http://bryan.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=169&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT 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 to hear. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-on-how-to-respond-to-online-customer-complaints--12437 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT 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 protect against this growing online threat. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/bbb-small-business-advice-on-fighting-friendly-fraud--12439 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT 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 scores, thereby limiting the ability to get loans or credit cards for up to seven years. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/behind-on-car-payments-bbb-advice-on-how-to-avoid-the-repo-man--12440 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, 05 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT The BBB of Central Florida has received complaints from businesses about National Business Publishing Corporation located in Winter Park, Florida. The company sells business directories nationwide (in book or online version). Complaints are regarding misleading sales tactics. The complaints report that their business was offered a "free copy of the 2009 Edition valued at $500." http://bryan.bbb.org/article/high-price-for-vanity-publications-12825 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Colorado State officials have declared October Conflict Resolution Month. To mark the occasion, a series of presentations will be held. The event is free and open to the public. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/your-bbb-and-phoenix-strategies-sponsor-conflict-resolution-month-event-12899 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT BBB advises citizens to cooperate carefully in order to avoid becoming a victim of possible census-related scams. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/bbb-offers-advice-on-how-to-identify-legitimate-census-workers-12923 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Return of Fraudulent emails from the BBB attempt to steal the identities of businesses and individuals. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/fraudulent-bbb-emails-13044 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers and businesses about a new phishing attack that resembles an e-mail confirmation claiming the recipient has filed a complaint with BBB about a business. The malicious e-mails first came to the attention of BBB on Thursday, October 15. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-of-new-phishing-e-mail-posing-as-bbb-complaint-confirmation-13033 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is alerting job seekers to Government Careers, Inc.(GCI), a Tucson-based company that helps “government job seekers assert themselves into the government wor http://bryan.bbb.org/article/tucson-company-receives-complaints-from-job-seekers-across-the-country-12973 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Hawaii’s BBB warns consumers to be skeptical of Web sites and e-mails promoting swine flu prevention products. At best, they don’t work. At worst, they’re dangerous. Get tips to avoid swine flu scams. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/skepticism-healthy-to-avoid-swine-flu-scams-bbb-warns-of-fraudulent-health-items-13316 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 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT If a U.S. Census Bureau employee knocks on your door, here are some recognition tips to assure the validity of the field representative http://bryan.bbb.org/article/bbb-2010-census-tips-for-the-public-13328 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 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Individuals across the country are looking for ways to help support the victims and families affected by last week’s tragedy at Fort Hood. Initially, supporters were encouraged to donate blood to help victims. As options for monetary donations in support of victims and their families become available, it is important to understand exactly where and how your funds will be used. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/supporting-the-victims-of-the-fort-hood-tragedy-13459 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Being successful at direct selling doesn’t require any special education or experience but it isn’t for everyone. Better Business Bureau suggests people ask themselves a few questions when considering a new venture in direct sales. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/five-questions-if-direct-selling-is-for-you--12891 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT As many consumers consider making end-of-year donations to their favorite charities, the Better Business Bureau's (BBB) Winter 2009 Wise Giving Guide is a ready source of guidance. http://bryan.bbb.org/article/bbb-releases-winter-2009-wise-giving-guide-13389