is a lot of money to turn away, especially when the IRS is offering it.

Rebecca Penn, of Burley, says it just didn't add up.

Last week, Penn received a call from a woman who claimed to be with the IRS -- not Internal Revenue Service. The woman, who had an accent explained that there was a lot of government money not being returned to residents.

"This was based on a one-time only tax refund because of the law Obama passed last year that didn't get recognized in the media," the 56-year-old Penn says. "It was $7,000."

As the woman explained, in order for Penn to receive the money she would need her personal financial information.

"She said, 'Would you like me to put that in your checking, credit card or send cash,'" she says.

At that point, the red flags were going off. Penn told the caller she'd like a check from the IRS.

With that said, the caller told Penn she would need to go to the Western Union agent near her home, with her ID, cellphone and $250 in processing fees to the IRS to receive this one-time refund.

Then, she would have to call a supervisor, Charlene Clark.
"I thought to myself, 'If this is legitimate, the IRS would send me a check,'" Penn says. "And then I said, 'If this IS the IRS, they'll send me a check,' and I said, 'Listen the IRS isn't stupid, they'll send me a check.' And the caller hanged up."

Off the IRS website, it states:

"Generally, a credit adds to the amount of your tax refund or lowers the amount of taxes owed. Therefore, ... (it) will be included as part of your refund, as shown on your tax return."

Here's advice on not getting taken.

• Take your time. There's no rush. Scammers pressure people to give out bank account numbers so that they can steal your money. Keep your bank account information to yourself. Never share it unless you are familiar with the company and know why the information is necessary.

• Don't pay for "free" money. If you have to pay money to claim a "free" government grant, it isn't really free. Refunds and grants from the federal government require YOU to apply. The only official access point for all federal grant-making agencies is www.grants.gov.

• Check the correct names of government agencies. Just because a caller says they're from the "Federal Grants Administration" doesn't mean they are. The names of agencies and foundations can be confusing: The IRS doesn't always mean the Internal Revenue Service. Check your telephone directory or Internet.
Stop telemarketers by registering on theNational Do Not Call Registry.

Small Business Tip: Turning Warm Leads Into Hot Prospects

8/2/2012

Posted on 8/2/2012 by

No matter what your business, you need two things: a happy, loyal customer base and a steady stream of new prospects. The Direct Selling Education Foundation (DESF) offers some great suggestions in its free e-book, Business Owners’ Road Map to Success.

Although DSEF focuses on companies that offer direct selling opportunities for consultants, the information in their e-book is relevant to just about any small business. Here are their tips for turning warm leads into hot prospects:

Create a “warm market list” of everyone you can think of who might be interested in the products or services you are selling.
Narrow it down to a “most likely” list of those who could purchase from you immediately.
Invite your “most likely” list to a small party, BBQ, open house, etc. Don’t try to sell them anything, just make this about introducing your business to them. Ask if you can set a follow-up appointment.
Make the follow-up appointments and keep narrowing down your list to the most supportive and interested potential customers. These are the people who not only will be most likely to buy from you, but also to refer new business to you.
Offer excellent customer service consistently, especially to your loyal and repeat customers.
Use social media to connect with people on your “warm market list” and to continue to build relationships. Also use social media to offer solutions, tips and useful information related to your products or services. Think of your social media networks as a subtle way to introduce new products and services, not as e-commerce.
Meet prospects for coffee or breakfast to discuss your business.
Keep your appointments social, friendly and pressure-free. Ask questions and show people how your products or services can help meet their needs or solve their problems. Even if they are not interested for themselves, they may refer other potential customers to you.
Always have your appointment book handy so you can book follow-ups whenever you meet a potential customer, even at social and family gatherings.
Don’t leave requests for information open-ended; get contact information and follow up promptly.
Get involved in organizations and causes that are important to your warm market list.
Keep track of everyone you meet and use quantity of contacts and prospects to grow your business. You will encounter “no’s” along the way, but stay positive and keep connecting, networking and making appointments.

For more tips from DSEF, download the free e-book at www.dsef.org or Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheDSEF.

Don’t Let Election Scammers Count on Your Support This Election Season

8/2/2012

Posted on 8/2/2012 by
Scammers are already gearing up for this year’s Presidential election, from robocalls offering a “free cruise” for taking a political survey, to promises that President Obama will pay your utility bill. Better Business Bureau is advising voters to be on the lookout for the growing number of scams that are likely to continue leading up to the Presidential election.

“Scammers use incentives based on what they think voters want to hear,” noted Katherine Hutt, spokesperson for the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “Hot topics like health care, economic recovery and unemployment, are sure to be the alluring topics this election season, but it can be anything in the news that makes the pitch sound more realistic.”

Here are just a few of the election-related scams BBB is hearing about. Don’t fall for them!

There will not be a “free cruise” at the end of the voting survey. The public opinion poll scam typically involves a recorded announcement offering a “free cruise” in exchange for participating in a telephone survey. At the end of the call consumers are asked for a debit or credit card number to cover “port fees” and taxes. Consumers who hesitate or ask if they can call back in order to verify the caller’s identity are subject to high-pressure tactics, such as being told that the offer “is only good right now,” and that if they hang up they will be disqualified.

President Obama is not going to pay your utility bill. As nice as that would be, it’s not going to happen. Consumers have been contacted through fliers, social media, text messages, and even door-to-door with claims that President Obama is providing credits or applying payments to utility bills. Scammers claim they need the consumers' Social Security and bank routing numbers to arrange the payments. In return, customers are given a phony bank routing number that will supposedly pay their utility bills. In reality, there is no money, and customers believe they have paid their bills when in fact they have not. Worse, they’ve just given away everything needed for identity fraud.

Fundraising calls for political donations may not be real. Consumers have reported calls from organizations that sound legitimate, but may not really be related to either the Obama or Romney campaigns. If you aren’t sure, don’t donate over the phone. If you’d like to contribute to a political campaign or party, locate contact information yourself rather than giving out financial information to a caller. Requesting a callback number is no guarantee you will be connected with a legitimate campaign fundraising committee. Call or visit candidates’ websites to obtain contact information to make donation. No one will check your eligibility to vote. Your voter registration record is with your state and no one is going to call or email you to verify your eligibility. What do these callers claim they need to check? Just your credit card or Social Security number. No way!

Don’t fall for these scams. Legitimate polling companies will never offer prizes for participating in a telephone survey, nor ask for a credit card number. Never provide your Social Security number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting it over the phone or at your home unless you initiated the contact and feel confident with whom you are speaking. Do not give in to high pressure tactics, whether over the phone or in person.

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

Is Money Tight? Don’t Ignore Your Retirement Plan!

8/2/2012

Posted on 8/2/2012 by

During challenging economic times, it can be tempting to forego contributions to your retirement account, or even to pull money out of an existing account to cover other expenses. Some plans allow you to withdraw money for certain hardship reasons (to prevent eviction or foreclosure, for instance), but there can be some pretty tough financial consequences for tapping or ignoring your retirement plan.

The FINRA Investor Education Foundation offers the following good reasons to keep your retirement savings intact (note these rules are regarding U.S. laws):

Tax Liability —Unless you're over the age of 59 ½, you will not only have to pay income taxes on the amount you withdraw, but you will also be subject to a 10% tax penalty. In most cases, your employer will withhold 20% in federal taxes, so the amount you receive will be significantly lower than the amount you requested.
Opportunity Costs —The repercussions of withdrawing funds from your 401(k) could be enormous in terms of lost growth opportunity. For example, let's assume you are 30 years old, and have a 401(k) balance of $20,000. If you leave that money alone, and your account averages a 6% rate of return over the next 32 years, your balance at retirement will be $129,068 when you're 62—even if you do not make any additional contributions during that time. If you take it out, you'll have nothing. Even if you have a shorter time horizon, you will forgo significant savings opportunities by taking money out of your 401(k). For a 45-year-old, that $20,000 will grow to $53,855 in 17 years.
Opening Assets to Creditors — Under the Bankruptcy Abuse Protection and Consumer Protection Act of 2005, your creditors cannot touch your 401(k) balance or similar retirement savings account—even if, as a last resort, you file for bankruptcy protection. Balances in traditional and Roth IRAs are also protected up to a limit of $1 million. But if you take money out of your retirement plan through a loan or a hardship or regular withdrawal, your creditors can go after that sum.

Another warning: watch out for products that allow you to withdraw your retirement funds and reinvest them elsewhere. FINRA warns that 72(t) withdrawals from an IRA and 401(k) debit cards can deplete your retirement savings and damage your retirement security.

It’s best to look at other ways to save or borrow – tightening your belt on expenses, taking advantage of employer match programs to keep funding your IRA or 401(k), contributing pre-tax dollars to a retirement plan, etc. You may also be able to borrow from your 401(k) without actually taking a withdrawal; this would reduce your tax burden and would likely come with a lower interest rate than a bank loan. Check with your plan administrator on whether or not this option is available.

For more information on this and other financial topics, check out www.saveandinvest.org.

Shop Smart – Spend Less on Back-to-School Supplies this School Year

8/2/2012

Posted on 8/2/2012 by
School bells will be ringing before we know it. Now’s the time to take advantage of annual back-to-school specials on supplies. Whether you plan to shop at your favorite retail store or in the drawers and closets of your home, Better Business Bureau recommends sticking to a budget to avoid the common overspending on school supplies.

According to the National Retail Federation, parents will be shopping carefully and making special efforts to save on supplies this school year. 31% of families say they will do comparative shopping online (compared to 29.8% last year), and they will use more coupons (38.7% vs. 36.9%), and cut back on extracurricular activities or sports (14.3% vs. 10.2%).

Many retailers offer back-to-school “freebies” to entice shoppers. Coupons, deals, and giveaways are always nice, but make sure you actually need the items first. There’s no need to spend money on new crayons, colored pencils, and notebooks if all it takes is a good sharpening or tearing out a few used pages from the previous year.

BBB recommends considering the following when it comes to back-to-school shopping:

Take inventory. There’s always that endless supply of makers, crayons and notebooks around the house. Reusing these items can save hundreds of dollars over the years. Consider repackaging, sharpening, and cleaning out older, gently used items before buying new ones.
Look for the deals. Some retailers’ back-to-school specials are available for online and in-store purchase. Make sure to check out your local newspaper for deals. Oftentimes, retailers will put ads showcasing the special buy-one-get-one=free deals, and even coupled items like lunchboxes with backpacks to lure in customers. Shop sooner rather than later and save more.

Set a budget. Decide how much you are willing to spend per child, and include your children for a “teachable moment” on creating a budget. After taking inventory, create a shopping list and stick to it. This will help you avoid costly impulse purchases and ensure nothing is forgotten.

Shop during tax free holidays. Many states have tax-free days in August, which can mean significant savings. Be mindful of restrictions, either a dollar amount or on the type of item purchased. Most tax holidays include clothing and school supplies; some include computers and sports equipment, too.

Know what your child's school allows. Schools will often provide parents with a list of required items for the school year, which can help determine what you need to purchase. These lists are also available at many retail stores and on school websites. Additionally, many schools have specific dress codes, so keep these restrictions in mind before spending money on clothes the school may not allow.

Check for refund and exchange policies. Be sure you can exchange or return items purchased during this time period. Keep in mind some items may be non-refundable or have restocking fees associated with a return.
For more consumer tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org.

Door-to-door Selling Complaints Projected to Double Over Last Year

8/2/2012

Posted on 8/2/2012 by

Better Business Bureau receives thousands of complaints each year from consumers who unknowingly fall for scamming door-to-door solicitors. While many door-to-door salespersons are honest, BBB receives troubling complaints from consumers who purchased items like magazines that never came, cosmetics and photography of poor quality, even meat that was no good. BBB warns that deceptive door-to-door sellers are looking to make a quick buck…and they’re on the rise.

In 2012, BBB has already received more than a thousand complaints about door-to-door magazine sellers and dealers, a number that’s well on its way to nearly doubling last year’s whopping 1,300 complaints. Sellers often use high pressure sales tactics that can have anyone falling victim.

“Unscrupulous marketers sometimes trick consumers into paying hundreds of dollars for items they don’t want or can’t afford,” says Katherine Hutt, spokesperson for the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “Oftentimes, their presentations are so slick that consumers aren’t even aware that they have actually made a purchase.”

BBB offers these tips on dealing with high pressure, door-to-door sellers:

Magazine subscriptions: BBB has already received more than 600 complaints in 2012 against companies selling magazines door-to-door. The most common complaint BBB receives involves consumers paying for magazines they never receive. Several consumers allege the sales representative misled them by claiming to work for a local school or charity fundraiser.

Food products: Sales representatives knock on doors selling produce or meat products, claiming their prices are much lower than grocery stores. So far in 2012, BBB has received 25 complaints against companies selling meat products door-to-door. Consumer complaints to BBB allege that their orders never arrive, or are not of the high quality originally promised.

Other industries employing door-to-door sales tactics that BBB receives the most complaints about are cosmetics, photography and cleaning supply companies.

If visited by a door-to-door sales representative, BBB recommends consumers do the following:

Be safe. Ask for identification before you open the door. Never invite the solicitor into your home.

Be wary of high pressure sales tactics. A trustworthy company should let you take time to think about the purchase and compare prices before buying or putting down a deposit.

Research the company with BBB. Visit bbb.org to view the company’s BBB Business Review to find out more about their marketplace performance. If you have a smart phone, you can download and use the BBB app to access the company’s report while the person is standing at your door, or visit m.bbb.org on your mobile device.

Get transaction details in writing. Be sure you receive a contract or receipt explaining the details of your purchase and all the terms and conditions that apply.

Remember the “Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule.” The Federal Trade Commission’s Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule gives consumers three days to cancel purchases of more than $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, the salesperson should always provide a cancellation form that can be sent to the company to cancel the purchase within three days. By law, the company must give consumers a refund within 10 days of receiving the cancellation notice.

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 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.

Victims of fraudulentdoor-to-door sales can file a complaint with their Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org, local law enforcement, or state Attorney General’s office.

Email Phishing Scam Hijacks BBB Name, Again!

7/31/2012

Posted on 7/31/2012 by

A new scam using the BBB name popped up this morning, and has been received by consumers and businesses across the U.S. and Canada…including many BBB offices!

How the Scam Works:

Two versions of the email have been received. One claims to be following up on a complaint filed with BBB, the other is asking for updated contact information “as a service to BBB Accredited Businesses.”

Both are good fakes – they use correct grammar and follow formats often used by BBB, so they look quite realistic. Both refer the recipient to an online form, and the address appears to be that of a local BBB. However, if you hover your mouse over the web address (the part that begins with http), you can see that the real address is not BBB at all. DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK! The link actually takes you to a rogue website that downloads a Trojan virus on your computer.

BBB is working with a professional deactivation service to take down the websites that are spreading the malware, and we have reported the incident to the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. Consumers are urged to delete suspicious emails and keep their anti-virus software up-to-date at all times.

Example of the Phishing Email:

Check out a screen shot of a sample phishing email. The text is below:

Thank you for supporting your Better Business Bureau (BBB).

As a service to BBB Accredited Businesses, we try to ensure that the information we provide to potential customers is as accurate as possible. In order for us to provide the correct information to the public, we ask that you review the information that we have on file for your company.

We encourage you to use our ONLINE FORM to provide us with this updated information. The URL below will take you directly to this form on our website:

[LINK REMOVED]
(UserID: 882600422 Password: mcvn34JDF3r54f)

You may also complete the form on the reverse side of this letter and mail to PO Box 1000; DuPont, WA; 98327; or fax to (206)436-5496.

Please look carefully at your telephone and fax numbers on this sheet, and let us know any and all numbers used for your business (including 800, 900, rollover, and remote call forwarding). Our automated system is driven by telephone/fax numbers, so having accurate information is critical for consumers to find information about your business easily.

Thank you again for your support, and we look forward to receiving this updated information.

Sincerely,

Accreditation Services

Funeral Advantage Program Not a Federal Government Program

7/30/2012

Posted on 7/30/2012 by

The trifold card looks official with its declaration that it’s intended for "United States Mail Recipient." On the reverse side it states "The U.S. Government, the Federal Medicare Program nor any state agency is affiliated with ... ."

But, it was enough government looking verbiage that it caused Carolyn of Nampa, to call BBB and get more information.

"I didn't think there was anything wrong with it," she says. "Maybe this is an interesting one for you to use to help others be aware."

The mailer, typically referred to as an insurance lead card, is sent to residents in a particular region. In this case, the company is targeting residents age 50-85, claiming they may qualify for the Funeral Advantage Program (underwritten by Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Co.) that pays cash to the family in the event of death.
It makes a broad claim that thousands of Idaho residents have been accepted for this program that helps pay for funeral and any other final expenses.

This is a solicitation for an insurance company, and allows them to contact you and make a presentation about insurance.

If you fill out the form, and are looking for insurance, remember to look at all aspects of the plan. Determine if the proposed coverage meets your insurance needs.

Prepaying for a funeral has advantages, as well as risks. If you choose to prepay, make a well-informed decision, carefully research your options and know your rights. You can always make plans in advance, without prepaying. Be sure to share your specific wishes with those close to you.

BBB offers 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, people selling a variety of products may contact consumers repeatedly. 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, contact the BBB at 800-218-1001 or at www.bbb.org. The BBB also offers Reliability Reports on companies.

It is a sad but scam artists frequently prey on the vulnerable. Fraudsters artists probably obtain the names of their victims from obituaries published online or in local newspapers.

Leading insurance scam is the delinquent life insurance premium ploy has an “insurance agent” phoning the surviving spouse, with an alleged funeral home employee. The widower is told his wife’s life insurance premium is delinquent and $3,000 is due. He asks for a credit card to make a partial premium payment and to wire the remaining amount.

Older Americans are advised to check with www.bbb.org whenever contacted by an unknown individual or business demanding payment for an unfamiliar product or service.

New Gift Card Scam Using BBB Name

7/30/2012

Posted on 7/30/2012 by

July 30, 2012- BBB joined Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy as another established brand used to promote fake gift cards. Don't bother trying to redeem this offer. It's just a trick to get your email address, cell number and other personal information.

How the Scam Works:

People nationwide are receiving emails informing them that Better Business Bureau is giving away $1,000 Visa gift cards. Emails come from a variety of email addresses and contain different links, but all use a variation of the message below:

Dear John,

On behalf of Better Business Bureau you have been issued a $1,000 Visa Gift Card free of charge.

Card type: Visa Gift

Card Issued to: JOHN SMITH

Issuing branch: Amarillo, Texas

Valid until: 08/2015

Please use the following website to claim your card and have it shipped to the address of your choosing: Go to: www reward2012 com Note that claims must be made within 48 hours from this email being sent, or the above link will become invalid.

Sincerely, Rachel

Customer Service Employee Benefits Center, LLC

Once you go to the web address given in the email, you will be asked to input information about your age, address, email and cell phone number. Given that the survey does not request your Social Security Number, banking information or ask you to download a mal-ware file, it is not likely an attempt at ID theft. Rather, it's probably an unscrupulous way to collect consumer data, such as email addresses and phone numbers.

Music in the Marketplace

7/27/2012

Posted on 7/27/2012 by

Preface
This advisory is intended as a general explanation of the nature and functions of music performing rights organizations. It is designed to help businesses that use music in any way in their dealings with the public to understand their rights and obligations under the copyright law. Information presented here is not intended to be legal advice and should not be considered as a substitute for legal counsel on specific copyright issues.

Performing Rights Organizations
In order to effectively and efficiently enforce their rights under the copyright laws, American composers, lyricists, and publishers usually join one of three performing rights organizations. These groups grant licensees the right to publicly perform the works of all their members or affiliates, for whom the societies collect and distribute fees for the licenses granted. More than 85% of the fees collected by the two largest organizations are paid to composers and publishers as royalties for the performance of their copyrighted works.

Foreign writers and publishers are also represented by these organizations. Under this system, composers and publishers are relieved of the burden of monitoring their copyrights throughout the world. Moreover, those who wish to publicly perform copyrighted works need not negotiate royalties with each composer or publisher whose works they want to use.

Three organizations license performance rights for most of the music copyright holders in the United States. They are: the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP); Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI); and SESAC, Inc.

American Society of Composers,
Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP)
ASCAP is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Nashville, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, London & Puerto Rico and licensing managers located throughout the country. It is the oldest performing rights organization in the U.S. founded in 1914 by a visionary group of songwriters including Victor Herbert, Irving Berlin, John Philip Sousa, Jerome Kern and James Weldon Johnson. ASCAP is a not for profit membership association owned by its members who are songwriters, composers and music publishers. ASCAP collects royalties on behalf of its 310,000 members and their 8.5 million copyrighted musical works, representing virtually every musical genre.

In addition, ASCAP has agreements with every performing rights organization in the world that licenses the right to perform copyrighted works in their countries. Consequently, ASCAP customers can use the works of foreign societies’ members as well through an all-inclusive ASCAP blanket license.

Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)
BMI was formed in 1939. It is a non-profit making organization, headquartered in New York City with offices in Atlanta, Los Angeles, London, Miami, Nashville, and Puerto Rico. Its roster includes more than 350,000 songwriters, composers and publishers. BMI’s repertory includes more than 6.5 million copyrighted musical works which run the gamut of musical types from pop, rock, country, and folk to gospel, Broadway, jazz, rhythm and blues, and popular ballads. BMI acts as a clearinghouse for its affiliates’ music performances. In addition, BMI has reciprocal agreements with virtually every performing rights organization in the world, enabling BMI license holders to perform foreign works from around the globe.

SESAC
SESAC, a for-profit corporation headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, with offices in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City and London, and licensing representatives and consultants throughout the country, was founded in 1930. SESAC tracks music usage in several different ways; most recently by utilizing the state-of-the-art monitoring technology of Broadcast Data Systems. SESAC has international agreements with many foreign performing rights organizations. In recent years SESAC’s repertory has grown substantially, with performing artists and songwriters in virtually every genre of music.

The above performing rights organizations serve as clearinghouses for the royalties collected on their writers’ and publishers’ copyrighted works. A composer or publisher who owns copyrights to musical works grants these organizations the right to license performances of the works, and the right to prevent others from doing so without permission. The organization, SESAC, ASCAP, or BMI, will issue, for a fee, a license to individuals and organizations that use music in public places. Whether music is performed live, recorded, or broadcast, a license allows a licensee to use such copyrighted music in their repertory.

Performance rights
ASCAP’s, SESAC’s, and BMI’s performance rights are non-exclusive; individuals or entities that wish to may negotiate separate royalty agreements with individual composers and/or publishers to perform their music. However, when faced with the prospect of expending time, effort, and money in trying to negotiate separate licenses directly with each composer or publisher whose music will be performed, most businesses using publicly performed music will choose to get a blanket license from one or more of the performing rights organizations.

A blanket license permits the license holder to perform any or all the works in the performing rights organization’s repertory. If a choice is made to publicly perform only music that is in the public domain—that is, music that is no longer or never was protected by copyright—no license is necessary.

Why Do I Have to Pay Royalties?
The short answer to the question above is: Because the law says you do. But, clearly, some further explanation is needed as to why, for example, a merchant has to pay to play radio music in his or her store, when playing the radio or listening to tapes at home or in one’s car is “free.”

The long answer starts with the United States Constitution, which gives Congress the power to grant patents and copyrights. The Copyright Law of the U.S. today gives copyright owners the exclusive right to publicly perform or authorize performance of their works.

Generally speaking, public performances are very broadly interpreted under the law and are defined as performing “at a place open to the public or at any place where a substantial number of persons outside of a normal circle of a family and its social acquaintances is gathered.” This has been interpreted to mean that most performances at so-called private clubs and fraternal organizations are “public” under the copyright law.

Early versions of the copyright law limited the exclusive right to performances given “publicly for profit.” Today, however, the “for profit” limitation has been repealed and only an explicit list of exempt performances do not require a license from the copyright owner. These include performances by instructors or students during face to face teaching activities of nonprofit educational institutions, performances of music in the course of religious services at a place of worship, and performance by the public communication of a radio or television transmission by eating, drinking, or retail establishments of a certain size which use a limited number of speakers or televisions and if no charge is made to see or hear the transmission (See Section 110(5) of the Copyright Act as revised. See www.lcweb.loc.gov/copyright).

Performances at charitable functions are exempt from license or royalty requirements only if the performances have no direct or indirect commercial advantage and if no one involved with the performance, including any of the events’ performers, organizers, or promoters, is paid, and there is no direct or indirect admission charge.

Given the broad scope of the protection given copyright holders and those assigned their rights, anyone whose business in one way or another performs music for its customers or members should be aware that they may be called upon by one or more of the major performing rights organizations to license the performance of copyrighted works in their respective repertories. Buying a license from one performing rights organization, say BMI, does not protect a business from liability for unauthorized performance of songs in ASCAP’s or SESAC’s repertories.

A list of places and events at which licensing could be required includes, but is not necessarily limited to: restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels where live or recorded music is played; shopping malls; stores that play broadcast or recorded music; spas, gyms or other sites that offer exercise to music; trade shows; conventions; dance studios; skating rinks; private clubs or fraternal organizations; offices and stores that use “music on hold” for telephone customers; sports teams; colleges and universities; amusement parks; bowling centers; and the Internet.

In addition, licensing is also required for those businesses traditionally associated with the performance of music such as radio and television networks and stations, concert promoters, and the like. The organizations license only the “non-dramatic” performance of their writers’ and publishers’ music. They do not have the right to license public performance of “dramatico-musical works” such as operas, musical comedies, or other forms of musical theatre, which are licensed directly through publishers or other copyright holders. A business person should consult with an attorney about any questions as to whether the music he or she plans to play publicly is exempt from liability for royalty payments.

Who Is Responsible for the License?
The proprietor of the business in which the copyrighted music is performed is liable for any infringement of copyrighted music in his or her place of business. Technically, everyone responsible for an infringing performance can be sued as an infringer, including musicians and independent contractors. However, when copyright owners sue, they often go after the owner of the establishment rather than anyone who actually gave the unauthorized performance.

Federal courts have rejected a wide range of defenses in copyright infringement cases brought against music users. Courts have held that it is no defense in an infringement suit to claim that performers were hired as independent contractors; or were not paid by the club owner and worked only for tips; or that the owner specifically instructed the musicians not to play copyrighted music; or not to play specific songs; or not to play music in the repertory of a particular performing rights organization; or even that the owner did not know the music actually performed was copyrighted.

If a business contracts for a service that “pipes in” background music, either by providing tapes or transmitting to subscribers’ premises through radio or satellite special equipment, the service, which collects its fees from subscribers, is responsible for obtaining the appropriate licenses; unless the establishment itself charges for admission, in which case the owner must obtain the licenses.

How Are License Fees Determined?
ASCAP and BMI operate under federal consent decrees that prevent them from charging discriminatory fees for licenses. While an organization’s fee schedules and methods of fee computation may differ, each treat like entities alike. BMI, SESAC, and ASCAP maintain standard fee schedules for different classes of businesses and organizations that set out the basis for fees and from which businesses can determine their cost of an annual license. These organizations have different rate schedules for various industries. For specific information, contact them at the addresses listed on the back of this brochure.

Are There Alternatives to Getting ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC Licenses?
Proprietors who wish to may negotiate separate licenses with the individual owners of the copyrights, i.e., the composers or publishers, for each piece of music they want to use. Businesses may also limit music performed to works in the public domain (where the copyright has expired or the works were never copyrighted). This alternative, which avoids the playing of copyrighted music, is not as easy to achieve as one might think. While classical symphonic pieces or traditional folk songs may be in the public domain, arrangements of the pieces may have copyrights in effect. Using a copyrighted arrangement requires the payment of royalties.

Another option often considered by businesses seeking recorded music for use in an advertising message or at meetings is to license music from a company that represents one or more music libraries. A music library is a collection of copyrighted works owned or controlled by the music library company, just as any publisher owns or controls the copyrighted songs in its catalog. Most music libraries are affiliated with one or more of the PROs. It is a common misconception to think that using themes from a music library will avoid the performing rights issue. Unless a business owner has negotiated a separate license with the library that owns the copyrights, he or she will still have to obtain a performance license from the organization that represents the library.

What Happens If I Don’t Get a License?
Failure to obtain a license to perform copyrighted music publicly is copyright infringement under the copyright law. The infringer is subject to a civil suit in federal court. Sanctions against an infringer can include an injunction and the copyright owner’s actual damages, as well as the infringer’s profits, or “statutory damages” of up to $30,000 for each copyrighted song performed without a license (up to $150,000 if the infringement is willful). The infringer can also be required to pay the copyright owners’ legal fees. The law further provides for criminal sanctions against those who willfully infringe on a copyright for commercial advantage or private gain.

Will BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC Contact Me If I’m Playing Music?
New technologies, pastimes, and merchandising techniques have been accompanied by the performance of music in nontraditional places such as malls, aerobic studios, restaurants and all types of retail establishments. Performance rights organizations have responded to this development by contacting more and more businesses that regularly use music in an effort to educate them to the rights of copyright holders and to assure that their members are paid for the playing of their copyrighted works.

It is true that, because of the difficulty of monitoring the millions of performances of copyrighted music taking place every day, royalties are not paid by every small and large business. But, given the changes in the commercial use of music, business owners should not be surprised if they are contacted and offered music licensing agreements by ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC representatives—either by mail, phone or in person.

Why Businesses “Pay to Play”
Whether played as background or used to impart a special ambiance, music has become an essential part of many modern retail and service businesses. But the use of such music programming is almost never free. Below are important points regarding why businesses buy a license from a performing rights organization:

1. The majority of music a business plays is protected by copyright law;

2. Music copyright holders have the constitutionally created and federally protected right to demand royalties for public performances of their music, whether by live musicians, recordings, or broadcasts;

3. The legal rights given to music copyright holders under the copyright law are substantially the same as those given to authors or creators of literary works, dramas, choreographic works, films, pictures, graphics, and sculptures;

4. More than 85% of all fees collected by the two largest performing rights organizations are paid to composers and publishers as royalties for the performance of their copyrighted works.

For More information
Anyone with questions about performing rights organizations, their license agreements, or rights and responsibilities under the United States Copyright Law should contact their attorney or the following organizations of the offices below:

BMI
10 Music Square East
Nashville, TN 37203
800.925.8451
www.bmi.com

SESAC
55 Music Square East
Nashville, TN 37203
800.826.9996
www.sesac.com

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF COMPOSERS, AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS
2675 Paces Ferry Road, SE, Suite 350
Atlanta, GA 30339
800.505.4052
www.ascap.com

U.S. COPYRIGHT OFFICE
202.707.3000
www.lcweb.loc.gov/copyright

Scam alert: Beware of “P. Less Sinclair Corporation”

7/27/2012

Posted on 7/27/2012 by
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers of a scam “mystery shopper” scheme that uses a faked Kansas return address. Consumers throughout the U.S. are receiving letters in the mail from P. Less Sinclair Corporation, which claims to be located at 2403 S. Main, Fort Scott Kansas. That address in Fort Scott is actually Peerless Corporation, located there since 1952. Peerless manufactures doors and windows. They have NO association with P. Less Sinclair Corporation.

Consumers are receiving a sizeable check, usually between $1300.00 and $1400.00, along with a letter instructing them to deposit the check and go to a website. At the website they are supposed to enter the supplied ID and Password to get their first shopping assignment. As usual consumers are to wire money from Western Union to Spain, then scan the receipt and upload it to the website to complete the assignment.

Consumers should know that this is not a valid work at home opportunity. Eventually the check from “P. Less Sinclair Corporation” will bounce and the consumer is left with the responsibility for paying back the bank. Contact the BBB at 1-800-218-1001 or www.snake-river.bbb.org if this scammer contacts you.

The Better Business Bureau has years of experience with victims of such scams. There are several signs that have been identified as indicators of a work-at-home scam.

Worst Day of My Life Could Have Been Avoided

7/24/2012

Posted on 7/24/2012 by

Fifteen keystrokes in a search browser gave all the information needed to turn Jack Samuelson’s world upside-down for a day.

The 76-year-old Samuelson said his day started with a frantic phone call from his granddaughter, who spoke rapidly and panic-stricken as she describe a series of circumstances that led to her arrest in the Dominican Republic.

“She said it was going to be six to eight weeks before she appeared in court,” Jack said. “And then, this man took the phone from her and explained that she could make an appearance earlier if they received $2,879 in U.S. dollars.”

He was told to keep it a secret and send the money. When Jack protested, the man hanged up the phone.

“It was the worst day of my life,” said the Boise resident. “It drove me crazy all day long, worrying about her.”

Perplexed, Jack talked to neighbors, called relatives and family, and eventually discovered that his granddaughter was safe. He put it aside, but remained puzzled over how the con artists knew so much about him and his grandchild.

Poring over social media sites and conducting basic Internet searches are arming scammers with more information than ever before as they become more and more efficient in fleecing thousands of dollars from the elderly.

With personal information readily accessible, the cons learn about where the grandchildren go to school, vacation, friends’ names and even their favorite foods. They then search the Internet and begin searching for possible grandparent contact information and launch their deception.

Dale Dixon, CEO, BBB serving the Snake River Region, says scammers are armed with such detailed information that they can answer most questions a grandparent can put out to them.

“We’ve gotten to most of the grandparents about this scam, but we need the younger generation to safeguard their information,” he says. “Protect your identity, if not for you, for your grandparents.”

Dixon suggests younger people review their privacy settings on all social media sites. Use different log ins and passwords. If you don’t know how to set privacy settings, check with a friend or confidant. Friends can have full view, but you must encourage them to shut down the scam artists as well.

Other tips include:
• Avoid social networking Web site quizzes that open the door on your personal info to the quiz developers.
• Use strong passwords with numbers, letters and symbols and change them often. Avoid using the same password for social, personal and financial websites. Secure all passwords off of your computer.
• Use firewalls, anti-virus and anti-malware software and regularly, and allow automatic updates.
• Don’t accept unknown friend requests.
• Turn on the same basic security features for your mobile device, different password, firewall and anti-virus.
• Don’t click on links on social web sites.
• Pictures can contain virus, Trojan horse and worm.
• Log out of any social-network site when not in use.

Idahoans Can Apply for Refunds from Vehicle Service Contract Seller

7/19/2012

Posted on 7/19/2012 by

(Boise) - Idaho consumers who bought vehicle service contracts from Missouri-based US Fidelis may receive refunds, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden announced. Wasden and 11 other state attorneys general reached an agreement with US Fidelis, a vehicle service contract dealer that routinely misled consumers before shutting down and filing for bankruptcy in 2010. The agreement, which has been approved by the bankruptcy court, provides $13 million in consumer restitution as well as injunctive relief. This settlement, along with a prior settlement with the service contract obligor Warrantech, creates a $14.1 million Consumer Restitution Fund.

“Idaho consumers received little to no vehicle coverage from US Fidelis’s so-called bumper-to-bumper service contracts,” Wasden said. “These consumers now have the opportunity to recover a portion of the money they lost as a result of this company’s deceptive conduct.”

The settlement resolves the Attorney General’s lawsuit against US Fidelis, which also did business as National Auto Warranty Services (NAWS) and Dealer Services, for violations of Idaho’s consumer protection and telemarketing laws. The lawsuit alleged that US Fidelis’ solicitations misled consumers into believing their auto warranties had expired or were soon to expire and that they were being contacted by their auto manufacturer or other entity affiliated with their original vehicle warranty. Many consumers who thought they were purchasing a warranty with “bumper-to-bumper” coverage later found the contracts full of exemptions.

To apply for a refund, consumers must file a claim form with the bankruptcy court before October 5, 2012. The bankruptcy court mailed claim forms to approximately 2,722 eligible Idaho consumers in early June. As of July 1, only six Idaho consumers had submitted claim forms. If a consumer misplaced or did not receive the form, a new form can be printed from the US Fidelis bankruptcy website at www.usfbankruptcy.com.

Not everyone who applies for a refund will receive money. Depending on the number of claims filed nationwide, a consumer may receive a payment from the restitution fund if:

1. The consumer requested, but did not receive, a refund from US Fidelis;

2.The consumer had an unauthorized deduction from his or her bank account by US Fidelis;

3.The consumer received the incorrect refund amount from US Fidelis;

4.The consumer made a timely request for, but did not receive, a money-back-guarantee refund from US Fidelis;

5.US Fidelis made a misrepresentation to the consumer in writing or on the telephone; or

6.The consumer received unwanted automated telemarketing calls (“robocalls”).

Consumers can find detailed information about the consumer restitution fund at www.usfbankruptcy.com or by calling the US Fidelis Consumer Hotline at (877) 691-8477.

In November 2010, Wasden settled Idaho’s claims against US Fidelis’s owners, Darain and Corey Atkinson. That settlement required the Atkinsons to forfeit most of their assets to the bankruptcy court and prohibited them from doing business in Idaho.

The Attorney General’s Office continues to receive consumer complaints about vehicle service contract sellers who engage in unlawful telephone solicitations and deceptive advertising. Before a telemarketer solicits in Idaho, the seller must register with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. Telemarketers must comply with Idaho’s autodialer law. Those selling vehicle service contracts also must comply with the Idaho Motor Vehicle Service Contract Act.

Consumers who receive unlawful telephone solicitations may file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office. A complaint form and instructions are available on the Attorney General’s website at www.ag.idaho.gov or by calling 334-2424. Idahoans outside the Boise dialing area may call the toll-free number, (800) 432-3545.

Better Business Bureau Money-Saving Advice: Tips for Using Online Coupons

7/17/2012

Posted on 7/17/2012 by

A tried and true way to save money in a tough economy is coupons. However, because of the Internet, a savvy consumer no longer has to wield a pair of scissors in order to reap rewards. With the popularity of online coupons on the rise, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers advice for identifying deals and avoiding deceptive offers.

Sixty-eight percent of American adults use print coupons according to a survey conducted by Experian Simmons Research. The survey also found that 22 percent of these adults use digital coupons obtained from email or the Internet.

We’re all looking for ways to save money; redeeming online coupons is growing in popularity as a result. Some coupons, however, are not as great a deal as they may appear and consumers should use caution when clicking on coupons online. It is important for consumers to fully realize what the use of a coupon means.

The BBB offers the following advice on redeeming online coupons:

Check out who is offering the coupon. Consumers should check to see if the coupon is being offered directly by the store or if it is being offered by a third-party such as a partner or affiliate. If it is via a third-party, they might ask for additional info or require the consumer sign up for services to redeem the coupon. If so, the BBB recommends using extreme caution before sharing any personal information. Check the company out, free of charge, at www.bbb.org

Be cautious of pop-up offers. The BBB advises coupon clickers to be wary of pop-up ad coupon offers that require you to immediately click to redeem. Clicking on the ad may automatically sign the consumer up for services they were not interested in receiving, causing them to be billed every month.

Read the fine print. Carefully read the terms and conditions for the use of the coupon. Check for the expiration date, limitations of use and whether it is an online coupon good for only online purchases or if it can also be redeemed at the physical store location.

Will the coupon be honored? With some stores concerned about fraud related to online coupons, not all businesses are eager to redeem them. The BBB recommends contacting the store where you wish to use the coupon directly to find out whether the coupon is being honored or not.

Be wary of required phone calls. Be extremely cautious if the coupon requires the consumer call the company to redeem the value of the coupon, and/or has any requirement to give personal information.

Don’t fall for phony coupons via e-mail. Many fake coupons have been making the rounds via e-mail and just because it may come from a friend or family member, don’t assume the coupon is legitimate.

Affordable Care Ruling Brings Out the Scams

7/16/2012

Posted on 7/16/2012 by
Almost as quickly as the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the Affordable Care Act, BBB received inquiries asking about questionable phone calls.

The callers claim they are from the government and that they need to verify particular information in accordance to the Act. They ask for personal and financial information. In one instance, the caller even asked for a credit card claiming it would help the residents receive coverage under the healthcare law.

“They might have the routing number from your bank, and then use that information to get you to reveal the entire account number,” an alert from the Federal Trade Commission states. “Or, they’ll ask for your credit card or Social Security number, Medicare ID, or other personal information.”

The court ruled that the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that certain people pay a financial penalty for not obtaining health insurance may reasonably be characterized as a tax. It also substantially limited the law’s expansion of Medicaid, the joint federal-state program that provides health care to poor and disabled people. The health care bill is the biggest change to American health care in decades was passed in March 2010. It was challenged by state governments, and passed to the Justices. The

BBB warns that the real targets are those who are uninsured or under-insured because of the penalties involved in the Act. The penalty or “tax,” as defined by the Justices, means most Americans will be required to buy health insurance or pay $695, or 2.5% of household income, beginning in 2016.

Phone calls, letters and emails may include official-sounding names, headlines of incredible savings or penalty, and emphasize in bold the deadlines.

All that needs to be said is be skeptical. Don’t give out personal information to persons you do not know, trust or have done business with.

Optional services will be available as the federal and state governments carry out the task of providing healthcare coverage.

In the meantime, be wary of phone calls about the coverage or changes. And remember; if someone asks for personal or financial information through a phone call or an email, don’t give it out. Even when they try to persuade you it’s only for verification.

Watch Out for Job Seeker Scams Stealing Business Names

7/10/2012

Posted on 7/10/2012 by

A savvy job seeker always checks out a business before going on an interview. But what happens when that company's name is just a cover for a scam?

How the Scam Works:

An increasing amount of scammers are using the names of legitimate businesses and organizations to lure in job seekers.

In one recent example, scammers posted a help wanted ad on Craigslist.org for an opportunity at the real, Virginia-based "Association of Corporate Travel Executives." When job hunters responded to the ad, imposters sent them checks to deposit. Consumers were told keep a portion of the check as their pay and to wire the rest to a third party via Western Union. Of course, the checks never cleared, and victims were out the money.

In another variation, scammers stole the name of BBB Accredited, Ohio-based business FBN Construction LLC. Scammers sent emails to local consumers promoting a job opportunity there and encouraging applicants to fill out an online form on a fake website. The form asked for personal information, opening job seekers up to identity theft.

Tips to Avoid Falling for Fake Job Scams:

Job postings with grammatical errors, misspellings and lots of exclamation marks are likely scams. Ads promoting jobs with generic titles, such as admin assistant or customer service rep, and containing the phrases "Teleworking OK," "Immediate Start" and "No Experience Needed" are popular in scam ads.
If a job looks suspicious, search for it in Google. If the result comes up in many other cities with the exact same job post, it is likely a scam.
Be very cautious of any job that asks you to share personal information or hand over money. Scammers will often use the guise of running a credit check, setting up direct deposit or paying for training.
Check out the business' website to make sure the opening is posted there. If you are still skeptical, call the business to check on the position.

More Information:

For more tips on avoiding job scams, see this advice. For more information about scams across the US and Canada, see BBB's online scam directory.

Don’t get Steered into Paying Extra for a Rental Car

7/3/2012

Posted on 7/3/2012 by
Gasoline prices have dropped for the 10th week in a row and are closing in on $3.50 a gallon, according to AAA. This just may be the perfect time for a road trip! Better Business Bureau recommends tips for renting a car without breaking the bank.

In 2011, BBB received 3,773 complaints against the auto renting and leasing industry. Many of the complaints were a result of billing and contracting issues. When it comes to navigating the rental car process, there many little details that oftentimes leave consumers confused as they eagerly wait to get on the road.

“Even though you’re excited to hit the road, take the time to inspect the car and ask questions,” notes Katherine Hutt, spokesperson for the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “Car rentals can make any trip easier, but make sure you know your options, such as additional add-ons, before signing on the dotted line.”

BBB recommends the following tips to avoid overspending when looking to rent a car:

Shop around and lookout for hidden charges. There are several different budget travel websites that can give a good scope of what’s out there price wise. Make sure to follow-up with the rental car websites’ directly to see if you can snag an even cheaper rate. Always remember, though, if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t fall for the low-ball offer and make sure to always clarify which taxes, surcharges and other fees you’ll be expected to pay. Many states have additional fees for drivers under age 25 or for multiple drivers.

Opt for a smaller car. If you’re traveling solo, or don’t need a lot of leg room or trunk space, go for the smaller car. Oftentimes, the salesperson will steer you in the direction of an upgrade for “only a few extra dollars” because the smaller economy cars are in high demand – just say no, and stick to the smaller car (or smile politely and ask for a free upgrade).

Ask lots of questions. Make sure that you understand where the “unlimited mileage” rates apply. Some rental car companies have restrictions and only apply the mileage to certain states.

Gas up and be on time. Many times, car rental companies will ask if you want to prepay for gas – it’s not always necessary and it’s rarely the best deal. Don’t forget to refill the tank before returning the car, and make sure to return on time. Some rental car companies will charge an extra day for being late – make sure to know their policy for early and late returns, and call if you get stuck in traffic.

Bring your own car seat and GPS. If you’re going to be traveling with children or fear that you’ll get lost, make sure to bring your own car seat and GPS. No need to pay for the daily fee for these items if you have them at home.

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

Looking to Hire a Contractor? Know Where to Look and Whom to Pick

7/3/2012

Posted on 7/3/2012 by

More and more businesses are hiring consultants and contractors to fill vacant positions or to perform specific tasks within the company, and some of them are never actually present in the office but spend the majority of their time working remotely. Better Business Bureau is advising businesses that are looking to grow their workforce, whether through remote consultants or in-house contractors, to consider a few simple tips to finding the consultant who’s right for the business’s needs.

“Both in-house and remote contractors can be a great business strategy to augment permanent staff or get one-time projects completed,” said Katherine Hutt, spokesperson for the Council of Better Business Bureaus and a former consultant herself. “Technology is on our side when it comes to having consultants work remotely, but it’s important to take the time in the hiring process to ensure that you don’t waste your business’s resources on a contractor who doesn’t live up to your expectations.”

BBB suggests the following tips to help find consultants who are right for your business:

The key to picking the right consultant is to be certain that your company needs one. Take the time to lay out the specifics of the problem you face, the exact objective you want to accomplish, and a time frame for doing so. Consider whether your immediate “problem” is a symptom of a larger issue or simply due to a lack of internal manpower. By carefully thinking things through, you may discover that you do not need an outsider to identify the true problem. Maybe one of your employees has the ability and the desire to do the job.

Ask around. Your business network is a great place to start. Check websites like LinkedIn to find people you may know. Ask people you trust for referrals to qualified consulting firms or sole practitioners. Contact each referral with a brief letter, email or phone call describing the project, your industry conditions and your management style.

Schedule an introductory meeting with three or more of your best prospects. This will allow you the opportunity, by asking pointed questions, to verify that the consultant has experience with the specific problem or project, and your industry.

Check references thoroughly. Reputable consultants should be able to provide references readily, while would-be-consultants will have few, if any, to offer. Also check to see if the consultant is accredited by a national association. Some associations do extensive background checks and their members usually must be in business for at least five years. They may also hold members to professional codes of conduct.

Get a written proposal. Reliable consultants will provide a written, detailed proposal before the contract is signed. Without specifics you could end up losing valuable time and money.

Clearly spell out all fees. Consultants can charge a fixed fee, an hourly rate or a monthly retainer. Hourly rates could raise your costs substantially, so ask the consultant to put a ceiling on the job to cap your expenses…and make sure the consultant knows who is authorized to assign them additional tasks that are not spelled out in the contract. Also beware of the consultant who asks for all of the money up-front. Depending upon the industry, it can be customary to pay as much as one-third to one-half in advance, with the rest due on specific dates or upon completion of the project.

Keep good records. For each consultant you hire, establish a file, which should contain the consultant’s contract, invoices, copies of 1099 forms and any other information that shows the worker is operating an independent business. This may include the consultant’s business card and stationery. This is important to establish that the consultant is not working as an employee and that you are not required to deduct payroll taxes, pay a portion of his or her Social Security, etc. This is especially important if the consultant ever works on-site at your facility.

Consultants can be a great addition to your team and can really help you when your internal resources are stretched. As Rick Blaine says at the end of “Casablanca,” this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Hire contractors as carefully and selectively as you would employees and you can write your own happy ending!

For more business tips, go to www.bb.org/ and click on For Businesses.

Stay-at-Home Vacations Don’t Have to Be Boring!

7/3/2012

Posted on 7/3/2012 by

What does “staycation” mean to you?

For some people, it means getting lots of home and garden projects done – painting, repairs, or tending vegetable gardens. For others, it means having budget-friendly adventures at or close to home – nearby parks and attractions, a neighborhood block party or a camping trip in the yard.

Staycations have become quite popular due to economic challenges, allowing more families to vacation while sticking to a budget. Other benefits include more quality time with family, and not dealing with the stress associated with traveling.

No matter what your staycation plans, BBB recommends that you check it out ahead of time to make sure the business or offer is legitimate. Breaking the bank to vacation is not a good option, but fortunately, most consumers are budgeting wisely and making smart decisions. According to an American Express survey, American households can expect to spend about an average of $1,200 per person on summer vacations. It’s no surprise staycations have become commonplace.

Hanging out with the family and chillin’ close to home is especially attractive to people on a budget who don’t want to go into debt financing a big trip. But there are plenty of fun things to do nearby, as you’ll discover in ClearPoint Credit Counseling’s eBook, Budget Vacations in Your State. In this free eBook, there are several exciting opportunities listed for each state -- and this could inspire you to conduct your own search for other free and inexpensive activities in your own backyard.

Those of you who still plan to travel this summer will be accompanied by more travelers than last year. Eighty-six percent of travelers are planning trips this summer (up five percent from last year), according to TripAdvisor. Thanks to lower gas prices, more people will travel by car than by air.

Hit the road or staycation at home, either way check out the businesses you deal with by heading first to www.bbb.org.

Sail Into Wedding Season Confident and Insured

7/3/2012

Posted on 7/3/2012 by

Nobody wants to think of the possibility of getting jilted on their wedding day. The day is supposed to be magical but, as smart shoppers know, anything can happen…even on your Big Day. From a sudden cancellation to stolen gifts to a damaged gown, wedding insurance can help protect you against the unforeseen, and can also afford you great peace of mind. Better Business Bureau and the wedding planning website The Knot recommend investing in wedding insurance before your special day.

“Wedding insurance is a great way to protect yourself from the unforeseen, especially when weddings can be so costly,” said Katherine Hutt, spokesperson for the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “Wedding insurance can cover a range of prospective problems such as vendor no-shows, cancellations, inclement weather, military deployment, medical emergencies, travel delays and more, so that you won’t lose money if plans have to change.”

When looking to invest in wedding insurance, take the following tips into consideration:

How Much Does Wedding Insurance Cost? A basic insurance policy that covers loss of photos, videos, attire, presents, rings, and deposits usually costs between $155 and $550, depending on the amount of coverage you want. General liability insurance, which covers up to $1,000,000 for accidents, costs around $185.

Do You Really Need Wedding Insurance? Before you buy wedding insurance, check with your each of your vendors to see how well they're covered. Make sure to check that they are a reputable business via their BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org. Your reception site or your caterer may also already have their own insurance, so you wouldn't want to pay for overlapping coverage out of your own pocket. Make sure to get everything in writing and ask your vendors for a copy of their policy to see where you aren't fully covered.

When Should You Get Wedding Insurance? The sooner the better. Let's say you put a deposit on your wedding reception hall 12 months prior to your wedding date and then it burns to the ground a few weeks before the big day. With wedding insurance, you'll be sure to get your deposit back. Make sure you know how far in advance you can purchase the insurance, some insurance companies have limitations.

What Does Wedding Insurance Cover? Problems with the site, weather, vendors, key people, sickness, or injury are the top concerns come wedding day. There is usually a specified maximum amount, which can be claimed under each section, and a deductible also applies. Be sure to find out the details of your insurance plan.

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

Thousands May Lose Internet Access on July 9, but Fix is Easy

7/3/2012

Posted on 7/3/2012 by

Arlington, VA – Hundreds of thousands of Internet uses may lose their online access on July 9, 2012, and Better Business Bureau is urging all consumers and businesses to run a quick and easy diagnostic test to see if their computers are infected. The FBI’s DNS Changer Working Group can detect the malware and explain how to fix infected machines.

“Everyone should check to see if their computer is infected,” urged Katherine Hutt, spokesperson for the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “It takes less than a minute to check and, if your equipment is clean, there is nothing more you need to do. If your computer is infected, the DNS Changer Working Group recommends the necessary steps to save your computer. But this must be done by July 9th or you could lose internet access.”

Last November, the FBI took down the servers of international hackers operating out of Estonia. The hackers had already successfully downloaded malware onto more than half a million computers, turning off virus updates and redirecting consumers to fraudulent websites. If the servers had simply been shut down, the victims’ computers would no longer be able to access the internet. Instead, the FBI set up clean servers to replace the ones that were running the scam, and victims have been redirected to those clean servers ever since, usually without any knowledge they’d been infected in the first place.

Originally the rescue servers were to be active until March, but a court ruling extended the program until July 9th. At that time the clean servers will be turned off and anyone who is still infected with the malware will lose their internet access. The FBI believes there are still about 360,000 infected computers in a dozen countries, including the U.S. and Canada.

ABOUT BBB:

For 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2011, consumers turned to BBB more than 100 million times for Business Reviews on more than 4 million companies and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at www.bbb.org. 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.

First-time Homebuyers Targeted by Unnecessary ‘Grant Deed’ Requests

6/27/2012

Posted on 6/27/2012 by

When a first-time homebuyer complained about one more fee, Laurie Burchfield, agent with Coldwell Bankers Tomlinson Group in Eagle, was disturbed.

“Document Retrieval Department calls or sends a message that the new owners – whose deeds have just been recorded – owe $85 for a Grant Deed and if they don't pay they will be charged a $35 late fee,” she says.

Unfortunately, Burchfield’s buyers aren’t the only ones receiving this call. The Better Business Bureau has received complaints about businesses purporting to be selling grant deeds to homeowners in the area.

Document Retrieval Department, giving a Boise address, is sending homeowners notices recommending they obtain a copy of their deed “now” for a fee of $85 to $100, if they do not already have the important document. The notice comes with instructions to fax consumers' credit card information or to use the provided return envelope with a check, but the businesses list addresses of UPS stores or post offices, not actual office locations.

Boise’s TitleOne legal counsel Cameron McFaddan says this isn’t the first instance of possible fraud against homebuyers has occurred in the area.

When someone buys a home, and records it through a title company, all the paperwork needed in Idaho is completed, he says.

“There are no extra documents, they receive them all,” McFaddan says.

Grant, Warranty and Quit Claim deeds are typically documents issued at the time of closing, he says. Title companies routinely issue a legal copy to the buyer, and there are no other recording fees.

“The state title association discussed this recently and have made it part of the closing process to tell homebuyers about the possibility of these calls,” he says.
Burchfield said it was a good reminder to her when the title company disclosed these problems.

State Finance Department investigator Anthony Polidori has begun efforts to track this company down. He explains it this way.

A grant deed is used in some states for the sale or transfer of property between two people. Both people are required to sign, by law, and this is the official document. Some jurisdictions use a warranty deed to transfer real property instead. Idaho is one of nine states that recognize community property that requires a warranty deed.

This means property is an asset of the community, and that spouses or partners jointly own it.

"The fine print consumers often overlook states that these businesses are not affiliated with any government agency," said Dale Dixon, CEO for Better Business Bureau serving the Snake River Region. "Homeowners can obtain records from the county recorder’s office instead of being duped by retrieval businesses."

Homebuyers should be suspicious of invoices from retrieval businesses charging excessive fees for deeds, Polidori says. He advises to ignore these business offers and go directly to the county to get a certified copy of their deed.

BBB warns never give out credit card information or checks to unsolicited businesses offering their services.

Car scammers set up shop at Idaho Falls

6/26/2012

Posted on 6/26/2012 by

Cars IW claims to have more than 200 autos on site as well as tractors, trucks and other utility vehicles. Problem is they don’t exist at the address provided in Idaho Falls. In fact, it only exists on the Internet.

This scam takes a different twist in that no personal contact is ever made between the dealer and the buyer. Instead, buyers are directed to the website where they order online, receive emails directions on where to wire transfer the money and a notification the purchase has been complete and auto-transport is on its way.

Problem is no cars are shipped or received.

The website is registered to Manuel Ogden, Sunnyvale, Calif., but tracking him down was impossible. The phone number he provided in his registration was 510-595-2002. This same number has been used to register hundreds of other websites on an Australian Internet service provider – Melbourne IT, LTD. The number rings through to a message machine.

The number on the website, www.carsiw.com, 208-419-0726, was also answered by a message machine. This number gave no option to leave a message, but an automated answering voice redirects the caller back to the website to place his/her order using a tab.

The address provided on the website is 2117 W. Omni Drive, Idaho Falls, ID 83402. BBB visited the site, Eagle Rock Fabrication, a manufacturer of potato-handling equipment. After investigation, it was concluded there were no automobiles on site, and management knew nothing about the website.

Idaho Falls has no business license recorded for the company, and Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles confirmed there was no state licensing or registration for this business.

Own a Timeshare in Mexico? Be Wary of Unlicensed Internet Companies

6/25/2012

Posted on 6/25/2012 by
All Net Escrow, Castle Wealth Management of Oklahoma City raise concerns

BBB and Department of Finance are warning timeshare owners to beware of a possible fraud escrow company in Eagle, ID.

Consumers, escrow and real estate industry agents should exercise caution when dealing with All Net Escrow, an on-line escrow company.

All Net Escrow claims to be located at in Eagle but the address belongs to an unrelated business. Owners say they have no knowledge of All Net Escrow and are concerned after someone came into the business asking about escrow services.

All Net Escrow appears to be working with Castle Wealth Management with a location in Oklahoma City. No business of that name exists. A Florida-based company under that name Castle Wealth reports no association with the business in Oklahoma or the Eagle address.
Gavin Gee, director of the Idaho Department of Finance, says while facts continue to be gathered, it appears timeshare unit owners in Mexico are targeted by Castle Wealth claiming to have a buyer for their timeshare unit and asking the owner’s interest in selling.
All Net Escrow provides account information, leading owners to believe money from a buyer is being held in escrow.
The representative promises a quick sale, often within 60-90 days. The sales representatives often use high-pressure sales tactics to add a sense of urgency to the deal. Some victims have reported that sales representatives pressured them by claiming there was a buyer waiting in the wings, either on the other line or even present in the office.

At least one owner was provided with a phony “license” created to look like an escrow company license issued by the department. The department has no record of ever having issued an escrow company license to All Net Escrow. All Net Escrow is not licensed by the department as an escrow company nor as any other financial service provider in the state of Idaho.
BBB advises timeshare holders to protect themselves. If someone offering to sell or rent your timeshare contacts you, be cautious. To avoid becoming a victim of a timeshare scheme:
• Start with trust by checking the company’s track record at www.bbb.org.
• Be wary if a company asks you for up-front fees to sell or rent your timeshare.
• Always read the fine print of any sales contract or rental agreement.

Check out mortgage and finance companies at BBB.org or go to the state finance department. The department urges any one contacted by either company to call 208-332-8080 or Idaho toll free at 1-888-346-3378.

According to the center (www.ic3.gov), in the typical scam “timeshare owners receive unexpected or uninvited telephone calls or emails from criminals posing as sales representatives for a timeshare resale company.

Anyone who believes they have been a victim of this type of scam should promptly report it to the IC3’s website. Complaints are linked and referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency for case consideration.

In the past, the Internet Crime Reporting Center has had cases where “timeshare owners who have been defrauded by a timeshare sales scheme have been subsequently contacted by an unscrupulous timeshare fraud recovery company as well.”

Business Alert: Advertising Sales Calls - Beware Before You Agree to Buy an Unknown Product

6/20/2012

Posted on 6/20/2012 by

BOISE, Idaho - June 20, 2012 - Buyers beware when it comes to soft-sell advertising pitches made in the Treasure Valley this week.
A group from Florida is promoting a directory focused on the golf courses in the area, but the courses mentioned are not apart of the magazine. Elite Exposure Marketing, Boca Raton,has sent emails and follow-up calls to businesses making offers to discount the prices on advertising if they acted immediately and provided payment.
Dan Clark of All-Pro Pool and Spa Service received an apparent upgrade notification email, in regards to an ad reservation, he wrote back right away and declined.

The ad was to appear in a directory, The Golfer in Boise, and is to feature Crane Creek Country Club, Hillcrest Country Club, Plantation Country Club and Meadow Lake Village. All four are exclusive, private golf courses and facilities.

Course management was unaware of a specialized directory featuring their courses, and none was contracted to distribute the magazine, according to BBB.

BBB says this type of information raises red flags for business owners. Frequently advertising sales and publications present opportunities to reach unique and specialized groups. Unfortunately they also present opportunities for fraud. These companies generally operate independently as middlemen between you and a publisher and work on a straight commission.

When considering advertising your business, be wary of companies or publications you are unfamiliar with or have not seen before, BBB says.

If a business decides the offer is truly a good buy and a unique opportunity to reach potential customers, get a written contract with precise details: distribution locations or circulations details, date, frequency, and final copy appearance approval.

Get sample copies of other clients' advertising. Obtain a written guarantee of the company's policy regarding cancellation or advertising misprint. Confirm the brick and mortar addresses and contact information both of the solicitor's company as well as that of the publisher's address.

Special mention should be made of phone book cover advertising. Ask how the covers will be distributed: whether by mail, door-to-door, or advertisers' business locations. Oftentimes the advertiser is the person responsible for distribution. Don't do business until you check out all references, confirm distribution locations, and talk to publishers. If a company claims to be affiliated with another company, be sure to verify any and all affiliations. An offer good today can wait until tomorrow.

Consider the following:

•Verify the type of organization selling the ad. Even though it might have a name that sounds charitable, when in fact the publication could be for a for-profit company.
•Do not hesitate to ask of additional information about the publication. How many copies will be printed? When will it be published? Will the publication be available to the kinds of people your business wants to reach?
•If applicable, find out what portion of the amount you pay for advertising will benefit the charity.
•If you decided to purchase an advertisement, ask for a copy of the draft and final published version of the ad.
•If you received an invoice for advertising space without having placed an order, you are under no obligation to pay or respond to the invoice.
Also, ask questions about printed and electronic publication. There are a number of directories that publish electronic versions and no printed versions are distributed.

Watch Out for High-Pressure Door-to-Door Magazine Sales

6/19/2012

Posted on 6/19/2012 by

Better Business Bureau serving the Snake River Region receives complaints each year from area residents who unknowingly purchase multi-year magazine subscriptions from door-to-door marketers.

BBB warns that deceptive door-to-door magazine sales crews are hitting the pavement and looking to earn a quick buck this summer.

Unscrupulous marketers often trick residents into paying hundreds of dollars for multi-year subscriptions to magazines they do not want or cannot afford.

Here’s how to handle door-to-door magazine sells:

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. Find a way to end the conversation quickly to avoid long, high-pressure sales pitches. Beware of sympathy pitches from the sales person such as “I’m doing this for college,” or “This is for your local charity group or club.”

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 review the information and get back to him or her. Ask for contact information and look the company up yourself to verify this person is an employee. Also, take the time to check out the company’s Business Review at 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.

If you feel uncomfortable about the sales person, call your local law enforcement. Most cities have soliciting laws, and are enforced by the police departments.

Want to See Who's Checking Out Your Facebook Profile? Too Bad. It's a Scam.

6/15/2012

Posted on 6/15/2012 by
Heads up, Facebook users! Facebook never intends to create a way for a user to see who has viewed their profile. If an application claims to do so, do not trust it.

Once you allow access, the app will begin posting on your page telling others to download the app. The app also has the potential to obtain personal information from your profile.

How the Scam Works:

Apps such as "Facebook Profile Viewer" and "Profile Visitor" are sending users messages stating that Facebook has a new update enabling them to see who has viewed their profile. If you click on the given link, you are asked to allow the app to have access to your profile.

Tips to Avoid Falling for this Scam:

Review all of your installed Facebook applications periodically
Always be cautious when allowing applications access to your profile
Remember that Facebook will never enable users to see who has viewed their profile; any application claiming to do so is a scam.

More Information

For Facebook's policy on these scams, see this entry on its Q&A.

For more information about scams in your area, check out BBB's complete scam directory.

President Obama is Not Offering to Pay Your Utility Bills

6/15/2012

Posted on 6/15/2012 by

A new scam is sweeping the nation by claiming that President Obama will pay your utility bills through a new federal program. Customers of utility business FirstEnergy Corp. have reported the scam, and several other energy companies issued warnings to their customers about it.

How the Scam Works:

Consumers have been contacted in person and through fliers, social media and text messages with claims that President Obama is providing credits or applying payments to utility bills.

To receive the money, scammers claim they need the consumers' social security and bank routing numbers. In return, customers are given a phony bank routing number that will supposedly pay their utility bills. In reality, there is no money, and customers believe they have paid their bills when in fact they have not.

Tips to Avoid Falling for this Scam:

Never provide your social security number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting it over the phone or at your home unless you initiated the contact and feel confident with whom you are speaking.
If you receive a call claiming to be your utility company and feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill.
Never allow anyone into your home to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment or have reported a utility problem. Also, ask utility employees for proper identification.
Always think safety first. Do not give in to high pressure tactics over the phone for information or in person to get into your home.

For more information about scams in your area, check out BBB's complete scam directory.

Soldier’s plea ‘Can I trust you?’ may whack your bank account

6/11/2012

Posted on 6/11/2012 by
The text messages start out simple enough:

My name is Sgt. Clifford Wigg, I am an American soldier with the Squadron Battalion in Afghanistan. With a very desperate need for assistance, I have summoned up courage to contact you. I found your contact particulars in an address journal. I am seeking your kind assistance to move the sum of ($25 Million U.S. Dollars ) Twenty Five Million United State Dollars to you, as far as I can be assured that my share will be safe in your care until I complete my service here, this is no stolen money, and there are no danger involved.

Then, the writer describes how the money was discovered by the battalion in a “secret place” but has to be moved to America while the soldier finishes his tour. The recipient is asked to receive a package of “family valuables” to open his/her home in exchange for part of this money.

“This is simply a variant of the Nigerian scam,” said Dale Dixon, president and CEO of the BBB serving the Snake River Region. “Anyone who makes the mistake of following up on this ‘offer’ will soon find themselves being asked to put up their own money to pay taxes or fees on the non-existent funds. Not only that, but they’ll be putting themselves in contact with potentially dangerous people.”

If you’re tempted to respond ask yourself two important questions:

Why would a perfect stranger pick you — also a perfect stranger — to share a fortune with, and why would you share your personal or business information, including your bank account numbers or your company letterhead, with someone you don’t know?

ALERT–LinkedIn security may have been hacked, change password

6/7/2012

Posted on 6/7/2012 by

News agencies are reporting that LinkedIn, the social media site for business professionals, has been hacked and may have lost 6.5 million passwords to a Russian hacker.

The leaked password issue stems from a change in the network’s calendaring function and create a space where hackers can enter the system undetected. LinkedIn officials say measures have been taken to correct the leak. And, has Tweeted that it is looking into the potential password hack.

Here’s a tip:
• Avoid universal passwords. While it’s easy to remember the same password for all your computer and network security, it’s an easy way for hackers to get into everything.

• Change passwords often. Set up a routine or schedule when you change your passwords.

• Don’t hide them on your desktop. If you need to write your password down, don’t stick it to you computer on a sticky note. Put your passwords in a secure location.

• Update you security software. This software prevents unauthorized access to your computer, protects your system from viruses, and cloaks data ports.

LinkedIn members were recently hit with lookalike e-mails that encouraged them to click links and verify e-mail addresses. In addition, eHarmony, Twitter and Amazon.com were compromised with similar emails being sent to their users. Several major Web retailers were hacked in recent months, too.

BBB warns Internet users to not click or open e-mail from people they do not know.

http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-linkedin-hacked-users-laugh-20120606,0,6759322.story

On Disney’s “Magic of Healthy Living” Announcement

6/5/2012

Posted on 6/5/2012 by
Statement by Elaine D. Kolish
Vice President, Council of Better Business Bureaus and
Director, Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative

On Disney’s “Magic of Healthy Living” Announcement:
June 5, 2012

“We congratulate Disney on updating its nutrition standards, which are now closely aligned with CFBAI’s new uniform nutritional criteria. CFBAI and its 16 participants, which represent about 80% of the food advertising on children’s programming, have for the last five years been applying meaningful, science-based nutrition standards to all their advertising on children’s programming, websites and other child-directed media.

“CFBAI participants believe that self regulation is the best approach to improving child-directed food and beverage advertising. We encourage all children’s food and beverage advertisers to participate in being a part of the solution, just as CFBAI participants have. CFBAI provides leadership, transparency and accountability, through monitoring and reporting on compliance and progress.

“Under BBB’s advertising self regulation program, companies have been making steady, ongoing improvements in the products they advertise to children. Our just completed analysis of participants ads from 31 hours of children’s programming showed that the products being advertised by CFBAI participants met reasonable limits on calories, sugars, sodium and fats, and were more nutrient dense than before. We found that 72% of the products advertised, 50% more than in 2010, contain at least a half serving of fruit, vegetables or whole grains, or low/non fat dairy. These results will continue to improve as CFBAI’s new uniform nutrition standards go into effect in December 2013.”

Is There Science Behind Scams?

6/4/2012

Posted on 6/4/2012 by
Investment scams are getting more sophisticated and scammers are quite talented at deceiving people, resulting in more victims.

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to recognize investment scams,” said Carrie Hurt, CEO for the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “Scammers are using real-life situations, faking the websites of legitimate businesses, and sharpening their skills to outwit even savvy investors. Scam artists are experienced at the art of persuasion, and know which questions to ask to make you most susceptible to their pitch.”

Ever wonder how scammers do what they do? FINRA Investor Education Foundation provides some interesting theories on the science behind scams. Here are some of the most common tactics:

The "Phantom Riches" Tactic — dangling the prospect of wealth, enticing you with something you want but can't have. "These gas wells are guaranteed to produce $6,800 a month in income."

The "Source Credibility" Tactic — trying to build credibility by claiming to be with a reputable firm or to have a special credential or experience. "Believe me, as a senior vice president of XYZ Firm, I would never sell an investment that doesn't produce."

The "Social Consensus" Tactic — leading you to believe that other savvy investors have already invested. "This is how ___ got his start. I know it's a lot of money, but I'm in—and so is my mom and half her church—and it's worth every dime."

The "Reciprocity" Tactic — offering to do a small favor for you in return for a big favor. "I'll give you a break on my commission if you buy now—half off."

The "Scarcity" Tactic — creating a false sense of urgency by claiming limited supply. "There are only two units left, so I'd sign today if I were you."

Never rush when making any purchasing decision, and don’t be afraid to say no and walk away. For more tips on smart buying, donating and investing, go to www.bbb.org. Also, visit www.saveandinvest.org, to view the full article.

BBB Business Tips for Ensuring Your Business’ Insurance

6/1/2012

Posted on 6/1/2012 by
Smart business owners have the proper insurance to protect their company and its assets. But what happens if your insurance company goes under? What does that mean for your business? What are the liabilities? Better Business Bureau offers answers to the following frequently asked questions on what happens to a policy-holder’s coverage if their insurance company goes out of business:

What happens when an insurance company becomes financially troubled, fails and is no longer able to uphold its end of the bargain? That's when the state property and casualty guaranty fund system - a system few know much about - steps in, according to The National Conference of Insurance Guaranty Funds (NCIGF). Put simply, guaranty funds provide an essential safety net for policyholders, one that meets the needs of those least able to deal with losses should their insurance company fail.

Will I still have insurance coverage? Insurance guaranty associations have been established in every state and are designed to protect policy-holders if their insurance company becomes insolvent. An insurance company must be a member of the guaranty association for every state in which it does business. If a company becomes insolvent, the insurance guaranty association ensures continuation of coverage, either by taking on policies directly or by transferring the policies to a financially stable insurer.

What about any claims? The laws vary from state to state. However, most life and health guaranty associations provide coverage at limits of at least $300,000 for life insurance death benefits, $100,000 for life insurance cash surrender values, $100,000 for annuity withdrawal or payment values, and $100,000 for health insurance benefits, according to NCIGF.

Most property/casualty guaranty associations provide coverage on a per-claim basis for personal injury and property damages up to $300,000 and provide full benefit coverage for workers’ compensation benefits.

Where does that money come from to cover claims? If an insurance company goes bankrupt, any amount of coverage that cannot be attained from the company’s liquidation is borne by other insurers in the state according to the amount in premiums those insurers earn from that state.

How can I be sure my insurance company is safe? There’s no way to be absolutely sure that an insurance company is healthy. To help business owners evaluate their insurer, there are several businesses that rate insurance companies on their financial strength and creditworthiness, including Moody's, Standard and Poor's and A.M. Best. Business owners can also confirm with their state insurance department that the company is licensed to do business in the state.

For more BBB advice on insurance or other financial planning issues, visit www.bbb.org.

New Scam Steals Financial Information from Facebook, Gmail, Yahoo, and Hotmail users

6/1/2012

Posted on 6/1/2012 by

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is warning consumers of a scam targeting the financial data of Facebook, Hotmail, Yahoo, and Gmail users. The scam infects its victim’s computers with a version of the Zeus Trojan virus- a malware program regularly used to commit bank fraud.

Trusteer, the computer security firm that discovered the scam, says the virus targets Facebook users by getting them to link their Visa or MasterCard debit cards to their Facebook account; enticing them with a fake 20 percent cash back offer.

Malware scams on social networks can be particularly malicious because the fraudulent offers appear to come from trusted friends. In the case of Facebook, scammers will often hijack a user’s account by getting the user to click on their post and accept their application, which can give the scammers access to all of the user’s account information, and allow them make unauthorized posts in the user’s name.

The Zeus Trojan virus has been used by scammers for years to steal financial information from unsuspecting consumers. Different versions of the virus are used by vast international crime syndicates, who have employed the virus to steal over $60 million and infect over 4 million computers in 196 countries since 2007, according to the FBI.

BBB offers these tips to users of social networks to avoid scams:

When using Facebook, never install a game or an application that you’re not entirely sure is legitimate.
On Facebook and Twitter be wary of posts from friends that use overtly promotional language. Examples would be: “Check out how I lost 20 pounds in two weeks,” or “I just received a FREE $50 Amazon gift card. Click here to get yours!” A good rule of thumb: if it doesn’t seem like language your friend would normally use, your friend probably didn’t post it.
Never click on Facebook posts, or install applications, that claim they will tell you which of your friends viewed your profile. It’s impossible to find out who is viewing your profile, and any application that claims it can show you is a scam.
On Twitter and Facebook beware of promotional offers using shorted links that look similar to this: http://is.gd/b8XwNO. While shortened links are commonly used by legitimate businesses, they mask the true URL of the destination Web site, and scammers will use them to direct their victims to sites that will infect their computers with malware.
If you mistakenly install a dubious application on Facebook click on the “Home” icon in the top right-hand corner of the site, and go to “Account Settings.” On the right-hand column of the page click on the icon that says “Apps,” and uninstall the suspect application. After you do that, BBB recommends you change your account password in case that has been compromised as well.

For more information on how you can keep your financial and personal data safe online visit www.bbb.org/data-security. If you think you may have been a victim of an online scam you can file a complaint with the FBI at www.ic3.gov, or call BBB at (520)888-5353 for information on what to do.

Use Your Cell Phone Carrier’s Data Limit Protection to Your Advantage

6/1/2012

Posted on 6/1/2012 by

Children and teens can easily go over their cell phone data limit playing games, surfing the Internet, downloading music. When it comes to monitoring your child’s cell phone and data use, there are easy steps parents can take to ensure that their monthly bills don’t come as an unpleasant surprise. Better Business Bureau asked the major cell phone carriers for tips on overseeing family data usage.

In 2011, BBB received 38,420 complaints against cellular telephone services and equipment, making it the number one complaint category in the BBB system. While many of those complaints were due to data billing issues, there are ways to prevent this and the cell phone carriers are willing to work with consumers to monitor and, in some cases, lower their bills.

“By being proactive, and aware of the data activity in which your child engages, you can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, on your next cell phone bill,” said Rod Davis, senior vice president of enterprise programs for the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “The cell phone industry has put together different data plans and restrictions that parents may want to consider if their child has a persistent problem of going over their data limit.”

BBB has put together a compilation of the major cell phone carriers’ data plans and packages:

For AT&T users, parents should consider Smart Limits of Wireless, an online parental controls tool. Smart Limits for Wireless lets parents set limits on how and when their child can use their phone, including setting a dollar limit for downloadable purchases. As the child approaches the download limits, he or she will receive an advance warning notification. And once a limit is reached, another notice is sent that the service will be stopped until the next billing cycle begins.

For MetroPCS users, parents can use the free "Purchase Blocker" that prevents mobile purchases. MetroPCS also has a special account called MetroConnect. This account allows parents to control purchases by only funding the account with the child's monthly allowance. Once depleted, no more purchases can be made on that phone.

For Sprint users, parents can take advantage of Sprint Mobile Controls. Sprint Mobile Controls allow parents to clearly understand their child’s talk, text and app use habits. Parents can lock their child’s phone on-demand or schedule locks –during dinner, school or late at night.

For U.S. Cellular users, parents can utilize the My Account tool to oversee their child’s data usage. The My Acount tool allows parents to receive text message alerts when their data usage is close to the limit, as well as block data to a specific handset.

For Verizon users, parents can set up and manage Usage Controls through their My Verizon account. Through the My Verizon Usage Controls, customers can keep a tight rein on their accounts’ usage. Families or individuals can control wireless budgets with monthly usage allowances on each controlled line for voice minutes, messaging, data and content purchases such as ringtones, games and downloads. They’ll receive free text message alerts when limits are nearing and when they are reached. Once the allowance is reached, there is also an option to restrict usage.

For more information pertaining to your individual cell phone carrier, BBB recommends contacting them directly to see what data overage protection plans can be applied to your personal account. For more tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org.

NOTE: T-Mobile did not respond to BBB’s request for information.

Store Your Belongings with Confidence – Not With Fear of a Scam

6/1/2012

Posted on 6/1/2012 by

Self-storage facilities dot the landscapes of new and older communities. Folks rent units to empty overflowing basements; to stash furnishings while moving or remodeling; or to store business supplies for future use. While most facilities are operated by reputable businesses, Better Business Bureaus recommends checking out the business carefully before handing over your precious belongings.

In 2011, BBB received more than 1,000 complaints against storage units. Many of the complaints filed were from disgruntled consumers who were never able to access their storage units after paying a deposit, had goods damaged in the storage units, and even consumers that had their belongings taken from the storage unit.
Consumers are advised to shop carefully before signing on the dotted line.

BBB recommends understanding 7 major factors before selecting a temporary storage facility.

Cost. Obtain written cost estimates from at least three facilities. Most will insist on inspecting your items before offering an estimate. Costs to consider include the monthly rental fee (usually there are a minimum monthly storage charge and a minimum number of month’s storage); storage preparation, padding, packing or transportation fees; and fees for extra options (electricity, pest control, insurance) you may choose. Ask how the fees are to be paid and by what date.

Size. What size storage units are available? Is there a maximum weight limit for unit contents? Can you jam-pack the entire unit from floor to ceiling?

Climate. Consider the general climate and whether your belongings might be subject to mold or water damage. If so, you may want to consider an environmentally-controlled unit.
Insurance. Make sure your items are insured from theft, fire or other damage. The facility may provide basic insurance or you can choose to purchase insurance from an alternate source. Some homeowners’ policies cover self-storage; check with your insurance agent to be sure you are covered.

Safety. You will need a heavy-duty, secure lock protecting your storage unit. Ask if the facility has surveillance cameras on the property and if a system is in place to restrict access by strangers. Ask for contact information to reach someone at the facility in case of an emergency, both during and after business hours.

Contract. Get everything in writing – the size and location of the unit, options (such as climate-control) that you have selected, termination regulations, insurance coverage, and payment terms. Make sure the facility has several different ways to get in touch with you (home phone, cell phone, email, etc.) in case there is ever a problem with your unit or your payment.

Access. What are the hours and related charges for accessing your unit? Is there adequate room for parking and is the distance from your car/truck to the rental unit acceptable? Does the facility offer dollies or handtrucks to help you move your belongings in and out? Make sure you can easily move your possessions in and out with reasonable ease.

Lastly, pay attention to your monthly bill or credit card statement to
make sure you are up-to-date on your payments. You don’t want your storage unit to be labeled “abandoned” and put up for auction.

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

Don’t Fall Victim to a Father’s Day Shopping Scam

6/1/2012

Posted on 6/1/2012 by

According to the US Census Bureau, there are 70.1 million fathers across the nation – that’s a whole lot of dads, and whole lot of Father’s Day gifts that could fall victim to a shopping scam.

As we look to celebrate this special day with the men we love, it’s important to know how to spend money wisely on the perfect gift for Dad. Better Business Bureau has some suggestions.

“Whether you’re looking to get Dad something traditional like a watch, or something flashier like the latest electronic gadget, check out the business first,” noted Katherine Hutt, spokesperson for the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “These gifts can get expensive. Always make sure to get information on refund, exchange and warranties in writing. Don’t hesitate to ask if there is a return time limit, and get a gift receipt to enclose with your gift in case Dad needs to take it back.”

BBB offers the following ideas and tips for Father’s Day gifts:

Gift Cards and Certificates: Check the terms and conditions of any gift card or certificate prior to purchase to ensure that the expiration date and any other conditions won’t be problematic. If you are giving a gift card to someone who will make online purchases, be sure the gift card is redeemable for Internet shopping and not just for in-store use.

Electronics: Whether you plan to give Dad a camera, GPS system, phone, music player, DVD player or other electronic device, be sure that you don't remove it from its box before wrapping it up as a gift. Many electronics stores require the original packaging in order to process returns or exchanges.

Recreational Rentals: If you’re interested in renting ATVs, campers, canoes, kayaks, motorcycles or other recreational equipment this Father’s Day, be sure that you get a written contract that includes details such as the base rental cost, daily fees, insurance and time restrictions. Also, take the time to visually inspect the rental and get written proof of any existing damage before renting the equipment.

Guides, Tours and Classes: Fishing, sightseeing, skydiving and golf lessons are a fun way to celebrate and spend time with Dad. However, it’s important to get details about these classes and adventures in writing and in advance of the trip. Be sure to clarify all of the factors listed below:

Are reservations required and if so, by when?
What are the total costs and features?
What services and equipment are included?
Are taxes or any other charges added?
Are there any restrictions or special time requirements?
Are there any cancellation or refund penalties or policies?

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

New Accountability Program Decisions Make Clear All Technologies Must Comply with Online Behavioral Advertising Self-Regulation

5/30/2012

Posted on 5/30/2012 by

The Online Interest-Based Advertising Accountability Program (Accountability Program) today released the results of formal inquiries into the consumer data-collection and use practices of seven companies in the online advertising industry. All companies reviewed voluntarily agreed to follow the Accountability Program’s recommendations.

“The results are a win for both consumers and industry,” said Genie Barton, CBBB Vice President and Director of the Program. “Consumers benefit with greater information and clearer choices about how their information is used and the advertising industry benefits by building greater consumer trust and engagement in the Internet space.”

The Accountability Program provides objective, independent, and vigorous oversight and enforcement of the Self-Regulatory Principles for Online Behavioral Advertising (OBA Principles), a set of best practices developed by leading advertising trade associations that address consumers’ concerns about interest-based advertising practices.

Today’s decisions provide guidance on specific implementation requirements under the OBA Principles, including clarifying that:

The Transparency and Consumer Control Principles cover all technologies (not just browser “cookies”) in the interest-based advertising space, including device fingerprinting;
Consumer disclosures should explain the company’s OBA practices and clearly notify consumers that the company adheres to the OBA Principles; and
Consumer opt-out mechanisms must have a five-year duration, and once a consumer has opted out, this choice must be honored at all times, including during exchanges of information such as cookie synching.

“A great strength of the self regulatory process is that it can adapt to changing conditions and technologies,” said Ms. Barton. “Today’s decisions demonstrate that. We are delighted that each of the companies reviewed have voluntarily modified their practices.”

The decisions focus on the cornerstones of the OBA Principles — Transparency and Consumer Control.

Transparency: The Transparency Principle is designed to give consumers knowledge about OBA data collection and use practices that take place invisibly ‘behind the scenes.’ Companies are required to provide clear explanations about how they use consumers’ data for OBA, including providing “just in time” notice where data is collected and interest-based advertising is served.
Consumer Control: The Consumer Control Principle provides consumers with an easy-to-use choice mechanism that allows them to opt out of OBA.

Transparency, choice and accountability are core elements of both the Obama Administration’s proposed Privacy Bill of Rights and the Federal Trade Commission’s recent privacy report and recommendations.

Decisions:

BlueCava: The Accountability Program decision explained that transparency and choice are not limited to traditional “cookie-based” tracking practices but also cover all technologies in the interest-based advertising space, including device fingerprinting.

BlueCava’s privacy policy did not clearly explain to the consumer that its device identification technology gave it the capability to collect and use data for OBA across multiple devices in a household. Nor did the privacy policy clearly state whether the BlueCava consumer choice mechanism would opt a user out of data collection and use for OBA across devices or whether it was limited to the device on which the opt out was completed. The privacy policy did not tell consumers what further steps they would have to take to opt out for all other devices they use. BlueCava implemented the Accountability Program’s recommendations to clarify how the device fingerprinting technology worked and to explain the scope of the consumer opt out provided.

The Accountability Program also noted that the spirit of the OBA Principles is to provide an easy-to-use opt out that is co-extensive with the data collected for OBA purposes and suggested that BlueCava, if technically feasible, provide a multi-device opt out. BlueCava agreed with the Accountability Program’s reasoning and has pledged to make the development of this multi-device opt-out mechanism part of its product development work. Read the decision.

Turn: Although Turn is an active participant in the OBA Principles, Turn’s privacy policy did not fully comply with all transparency and consumer control requirements. Notably, the Turn website did not clearly state Turn’s adherence to the OBA Principles and provide links to the industry-developed consumer opt-out page where Turn is among the over 100 companies providing an opt out for consumers. Turn instituted all the Accountability Program’s recommendations to come into full compliance with the Principles. Turn also satisfactorily answered the Accountability Program’s questions about its use of unique identifiers after consumer opt out and provided sufficient information to show how it honors a consumer’s opt out when engaging in cookie synching with third parties. The Accountability Program also commends Turn for requiring requiring its business partners to adhere to the OBA Principles. Read the decision.

DataXu: DataXu’s website consumer choice mechanism set an opt-out cookie that was rendered non-functional by the absence of a domain attribute. As a result, consumers who exercised choice through the DataXu website when using the Chrome, Firefox, Opera or Safari browsers were not opted out of data collection and use for OBA purposes. DataXu promptly remedied the issue with its opt-out cookie and has taken steps to ensure its opt-out cookie will remain functional and compliant with the OBA Principles. Read the decision.

OxaMedia: OxaMedia, a company based in Italy with a new U.S. presence, was unaware of the OBA Principles. As a result, it did not follow a number of these industry best practices. Its opt-out cookie was set to expire one year from the date a consumer completed the opt-out process; it did not provide enhanced notice and choice to the consumer regarding its OBA practices when it served an interest-based ad. Upon notification by the Accountability Program of the requirements of the self-regulatory program, the company licensed the use of the DAA Advertising Options Icon to provide enhanced notice and choice of its data collection practices for OBA on its interest-based ads and brought all its practices into compliance with the OBA Principles. Read the decision.

Administrative Closures
Based on the representations of the companies below that they are not presently engaged in OBA, the Accountability Program administratively closed the inquiries but will continue to monitor as part of its ongoing work:

Gravity: a provider of personalization tools for publishers, which has followed the Accountability Program’s recommendation and changed its opt-out cookie to the industry standard of five years. Read the disposition.

Rovion: an ad management platform for publishers and agencies, which has followed the Accountability Program’s recommendation and changed its opt-out cookie to the industry standard of five years. Read the disposition.

Facilitate Digital Holdings: a provider of digital marketing technology and services, which agreed to follow the Accountability Program’s recommendation to change its opt-out cookie to the industry standard of five years but has not yet done so. Read the disposition.

###

The Accountability Program’s inquiries were conducted under Online Interest-Based Advertising Accountability Program Procedures which are available at http://www.asrcreviews.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/OBA-Procedures2.pdf

About Advertising Industry Self-Regulation: ASRC establishes the policies and procedures for advertising industry self-regulation, including the National Advertising Division (NAD), Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU), National Advertising Review Board (NARB), Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) and Online Interest-Based Advertising Accountability Program (Accountability Program). The self-regulatory system is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

Self-regulation is good for consumers. The self-regulatory system monitors the marketplace, holds advertisers responsible for their claims and practices and tracks emerging issues and trends. Self-regulation is good for advertisers. Rigorous review serves to encourage consumer trust; the self-regulatory system offers an expert, cost-efficient, meaningful alternative to litigation and provides a framework for the development of a self-regulatory solution for emerging issues.

To learn more about supporting advertising industry self-regulation, please visit us at: www.advertisingselfregulation.org.

BBB Uncovers Fraudulent Finance Scheme in Twin Falls, Idaho

5/25/2012

Posted on 5/25/2012 by

Dewitt Financial Group, with an advertised address in Twin Falls, Idaho, is bilking potential clients of hundreds of upfront fees for loans they never receive.

“A month-long investigation by Better Business Bureau has turned up evidence showing Dewitt Financial is running an illegal upfront fee loan scheme,” says CEO Dale Dixon, of Better Business Bureau serving the Snake River Region. “We’ve moved to have this website shut down.”

A Florida man who sent nearly $800 in upfront fees for a $10,000 loan, tipped off BBB investigators to the finance scheme.

“It looked really official, and I talked with the people on the phone, and they sent me a really legal looking contract,” said Dewayne Carr of Deerfield Beach, Fla.

Carr became suspicious when the promised money was never deposited into his account, and calls to the 1-866 toll free number went unanswered.

BBB investigators followed the phone number and discovered it was registered to a location in Toronto, Ontario.

In addition, the address provided on the website, 2163 River Vista Place, Twin Falls, is an office complex. Examiners with the Idaho Department of Finance found no proof the company existed in this location.

“Our examiners did a location check on the group and determined it was non-existent,” said Billie Kay, Idaho Department of Finance.

Tracking down the web address, www.dewittfg.com, showed it was registered to William Puok, 4200 Kingston Road Unit 12, Toronto, Ontario. The website was established on April 10, 2012, and is registered with GoDaddy.com.

“We’ve notified the host company about the discovery and asked them to put a hold on this particular site,” Dixon says.

The phone number associated with the registration rings through to a cellphone belonging to a woman in Atlanta, Ga. The woman said she was not associated with the financial group and the cellphone was her personal phone.

“I’ve never been involved with this company,” she said.

BBB called the number provided by Dewitt Financial and was directed to an automated voice answering system. After listening to the options, attempts to get through were repeatedly turned back to the original greeting. The phone disconnected after two attempts to access extensions were punched in.

Dixon says, “Up front loan fees, a false Idaho location, getting the run-around with the phone numbers and the website registration prove this is an illegal scam.”

Better Business Bureau recommends people check every loan option with BBB before providing information. Visit bbb.org, enter your zip code and click the ‘Check out a Business or Charity’ button to research a company for free.

Scammers Fake Facebook Account Cancellation Notices

5/25/2012

Posted on 5/25/2012 by

Facebook users, watch out. A clever scam in the form of a fake account cancellation email is making the rounds, and it's easy to get fooled. Don't let the threat of losing your account trick you into installing malware on your computer.

How the Scam Works:

The scam starts with a suspicious email informing Facebook users that they have a received an "account cancellation request," reports computer security blog Naked Security. (See sample email below) Recipients are urged to follow a link to cancel the request.

Here's the clever part. The link appears to be official because it goes to a facebook.com address. Really, it links to a third-party application just running on the Facebook platform.

If you do click on the link, a message asks you to allow an unknown application to run on your computer. Click the "run" button, and you will see a message telling you to download the new version of Adobe Flash. The file that downloads is not the latest version of Flash, but code allowing hackers to spy on your activities and take control of your computer.

For More Information

For more information and screen shots of the scam, see Naked Security's original article.

To receive alerts like these sent straight to your inbox, sign up for BBB Scam Alerts here.

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

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.}

Want to Avoid Scams? Learn to Say 'No'

5/16/2012

Posted on 5/16/2012 by

Want to know how not to become a victim of a scam? Just say “no.”

Sounds easy enough. And it should be. But every day thousands of consumers do just the opposite. A few examples:

• A supposed telemarketing or survey call begins with the question: “Are you over age 18?” “Yes, of course.” You’ve just given the caller permission to take advantage of you.

• A rich widow in an African country wants to share her inherited wealth with you. “Yes!” you respond, not hesitating a second in providing your bank account number so she can deposit the funds.

• You spot the car of your dreams online for a fraction of the cost you’ve seen it elsewhere. The out-of-state seller instructs you to wire the funds and the car will be shipped. “Yes!” you respond, counting the days until the convertible arrives.

Maybe you recognized yourself in one of these scenarios, or perhaps there are others that tripped you up, such as the out-of-town contractor who left mid-job with your money or the phishing email that, as it turns out, wasn’t from your bank after all.

“Just say ‘no,’” says Larry D. Newman, a former Secret Service agent and retired senior director of corporate security for Western Union. Now living in northern Colorado, Newman advises consumers to do what he and his wife do. “When we get a call and they ask if we’re over age 18, we hang up.” In fact, any question that aims to solicit a “yes” is instead answered by a click. Of the receiver. Never – ever! – say “yes” to anyone you don’t know who calls, emails or sends a letter, he advises.

And by saying “no,” Newman adds, you effectively eliminate one of three requirements for any scam to be successful: the scammer, a non-bank financial outlet (money-wire service, for example) and you.

Below are three additional situations that tend to trip up unsuspecting consumers with suggested actions from your BBB:

Scenario No. 1

With the political season heating up, you should be extra wary of the intended purpose of all those calls you get. Is it really a candidate’s survey about health care costs? Is it really an honest request for a campaign donation? Or is it a scammer sitting in Indonesia posing as a political volunteer?

What to do? Just say “no.” You can donate to the candidate on his or her website or even by snail mail, should you wish to do so.

Scenario No. 2

You get a phone call or email from your grandson who claims to have run into a bit of trouble overseas and needs you to wire $2,500 or some other amount to bail him out of jail, fix a rental car and/or acquire a new passport and plane tickets home. And, he pleads, don’t tell Mom or Dad.

What to do? Just say “no.” If you think it might really be your grandson or granddaughter or best friend from high school, contact that person’s immediate family or coworkers. It’s almost guaranteed they’ll tell you there is no cause for alarm.

Scenario No. 3

You receive a letter announcing that you’re the winner of a mega millions sweepstakes! To receive your winnings, you’re instructed to wire $29.99 to cover taxes and fees.

What to do? Just say “no.” Or rather, toss the letter along with the rest of your junk mail. If you choose to wire the $29.99 – what if this is the real deal, right? – the only thing that will come of it is that your address will be added to the mailing lists of numerous other sweepstakes scams.

And the scammer? If he gets enough people wiring him $29.99, $2,500 or $25,000, he’ll be able to purchase a fleet of luxury sedans and sports cars and not wince at paying full asking price. After all, they’ll look nice sitting in the driveways of his vacation villas scattered across the globe. Paid for, in part, by you.

And you? Don’t you wish you just said “no”?

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Want to Avoid Scams? Learn to Say 'No'

5/16/2012

Posted on 5/16/2012 by

Want to know how not to become a victim of a scam? Just say “no.”

Sounds easy enough. And it should be. But every day thousands of consumers do just the opposite. A few examples:

• A supposed telemarketing or survey call begins with the question: “Are you over age 18?” “Yes, of course.” You’ve just given the caller permission to take advantage of you.

Below are three additional situations that tend to trip up unsuspecting consumers with suggested actions from your BBB:

Scenario No. 1

What to do? Just say “no.” You can donate to the candidate on his or her website or even by snail mail, should you wish to do so.

Scenario No. 2

Scenario No. 3

You receive a letter announcing that you’re the winner of a mega millions sweepstakes! To receive your winnings, you’re instructed to wire $29.99 to cover taxes and fees.

And you? Don’t you wish you just said “no”?

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Idaho Attorney General Gains Refunds for Idaho Purchasers of Skechers Shoes

5/16/2012

Posted on 5/16/2012 by

Idahoans who purchased Shape-Ups, Tone-Ups, or the Skechers Resistance Runner shoes can apply for partial refunds resulting from a legal settlement, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said.

Wasden joined with the Federal Trade Commission, 43 states and the District of Columbia in a $45 million settlement with Skechers USA, Inc. Up to $40 million is being allocated for consumer refunds to consumers who purchased the shoes. An additional $5 million will be paid to the states for attorney fees and other costs of investigation and litigation.

The Attorneys General alleged that Skechers, without adequate substantiation, claimed its rocker-bottom shoes caused consumers to lose weight, burn calories, improve circulation, fight cellulite, and firm, tone or strengthen thigh, buttock, and back muscles. The settlement prohibits Skechers from making these claims, unless it has adequate substantiation to do so.

Idaho residents who purchased Shape-Ups, Tone-Ups or Skechers Resistance Runner shoes may seek payment from the settlement by going to www.ftc.gov for information on how to file a claim.

The State of Idaho’s share, $76,152, will be deposited in the Consumer Protection Account. That account partially funds the Attorney General’s consumer protection operations. Unspent moneys are transferred to the state’s General Fund for appropriation by the legislature. The Attorney General has transferred more than $16 million from the Consumer Protection Account to the General Fund since Fiscal Year 2000.

Skechers does not admit any wrongdoing and denies the factual allegations asserted in the Attorney General’s complaint.

BBB Warns: Scam Poses as Amazon.com Cancellation Email

5/11/2012

Posted on 5/11/2012 by

BBB is warning online shoppers to beware! The latest email phishing scam looks just like an order cancellation notice from Amazon.com. Be sure to double check suspicious emails you receive from the online retailer before clicking on any links!

The scam email comes from an Amazon.com email address, such as order-update@amazon.com, and contains the subject line "Your Cancellation" and an order number. The email tells the recipient that "your order has been successfully canceled" and provides a summary of the order.

Amazon.com is cautioning email recipients to delete any cancellation notice with an eight digit order number. However, just because your email has a longer order ID number doesn't mean that's real.

To double check your email, be sure to hover over the links to verify their destination. Amazon emails only link to sites that begin with "http://"something".amazon.com." (Note the period before "amazon.com.") Sites such as "payments-amazon.com" are not actually Amazon. Amazon also never uses an IP address (a string of numbers seperated by periods) followed by a directory name, such as http://"123.456.789.123"/amazon.com/.

If you want to confirm a cancellation:

Go to Amazon.com by typing www.amazon.com into your web browser. Don't click a link in the e-mail itself.
Click "Your Account" in the upper-right corner.
Visit "Your Orders" and see if an order matches the details for the one in the e-mail.

For more information on this scam and other Amazon.com scams, go to http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=15835501

Consumers Get Smart and Shred, Shred, Shred to Prevent Fraud

5/10/2012

Posted on 5/10/2012 by

Arlington, VA – Spring cleaning took on new meaning for more than 23,000 consumers and small businesses that participated in “Secure Your ID Day” on April 21 – 1.5 million pounds of documents were shredded at 75 free events around the United States and Canada.

Better Business Bureau hosts “Secure Your ID Day” twice a year. Although the fall event is usually much larger, this year’s spring event saw huge increases in participation from previous years. 41 local BBBs hosted a total of 75 events, processed 23,194 vehicles loaded with bags and boxes, and shredded 774.5 tons of sensitive documents free of charge.

“Identity theft is a major issue in this country,” said Katherine Hutt, spokesperson at the Council of Better Business Bureaus, “and one of the easiest ways for criminals to steal your identity is to get a hold of tax forms, bank statements, credit card records, and Social Security statements. When you don’t need hard copies of this information any longer, the best thing is to shred it and dispose of it securely.”

Last year, more than 11.6 million adults became victims of identity fraud in the U.S., up 13 percent over 2010, according to Javelin Strategy and Research. Social networks and smart phones account for a big part of the increase, but a “paper trail” is still a prime way for thieves to gather key data needed for fraud. For more information on BBB “Secure Your ID Day” and identity theft prevention measures for both consumers and businesses, visit www.bbb.org/us/secure-your-id.

ABOUT BBB:

For 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2011, consumers turned to BBB more than 100 million times for Business Reviews on more than 4 million companies and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at www.bbb.org. 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.

Summer Job Season Brings Out Fake Internet Job Postings

5/8/2012

Posted on 5/8/2012 by

Gordon Bowlden, who has searched at Job Service, local bulletin boards, and online, says he’s had little to no luck finding a position.

A qualified handyman, he has been looking for work for the past seven months. He recently responded to a posting on craigslist.com, hoping that it would be a good fit.

The ad read: Service Technician with Culligan in Boise – must be willing to relocate to the Boise area.

When he responded, the reply he received (directly quoted) stated: “Today, our client forwarded us your recent inquiry about a vacant position. Af ter reviewing your resume and information we have decided to move forward you and start a screening process. This position is open for immediate hiring, and the client is looking for the right applicant as soon as possible.”

Bowlden responded by filling out a short application through what thought was a secure website. He provided a great deal of personal information, including his SSN and any information needed for "Culligan" to pull a credit report.

After a couple of days passed without any further acknowledgement, he became worried and contacted BBB. BBB contacted the Culligan dealer who confirmed no position was available, and no ad had been placed on Craigslist. Bowlden appears to be a victim of Internet advertising fraud.

BBB issues the following guidelines when responding to Internet help wanted ads:

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 BBB by emailing info@boise.bbb.org and contact the Internet Fraud Complaint Center at 800.251.3221 or go to www.ic3.gov.

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CFBAI Highlights Significant Progress in Child-Directed Food and Beverage Advertising

5/8/2012

Posted on 5/8/2012 by

Products advertised to children are now lower in calories, sugars, sodium and fats; that was some of the progress under self-regulation reported at CDC’s Weight of the Nation conference today by Elaine Kolish, Director of the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI) and Vice President at the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

This progress includes significant improvements in products advertised to children by CFBAI participants, which represent the majority of child-directed advertising on TV. Kolish highlighted increases in nutrient components to encourage, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, in CFBAI participants’ products.

On May 7, CFBAI also released a Whole Grains Fact Sheet showing widespread use of whole grains in a variety of CFBAI’s participants’ products consumed throughout the day – which include breads, buns, cereals, crackers, pastas and pizza crusts.

“We are pleased that the CFBAI’s participants are reformulating or developing foods that contain a significant amount of whole grains,” said Kolish. “We expect this positive trend to continue, particularly when CFBAI’s new uniform nutrition criteria go into effect on December 31, 2013. And we hope that their advertising of such products will help children develop a life long love of nutritious whole grains.”

About the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative:
The Council of Better Business Bureaus launched the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative in November 2006 to shift the mix of advertising messaging directed at children to encourage healthier dietary choices and healthier lifestyles. The 16 participants of the Initiative are Burger King Corp.; Campbell Soup Company; The Coca-Cola Company; ConAgra Foods, Inc.; The Dannon Company; General Mills Inc.; The Hershey Company; Kellogg Company; Kraft Foods Global, Inc.; Mars, Incorporated; McDonald’s USA, LLC; Nestlé USA; PepsiCo, Inc.; Post Foods, LLC; Sara Lee Corporation and Unilever United States. For more information about the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative and to view the current pledges of the participants visit: www.bbb.org/kids_food.

About BBB:
For 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2011, consumers turned to BBB more than 100 million times for Business Reviews on more than 4 million companies and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at www.bbb.org. 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.

BBB Tips for Successful Mother’s Day Shopping

5/7/2012

Posted on 5/7/2012 by

It’s almost Mother’s Day! Whether you are ordering flowers, shopping for custom jewelry, or arranging for a special spa day appointments for the wonderful women in their life, be a smart consumer. BBB sees lots of scams that focus on holiday shopping, and is warning consumers to proceed with caution before falling victim to a Mother’s Day vender scam, especially when shopping online.

BBB urges consumers to take extra precaution with placing floral orders, especially online. “Not all online florists are the same,” says Katherine Hutt, spokesperson for the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “While some people are extremely happy with their online floral purchases, others find themselves disappointed when the flowers don’t arrive on time, or don’t arrive at all.” In 2011, more than 96,000 consumers searched for trustworthy florists on www.bbb.org. Most major floral delivery services are BBB Accredited Businesses, as are more than 500 local florists across the U.S. and Canada.

When finalizing gifts and shopping online, BBB recommends adhering to the following:

Do your homework. Before ordering flowers, jewelry or any other gifts for Mother’s Day, check out the company’s BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org. This is a great way to help prevent disappointment with the product or customer service.

Allow time for shipping and delivery. Check with the retailer or website to be certain that you have allowed enough time for delivery. Make sure that this date is specified clearly and guaranteed when you order. If you order ahead of time, delivery and other charges will be less than last-minute or overnight shipping. Some florists offer discounts for deliveries a couple of days before a major holiday, since that helps them deal with the rush.

Have a back-up plan. Make sure you understand the store's guarantee. Find out how customer complaints are handled and what recourse you will have if the arrangement is not satisfactory. It’s best to use a credit card when ordering online, because you can dispute charges if the vendor doesn’t come through. Charges made on a debit card are the same as cash and you have no recourse through your bank if there is a problem.

Make sure the business has your information. When it comes to flower delivery, there are times when delivery instructions need to be confirmed or a delivery driver needs additional directions. Making sure the florist has a call-back phone number or your cell phone to help them make sure your mom gets what you expect.

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

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New Phishing Scam Hurts Small Businesses

5/3/2012

Posted on 5/3/2012 by

When a small plumbing company in Monroe, Louisiana, got an email yesterday from BBB saying they’d had a complaint filed against them, they took it seriously. After all, the company is a BBB Accredited Business and the owner serves on the board of directors of BBB of Northeast Louisiana. What they got, however, was much worse than a complaint from an unhappy customer. The email was a fake, a phishing scam that downloaded viruses on two of the small business’s computers, which had to be wiped clean in order to get rid of the malware infection. Fortunately for the plumbing company, the virus hadn’t had a chance to steal any banking information.

Unfortunately, small businesses and consumers across the country are falling victim to the latest phishing scam that exploits BBB’s trusted name. The campaign that started yesterday was the second biggest phishing scam in the country on Wednesday, according to the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Spam Data Mine, one of the nation’s foremost computer forensics labs. SDM is assisting the Council of Better Business Bureaus in tracking phishing scams that use the BBB name.

The phishing emails – the fifth wave since Thanksgiving that uses the BBB’s name – uses BBB’s name and logo in an attempt to look like a notice of a newly filed complaint. The latest round includes a ZIP attachment, but that has not always been the case. Whether by an attachment or a link, the phishing emails attempt to trick the recipient into clicking and opening the “complaint,” which downloads malware onto their computer. The malware is designed to infect the computer and look for information such as bank account numbers and passwords in order to steal money from the recipients’ accounts.

If you receive an email that looks like it is about a BBB complaint:

Do NOT click on any links or attachments.
Read the email carefully for signs that it may be fake (for example, misspellings, grammar, generic greetings such as “Dear member” instead of a name, etc.).
Be wary of any urgent instructions to take specified action such as “Click on the link or your account will be closed.”
Hover your mouse over links without clicking to see if the address is truly from bbb.org.
Delete the email from your computer completely (be sure to empty your “trash can” or “recycling bin,” as well).
Run anti-virus software updates frequently and do a full system scan.
If you are not certain whether the complaint is legitimate, contact your local BBB (www.bbb.org/find).
Forward the email to phishing@council.bbb.org so that our security team can track the perpetrators. If you receive a “bounce” message, there is no need to resubmit.

BBB also recommends that all businesses take steps to secure their data and the information they’ve collected on their customers. BBB’s “Data Security – Made Simpler” is available free-of-charge at www.bbb.org/data-security.

Memorial Day Scams Target Military, Families, Supporters

5/2/2012

Posted on 5/2/2012 by

Memorial Day is a time to honor those who serve and remember those who have died in war. But sadly, it has also become a key opportunity for scammers to target those who are serving or have served their nation, especially elderly veterans. BBB is urging consumers and donors to be on the lookout for deals that seem too good to be true, and for disreputable charities.

“The unique lifestyle of our service members makes them prime targets for scammers,” notes Brenda Linnington, Director of BBB Military Line. “It’s imperative that we educate our service members and ensure that the support we give to them equals the effort they make every day on behalf of us.” Linnington said scams can include those that target service personnel and their families directly, but also those that appear to be helping military members via charities.

“Donors need to watch out for questionable charities that raise funds on behalf of military organizations,” adds Art Taylor, President and CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. “When you make a donation, always check www.give.org to see that the group meets BBB charity standards, especially around Memorial Day. Too many solicitors that fail to meet BBB standards call and say they help veterans, service members or their families, and little of the money donated will serve that purpose.”

Among the scams to watch out for:

• Posing as the Veterans Administration and contacting veterans to say they need to update their credit card, bank or other financial records with the VA;

• Charging service members for services they could get for free or less expensively elsewhere, such as military records;

• Fraudulent investment schemes that convince veterans to transfer their assets into an irrevocable trust;

• Offering “instant approval” military loans (“no credit check,” “all ranks approved”) that can have high interest rates and hidden fees;

• Advertising housing online with military discounts and incentives, and then bilking service personnel out of the security deposit;

• Trying to sell things like security systems to spouses of deployed military personnel by saying the service member ordered it to protect his or her family;

• Selling stolen vehicles at low prices by claiming to be soldiers who need to sell fast because they’ve been deployed;

• Posing as government contractors recruiting veterans and then asking for a copy of the job applicants’ passport (which contains a lot of personal information);

• Posing on online dating services as a lonely service member in a remote part of Iraq or Afghanistan, and then asking for money to be wired to a third party for some emergency.

BBB advises service members, veterans and all consumers never to give personal identification information (Social Security, bank account, military identification or credit card numbers, etc.) to anyone who contacts you by phone or e-mail, and to be wary of any solicitations that involve purchasing something or transferring money. Consumers can check out businesses and charities for free at www.bbb.org.

For more information, visit www.bbb.org/us/military-line.

BBB Advice for Hiring a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust

5/2/2012

Posted on 5/2/2012 by

Natural disasters like tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes can bring out the best in people, as strangers reach out to help others in need. Unfortunately, crises also bring out persons who choose to take advantage of the victims. Some of the most common "after-disaster" scams involve damage done to roofs.

Whether your roof got hit hard by a natural disaster or just needs to be replaced due to time, you need to take certain precautions when it comes to hiring a roofing contractor. In 2011, BBB received more than 3.3 million inquiries from consumers looking to find a roofer they could trust – making it the top inquired industry in the BBB system.

BBB offers the following tips to homeowners who suffer roof damage in the wake of a natural disaster:

Do your research. Check with your insurance company about policy coverage and specific filing requirements. Save all receipts if temporary roofing repairs are necessary.

Stay calm. Although you may be anxious to get things back to normal, avoid letting your emotions get the better of you. Don't be pressured into making an immediate decision with a long-term impact. Be pro-active in selecting a company and not re-active to sales solicitations.

Shop around. For major repairs, take time to shop around and get 3-4 estimates based on the same specifications and materials. Check out references that are at least one year-old, and verify that the contractor is required to be licensed and/or registered to do work in your area. Also, check with your local building inspector to see if a building permit is required.

Avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Be wary of door-to-door workers who claim to have left-over materials from a job “down the street” or who do not have a permanent place of business. If sales people go door-to-door, check to see if your community requires them to have solicitation permits.

Trust your gut. Be leery if a worker shows up on your doorstep to announce that your home is unsafe. If you are concerned about possible structural damage in your home, have an engineer, architect or building official inspect it. While most roofing contractors abide by the law, be careful allowing someone you do not know to inspect your roof. An unethical contractor may actually create damage to get work.

Get everything in writing. Require a written contract agreement with anyone you hire. Be sure their name, address, license number and phone number are included in the contract. Read and understand the contract in its entirety, don’t sign a blank contract, and make sure you get a copy of the signed contract at the time of signature.

Clearly written proposals that are detailed and broken down into separate line items are a good sign that the contractor is being thorough and has prepared an accurate estimate. The following is a partial list of items your estimate or proposal should include:

• The type of roof covering, manufacturer and color
• Materials to be included in the work, e.g., underlayment, ice dam protection membrane
• Scope of work to be done
o Removal or replacement of existing roof
o Flashing work, e.g., existing flashings to be replaced or re-used, adding new flashing, flashing metal type
o Ventilation work, e.g., adding new vents
• Who is responsible for repairing/replacing exterior landscape or interior finishes that are damaged during the course of the work? Make sure that it contains language addressing who is responsible for any damage that occurs as a result of the work. All items of concern and work to be done should be included in the contract.
• Installation method
• Approximate starting and completion dates
• Payment procedures
• Length of warranty and what is covered, e.g., workmanship, water leakage
• Who will haul away the old roofing materials and/or project waste (e.g. extra materials, packaging, etc.)? Is there extra charge for this service?

If one estimate seems much lower than the others and it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many fly-by-night contractors' below-cost bids seem attractive, but these contractors often are uninsured and perform substandard work or use substandard materials. Make sure to read the fine print. Some contracts use a clause where substantial cancellation fees or liquidation damages are required if the homeowner decides not to use the contractor after insurance approval of the claim. In some instances you may be required to pay the full agreed price if the homeowner cancels after the 3 day cancellation period. If an estimate or contract is confusing, ask the contractor to break it down into items/terms you can understand.

Disaster victims should never feel forced to make a hasty decision or to choose an unknown contractor. BBB has BBB Business Reviews on more than 67,000 roofing contractors, and they are available for free at www.bbb.org.

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BBB Tips for Successful Mother’s Day Shopping

5/2/2012

Posted on 5/2/2012 by

When finalizing gifts and shopping online, BBB recommends adhering to the following:

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

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Protect Your Move and Yourself During National Moving Month

5/2/2012

Posted on 5/2/2012 by

May is National Moving Month and the start of the busiest time of year for changing residencies…which means unlicensed movers and dishonest scammers are waiting to take advantage consumers who aren’t careful.

In 2011, BBB received more than 1.3 million moving related inquiries and more than 9,000 complaints against movers. Complaints include lost or stolen belongings, damaged items, huge price increases over quoted estimates, late deliveries, and goods being “held hostage” for additional payment.

Tips for Picking the Right Mover:

BBB has teamed up with American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) to offer tips on how to select the right mover and how to avoid the scams.

"Finding a mover you can trust can be easy, if you take the time to do so,” said Rod Davis, senior vice president with the Council of Better Business Bureaus. "Consumers need to make sure to always check with BBB and AMSA before you find yourself paying thousands of extra dollars for damaged or lost items. BBB has more than 17,000 BBB Business Reviews on moving-related services.”

"A con artist with just a truck and a website can claim to be a legitimate mover with unfortunate results for consumers who don’t check out a company in advance,” said AMSA President and CEO Linda Bauer Darr. "When it comes to such an important decision, you can save yourself a lot of problems by finding a mover who puts customer service and integrity first. For interstate moves, that means an AMSA-certified ProMover."

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 government and are assigned a motor carrier number you can verify on FMCSA’s website, www.protectyourmove.gov.

Get at least three written in-home estimates. Not all price-quotes online or over the phone are legitimate. 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 either FMCSA for interstate moves or the state in which you reside for moves within that state. Also, enlist the help of BBB or local law enforcement if the moving company fails to live up to its promises or threatens to hold your belongings hostage. FMCSA requires interstate movers to offer arbitration to help settle disputed claims.

Consider accepting full value protection. It may cost a few dollars more up front, but it can provide some peace of mind and eliminate headaches after your move. Purchasing full (replacement) value protection means any lost or damaged articles will be repaired or replaced, or a cash settlement will be made to repair the item or to replace it at its current market value, regardless of age. It’s important to note that the required minimum coverage of 60 cents per pound would not cover the replacement cost, for example, of a flat panel TV if damaged in transit. For your protection, a new interstate regulation effective May 15 requires the cost of full value protection to be included in the estimate you receive.

For more consumer news you can trust and to check out a mover near you, visit www.bbb.org and AMSA’s www.moving.org.

Scammers Replicate Verizon's Email Bill Alerts

5/1/2012

Posted on 5/1/2012 by
Consumers nationwide are receiving fake emails that are almost identical to the real alerts many Verizon customers get to remind them of their monthly payments.

About the scam:

This phishing scam is notable for its painstaking replication of Verizon emails. Only the large bill amounts (many are upwards of $500) and links to third party websites are tip offs to the real nature of these emails.

You can spot a fake email by hovering over the links and checking whether the URL leads to Verizon's website or, in a scam email, to a third party site. Here is a screen shot of a sample email that shows how hovering over a link reveals its real destination.

If you have any questions about whether your email bill is fake, please contact Verizon directly. For more information, you can also see the security alerts section on Verizon's website.

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

Boise area zip codes turn up cash ad from World Reserve Monetary Exchange

4/27/2012

Posted on 4/27/2012 by

Consumers hoping to cash in on an advertised offer of “crisp seldom seen uncut” $1 bills may end up frustrated and disappointed, BBB warns.

The company behind the ad is World Reserve Monetary Exchange, Inc., of Canton, Ohio. “Boise area zip codes turn up cash for residents,” reads the headline on the advertisement which ran Thursday in the Idaho Statesman in Boise. “Valuable Gov't issued uncut sheets of money are actually being handed over to the first 6,049 callers.”

Dale Dixon, president and CEO of the BBB serving the Snake River Region, says, “It may sound bizarre, but this company is banking on people willing to pay cash in return for less cash. If you’re looking for novelty items to show your friends or family, you might be interested. But if you are looking for an investment, this is probably not the wisest choice.”

The advertisement appearing in the Statesman's Life section makes numerous unspecified promises on return on investment, and urges callers to move forward without consideration to what they are really buying, he says.

The ad states the money is being released until "our last remaining uncut sheets of $1 bills are completely gone." The cost for a Vault Stack consists is $29 for a portfolio loaded with a valuable uncut sheet of never circulated $1 bills (four $1 bills). The Vault Stack contains three protective portfolios: $87 plus handling and shipping. (The Vault Stack, in the ad, is juxtaposed to what appears to be a 3-inch tall pile of uncut bills.)

World Reserve Monetary Exchange and several affiliated businesses, including Universal Media Syndications, Inc., have advertised in newspapers and other publications nationwide. The company is a division of Arthur Middleton Capital Holdings of Ohio and Miami Beach, Fla., according to the holding company’s website. The holding company also oversees companies that have sold controversial Heat Surge heaters, healthcare plans and “free” digital TV converter boxes and antennas. The TV converter box ads were labeled misleading and confusing by the Columbus, Ohio, BBB in 2008, and BBB serving the Snake River Region recently did an investigation just this past month on the antennas.

Since 2007, attorneys general in at least three states have taken action against the firm. Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal that year called on consumers to reject the company’s “phony discount offer” for sheets of $1 bills, as advertised in full-page newspaper ads. In May 2008, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley obtained an agreement from the company to stop running misleading coin and currency advertisements. In July 2009, Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett reached an agreement calling for the company to stop misleading advertising and to refund money to consumers. Corbett said the company’s full-page newspaper ads offering millions of dollars in surplus cash were deceptive. “These advertisements led people to believe that they could claim cash that was ‘up for grabs,’ but that was not the case at all,” Corbett said.

The BBB suggests that consumers buying items offered as collectibles be extremely cautious. It offers the following tips when dealing with such advertised offers:

• Read the entire ad carefully, looking for disclaimers and other information that indicates the offer may not be what it seems. Make sure you understand exactly what you are ordering and how much it will cost, including shipping.

• Be wary of any offer that indicates the merchandise is a collectible and may increase in value. New items that are sold as collectibles often lose value.

• Be cautious of any company that advertises free merchandise. Such offers usually are contingent on purchasing other items.

• Be cautious of any company that advertises a time limit when offering merchandise. That is often done to create a false sense of urgency for the consumer.

Contact the BBB for Reliability Reports by going to www.bbb.org or by calling 208-342-4649.

Convicted Scammer, From Behind Bars, Tells All on Identity Theft

4/27/2012

Posted on 4/27/2012 by

The 40-year-old Adrian Gunn speaks with authority when it comes to his former lifestyle. He has all the poise of a man with money. His eyes are keen, his smile contagious and his wit sharp.

He could be a banker or a financier as he sat in front of the television camera this past year. His voice didn’t quiver, shake or stutter. He seemed to be filled with confidence, a confidence he has used many times.

It was in 2007, when Gunn first used that unshakeable confidence to buy a home in the Boise area – two houses to be exact. His confidence that led to his conviction in 2010.

“Once I get a social security number, I can do my own credit check,” he said in a recent interview. “From there it’s just a matter of a little detective work. “

That initial credit check opens a door on that person, and the ubiquitous Internet fills in the gaps. Social media have an insatiable amount of information.

“I don’t have to leave my home to find out who you are, or what you are about,” he says. “I can thwart through the security of the banks, the credit card companies, simply by fishing information from them.”

Gunn pleaded guilty in December 2009 to using the identity of a Texas man in 2007 to purchase houses two houses near Boise.

He also stole the identity of two women from Idaho and Montana and a California man to get credit cards. He ran up $100,000 in credit charges before federal authorities arrested him for stealing the identities.

“I learned early on the simplest way to get past the fraud department is call,” he says with a glint of a smile crossing his face. “The fraud department doesn’t think that the criminal is going to call in.”

He says by calling in, claiming to be the card holder, acting upset, followed up by answering a series of questions, most of the time the bank will reactivate the card.

“ They’ll ask you some security questions, and a lot of the times if you don’t know the answers, you can get the answers from them,” he says.

He says after its opened again, he would charge the largest out of the credit card knowing that the banking institution was on to the fact it may have been stolen.

“If someone wants your information, they can get it,” he says with authority. “But, don’t help ‘em out. Don’t help ‘em.”

Protect personal identity documents. Don’t put them on the Internet, don’t share them with anyone, he urges people. Don’t give out that information at all.

Court documents show in 2004, Gunn pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting grand theft and was sentenced in district court to twelve years.

Postal Service Issues Warning on Delivery Fraud

4/27/2012

Posted on 4/27/2012 by

The United States Postal Service is reporting a new email scam circulating. The fake email tells consumers that they have a package waiting at the post office and claims that the consumers owe charges related to the package.

The email includes a link that contains malware that could steal personal information from your computer. The USPS said that if you get such an email, delete it immediately and do not click any links.

The FBI is also warning about malware circulating that may open your computer up to attacks. To check if your computer is infected click here.

BBB reminds consumers to never respond to suspicious emails, especially ones asking for personal information, like your Social Security Number, bank account information or credit card numbers. Never click any provided links, and instead go "off the call (or email)" to find contact information on your own and contact the business or government entity directly to confirm any information.

This is also a good time to ensure your antivirus software is up-to-date and to run a virus scan on your computer.