http://snake-river.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=17&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Tue, 17 Jul 2012 05:00:00 GMT 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. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-money-saving-advice-tips-for-using-online-coupons-35704 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT April Fool’s Day may be prime time for pranks, but the Better Business Bureau (BBB) reminds consumers that scammers take advantage of the unwary every day, not just on the first of April. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/bbb-lists-6-common-scams-to-avoid-every-day-not-just-on-april-fools-day-33539 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT Keeping tabs on your credit report is an important part of staying fiscally fit, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises. But many 'free' credit repair services are scams. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/bbb-advises-consumers-to-check-credit-reports-regularly-with-credit-bureaus-32486 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT NATIONAL BBB ALERT - An advanced fee loan company, GreenPoint Capital located in Lansing, Michigan, has been named by four consumers contacting the BBB, inquiring about their business practices. One consumer informed the BBB that GreenPoint Capital did not honor the contract she made with them after paying $800.00 by wire transfer. The consumer was told a $5000.00 loan would be in her account on 1/31/2012. The money was not provided, and the company representative called to ask for another $800.00, saying they needed more security on the loan. This consumer says GreenPoint Capital took everything she had plus money she borrowed from someone else to get the $800.00 to take out a loan. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/nationwide-scam-alert-greenpoint-capital-32346 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT As cyber sales go into full force around Thanksgiving, Better Business Bureau says lookout for unrealistic sales and advertisements. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/risks-and-red-flags-on-buying-the-hot-electronics-this-season-31014 Thu, 22 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT The BBB is warning people about a scam that makes people believe they owe the IRS money. The paperwork is sent on IRS letterhead and very official looking form. The letter asks for personal information such as your name, date of birth, bank account numbers, and a copy of your passport, things the IRS does not usually ask for in writing. The letter also states to correspond only via email, a huge red flag. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/bbb-warning-about-irs-scam--29646 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com the leading provider of new car and used car information warns online car buyers of a scam using a fake Kelley Blue Book website. The scams look to solicit funds from buyers via an escrow-based, guaranteed buyer-protection program, which Kelley Blue Book does not offer. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/kelley-blue-book-warns-of-fraudulent-online-car-buying-scams-masquerading-as-kbbcom-29590 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT Consumers across the country receiving letter with fake check congratulating them for being chosen to do a survey as a Secret Shopper http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/latest-secret-shopper-scam-affects-good-names-of-the-downtown-hilton-and-national-tube-form-of-fort-wayne-in-29502 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT The lure is simple: Sit through a sales presentation and get a "free" vacation, cruise or gift card. Better Business Bureau tells consumers to think twice before accepting an invitation. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/trip-traps-at-sales-presentations-28841 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT The 809, 284, 649 or 876 area codes have been used in scams before but now this older scam is gaining popularity targeting cellphones. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/809-284-649-or-876-area-code-scam-26988 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to be wary of tax refund anticipation loans, often marketed as "rapid refunds" in the form of checks or "gift" debit cards. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-tax-refund-anticipation-loans-are-costly-whether-you-get-a-check-or-a-debit-card-25056 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT A gift card may sound like a good alternative to cash or an unwanted present. But many cards still come with fees and other restrictions that can erode their value, the BBB warns. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/bbb-urges-consumers-to-check-fine-print-on-gift-cards-24015 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT Top 10 Scams and Rip-offs of 2009 http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/top-10-scams-and-rip-offs-of-2009-13967 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 06:00:00 GMT If you’ve ever locked yourself out of your car or home, you know what a hassle it can be. Your first thought is to get someone to help you out of your situation. If a family member or friend can’t deliver a spare set of keys, your next call might be to a local locksmith. But before you make that call, consider this: According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, some locksmiths advertising in your local telephone book may not be local at all. They may not have professional training. What’s more, some of them may use intimidating tactics and overcharge you. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/ftc-the-keys-to-hiring-a-reputable-locksmith-4482 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Care Labeling Rule requires manufacturers and importers to attach care instructions to garments. Updates to the Rule became effective on September 1, 2000. The Rule's section requiring a "reasonable basis" for care instructions has been changed to clarify what is required, and the definitions of "hot," "warm," and "cold" water have been changed to harmonize with the definitions used by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/ftc-clothes-captioning-complying-with-the-care-labeling-rule--4379 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT These Voluntary Guidelines represent a consensus of voluntary consumer disclosure practices reached by a panel of weight management companies, weight loss professionals, and consumer protection groups. They are not binding, do not represent legal standards or interpretation of any legal requirements, and are not sponsored or issued by any government agency. Providers1 should only make these disclosures to the extent that they are permissible under applicable state and federal law. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/ftc-voluntary-guidelines-for-providers-of-weight-loss-products-or-services-4452 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) prepared this booklet to help you comply with a new FTC rule that requires labeling on alternative fueled vehicles. The Labeling Requirements for Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fueled Vehicles Rule was issued in keeping with a directive in the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The Rule requires you to provide information to potential purchasers of alternative fueled vehicles to help them compare vehicles. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/ftc-labeling-alternative-fueled-vehicles-4354 Sun, 01 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT Alaska is famous for the rugged beauty of its mountains, rivers, and coastlines, as well as for the distinctive arts and crafts produced by Alaska Native artists. If you are considering purchasing an Alaska Native-made art or craft item, it’s smart to invest a little time learning about the processes and materials Alaska Natives may use to make these unique and beautiful objects. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/ftc-alaska-native-art-4497 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT If you're refinancing your mortgage or applying for a home equity installment loan, you should know about the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994 (HOEPA). http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/ftc-high-rate-high-fee-loans-hoepasection-32-mortgages-4768 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT It’s not hard to see why ads for business opportunities that promote the benefits of being your own boss and making money quickly are appealing. But the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the government agency that monitors advertising for deception, says that some ads for business opportunities feature empty promises and false claims that potential entrepreneurs could never realize. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/ftc-ads-for-business-opportunities-how-to-detect-deception-4607 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission staff prepared this business booklet to help finance companies, retailers, and other creditors comply with the Credit Practices Rule, which went into effect March 1, 1985. This booklet tells you what the Credit Practices Rule requires, who must comply, and what transactions are covered. It also discusses liability for rule violations and how exemptions are granted. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/ftc-complying-with-the-credit-practices-rule-4420 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT For many consumers, electronic banking means 24-hour access to cash through an automated teller machine (ATM) or Direct Deposit of paychecks into checking or savings accounts. But electronic banking now involves many different types of transactions. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/ftc-electronic-banking--4646 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT Shopping for gifts can be a real dilemma. Just what do you get the person who has everything: your finicky Aunt Mary, your co-worker, or your child's babysitter? Gift cards may be the answer: one size fits all, and the recipients can get exactly what they want. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/ftc-buying-giving-and-using-gift-cards-4412 Wed, 01 Mar 2006 06:00:00 GMT Internet auction sites give buyers a “virtual” flea market with new and used merchandise from around the world; they give sellers a global storefront from which to market their goods. But the online auction business can be risky business. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants to help buyers and sellers stay safe on Internet auction websites. Among the thousands of consumer fraud complaints the FTC receives every year, those dealing with online auction fraud consistently rank near the top of the list. The complaints generally deal with late shipments, no shipments, or shipments of products that aren’t the same quality as advertised; bogus online payment or escrow services; and fraudulent dealers who lure bidders from legitimate auction sites with seemingly better deals. Most complaints involve sellers, but in some cases, the buyers are the subject. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/ftc-internet-auctions-a-guide-for-buyers-and-sellers-4516 Wed, 01 Feb 2006 06:00:00 GMT Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of turquoise and silver jewelry or the earth tone colors of Indian pottery, having some knowledge about American Indian arts and crafts can help you get the most for your money. Be aware also that because Indian arts and crafts are prized and often command higher prices, a few unscrupulous sellers misrepresent imitation arts and crafts as genuine. http://snake-river.bbb.org/article/ftc-how-to-buy-genuine-american-indian-arts-and-crafts-4487