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Monday, February 6, 2012: BBB Consumer Alert: Mo Money Taxes
Memphis TN, February 7, 2012 – The BBB is issuing a consumer alert about Mo Money Taxes, a tax preparation company headquartered in Memphis. Mo Money Taxes has had an F rating with the BBB in Memphis for several years for failure to respond to consumer complaints. The BBB of the Mid-South has received 24 complaints on Mo Money Taxes in the past three years; 6 of those remain unanswered. Another 8 complaints that were recently filed are pending.
Sunday, February 5, 2012: 'Sweetheart Swindles' Prey On Singles Looking For Valentines, 'One True Love'
The Consumer Fraud Task Force warns anyone looking for love online to be aware that although some relationships develop there, criminals also troll the sites for victims who will send them money.
Thursday, February 2, 2012: BBB Advice for Avoiding Automobile Repair Scams
When your vehicle needs repairs you should know how to find a reliable mechanic. Better Business Bureau recommends following a few key pointers to ensure that your automobile gets fixed without a glitch.
Thursday, February 2, 2012: BBB Advice for Navigating the Funeral Process
Don't spend more than might be necessary during an emotionally-charged time. Follow Better Business Bureau's advice for navigating the funeral process.
Thursday, February 2, 2012: Buyer Beware as Shoddy Knock-offs Infiltrate the Internet
For bargain-hunters looking for name-brand items at discount prices online, Better Business Bureau offers advice on avoiding web-based rip-off schemes.
Thursday, February 2, 2012: Concealed Handgun Class in Odessa Raises Red Flags
Better Business Bureau is warning consumers in the Permian Basin to be wary of a Feb. 5 class advertised as a “no-shoot, no-test” means of obtaining a Florida concealed handgun license. The advertisement may not be in line with Florida state law.
Thursday, February 2, 2012: Don’t Let an “Authorization Hold” Hold You Hostage
When dining out at a fancy restaurant or spending the night away in a hotel, it’s important to take notice of what the banking industry calls an “authorization hold” on your credit card.
Thursday, February 2, 2012: Protecting Data – Does Your Business Know What to Do?
Customers expect every business that collects their personal information to protect it. Better Business Bureau advises business owners to proactively address customer anxiety and takes steps to prevent and prepare for a security breach.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012: Be Wary of Lost Pet Scams
Losing a pet is a devastating experience. When unscrupulous people who find ways to capitalize on your lost pet situation in order to dupe you out of money, the loss is even more devastating.BBB has received calls about scammers who are defrauding heartbroken pet owners in order to line their own pockets and advises pet owners who have advertised a lost pet to be wary of the following pet scams.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012: Local Business Receives 'F' Rating
The Better Business Bureau of Coastal Carolina is issuing a warning about a local business that hasn’t been delivering on its orders.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012: SCAM ALERT - GreenPoint Capital
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.
Monday, January 30, 2012: Beware Difference between 'Notario' and 'Notary Public'
In some Latin America countries, a notario is a lawyer. In others, the title denotes someone who holds public office. In the United States, however, a notary is simply someone legally empowered to witness and certify documents and take affidavits and depositions. Scammers prey on Spanish-speaking immigrants in the U.S. who don't undertand the difference.
Monday, January 30, 2012: Scam alert: Company offers quick cash for little work
Some Houstonians are receiving Priority Mail packages from companies they've never heard of, and the packages contain money orders promising quick cash for little work, investigators say. Robert Arnold reports.
Sunday, January 29, 2012: BBB Warns of Do Not Call Phone Scam
Better Business Bureau warns consumers that scammers are making phony phone calls claiming to represent the National Do Not Call Registry. According to DoNotCall.gov, “The calls claim to provide an opportunity to sign up for the Registry. These calls are not coming from the Registry or the Federal Trade Commission, and you should not respond to these calls.
Sunday, January 29, 2012: Brides And Grooms, Beware
Don't Say "I Do" to Dicey Wedding Deals
Thursday, January 26, 2012: BBB warns about Refund Anticipation Loans
Tax preparers often offer Refund Anticipation Loans to allow you to immediately receive your tax refund. However, RALs are not an actual refund from the IRS but are a short-term loan from the company.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012: Press Pause on Faulty Video Rentals
Former customers of Hollywood Video allege that they are now receiving collection calls and notices from Universal Fidelity LP regarding past-due movie rentals and fees associated with unreturned movies.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012: Scammers Pick Up the Phone in New Twist on BBB Phishing Scam
Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a new twist in the ongoing BBB phishing scam. Consumers now are reporting receiving phone calls – in addition to emails – from scammers claiming to be from BBB.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012: Identity Crisis Targets Businesses
BBB Notices Increase in Business Identity Theft
Tuesday, January 24, 2012: Locksmiths Unlock Customer Frustrations
Standing outside his house on a cold night last year, Austin resident Carlos Marquez did not feel like he was in any position to argue with the locksmith who had come out to help him get the broken key out of his lock. Marquez’s family was trying to stay warm in the car, and he had been quoted a reasonable price, $39, on the phone.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012: Single Dad Says Dating Service Turned to Dating Disservice
HOUSTON - Dating services have produced many happy couples, but you've got to know what you're getting into before you sign a contract. Read more: http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/local/120125-single-dad-says-dating-service-turned-to-dating-disservice#ixzz1kfu6lHY3
Tuesday, January 24, 2012: Watch for Scams Associated with Severe Weather
Severe weather hit Central Texas last night bringing with it several inches of rain, high winds, hail and even reports of a possible tornado. According to the National Weather Service, the hazardous weather conditions will continue throughout the morning bringing with it damaging winds and flash flooding.
Monday, January 23, 2012: BBB Alert: Bureau Of Prescription Health, Free Medicine Foundation Charge For 'Free' Services
The BBB advises consumers to avoid doing business with Missouri-based Bureau of Prescription Health, which charges consumers $10 per prescription to help them apply for free or low-cost medications.
Monday, January 23, 2012: BBB Media Release - Multiple Scams Targets Edmonton Businesses
BBB is advising businesses to be on the lookout for the return of an old scam. The Yellow Page scam uses similar marketing to the actual Yellow Pages to dupe consumers into paying for advertising they never ordered.
Monday, January 23, 2012: Look Out for Super Bowl Scams
With the Super Bowl just around the corner, Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be on the alert for knock-off team jerseys, counterfeit memorabilia and phony game tickets.
Monday, January 23, 2012: Winter Texan Couple Says RV Company Didnt Provide Them With What Was Promised
A Winter Texan couple claims the company that sold them their RV didn't provide them with the home they promised.
Sunday, January 22, 2012: Puppy Buyers Bark Up the Wrong Tree
Online Puppy-Selling Scam Takes Consumers for a Bad Walk
Sunday, January 22, 2012: Watch Out for New Wave of Fake BBB.org Emails
Businesses and consumers across the country have been hit by an on-going email scam that appears to be from a bbb.org address. Now, a new wave of fake BBB emails is using a different strategy to scam recipients into downloading a virus.
Thursday, January 19, 2012: Companies Promise Mortgage Help, Deliver Nothing
Gloria Kroske took out a second mortgage on her Dallas, Ore. home in better times. Now, she and her husband are struggling to pay their bills on Social Security. Her husband has found work off and on, but multiple health problems make working difficult and medical bills are piling up.
Thursday, January 19, 2012: In the News -- Caller ID Spoofing a Growing Problem
Caller ID spoofing is a growing problem, and consumers can complain to BBB, FTC and FCC, advises Jeannette Kopko of BBB serving Dallas and Northeast Texas to Daniel Novick of CW33 TV in Dallas - Fort Worth.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012: SCAM ALERT: Text Messages That Cost You!
Recently there have been reports of unwanted SMS (Short Message Service) texts showing up on cell phones, and the recipient being billed for them.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012: Bypass Hotel Photo Fake Outs… says Carol
We arrived at our hotel on Maui, took in the scenic views and warm breeze, and went to our hotel room. That’s when the bump came in our trip.
Monday, January 16, 2012: BBB Scam Alert: Microsoft Doesn't Need to Fix Your Computer
The Better Business Bureau alerts of a scam re-circulating claiming that Microsoft calls to fix your computer - that isn't broken.
Friday, January 13, 2012: How to Tell When an 'Official' Notice Really Isn't Official
What would you think if you received a letter with this language on the envelope – “Warning: $2,000 Fine For Any Person Interfering or Obstructing With Delivery Of This Letter. U.S. Mail TTT.18 U.S. Code”? Is it possible the sender wants you to think it’s some sort of official mailing from the government that you need to open immediately? Additional language on the envelope says that time sensitive material is enclosed and requests a response within five days. In this column, I’ll offer advice on two topics – these kinds of mailings and a troublesome industry that makes use of them.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012: ‘Reliable’ Repair Man Proves Unreliable
Dyan Blomberg was juggling the time and expense of a new baby when her washing machine stopped working. It was a quality machine, and she was not prepared to simply throw it out and buy a new one. She also could not wait weeks for a repair. She saw an ad on Craigslist for Reliable Appliance Repair Crew, and did some quick research online.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012: Advance Fee Loan Warning
BBB's trade practices analyst, Andrew Rice, is sending out a warning about a website that appears to solicit an advance fee for a loan.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012: BBB Advises Contractors To Avoid Firms That Charge $99 Advance Fee For Job Leads
The BBB is urging contractors to be alert for telephone solicitors trying to convince them to sign up for an online program offering free job leads.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012: Buenos propósitos de Año Nuevo: bajar de peso sin perder dinero
Si este año se compromete a bajar algunos kilos inscribiéndose en un gimnasio, la organización Better Business Bureau (BBB) le recomienda hacer diez preguntas antes de firmar en la línea de puntos.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012: Buenos propósitos de Año Nuevo: evitar las deudas navideñas comenzando hoy un Club de Navidad
Este es el momento de planificar con antelación para que las fiestas de 2012 sean alegres y llenas de felicidad, y no se vean opacadas por deudas inminentes.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012: Publishers Clearing House Hits Mail, Hoax Soon Follows
The Publishers Clearing House has a reputation for showing up on the doorstep and handing out big checks. When it happens, the winner's faces tell it all.
Monday, January 9, 2012: BBB anuncia las diez estafas principales de 2011
Clasificamos las estafas en nueve categorías importantes y elegimos la estafa principal de cada categoría, además de la que consideramos la “estafa del año”.
Monday, January 9, 2012: BBB Warns Consumers About Puzzle Contests From Opportunities Unlimited Publications Of Kansas City
The BBB is warning consumers to be cautious when entering puzzle contests sponsored by Opportunities Unlimited Publications Inc. of North Kansas City, Mo.
Monday, January 9, 2012: No adentrarse en una estafa de vacaciones
El invierno y la primavera son excelentes meses para hacer un crucero; sin embargo, la organización Better Business Bureau (BBB) les recomienda a los consumidores que lean toda la letra chica antes de firmar un acuerdo especial para hacer un crucero.
Monday, January 9, 2012: Preparación de un plan contra desastres para su empresa y sus empleados
La organización Better Business Bureau (BBB) les recomienda a los dueños de empresas que desarrollen un plan de acción en caso de que sus empresas tengan que hacer frente a un desastre.
Sunday, January 8, 2012: Bogus Mystery Shopping Firms Surface
The BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota has determined two seemingly related mystery shopping firms claiming Minnesota addresses have popped up in recent days. Both are fraudulent entities.
Sunday, January 8, 2012: The BBB Eye - How to Avoid Online and Phone Scams
Shopping can be a fun activity any time of the year. But there can be dangers associated with shopping. We are looking at how to be safe and smart when shopping.
Thursday, January 5, 2012: Use your gift cards before scammers get ahold of them
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The sale of gift cards is a billion dollar business, with nearly $30 billion being bought just this year alone. And as gift cards grow in popularity, consumers are increasingly putting gift cards in a drawer and letting them sit for years.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012: Consumer Fraud Task Force Warns About Pitfalls Of Payday Loans
The Consumer Fraud Task Force is warning consumers about the cost and long-term effects of payday loans.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012: BBB Names Top Ten Scams of 2011
BBB investigates thousands of scams a year, from the latest gimmicks to schemes as old as the hills. We’ve picked the top scam for 2011 in each of our nine categories, plus our scam of the year.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012: New Year’s Resolution: Avoid Holiday Debt by Starting a Christmas Club Today
Now is the time to plan ahead so the 2012 holidays are not overshadowed by looming debt. Starting a Christmas Club account might be the perfect way to get your finances off to the right start this new year.