|
|
|
11/02/09:
Five questions to ask before donating to a charity
|
|
|
Most charities rely heavily on the goodwill of individual donors during the holiday season to fund their activities throughout the coming year. Last year, charity contributions totaled $307.65 billion: 75 percent of this total came from individuals, ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/02/09:
BBB Advice on Using Layaway for Holiday Purchases
|
|
|
As more families struggle in the tough economy, retailers are trying to make paying for holiday gifts more flexible by offering layaway options. With layaway experiencing a comeback, your Better Business Bureau offers the following guidance on how to...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/02/09:
Make Money From Home with Google? Not so Fast, Warns BBB
|
|
|
Better Business Bureau has received more than 1,500 complaints about several dozen Web sites that are trading on the Google name to scam people who want to learn about making money from home. Because the sites often use the Google name and prominentl...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/02/09:
Cash for Appliances is the New Cash for Clunkers
|
|
|
Following the success of the Cash for Clunkers program, the federal government recently announced the creation of a similar rebate program for consumers looking to purchase new energy-efficient appliances. While many of the details of the program are...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/02/09:
Cash for Appliances is the New Cash for Clunkers
|
|
|
Following the success of the Cash for Clunkers program, the federal government recently announced the creation of a similar rebate program for consumers looking to purchase new energy-efficient appliances. While many of the details of the program are...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09/05/09:
Better Business Bureau Warns about iJango, Possible Pyramid Scheme
|
|
|
Arlington, VA – September 8, 2009 – A new money making opportunity that claims to “Multi-level market the Internet” could be nothing more than a pyramid scheme warns Better Business Bureau. An investigation by BBB shows that iJango – a new self-descr...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09/04/09:
BBB Warns Renters to Beware of Bogus Home Rentals
|
|
|
Better Business Bureau is warning renters to be on the lookout for scammers on Craigslist and other online classifieds when searching for a home. Phony ads for rental properties across the country are cropping up, and are specifically aimed at steali...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09/04/09:
Behind on Car Payments? BBB Advice on How to Avoid the Repo Man
|
|
|
As the economic slump continues, many people are struggling to make ends meet, and unfortunately, vehicle repossessions are now on the rise. Having a car repossessed hinders more than just a car owner’s mobility; it has a severe impact on credit scor...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09/04/09:
BBB Small Business Advice on Fighting Friendly Fraud
|
|
|
Businesses are increasingly becoming victims of “friendly fraud” - fraud carried out by customers to get items free of charge. Better Business Bureau warns small business owners to be on the lookout for friendly fraud and offers advice on how to prot...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
08/04/09:
BBB Warns Your Online Diploma Could be a Worthless Piece of Paper
|
|
|
Arlington, VA – August 4, 2009 - It’s time to head back to school for many students and Better Business Bureau is warning consumers against online programs that offer fast and easy high school diplomas or college degrees. As millions struggle to fin...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
08/03/09:
BBB Advice on How to Respond to Online Customer Complaints
|
|
|
The old adage is that a satisfied customer will tell three people and an unsatisfied customer will tell ten. However, with the advent of blogs, Twitter, and YouTube, disgruntled customers can now share their rant about a company for the whole world t...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
08/03/09:
BBB Warning on Three Scams Targeting Job Hunters
|
|
|
As the unemployment rate rises, so does the threat of scams targeting job seekers. Better Business Bureau warns job hunters to be extremely cautious in their search for work because scammers are out to take advantage of them and make a fast buck.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
08/03/09:
BBB Advice on the Basics of Creating an Estate Plan
|
|
|
Estate planning isn’t only for the wealthy, nor is it a topic people enjoy thinking about. However, Better Business Bureau advises consumers that if they own something of value they would like to pass on to family or loved ones at their death, they s...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
07/07/09:
BBB Warns Against Twitter Money-Making Schemes
|
|
|
Arlington, VA- July 7, 2009- Through Tweets, e-mail and Web sites, job hunters are being told that they can make lots of money from the comfort of home using Twitter and Better Business Bureau warns that the large print for such offers may promise bi...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
06/30/09:
BBB Warns Against Three Common Check Scams
|
|
|
Experts estimate that billions of dollars have been lost as the result of fake check scams. Scams involving fake checks come in many different forms and can be very hard to identify as the printing technology used by scammers improves. Better Busines...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
06/03/09:
Take Advantage of Energy-Saving Tax Credits for Your Home
|
|
|
Home improvement season is here and Better Business Bureau is offering advice on how to take advantage of tax credits being offered by the Federal government while increasing home energy efficiency and helping the environment at the same time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
06/03/09:
BBB Advice on What do to if Your Local Car Dealer Closes
|
|
|
Both General Motors and Chrysler have announced that they are effectively closing nearly a total of 2,000 dealerships across the country by not renewing their franchising contracts. In the wake of the announcement, millions of vehicle owners are conc...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
04/07/09:
BBB Warns Small Business Owners to Beware of Telephone Relay Fraud
|
|
|
Better Business Bureau warns small business owners that reports of scammers plying their trade through telephone relay services — typically used by the hearing impaired to make phone calls — are cropping up all across the country. At a time when busi...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
04/02/09:
BBB says Buyer Beware when Clicking on Facebook Ads
|
|
|
Arlington, VA – April 2, 2009 – Better Business Bureau is advising social networkers to read the fine print when responding to ads on Facebook or other social networking sites because the large print doesn’t always tell the whole story. Ubiquitous ad...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
03/02/09:
BBB Advice on Finding a Financial Planner You Can Trust
|
|
|
In a challenging economic environment, finding a responsible financial planner and money manager is extremely important. Between the volatility of today’s bear market and revelations of Bernie Madoff-like Ponzi schemes duping investors, consumers are...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
02/12/09:
BBB Warns Tax Schemes Prey on Cash-Strapped Consumers
|
|
|
The continuing downturn in the economy means that many cash-strapped Americans are anxiously looking forward to receiving a tax refund check from Uncle Sam. During this tax season, Better Business Bureau advises taxpayers to be on the lookout for sch...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01/30/09:
BBB Says Buyer Beware When Shopping Going-Out-Of-Business Sales
|
|
|
Retailers across the country are being hit by the declining economy and some big brand names such as Circuit City are closing doors and liquidating assets in order to pay debtors. To customers’ ears, a going-out-of-business sale means huge discounts,...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01/01/09:
New
|
|
|
new
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01/01/09:
New
|
|
|
new
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01/01/09:
new
|
|
|
new
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01/01/09:
new
|
|
|
new
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01/01/09:
new
|
|
|
new
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01/01/09:
new
|
|
|
new
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01/01/09:
new
|
|
|
new
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
06/30/08:
PONZI SCHEME DEFENDANT SENTENCED
|
|
|
Some 1,600 people who altogether lost millions of dollars to a Ponzi scheme carried out by John Heath, his son Daniel, and two others...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
03/25/08:
KIM'S CATCH OF THE DAY: HAPPY CAMPER
|
|
|
Here's the catch: Families head for Happy Camper to rent the recreational vehicle that's going to take them along the highway to heavenly vacation points. But broken items, blowouts...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
03/25/08:
THE TAXING PART OF TAX RELIEF
|
|
|
No one really likes paying taxes, but if it's a choice between life's two certainties, most of us would choose taxes over death. Nevertheless, those who have relied on American Tax Relief (ATR)...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01/24/08:
KIM'S CATCH OF THE DAY: FIRST GOV
|
|
|
Here's the catch: For homeowners in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure, First Gov may seem like a white knight charging in to save them. Homeowners scrape together the money to pay...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01/24/08:
HERE ARE THE LATEST SPECIAL REPORTS
|
|
|
Foreclosure Frauds and Fixes, report no. 24, informs you of the scams homeowners face when they are in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure. The report also discusses tax liability and gives some tips for those at risk of foreclosure.
Hi...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01/24/08:
NEW LAWS
|
|
|
Here are two of the laws that became effective this month...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12/05/07:
Kim's Catch of the Day: EDebitPay
|
|
|
Here's the catch: Those who need money badly enough to seek out a payday loan get, instead of the expected loan proceeds, a promise of a debit card and unexpected debits...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12/05/07:
Mazda Joins Auto Line
|
|
|
Mazda is the Better Business Bureau's newest addition to its Auto Line program. Mazda owners may now bring disputes with the automobile
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12/05/07:
Holiday Wishes
|
|
|
As we approach the holiday season and the end of another year, we at the Better Business Bureau remember with appreciation the continued support of our members. We wish our readers and members a joy-filled holiday season and all the best in the comi...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09/27/07:
Customer Service at What Cost?
|
|
|
Business owners take note: you can become liable for millions of dollars in damages for attempting to better serve your customers. Learn from...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09/27/07:
Bureau's Website to Include Customer Reviews
|
|
|
The Better Business Bureau's website (www.santabarbara.bbb.org) now includes the opportunity for customers of all companies in its database to write and post a review...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
07/26/07:
Agreements to Arbitrate Must be Initialed
|
|
|
Contractors who use the Better Business Bureau arbitration clause in their contracts must be certain that their clients initial in the space provided to indicate their assent or nonassent to arbitrate any dispute...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
05/22/07:
UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS CONTINUE TO PLAGUE CONSUMERS
|
|
|
We've written before about the damage unlicensed contractors can do not only to their customers but to other, licensed contractors. In some specialties, such as flooring and floor covering contractors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
05/22/07:
DO YOU NEED THIS GOOD DEED DOER?
|
|
|
Property owners in San Bernardino county may receive, at one time or another, as did Bureau President Bill Mitchell recently, a letter from California Record Retrieval, Inc., offering to provide them with a certified copy of the deed to...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
05/22/07:
KIM'S CATCH OF THE DAY: LAWCROSSING.COM
|
|
|
Here's the catch: LawCrossing.com, of Pasadena, posts job listings for the legal profession on its website. At least some of those who sign up and pay monthly to access the listings find no jobs, no accurate...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
03/27/07:
Kim's Catch of the Day: USN Television Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Here's the catch: Attractive, affordable gemstone jewelry entices shoppers to buy through USN's TV auction or from its website. But some buyers learn that the gemstones they receive--if, indeed, they receive...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/21/06:
Good, Wholesome, G-Rated, But Risky
|
|
|
Avalon Family Films, which produces G-rated films, is D-rated by the Better Business Bureau. It's not that we're against family or G-rated movies or that we disagree with Avalon's mission statement...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/21/06:
Kim's Catch of the Day: DreamKicks.net
|
|
|
Here's the catch: DreamKicks.net sells clothing--mostly shoes, or "kicks"--from their website. With brand names such as Nike, Adidas, Coach and Louis Vuitton advertised at prices of less than $100 per item, with free shipping worldwide and no other...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/21/06:
Deceptive Checks Net Appellate Court Nays
|
|
|
A U.S. Appeals Court has upheld a district court's grant of an injunction to the Federal Trade Commission and its determination of the proper amount of consumer redress.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09/21/06:
Is Cars 4 Causes Cause For Concern?
|
|
|
In June 2003, the People of the State of California and the California Department of Motor Vehicles filed a lawsuit against Cars 4 Causes, which describes itself on its website as "The Charity That Gives...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09/21/06:
Dr. Phil's Advertising Episode
|
|
|
Though he's expert at helping people resolve relationship problems, Dr. Phil clearly has something to learn about advertising issues.
The allegations of false advertising against the celebrity TV psychologist...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09/21/06:
Kim's Catch of the Day: Fine Art Treasures Gallery
|
|
|
Here's the catch: Art fanciers are drawn to Fine Art Treasures Gallery's TV auction, where they can bid on artwork from easy chairs. Auctioneers pitch their products, but winning leaves bidders bitter...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
05/26/06:
Where's Your Support For Policemen Support Fund?
|
|
|
Policemen Support Fund is a good example of a charitable or soliciting organization that gets an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau despite our having no complaints on record for it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
05/23/06:
What's in a Name
|
|
|
Do you find the name ACredit Protection Association@ (CPA) threatening? Whether or not you do can depend upon your perspective.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
05/23/06:
How Safe is Buying Through Ebay?
|
|
|
According to newspaper reports, that venerated jewelry seller Tiffany & Co. is suing eBay for "facilitating the trade of counterfeit Tiffany items" on eBay's web auction site.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
03/17/06:
Onix Electronics Delivers Barrages of Mirages
|
|
|
If the alchemists of yore sought, though unsuccessfully, to transform base metals into gold, Onix Electronics seems to have struck a vein performing somewhat the reverse: it makes e-gold payments from customers disappear altogether.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
03/17/06:
What's the Good Word?
|
|
|
Consumers whose complaints were resolved through the Better Business Bureau write:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/17/05:
OCEANCITY WORLDWIDE'S GAS SAVERS FUEL BUYERS' IRE
|
|
|
If there's any one topic that's close to the top of everyone's list of attention-getters, it's probably the price of gasoline. That topic has probably retained its position on the list for some months now, as we've seen the price per gallon soar. And...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/17/05:
KIM'S CATCH OF THE DAY: XKR ESSEX, INC.
|
|
|
Here's the catch: Online clients pay XKR to file paperwork for fictitious business names and to obtain licenses and other business start-up requirements for them. But after they've paid, clients wait, may eventually do the work themselves, and fina...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/17/05:
IF IT'S A NEW SIN TAX, THERE'S A LOOPHOLE
|
|
|
A restaurant patron recently emailed the Bureau asking if we could explain the "liquor tax" on her dinner check. She hadn't been charged tax on liquor purchased at the restaurant's bar and wondered just what the rules for charging the tax are.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10/12/05:
BBB Launches New Reporting System
|
|
|
The Better Business Bureau of the Tri-Counties is the third BBB in the nation selected to test a substantially revised reporting system. Our new reporting system responds to national surveys of consumers and businesses that found users of BBB report...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09/25/05:
RAINDROPS ARE FALLING ON MY HEAD
|
|
|
If raindrops are falling on your head because of this year?s monsoon rains, you?re not alone. Recent rains have prompted many residents to call the BBB in search of a reputable roofing contractor.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09/25/05:
Click-to-Check Icon Gets New Look
|
|
|
Members whose website gives visitors the opportunity to click to check their reliability report with the Better Business Bureau...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
07/01/05:
Kim's Catch of the Day: NSBA
|
|
|
Small businesses welcome the services National Small Business Alliance offers them. They agree to bank account debits so they can get loans, lines of credit, and more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
07/01/05:
Ad Review: Your Travel Biz
|
|
|
One of the BBB's most recent reviews was of the advertising of Your Travel Biz, also known as yourtravelbiznet.com and YTB Net.com, as well as various other names of individuals who are representatives of the company.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
05/01/05:
Spring Wise Giving Guide Now Available
|
|
|
The latest quarterly issue of the Wise Giving Guide is available. This issue contains in-depth information about charity auctions, in which you can participate in person, online, or both.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
05/01/05:
Fox Rent A Car Deals
|
|
|
What the quick brown fox jumps over is not necessarily a dog and not necessarily lazy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
03/01/05:
Checks for Charities
|
|
|
What's the easiest way to contribute to a charitable cause? Hand over cash and get a receipt for it? Use a credit card? Write a check?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
03/01/05:
Music Promoter Strikes Sour Notes
|
|
|
Ronald Turner thought he had what it took to go somewhere in the music world. The 59-year-old FAA computer technician worked nights and weekends for two-and-a-half years writing and recording...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
03/01/05:
Kim's Catch of the Day: Together
|
|
|
Clients pay no small fee to Together's matchmakers to meet someone that matches their criteria for a partner. But the clients find they're as incompatible...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01/01/05:
Corporate Compliance Recorder
|
|
|
Corporate Compliance Recorder has been the subject of 14 complaints in 2004. None of the complainants lost any money, and CCR has responded to 75 percent of the complaints, so why do we give it failing marks...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01/01/05:
Kim's Catch of the Day: Buyer's Union
|
|
|
Customers pay Buyer's Union a pittance for gas and other coupons. Then they learn that the price is not so puny and that they've been trapped by the telemarketer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01/01/05:
Annual Free Credit Report
|
|
|
Residents of western states may now request a free copy of their credit report. The recently revised Fair Credit Reporting Act provides for free annual reports,...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/01/04:
Kim's Catch of the Day: Teleten Marketing
|
|
|
Mortgage lenders pay for leads, but the leads they receive lead to dead ends and their recovery attempts lead nowhere. The only real lead Teleten provides, it seems, is to lead them on.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/01/04:
Yellow Pages' New Bait Hooks Unwary
|
|
|
Yellow Pages companies have long enriched themselves by mailing statements that appear to be invoices but are really only solicitations for yellow-page ads.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/01/04:
Holiday Greetings
|
|
|
As we near the end of 2004, we at the Better Business Bureau of the Southland wish you the very best for the holiday season and the coming new year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09/01/04:
'Girls Gone Wild' Purchasers To Get Refund
|
|
|
Customers who ordered "Girls Gone Wild" videos [Business Link May 2003, July 2003] and later discovered that they had unwittingly enrolled in a negative option program.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09/01/04:
The Immigrant Education Extortion Racket
|
|
|
Maybe it seems like a warm welcome to Hispanic immigrants when FGH International calls to tell them that the U.S. government wants to foot most of the bill for them to learn English or how to do automotive repairs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
07/01/04:
What About That Great Buy In The Sky?
|
|
|
Would you like to swing on a star? Carry moonbeams home in a jar? Maybe you can't quite do either, but entrepreneurs are making it easier to come closer or perhaps to reach something better.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
05/01/04:
A Solution To The Affordable Health Care Problem
|
|
|
At a glance it would seem that success in what Congress, presidents, AARP, and others have failed dismally to accomplish so far is summed up in about 16 words that precede a toll-free number.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
03/01/04:
New Business Arbitration Clause
|
|
|
The Better Business Bureau's Uniform Rules for Binding Arbitration have recently been revised, and businesses that participate in the Bureau's Business Arbitration program should revise the arbitration clause they presently use.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01/01/04:
Kudos From Complainants
|
|
|
Here's what some of the consumers who have complained to the Better Business Bureau have to say about the service they received.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01/01/04:
BBB Aids In Mail Fraud Convictions
|
|
|
The Better Business Bureau receives complaint after complaint from people who accept an offer for a credit card and pay a substantial fee for it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|