http://bryan.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=169&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Come on people; “advance fee loans” are a long term problem. “NEVER” send money to have to “secure” a loan. How many times do we have to report this before cash strapped consumers will check out all offers at www.bbb.org. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/consumer-alert-advance-fee-loan-scam-uses-fake-grand-rapids-address-12813 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT This holiday season, everyone will be on the hunt for the best deals. The Better Business Bureau warns online shoppers that some deals online for electronics are too good to be true. The BBB is advising holiday shoppers to keep an eye out for five red flags of unscrupulous consumer electronics stores. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/dont-get-ripped-off-when-buying-electronics-online-13327 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT 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 still yet to be determined, the Better Business Bureau offers the following guidance to consumers who might be interested in taking advantage of the program. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/091103a-cash-for-appliances-is-the-new-cash-for-clunkers-13329 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT The 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 prominently display its iconic logo, consumers often assume they are getting a job with Google when in fact they were getting taken in by yet another work-at-home scheme. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/091103b-make-money-from-home-with-google-not-so-fast-warns-bbb-13331 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT 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, according to the Giving USA Foundation. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance advises donors to research a charity prior to giving and provides five questions to ask when vetting where to contribute this holiday season. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/091103c-five-questions-to-ask-before-donating-to-a-charity-13332 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Many small business owners are struggling to stay afloat and are being forced to make tough decisions - such as instituting layoffs or budget cuts. In the wake of these decisions, office morale can dip as employees face uncertainty about their jobs. The Better Business Bureau offers guidance for small business owners on how to keep office morale high in a tough economy. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/091103e-bbb-tips-for-boosting-office-morale-13335 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT 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 use this old fashioned payment plan in lieu of credit cards. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/091103d-bbb-advice-on-using-layaway-for-holiday-purchases-13334