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01/07/2009
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The current state of our economy is hitting consumers hard. Prices are increasing for everyday necessities and making it difficult for people to make ends meet. For some, loan opportunities seem to be the most logical and cost effective way to lessen the burden of overdue bills. BBB advises consumers to be cautious when deciding on a financial institution as this is a prime time for illegitimate loan businesses and scammers to prey on vulnerable consumers.
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01/06/2009
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On January 1st, BBB launched improved versions of its BBB Reliability Reports, which include a more detailed A+ through F letter-grade. These new grades better represent BBB’s degree of confidence that the business is operating in a trustworthy manner and will make a good faith effort to resolve any customer concerns.
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12/23/2008
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As we scour the shelves (or websites) for that perfect gift, we hope all of our efforts will be appreciated. But, sometimes even the best laid plans of holiday shoppers go awry. However, most retailers offer some sort of policy that will allow the recipient of our gift the opportunity to return our present for a quick refund or easy exchange. But surprisingly, nearly three in ten adult consumers don't carefully read return and exchange policies when making a purchase in a store or retail outlet.
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12/19/2008
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With college football's bowl season kicking off this weekend, and more than one million students, alumni and fans searching for tickets, BBB is warning consumers to look out for fraudulent sellers when shopping for expensive and hard-to-get bowl tickets online.
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12/18/2008
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The Council of Better Business Bureaus announced today that it will provide warranty dispute resolution between smart USA car owners and smart USA under the BBB AUTO LINE program. BBB AUTO LINE assistance is available free to smart car owners – and the owners of more than 20 other makes of cars.
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12/17/2008
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Whether you’re looking for sparkle and shine or something subdued, shopping for jewelry can leave you dazzled, and doubting whether you’re getting the right piece at the right price. BBB has some tips to help you get it right.
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12/16/2008
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Four out of ten Americans admit they do not look at extended warranty policies that come with their purchase and most don't read service contracts either, but extended warranties and service contracts are popular with the American public. According to Warranty Week, an online industry newsletter, consumers purchased approximately $1.6 billion worth of extended warranties and service contracts on PCs, consumer electronics and major appliances last holiday season.
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12/15/2008
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BBB is warning consumers to keep their guard up and their wits about them in order to fend off a new string of phishing emails making the rounds this holiday season.
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12/12/2008
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On the first day of Christmas, BBB said to me:
Make sure that the website is secure!
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12/10/2008
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With a tough economy looming like the Grinch over this year's holiday season, many people are looking for ways to ensure their homes are ready for the cold winter months in an effort to save money through energy efficiency. Your Better Business Bureau is offering a checklist for homeowners to safely prepare their homes for winter and perhaps save a few dollars in the process.
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12/09/2008
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Bing Crosby may have dreamed of a white Christmas but as many Americans adjust their lifestyles to become more environmentally friendly, some will be looking forward to a green Christmas this year. Your BBB has advice to help families go green this holiday season and maybe even save some green in the process.
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12/08/2008
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While many segments of the U.S. economy have been hard hit, none will feel the pain more than charities this holiday season. Charities across the country are certainly bracing for what is expected to be a very tight giving season. As more potential donors are focusing hard on keeping food on the table and a roof overhead, charitable giving is often the first thing cut from a family budget. For individuals on a budget looking for creative ways to contribute to charities, BBB's Wise Giving Alliance is offering advice on keeping the spirit of giving alive this holiday season.
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12/05/2008
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As a result of the declining economy, the number of retailers closing their doors has increased substantially, leaving confused shoppers wondering what will happen to goods they haven't received, gift cards and outstanding warranties. Your BBB is offering general advice for consumers on what to do if a retailer closes up shop without fulfilling its promises.
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12/04/2008
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Corpus Christi financial consultant Erik Larsen was surprised to get a voicemail from a company offering to help him modify his mortgage payments so he could avoid foreclosure - he had already paid off his mortgage years ago! The message was from a man who claimed to work for a company called Loan Modification Department. The caller said they had received Larsen's loan modification application and that they were sorry he was having issues paying his mortgage, but they could help him avoid foreclosure.
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12/03/2008
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The marketing masterminds behind an Amish-made electric fireplace and a rare coin and currency exchange are now targeting homeowners with a questionable mortgage savings package. Canton, Ohio-based Universal Syndications, Inc., which also does business as Universal Media Syndicate, Inc. has launched a new enterprise called Universal Mortgage Group. The company is taking out full page ads in newspapers, including the Austin American- Statesman, to promote a $198 Mortgage Savings Package that promises homeowners a minimum $20,000 in savings. Consumers are urged to call within 72 hours or they will miss the chance to take advantage of this offer, but BBB wants to urge everyone to be cautious. The company asks for personal financial information and requires a credit or debit card number to purchase the Mortgage Savings Package.
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