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“Truth in Advertising FAQs: Did You Know…?”

4/30/2013

Posted on 4/30/2013 by

The BBB’s Code of Advertising was created to be a helpful guide for advertisers but also is very useful to consumers. It
can help in understanding whether an advertisement is misleading and what stipulations should be met. Should you see or hear an advertisement that you might question, please bring it to a local BBB’s attention so we can check into it further. Here are some questions below to test your knowledge of advertising Do’s and Don’ts:

If an advertised product is marked as “free”, is it or isn’t it acceptable to use an asterisk(*) to refer to conditions in the fine print below that must be met, to receive the “free” product? According to the BBB Code, an “advertiser must disclose this condition clearly and conspicuously together with the “free” offer (not by placing an asterisk or symbol next to “free” and referring to the condition(s) in a footnote”.

True or false? When ordering products online, do sellers need to include the cost of postage, tax, shipping and handling, installation, and other fees? “Whenever a price is mentioned in advertising, any extra charges should also be disclosed in immediate conjunction with the price, (e.g. delivery, installation, assembly, excise tax, postage and handling).”

Is it an advertising offense to place an ad in the paper, where a computer or other product is marked way down and to not have the product available? If the product is intentionally unavailable by the seller, is it a good business practice to promote another more expensive product? Obviously, there are certain, very popular products that are impossible to keep on the shelves, and it is next to impossible to keep up with the demand. However, a business may promote a product because they know it is a draw for consumers and not have it in stock, with the intention of up selling a different product. Since the consumer is already in the store, time is of essence and rather than taking the time to look for this product at another store at the marked down price, a consumer may opt to just buy the higher-priced product. This tactic is known as “bait and switch” and is a big no-no.

“An advertiser should have on hand a sufficient quantity of advertised merchandise to meet reasonably anticipated demands, unless the ad discloses the number of items available or state ‘while supplies last.’ If items are available only at certain branches, their specific locations should be disclosed. The use of ‘rain checks’ is no justification for inadequate estimates of reasonably anticipated demand.”

If “easy credit” is offered at a used car business for those, who have bad credit or no credit, is it acceptable to charge higher interest fees? No, it is not acceptable to charge higher fees. The fee schedule and down payment should be the same as for someone with good credit. Phrasing such as “no credit rejected” should be avoided, unless absolutely true. There are definitely consumers, who cannot and will not honor a credit agreement, no matter how good their intentions.

If a warranty is offered on a product or service, must a business disclose the terms of the offer in writing? “When the term ‘warranty’ (or ‘guarantee’) is used in product advertising, the following disclosure should be made clearly and prominently: a statement that the complete details of the warranty can be seen at the advertiser’s store prior to sale or in the case of mail or telephone order sales are available free on written request.”

Is it okay for a company to say, “We’re the best!” or “Our product is the best!” in their advertising? Claims of superiority should be objective, measurable against an accepted, industry standard or “performance values of a product or service”. Substantiation should be provided for the claim and should disclose negative as well as positive details. Subjective claims, personal opinions, etc. should be avoided.

What credentials are required for a person to endorse a product or service in an ad? Can anyone do it? It is recommended that an endorsement is genuine and is quoted in its entirety so misleading information is not given. An endorser should be qualified in a certain area of expertise. For instance, it doesn’t make sense for a world champion boxer to give an expert medical opinion on a new medication, just released for use by the FDA.

An ad for a new diet product says that you can lose hundreds of pounds and that it is doctor recommended. Does this meet the BBB’s Advertising Code? Ad claims with results such as this should be “based on recent and competent scientific, engineering or other objective data”.

A retailer has been selling laptop notebooks like crazy and decides to increase the “sale” price of it in an ad? Is this an acceptable practice? “Sale may only be used in advertising, if there is a significant reduction from the advertiser’s usual and customary price of the merchandise offered and the sale is for a limited period of time. If the sale exceeds thirty days, advertisers should be prepared to substantiate that the offering is indeed a valid reduction and has not become their regular price.”

If a car dealer sells a car “As Is”, is he or she responsible for telling the consumer about any problems with the car? The car dealer does not have to disclose any problems with the car. It is up to the consumer to have the car physically inspected by a reputable car mechanic, prior to agreeing to purchase the vehicle. Should any problems arise, once the vehicle is purchased, it is the consumer’s responsibility to have them fixed.

For further questions regarding the BBB Code of Advertising, visit us online atwww.bbb.org/us/code-of-advertising. For any concerns with advertisements that you may see on the internet, TV, billboard or hear on the radio, please contact your localBetter Business Bureau.

Beware when purchasing tickets to Hawaii

4/9/2013

Posted on 4/9/2013 by

The Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi (BBB) has received several complaints and inquiries regarding Travel Service’s business practices. The company, which is located at 45 Hardy Court #2816, Gulfport, MS is advertising in a local newspaper and offering low price deals to Hawaii.

Complainants alleged the company offers packages for $199 or more, but later realize the price for travel is actually higher than what was listed or quoted when they try to book the reservations. They also have trouble getting the company to respond to phone calls and emails. Complainants also stated they were told the travel deals are non-refundable AFTER the travel voucher/ticket had been purchased.

One consumer stated he received a "voucher" instead of the actual travel tickets that were advertised in a local newspaper. "Misrepresentation of the price of lodging was over three times the normal price for lodging", stated another consumer.

BEFORE BOOKING WITH A TRAVEL AGENCY - The BBB urges consumers to read the contract or application carefully before signing an agreement. Determine all costs involved in using a vacation certificate or voucher. Make sure the contract states whether you will be paying for lodging, meals, transportation from your “home” to the airport as well as from the airport to the vacation site, port taxes and any other additional fees, such as higher rates for “Peak Tourist Seasons.” Before traveling, confirm all arrangements directly with the airlines or cruise lines, hotels or resorts, as well as with restaurants and resort attractions offering discount or other coupons. Ask the vacation certificate promoter what happens if the hotel or other accommodations are completely booked. If a refundable deposit is required, find out when and how you get it back.

For more helpful tips on vacation certificates, you can visit bbb.org or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the BBB for a free brochure.

The BBB has been serving Mississippi consumers since 1964 by promoting an ethical marketplace for both consumers and business.

BBB offers tips for home and business owners who are coping with storm damage.

3/25/2013

Posted on 3/25/2013 by

Baseball and golf ball size hail battered the Jackson metro area on Monday. Windshields and cars were pounded, roofs and siding were damaged, and trees downed. With the threat of more severe weather heading into the metro area this weekend area residents are bracing for another round of possible damage. BBB offers tips for home and business owners who are coping with storm damage.

BBB serving Mississippi warns homeowners and property owners to reduce the chances of even more problems by choosing repair businesses carefully. It’s not unusual after a damaging storm for unreliable contractors to target customers who need repairs. To help customers find trustworthy repair services, BBB offers these tips:

Check with your insurance company as soon as possible to ask about policy coverage and how to file a claim. If you must make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, be sure to keep receipts.

Know the business you're dealing with. It's a good idea to get two or three bids, and compare materials, service, and guarantee, not just price. Ask for – and check out – customer references. Check out the business with the BBB at ms.bbb.org or call 601-398-1700.

Be alert for home repair contractors or car dent repair services who pour into town after a storm. Some home repair services charge high prices for shoddy work, or leave jobs unfinished. Look for these red flags: be cautious of contractors who solicit business door-to-door with vague information; don't provide a physical address or phone; or use scare tactics ("That chimney's about to fall") or high pressure ("This price is good today only"). Pop-up car dent repair shops might appear in parking lots. Make sure you know the business that's offering the dent repair, as well as the terms of the guarantee, if any.

Read and understand the contract and guarantee. Make sure you get a written estimate and contract. The contract should include a written description of the work to be done, and the price of labor and materials. If the company makes any verbal promises (such as "We'll take away the cut tree limbs"), make sure they are in writing. The guarantee should describe what's covered by the guarantee, for how long, and what the company will do to honor the guarantee.

Keep down payments reasonable. It's possible that a repair service will ask for some money down. But if you're not comfortable with the amount requested, ask the company to agree on a smaller down payment or look for a contractor who doesn't ask for a down payment. Never pay the entire amount in advance. Make payments by credit card or by check made out to the company, not in cash.

Don't make the final payment or sign a completion agreement until all the work is done to your satisfaction. Don't fall for high pressure or promises to return and take care of final details. It may be difficult to get the company to return once the job is paid for and signed off.

File a complaint if needed. First try to work out problems directly with the business. If a problem is not resolved, file a complaint with the BBB at ms.bbb.org The BBB accepts customer complaints on businesses, and sends a copy of the complaint to the business. The BBB asks the business to reply, and checks back with the customer to see if the complaint is resolved.

Watch Out for 2013's Top Tax Refund Scams

3/20/2013

Posted on 3/20/2013 by

Tax season is here, and that means tax scams are back in full swing. Keep a look out for these top three ways that scammers prey on unsuspecting taxpayers.

Stolen Social Security Numbers:

Looking forward to a tax return check this year? So are scammers! Scammers use stolen social security numbers and other personal information to file for tax returns for unsuspecting victims.

This scam is more prevalent than ever. Last year, the IRS saw an 80% increase from 2011 in the number of victims. And they are expecting the scam to be just as prevalent in 2013.Victims frequently don't even know that a return was filed for them until they receive an IRS notice in the mail about it.

Phishing Scams:

Scammers love to prey on the public's anxiousness over paying taxes and their eagerness for a refund. Watch out for suspicious emails, text messages and phone calls claiming to be from the IRS.

Most frequently, scammers will tell consumers that they are entitled to a tax refund, but they must first reveal personal information to claim it. Sharing this information puts you at risk for identity theft, including scams like the one above.

Unfortunately, these phishing scams aren't just limited to tax season. They continue to crop up throughout the year. Just remember the IRS will only contact you through the mail.

Unscrupulous Tax Return Preparers:

Hiring someone to help with your taxes? Be very careful whom you choose. While often not an outright scam, unscrupulous tax preparation businesses do fool clients by skimming a portion of refunds, charging inflated fees for return prep services and/or promising refunds that are too good to be true. Courts have shut down some of the more notorious tax preparers, but new ones spring up to take their place. Just do your homework, and pick a reputable business.

Tips for Avoiding Tax Scams:

If you receive unexpected mail from the IRS, follow up immediately. If you think you've been a victim of ID theft, complete the IRS form here.

Choose a reputable tax preparer. Ask around and/or search on BBB.org to find a BBB accredited business.

Do not fall for the promise of big refunds. Be wary of any tax preparation service that promises larger refunds than the competition. Also, avoid tax preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the refund.

Be wary of emails, phone calls or text messages that claim to be from the IRS. If the IRS needs to contact you, it will generally do so through mail. Consumers who receive unsolicited email that appears to be from either the IRS or an organization with a similar name, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), should report it immediately to phishing@irs.gov.

Do not provide any personal information, click on any links or open any attachments in suspicious emails or text messages.

For More Information

Check out the IRS's guide to identity fraud for taxpayers. And see BBB's tips on finding a reputable tax preparer.

To find out more about scams, check out BBB Scam Stopper

BBB and NBC Warn Consumers About Scammers Using Green Dot MoneyPaks

3/20/2013

Posted on 3/20/2013 by
NBC.com’s “Consumer Man” Herb Weisbaum worked closely with BBB on an important story today about how scammers use Green Dot MoneyPaks and similar cash-load cards to defraud consumers. Scammers tell their victims that they have won a contest or lottery of some kind, and that they need to pre-pay taxes or fees in order to collect their big winnings. Sometimes they claim BBB is a co-sponsor in order to add credibility.

Here are some highlights from the NBC story:

A MoneyPak lets you go to a supermarket or drug store (more than 60,000 places nationwide) and convert cash into digital currency that can be loaded onto a prepaid debit card or added to a PayPal account. The MoneyPak card you buy at the store is a deposit slip. It gives you access to that money via the 14-digit authorization code on the back.

“As soon as the victim gives the scammer that code, they use it to load all of your money onto their prepaid card,” explained Karen Hobbs at the Federal Trade Commission. “Then they can run to an ATM and get all of the money in cash or they go to an electronics store and buy things that are easily fenced. Once that money is offloaded, it is essentially irretrievable.”

A number of companies provide a cash-load service for prepaid debit cards. Green Dot is the leader in this industry and therefore the most requested by the bad guys.

“We do not want people to be victimized by fraudsters who try to steal their money this way,” said Green Dot spokesman Brian Ruby. “We hope people will see the yellow warning that is now on the MoneyPak card, right above where you scratch to get the card number. Use your MoneyPak number only with business listed at moneypack.com. If anyone else asks you for your MoneyPak number, it’s probably a scam. If a criminal gets your money, Green Dot is not responsible to pay you back.”

The prepaid card industry is keenly aware of the fraud problem and is working to thwart the bad guys. “We’re setting up systems to identify when a prepaid card is getting several reloads via PINs followed immediately by cash coming off the card, especially when it’s in a foreign country,” explained Terry Maher, general counsel for the Network Branded Prepaid Card Association. “That would trigger an alert and the card could be blocked.”
Read the complete post for more details on this scam. For more information on how to avoid all different kinds of scams, or to report a scam, check out BBB Scam Stopper at bbb.org/scam.

Free Document Shredding March 8-9

3/7/2013

Posted on 3/7/2013 by

Attorney General Jim Hood, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, Shred-it-Jackson, President/CEO John O'Hara , BBB serving Mississippi, BancorpSouth, CredAbility (formerly The Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Jackson), and Mississippi State University Extension Service are pleased to announce Mississippi's SEVENTH Community Shred Day. The purpose of the event is to promote consumer protection and awareness of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in the country and the state. You are invited to bring up to 5 bags of your sensitive documents to be shredded for free.

FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2013

7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

THE HOME DEPOT                       WAL-MART
6325 I-55 North                          3929 North Gloster St
Jackson, MS 39213                   Tupelo, MS 38804

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

WAL-MART                               HOME DEPOT
1733 2ND Street South               50 Halls Ferry Park Rd.
Meridian MS 39301                    Vicksburg, MS 39180

The Home Depot, Wal-Mart, the Leadership Council on Aging, Mississippi Department of Human Services Division of Aging and Adult Services, and other Mississippi Consumer Education Partnership members are also sponsors. Limit 5 bags or boxes per person. No businesses please.

"SHRED IT and FORGET IT"

BBB Tips: BBB AUTO LINE is Fast, Fair and Saves You Money

3/5/2013

Posted on 3/5/2013 by

BBB AUTO LINE is Fast, Fair and Saves You Money

Is your car making a funky noise? Do the lights not work? It could be a lemon. For more than 30 years, BBB AUTO LINE has helped consumers resolve "lemon law" complaints quickly and at no cost. Our dispute resolution program covers car warranty issues against participating manufacturers, and we have helped more than two million consumers.

Learn more about BBB AUTO LINE.

Know your lemon law

Every state has a lemon law that makes automakers responsible for vehicles that fail to meet performance and safety standards, regardless of the warranty. BBB has details on state laws, but make sure you keep all documentation on your vehicle, its history, repair orders, etc. Take notes when you talk to your dealer or repair shop, and keep track of how many days your vehicle is out of commission.

Find out more about the lemon laws in your state.

Is my car included?

Most automakers agree to participate in BBB AUTO LINE to resolve their consumer complaints quickly and efficiently. And we've made it easy for you to check and see if your car, truck, van or SUV is included. If you are looking for a new vehicle, check this list and see if your top choices are covered. These manufacturers stand behind their vehicles and are committed to working with consumers fairly.

Check out a list of accredited manufacturers.

File your complaint

At BBB AUTO LINE, we strive to make resolving your lemon law complaint as simple as possible. Our role is to open communication between you and your manufacturer and to assist in the speedy resolution of your auto warranty or lemon law dispute. We will guide you each step of the way: through collecting documentation, negotiating a possible settlement and navigating the arbitration process.

File a complaint.

To search for a business in the U.S. or Canada, or to find your local BBB, go to BBB.org
For information on charities, go to Give.org
For more information on scams, go to BBB Scamstopper and BBB Smart Investing
For information on U.S. government services, go to: USA.gov
For information on Canadian government services, go to Service Canada

Phony Officials Trick Consumers into "Verifying" Info on Do Not Call Registry

2/7/2013

Posted on 2/7/2013 by

Scammers have been making phone calls posing as representatives of the National Do Not Call Registry. The calls claim to provide an opportunity to sign up for the registry or ask consumers to verify their info. Of course, the callers are really trying to solicit personal information, which opens victims up to identity fraud.

How the Scam Works:

Someone calls you claiming to represent the National Do Not Call Registry, the FTC or Canada's National Do Not Call List. The registry "official" asks for personal information, such as name, address and Social Security number. The scam has several variations. In one, the caller wants to verify that you are on the National Do Not Call Registry. In another, he/she claims to give you a chance to register your phone number.

Just hang up the phone; this situation is always a scam. Representatives from the registry will not call you. And sharing personal with the caller will just put you at risk for identity theft.

How to Protect Yourself from Scam Calls:

Don't share your personal information if someone calls you claiming to represent the National Do Not Call Registry or even the FTC itself.
Do not call the scammers back.
Remember that your participation in the National Do Not Call Registry does not expire. Do not listen to claims otherwise.
If you want to add your number to the Do Not Call Registry, go to Donotcall.gov or call 888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register. If you want to verify your number, use this feature on the registry's website.
Canadians have their own National Do Not Call List. Register for that here.

For More Information

For frequently asked questions about the Do Not Call Registry, check their website.

To find out more about scams, check out the new BBB Scam Stopper.

This Scam Alert has been sponsored by Western Union.

Phony Officials Trick Consumers into "Verifying" Info on Do Not Call Registry

2/7/2013

Posted on 2/7/2013 by

How the Scam Works:

Just hang up the phone; this situation is always a scam. Representatives from the registry will not call you. And sharing personal with the caller will just put you at risk for identity theft.

How to Protect Yourself from Scam Calls:

Don't share your personal information if someone calls you claiming to represent the National Do Not Call Registry or even the FTC itself.
Do not call the scammers back.
Remember that your participation in the National Do Not Call Registry does not expire. Do not listen to claims otherwise.
If you want to add your number to the Do Not Call Registry, go to Donotcall.gov or call 888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register. If you want to verify your number, use this feature on the registry's website.
Canadians have their own National Do Not Call List. Register for that here.

For More Information

For frequently asked questions about the Do Not Call Registry, check their website.

To find out more about scams, check out the new BBB Scam Stopper.

This Scam Alert has been sponsored by Western Union.

Alert: BBB Warns Against Online Auto Parts Dealer

1/24/2013

Posted on 1/24/2013 by

The Better Business Bureau is issuing a nationwide alert about CorvetteSouth, a Meridian, MS-based online company that has received more than 15 complaints in the last three months from consumers all across the country. Complaints against CorvetteSouth, which sells corvette parts and accessories through its website www.corvettesouth.com, have come from consumers in 13 different states and one in Canada.

Complaints filed with the BBB have stated non-delivery of parts or accessories, refund and exchange issues, and customer service issues. Consumers also report contacting the company multiple times either by email, letter or phone and receive no response. They also report difficulty in obtaining refunds after their credit card was charged.

The BBB has sent requests to the company asking it to address its pattern of complaints. Corvette South has an “F” rating with the BBB. The company has fifteen unresolved complaints to date. “CorvetteSouth has failed to resolve the underlying reasons for the complaints,” said Beth Sheppard, BBB, Director of Trade Standards.

A consumer from Florida alleged ordering $6000 in parts and did not receive any of her merchandise. She states, "CorvetteSouth has not answered my emails or phone calls in over two weeks, but charged me for parts I have not received". Another consumer states they ordered automotive parts and have not received any of the parts ordered. The consumer e-mailed and left voice messages several times with no response. The consumer claims CorvetteSouth took the money out of his account before any confirmation that the parts had been shipped.

The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to always check on a company at bbb.org before doing business. In addition, BBB offers consumers these tips on safe online shopping:

1. Check a site’s security settings. If the site is secure, its URL (web address) should start with “https://.” You also may see a picture of a small closed lock in the lower right hand corner of the screen.

2. Shop trustworthy websites. Look for the BBB seal on the site and click to confirm that it’s valid. New BBB dynamic seals will take you to a site’s BBB Business Review. You also may find the review at bbb.org.

3. Pay with a credit card. Under federal law, you can dispute the charges if you don’t receive an item. Shoppers also have dispute rights if there are any unauthorized charges on the card, and many card issuers have zero-liability policies if someone steals and uses your card number. Check your credit card statement regularly for unauthorized charges. Never wire money.

4. Keep documentation of your order. Save a copy of the confirmation page of an order or emails confirming the order until you receive the item and are satisfied. Obtain a tracking number for shipments. The tracking number can help you find a lost order.

5. Know your rights. Federal law requires that orders made by phone, mail or online be shipped by the date promised or within 30 days if no delivery time was stated. If goods aren’t shipped on time, shoppers can cancel and demand a refund. Consumers also may reject merchandise if it is defective or was misrepresented.

If consumers have a complaint against this company, they are advised to file a complaint with the BBB serving Mississippi (ms.bbb.org), the Mississippi Attorney General (www.ago.state.ms.us/), and file a dispute with their credit card company.

Timeshare Resales

12/12/2012

Posted on 12/12/2012 by

As time passes, families evolve, children grow up and parents age. What seemed like a terrific vacation idea 20 years ago could be a financial burden today. If you own a vacation timeshare — the use of a vacation home for a limited, pre-planned time — be cautious about people offering to help you resell it for a fee. Most of these sales programs are very questionable.

While the real estate sector nationwide is in a slump, the market for timeshare resales is even weaker. One recent survey found that only 3.3 percent of owners reported reselling their timeshares during the last 20 years. Still, desperate to sell, many owners have been taken in by timeshare resale scams.

The Resale Scam

Unscrupulous companies may contact you by phone or mail. Salespeople are likely to tell you the market for resales is "hot" and that their company has a high success rate in reselling units. They may claim to have extensive lists of sales agents and potential buyers.

For an advance "listing" fee, ranging from $500 to $5,000, some salespeople promise to sell your timeshare for a price equal to or greater than your purchase price. To further entice you, they may offer a money-back guarantee (which can be difficult for you to successfully claim, due to variances in the fine print of your contract) or a $1,000 government bond if they can't sell your timeshare within a year.

Others offer to purchase your timeshare for 80-90 percent of its appraised value if they don't sell it within a specified time, but given the soft market and low demand, even that offer may be too good to be true.

Even in stronger economic times, the market for resales may vary considerably, depending on the location and time of year. Meanwhile, the industry of vacation destination packages has evolved a great deal in the last two decades, making the older plans/properties (i.e., one location, one week, without many options) not attractive or competitive to today’s new buyers.

Thus it may be unlikely that the company can sell the timeshare at all, let alone at a price equal to or greater than your original purchase price. In addition, many consumers whose timeshares don't sell after a year may be presented with a government bond worth only $60 or $70 or told there's no refund on their listing fee.

If You Want to Sell

If you want to resell your timeshare and are approached by a company offering to help, consider taking these precautions:

Don't agree to anything over the phone until you've had a chance to check out the company.
Ask the salesperson to send you written materials.
Find out where the company is located and where it does business.
Contact the Better Business Bureau, state Attorney General, and local consumer protection agencies in the state where the company is located. Ask whether complaints have been lodged against the company.
Ask if the company's salespeople are licensed to sell real estate by the state where your timeshare is located. If so, verify this with the state licensing board.
Be wary of companies charging an advance "listing" fee for services. Consider opting for a company that offers to sell for a fee only after the timeshare is sold.

You have several other resale options. You may try selling your timeshare yourself, by placing an ad in a newspaper or magazine, or contacting a real estate agent familiar with the area. If all the timeshares have been sold in your development, consider asking the seller to establish an on-site resales office. As an alternative, you may consider an exchange program. For a fee, these programs allow you to arrange trades with other resort units in different locations.

Source: U.S. Federal Trade Commission, in cooperation with the American Society of Travel Agents.

Grandparents Scams are on the Rise - Do You Know the Red Flags?

11/29/2012

Posted on 11/29/2012 by

Better Business Bureau is warning well-meaning seniors about “emergency” scams designed to fool them into thinking that their grandchild is hurt, arrested or stranded, and in need of money.

According to recent FBI reports, the “Grandparent Scam” has been around since 2008, but there has been a surge recently. Retirees are an attractive target for financial scammers. As noted by Western Union, emergency scams play off of peoples’ emotions and strong desire to help others in need. Scammers impersonate their victims and make up an urgent situation – “I’ve been arrested,” “I’ve been mugged,” “I’m in the hospital” – and target friends and family with urgent pleas for help, and money.

BBB offers the following tips to avoid the Grandparent Scam:

Communicate. Teens should share travel plans with family members before leaving the state or country.

Share information. Teens should provide the cell phone number and email address of a friend they are traveling with in the case of an emergency. Family members should remind students to be cautious when sharing details about travel plans on social media.

Know the red flags. Typically, the grandparent receives a frantic phone call from a scammer posing as their grandchild. The “grandchild” explains that he or she has gotten into trouble and needs help, perhaps caused a car accident or was arrested for drug possession. The "grandchild" pleads to the grandparents not to tell his or her parents and asks that they wire thousands of dollars for reasons posting bail, repairing the car, covering lawyer's fees or even paying hospital bills for a person the grandchild injured in a car accident.

Ask a personal question, but don’t disclose too much information. If a grandparent receives a call from someone claiming to be their grandchild in distress, BBB advises that the grandparent not disclose any information before confirming that it really is their grandchild. If a caller says "It's me, Grandma!" don't respond with a name, but instead let the caller explain who he or she is. One easy way to confirm their identity is to ask a simple question that the grandchild would know such as what school he or she goes to or their middle name.

6 Ways to Avoid Home Business Scams

11/28/2012

Posted on 11/28/2012 by

The home-based business opportunity sector has become a prime target for scammers in today’s internet world. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Mississippi offers the following tips on ways to avoid being ripped off in a home business venture:

1. Be wary of “high income” opportunities as well as those touting instant or quick earnings.

2. Look for and verify company contact information. Test email addresses and phone numbers for a response within 24 hours. Always be able to speak to someone on the phone rather than relying strictly on email communication.

3. Watch out for outlandish claims (often in big, bold headlines) and don’t put much stock in income testimonials.

4. Avoid any venture that requires paying money just to get information on the business.

5. Check online forums on a particular business opportunity.

6. Confirm the reliability of companies with the BBB at http://www.bbb.org/us/.

“We encourage everyone to check with BBB and regulatory agencies to determine a company’s reliability before entering into a relationship with them,” says Jackie Warren, Vice President of Operations for BBB Serving Mississippi. “We have been promoting an ethical marketplace and serving Mississippi consumers and businesses since 1964.”

FTC Advice concerning International Lottery Scams

11/28/2012

Posted on 11/28/2012 by

“Congratulations! You may receive a certified check for up to $400,000 U.S. CASH! Tax free! Your odds to WIN are 1-6.” “Hundreds of U.S. citizens win every week using our secret system! You can win as much as you want!”

Sound great? It's a fraud.

Scam operators — often based in Canada — are using the telephone to entice U.S. consumers to buy chances in high-stakes foreign lotteries from as far away as Australia and Europe. These lottery solicitations violate U.S. law, which prohibits the cross-border sale or purchase of lottery tickets by phone or mail.

The FTC has these words of caution for consumers who are thinking about responding to a foreign lottery:

1. If you play a foreign lottery —on the telephone or through the mail — you're violating federal law.

2. There are no secret systems for winning foreign lotteries. Your chances of winning more than the cost of your tickets are slim to none.

3. If you purchase one foreign lottery ticket, expect many more bogus offers for lottery or investment “opportunities.” Your name will be placed on “sucker lists” that fraudulent telemarketers buy and sell.

4. Keep your credit card and bank account numbers to yourself. Scam artists often ask for them during an unsolicited sales pitch.

5. The bottom line: Ignore all phone solicitations for foreign lottery promotions. If you receive what looks like lottery material from a foreign country, give it to your local postmaster.

Urgent Scam Alert: Beware of Fake Complaint E-mail Claiming to be from Better Business Bureau

10/24/2012

Posted on 10/24/2012 by

ALERT: Phishing Scam Looks Like BBB Email…But It’s Not

The BBB name and logo are being fraudulently used by criminals in an on-going phishing scam. The emails look very much like notice of a complaint from BBB, but contain links to malware that can infect your computer, steal passwords, etc. BBB is working with law enforcement, as well as with a private deactivation firm (at our own expense), to shut down as many criminal websites as possible. To date, we have shut down well over 100 sites.

If you get an email that looks like it is a BBB complaint, here is what you should do:

1. Do NOT click on any links or attachments.
2. Read the email carefully for signs that it may be fake (for example, misspellings, grammar, generic greetings such as “Dear member” instead of a name, etc.).
3. Be wary of any urgent instructions to take specified action such as “Click on the link or your account will be closed.”
4. Hover your mouse over links without clicking to see if the address is truly from bbb.org. The URL in the text should match the URL that your mouse detects. If the two do not match, it is most likely a scam.
5. Send a copy of the email to phishing@council.bbb.org (Note: This address is only for scams that use the BBB name or logo)
6. Delete the email from your computer completely (be sure to empty your “trash can” or “recycling bin,” as well).
7. Run anti-virus software updates frequently and do a full system scan.
8. Keep a close eye on your bank statements for any unexpected or unexplained transactions.

If you have a business and are not certain whether the complaint is legitimate, contact your local BBB (www.bbb.org/find).

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As a private, non-profit organization, the purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to promote an ethical marketplace. BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by means of conciliation, mediation and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising claims, online business practices and charitable organizations. BBBs develop and issue reviews on businesses and nonprofit organizations and encourage people to check out a company or charity before making a purchase or donation.

Urgent Scam Alert: Beware of Fake Complaint E-mail Claiming to be from Better Business Bureau

10/24/2012

Posted on 10/24/2012 by

Brandon, MS-October 24, 2012 - The Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi (BBB) warns businesses to beware of a malicious e-mail claiming to be from the BBB about a complaint filed against a company. The BBB does not send complaints out as attachments.

The phishing email is sent from multiple e-mail addresses and has in its subject line a nine digit complaint number. BBB Accredited and non-Accredited Businesses have been targeted and some consumers have also received the e-mail.

The body of the e-mail states the company has received a complaint and asks the company to respond by directing the e-mail recipient to "BBB Complaint Dept"; this e-mail address is not affiliated with the Better Business Bureau.

The BBB advises any business that receives this e-mail to take the following steps:

Do not click on any links or reply to the message,

Completely delete the message from your inbox,

Run a full virus scan immediately on your computer if you did click on any links.

If you receive an e-mail from the BBB about a complaint filed against your business and need assistance in determining whether or not it is legitimate, contact the BBB serving Mississippi at (601)398-1700 or info@ms.bbb.org

Phishing e-mails are a common way for hackers to get at your personal information or break into your computer.

“Don’t click on any links or open any attachments to e-mails until you have confirmed that they are not malicious. E-mail addresses that don’t match up, typos and grammatical mistakes are common red flags of a malicious phishing e-mail,” said John O'Hara, President & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi. “Also beware of unsolicited e-mails from companies with which you have no association. Make sure you have current antivirus software and all security patches have been installed on the computer.”

For more information on phishing and how to keep your computer safe, visit www.bbb.org

Below is an example of this phishing e-mail; do not click on the links or reply to the sender.

----- Original Message -----

October 22, 2012

Owner/Manager

As a neutral third party, the Better Business Bureau can help to resolve the matter. Often complaints are a result of misunderstandings a company wants to know about and correct.

In the interest of time and good customer relations, please provide the BBB with written verification of your position in this matter by October 25, 2012. Your prompt response will allow BBB to be of service to you and your customer in reaching a mutually agreeable resolution. Please inform us if you have contacted your customer directly and already resolved this matter.

The Better Business Bureau develops and maintains Reliability Reports on companies across the United States and Canada . This information is available to the public and is frequently used by potential customers. Your cooperation in responding to this complaint becomes a permanent part of your file with the Better Business Bureau. Failure to promptly give attention to this matter may be reflected in the report we give to consumers about your company.

We encourage you to print this complaint, answer the questions and respond to us. (self-extracting archive, Adobe PDF)

If you are unable to respond using the internet, then please respond in writing to the address above or by Fax at (312) 832-9985.

We look forward to your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

BBB Serving Chicago & Northern Illinois

330 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 3120

Chicago, IL 60611

(312) 832-0500

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Urgent Scam Alert: Beware of Fake Complaint E-mail Claiming to be from Better Business Bureau

10/24/2012

Posted on 10/24/2012 by

The BBB advises any business that receives this e-mail to take the following steps:

Do not click on any links or reply to the message,

Completely delete the message from your inbox,

Run a full virus scan immediately on your computer if you did click on any links.

Phishing e-mails are a common way for hackers to get at your personal information or break into your computer.

For more information on phishing and how to keep your computer safe, visit www.bbb.org

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Urgent Scam Alert: Beware of Fake Complaint E-mail Claiming to be from Better Business Bureau

10/24/2012

Posted on 10/24/2012 by

The body of the e-mail states the company has received a complaint and asks the company to respond by directing the e-mail recipient to "BBB Complaint Dep" <complaintdep@ms.bbb.org>; this e-mail address is not affiliated with the Better Business Bureau.

The BBB advises any business that receives this e-mail to take the following steps:

Do not click on any links or reply to the message,

Completely delete the message from your inbox,

Run a full virus scan immediately on your computer if you did click on any links.

Phishing e-mails are a common way for hackers to get at your personal information or break into your computer.

“Don’t click on any links or open any attachments to e-mails until you have confirmed that they are not malicious. E-mail addresses that don’t match up, typos and grammatical mistakes are common red flags of a malicious phishing e-mail,” said Jackie Warren, Vice President of Operations of the Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi. “Also beware of unsolicited e-mails from companies with which you have no association. Make sure you have current antivirus software and all security patches have been installed on the computer.”

For more information on phishing and how to keep your computer safe, visit www.bbb.org

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Use Caution When Purchasing a Home Warranty

9/20/2012

Posted on 9/20/2012 by

Home warranties are gaining in popularity with both home sellers and buyers. Sellers are finding that purchasing a home warranty is a good way to attract buyers, and buyers are finding that a warranty can save them a significant amount of money during the first few years in their new home. But sometimes home warranties can cause confusion when it comes to what is and isn't covered.

Many home buyers who depend on new-home warranties are unaware of the limitations of such coverage. Typical problems, such as foundation wall cracks, basement leaks, bad wiring or faulty plumbing fixtures, are covered only during the first year. After that, coverage is usually limited to major structural defects that make the home unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise unlivable.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) suggests that consumers who are interested in purchasing a home warranty take certain cautionary steps before signing on the dotted line.

Verify the warranty company's track record. Find out whether it's a local or national firm and how long it's been in business. Contact the BBB to find trustworthy businesses.
Do some comparison shopping. Most policies cost between $300 and $395. But not all offer the same benefits. You may find that some of the lower-priced policies charge extra for coverage of water wells and some appliances, such as washing machines and dryers.
Consider the deductible. The industry average is $50 to $100 per claim. But some companies charge as much as $150 per call.
Ask the company who will perform the repairs. Most warranty companies have their own network of service contractors. But some do allow you to hire a contractor of your choice. Be sure you understand the company policy before you buy the service.
Get a detailed, impartial inspection of the house. This should be done regardless of whether you receive a home warranty. The inspection will alert you to any pre-existing problems, which may not be covered by the warranty.
Call the warranty company before you buy a policy. Ask questions, clarify coverage and most importantly, see how the customer service representatives treat you. If they don't respond promptly and courteously before you buy a policy, odds are they won't be very helpful after the sale.
Read the contract throughly. Make sure you fully understand what is or isn't covered.

If you have a warranty and problems show up during the first year, go directly to the warranty company. Hire an independent inspector to support your claims if you wind up in arbitration. Keep records and copies of all correspondence. Give the warranty company a reasonable opportunity to review your claims and make repairs.

Who is ExpertOverstock.com?

9/14/2012

Posted on 9/14/2012 by
Have you ever heard of this company? Neither have we. According to their website, they have an A+ rating and are an Accredited Business with the Better Business Bureau. Also, they have a shipping address in Greenville, MS but do not provide a physical location. They are not a BBB Accredited Business. The Secretary of State and BBB do not have a listing for such a company. The goods on their site are quite tempting, and the prices are marked down substantially. An example of their site is in the link below.

http://www.expertoverstock.com

One consumer reported a swing set, originally priced at $3500, was marked way down to $800. What raised a red flag for this consumer is the business requested payment by Green Dot MoneyPak, which is a prepaid card. This raises a red flag for us as well, as money transfers and prepaid cards are a method of payment that overseas’ scammers request, more often than not.

After further checking on this business, it was determined that the website’s contact information was masked. The address information provided belonged to the company that provided the domain name. The only way to contact the company is through email or live chat.

For now, it is strongly recommended to use caution in dealing with them, as they may or may not be a legitimate company. If you have any more information about them, please call us!

Thank you to BBB Mississippi Elite Sponsors:

APAC
AT&T
BankPlus
BlueCross BlueShield Mississippi
Carl Hogan Toyota
The Citizens Bank
C Spire
Entergy Mississippi
Mississippi Braves
Mississippi Power
Sherwin Williams - North MS District

Tips on Hurricane Relief Donations

8/29/2012

Posted on 8/29/2012 by
In the wake of Hurricane Isaac and other storms threatening coastal regions this season, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips to help Americans decide where to direct donations to assist hurricane victims:

Be cautious when giving online.
Be cautious about online giving, especially in response to spam messages and emails that claim to link to a relief organization. If you want to give to a charity involved in relief efforts, go directly to the charity’s website. In response to Katrina, Rita and the Asian tsunamis, the FBI and others raised concerns about websites and new organizations that were created overnight, allegedly to help victims.

Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity.
Be cautious when relying on third-party recommendations such as bloggers or other websites, as they may not have fully researched the relief organizations they list. The public can go to www.bbb.org/charity to research charities and relief organizations and verify that they are accredited by the BBB and meet the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Be wary of claims that 100 percent of donations will assist relief victims.
Despite what an organization might claim, charities have fund raising and administrative costs. Even a credit card donation will involve, at a minimum, a processing fee. If a charity claims 100 percent of collected funds will be assisting hurricane victims, the truth is that the organization is still probably incurring fund raising and administrative expenses. It may use some of its other funds to pay these costs, but the expenses will still be incurred.

Find out if the charity has an on-the-ground presence in the impacted areas.
Unless the charity already has staff in the affected areas, it may be difficult to bring in new aid workers to provide assistance quickly. See if the charity’s Web site clearly describes what the charity can do to address immediate needs.

Find out if the charity is providing direct aid or raising money for other groups.
Some charities may be raising money to pass along to relief organizations. If so, you may want to consider “avoiding the middleman” and giving directly to those that have a presence in the region. Or, at a minimum, check out the ultimate recipients of these donations to see whether they are equipped to provide aid effectively.

Gifts of clothing, food or other in-kind donations.
In-kind drives for food and clothing, while well intentioned, may not necessarily be the quickest way to help those in need – unless the organization has the staff and infrastructure to distribute such aid properly. Ask the charity about its transportation and distribution plans. Be wary of those who are not experienced in disaster relief assistance.

BBB Offers Checklist to Help Avoid Home Contractor Fraud in the Event of Storm Damage

8/27/2012

Posted on 8/27/2012 by

Better Business Bureau (BBB) urges consumers to consider the following tips when hiring a contractor to help avoid home contractor scams.

Beware of door-to-door salesmen making unsolicited contacts.
Get straight answers to your questions.
Be wary if the contractor won't accept a check or wants the check made out to him instead of his company.
Deal with local businesses rather than those who come through town.
Don't be pushed into quick decisions.
Ask for references - not from his favorites, but from his last three customers.
Verify licences and insurance coverage directly with the agencies; don't take copies at face value.
Contact BBB to check on the company's reliability and complaint history.
Get everything in writing and read it carefully; never sign contracts with blank spaces.
Check funding sources rather than just accepting financing arrangements offered by the contractor.
Don't pay too much up-front (usually not more than 1/3) and never pay the entire balance until the job is completed satisfactorly.

BBB Mississippi cautions, spurious contractors will prey on the victims of storm related damages. They operate door-to-door offering home repair services. Since it is often easy for them to provide quick and easy on-the-spot services, homeowners often make decisions without checking out the company before agreeing to proposals.

Consumers are urged to check the reliability of businesses with BBB serving Mississippi online at ms.bbb.org or by calling 800-987-8280.

Now is time to prepare for Isaac

8/27/2012

Posted on 8/27/2012 by

As Tropical Storm Isaac continues its westerly track, your BBB serving Mississippi urges businesses and consumers to prepare now for its potential impact.

Your BBB offers the following tips to help businesses and individuals get ready for what will likely be Hurricane Isaac when it makes landfall.

Businesses:

· Identify staff essential for resumption of business and keep a list of their contact information in a location that can be accessed by all key employees.

· Devise an emergency communications plan that outlines how your business will communicate with employees, customers, vendors, the media and other audiences.

· Develop a business interruption plan with details on how to minimize loss of jobs and business activity. Visit www.ready.gov/business for sample plans.

· Keep duplicates of personnel, payroll, accounting and other essential records at an off-site location. Make backups of important computer files.

· Know how to contact local law enforcement, the Red Cross, FEMA and other disaster-relieve agencies.

Consumers:

· Visit www.ready.gov to find checklists and downloads to create a plan.

· If you plan to evacuate, plan out your destination and route in advance and know what items you will take with you. Visit www.ms.gov to find evacuation routes in your community.

· If you are evacuating, stock enough nonperishable food, water, prescription and non-prescription medications to last at least 5-7 days.

· Be prepared to use alternative cooking devices such as a charcoal grill or a camp stove. Only use these items outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

· Keep at least half a tank of gas in your automobile.

· Make sure you have your driver’s license, insurance cards, Social Security cards, passports and birth certificates stored in a secure yet easily accessible area in case you need to evacuate. Consider making copies in case originals are misplaced or destroyed.

· Have your checking account number readily available. Even if you rarely write checks, you can still authorize an important payment over the phone.

· Have enough cash to cover necessary purchases. ATMs and credit card machines will not work without electricity.

· Make a list of the local and toll-free numbers for your bank, credit card companies, mortgage lender, brokerage firms and insurance companies and have your account numbers handy. You may need to contact these providers to defer a payment, replace lost cards or open a new account.

· Make sure you have your safe deposit box key – you cannot get into your safe deposit box without your key, no matter what forms of identification you present.

· Listen to your local emergency management officials for updates on community preparedness, evacuation orders and other critical information.

BBB serving Mississippi Welcomes New Board Members

8/16/2012

Posted on 8/16/2012 by
BBB serving Mississippi is pleased to announce the appointment of 5 new Board of Directors members to serve a 3 year term expiring December 2014. The new board members are:

Johnny Baker, Baker Insurance Services - Columbus, MS

Don Glidewell, Think Anew, LLC - Madison, MS

Dr. William McHenry, Mississippi E-Center - Jackson, MS

Karen Preston-Morf, ERA Advantage Real Estate, LLC - Oxford, MS

Langston Rogers, Audibel Hearing Healthcare - Hattiesburg, MS

Serving as the supervisory body of BBB, the Board of Directors is comprised of executives from accredited businesses of BBB. New board members are nominated by the Board's Executive Committee and voted on by the Full Board of Directors and the Accredited Businesses of BBB.

"We are excited for the addition of these new members joining us to promote the BBB mission." states John O'Hara, President & CEO of the BBB serving Mississippi. "We look forward to the expertise and enthusiasm each of our new members brings to our organization.

About BBB:

BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Business Reviews, charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 116 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit bbb.org for more information about BBB.

Thank you to BBB Mississippi Elite Sponsors:

APAC
AT&T
BankPlus
BlueCross BlueShield Mississippi
Carl Hogan Toyota
The Citizens Bank
C Spire
Entergy Mississippi
Mississippi Braves
Mississippi Power
Sherwin Williams - North MS District

Another Memphis Company's Name Is Being Used in Mystery Shopping Scam

6/26/2012

Posted on 6/26/2012 by
June 22, 2012 - Memphis TN - The BBB recently warned consumers about a mystery shopping scam that was using the name of Axiom Research LLC in Memphis TN in an attempt to defraud the public. Another round of fake offers is using the name of Summerfield Associates, Inc., a professional recruiting and personnel services consulting firm located in Memphis.

Dotty Summerfield Giusti, president of Summerfield Associates, told the BBB they weren't hiring mystery shoppers and the checks being sent out in their name are fraudulent. "People from across the country are contacting us about checks they've received," Giusti told the BBB. "We are not hiring mystery shoppers and want to let the public know that the checks they are receiving are fake,"Giusti added. "They have our name and logo on them, but they aren't from us."

The solicitation follows the typical mystery shopping scam protocol. The recipients are instructed to deposit the checks, with draw the required amount to complete the secret shopping of a Western Union location and report on the service they received. At lest some of the recipients of the fake checks responded to an unsolicited email inviting them to participate in a business evaluation survey. Once they responded to the email, fraudulent check bearing Summerfield Associates' name was sent via mail.

"Scammers often use the name of a legitimate company to make their pitch seem more believable," said Randy Hutchinson, BBB president. "This is the second case we've seen recently in which the nature of the company's business makes the ploy even more believable. Summerfield Associates does recruit and place personnel, so it's not that much of a stretch to believe that they might be looking for mystery shoppers."

BBB Tips to Avoid Being the Victim of a Mystery Shopping Scam:

Be wary of any mystery shopping offer that:

Sends you an unsolicited check
Asks you to wire money back to the business or to an individual
Is postmarked from another country, especially Canada
Requires a fee

Be cautious of opportunities that offer large sums of money for simple tasks like cashing a check or wiring money. Mystery shopping will not make you rich: at best, it will provide part-time income.
Look for reputable mystery shopping firms that:

Qualify and train mystery shoppers to perform specific evaluations.
Enjoy a good reputation with their clients and shoppers.
Do not charge a fee to complete an application.

Avoid falling for claims that guarantee a position, without training.
Visit the Mystery Shopping Providers Association website at www.mysteryshopping.org/shoppers for a list of reputable mystery shopping companies and opportunities. Contact the companies, not the MSPA, directly for more information on how to become a shopper.
Check out any unsolicited offer with your BBB at 601-398-1700 or 800-987-8280.
Remember that if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If you believe you have been the victim of a mystery shopping scam, you are advised to:

Contact your local BBB at 601-398-1700 or 800-987-8280
Contact your state's Attorney General - in MS call 800-281-4418 or go to www.ago.state.ms.us
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov
If your offer came via email, file a complaint with the FBI at www.ic3.gov
If your offer came through the mail, contact the US Postal Inspector at https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/forms/MailFraudComplaint.aspx
If you sent money to Canada, contact the Canadian Fraud Centre at 888-495-8501 or 888-654-9426 or info@antifraudcentre.ca

Mitigate Mother's Day Madness

5/10/2012

Posted on 5/10/2012 by

Flowers, candy, gift baskets, jewelry and spa treatments may be at the top of the Mother’s Day shopping list, but be careful.

“Mother’s Day shoppers should be thinking about ‘when’ and ‘where’ to buy, especially with online orders and last-minute purchases,” says the BBB. “Whether it is days or months in advance - or even after the holiday - BBB can help buyers screen sellers.”

Locally, BBB serving Mississippi notes the following inquiries in the last 36 months:
   •   691 on “Florists - Retail”
   •   114 on “Candy & Confectionery - Retail”
   •   63 on “Gift Baskets & Parcels”
   •   1873 on “Jewelers - Retail”
   •   495 on “Day Spas”

Smart Start: Search retailers, shops and other services on bbb.org.
Online Orders: Review guarantees, shipping policies, delivery dates and charges on “rushed” orders. Provide pertinent contact information so companies can confirm shipping status.
Store Shopping: Inspect products thoroughly and maintain all purchase paperwork - including gift receipts.
Payment Protections: Collect customer service information, save receipts and pay by credit card when possible.

You Could Be A Victim If You Have A Security System Sign In Your Yard

5/2/2012

Posted on 5/2/2012 by

Do you have a security system sign in your yard? You may want to be aware of some company’s unethical selling practices. They go into neighborhoods and seek out homes where security system signs are displayed in their yards. The salespeople look very professional, wearing badges with the name of the company they are working for.

They begin by telling you they are in the process of choosing three or four homes in “your neighborhood” for their new wireless program. If you’re lucky enough to be chosen, all you have to do, outside of signing up for their services, is display their company sign in your yard. They emphasize that this new wireless program does much, much more than your current system (how do they know that?) and in July, unless you switch, your current security system will no longer work.

When a consumer makes it clear to the company that the answer will be no, the sales rep states “we haven’t chosen your home yet and you will have no security system when the new wireless system goes into effect in July.”

The reason I know this is because it happened to me. Of course I said no and called my security system company. They informed me that this was a ploy used by their competitors to get their current customers to switch. To me, it seemed like a threat of loss of service and could scare consumers who did not know better and would be afraid that come July, they would be unprotected if they did not switch.

I called our local police and told them what was going on. To protect our community, they came down to speak with these sales reps. I’m not sure of the outcome but I didn’t see them again.

So the moral is this – if you have anyone show up at your door, follow these tips:
1. Always think safety first. If you’re home alone and don’t recognize the person, don’t open the door. If they are a legitimate company, they will leave a brochure or business card.
2. Be aware that because you have a security sign or other type of sign in your yard, you could be a target for this type of unethical selling practices.
3. Always, always check with your own security company, or other company, first. You can even ask the sales representative to wait outside while you do. If they are telling the truth, why would they mind waiting?
4. Scare tactics may not work on everyone but they can on our senior citizens and others who have no one to turn to for advice. If you believe this type of business practice is happening in your neighborhood, please call the police and let them know. At least there will be a record on file.
5. Tell your Neighborhood Watch if there is one established. BBB can come out and speak to your group on this matter and other scams to advise you of the red flags to be aware of.
6. Finally, if there will be any changes to your service you will be contacted by your company. You won’t hear this information from someone who knocks at your door, and especially someone who tries to scare you. Try and remember the name of the company the person is representing and file a complaint with BBB. Trust and truth in the marketplace is all of our responsibility.

BBB Small Business Advice for National Financial Literacy Month

4/3/2012

Posted on 4/3/2012 by
Seventy-six percent of Americans are stressed about money, according to research by the American Psychological Association, and more than two-thirds of employers say that contributed to higher health costs, employee absences and lost productivity. The President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability recommends financial literacy education for employees to combat this growing trend.

Regardless of the kind of business you own or the financial benefits you provide, every employee should have access to financial literacy planning tips. By giving employees the tools they need to succeed in their personal finances, you are giving your business the gift of dependable employees who aren’t distracted by personal financial woes.

“Providing your employees with financial tools and counseling is the best way to ensure that your employees won’t need to miss time working due to unplanned financial stressors,” notes Katherine Hutt, spokesperson for the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “By educating employees on their employee benefits, the importance of financial stability, and what to do when life throws you a financial curve ball, your employees will be able to focus on their work at hand and remain stable, reliable workers.”

Employers do not need big budgets to provide financial literacy education. Check with your local BBB to see if they offer financial literacy programs or if one of the many BBB Accredited Businesses in your area can assist (banks, credit unions, financial planners and others in the sector often offer this kind of programming).

BBB also offers “Managing Credit – Made Simpler” for online learning. The Small Business version helps business owners manage credit and business debt, while the Consumer version offers three tracts depending on your financial situation. BBB has also partnered with FINRA Investor Education Foundation to provide assistance to consumers on investment issues and avoiding investment scams.

For more business tips you can trust or to check out businesses in your area, visit www.bbb.org.

New Work-at-Home Regulations Offer Consumers More Protections

3/1/2012

Posted on 3/1/2012 by

New work-at-home regulations offer consumers more protections

The FTC has enacted new regulations regarding work-at-home programs

Jackson, MS - Mar. 1, 2012 – Effective today, March 1, amendments to the Federal Trade Commission’s Business Opportunity Rule go into effect. The changes implement new disclosures that work-at-home businesses must provide to ensure consumers have the appropriate information they need when considering a work-at-home program.

For decades, Better Business Bureau has heard from consumers scammed out of money by work-at-home programs. Since January, BBB has given out more than 1,200 business reports to local consumers interested in these opportunities. And in the past 36 months, more than 10,000 complaints have been filed with BBB’s nationwide.

To help consumers make informed decisions about work-at-home programs, there are five key items work-at-home businesses must now disclose using the FTC approved disclosure form:

1. Its identifying information (i.e. the name, business address, and telephone number)

2. If earning claims are made, the basis for that claim

3. Whether the company, its affiliates or key personnel have been involved in certain legal actions

4. Whether the company has a cancellation or refund policy

5. A list of people who bought this business opportunity within the previous three years

While these new regulations will help consumers better understand these work-at-home programs, consumers still need to be vigilant and cautious. Here are common red flags to watch for that could indicate a work-at-home scam:

1. Non-compliance with the FTC’s new regulations. If a company is not willing to provide you all the information now required, walk away and report them to your BBB and the Federal Trade Commission.

2. Big bucks for simple tasks. Watch out if they promise to pay you a lot of money for jobs that don’t seem to require much effort or skill.

3. You are asked to invest money up-front. If someone asks you to make an advance payment – especially if it’s a big investment, or you don’t have much information about the deal – this is a red flag. Or, if they expect you to make a major purchase of equipment, software or inventory in order to get started, be careful. Often these are the most persuasive kinds of scams.

4. They ask you to wire money. If you wire a payment to somebody, it’s gone forever. Scam artists often ask you to wire payments because they know you won’t be able to get your money back.

5. High pressure to do it now. Don’t be in a hurry to accept an unsolicited offer of work, or to make a business investment, particularly if the other party is asking you to spend your money on the deal. Take your time.

If you feel you have been a victim of a work-at-home scam, file a complaint with your local BBB at www.bbb.org or with the FTC at www.ftc.gov.

To check the reliability of a company, visit bbb.org.

Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB is the preeminent resource to turn to for objective, unbiased information on businesses and charities.

Contact BBB serving Mississippi 800-987-8280 or 601-398-1700.

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Your BBB's Top Ten Inquires and Complaints 2011

2/7/2012

Posted on 2/7/2012 by
Check out the industries you inquired and complained about most in 2011.

Most Asked About Businesses

	Type of Business	Inquiries
1	Auto Dealers - Used Cars	4985
2	Roofing Contractors	2887
3	Charity - Local	2837
4	Internet Marketing Services	2781
5	Work at Home Companies	2431
6	Home Builders	2378
7	Collection Agencies	2062
8	Contractors - General	1936
9	Construction & Remodeling Srv	1831
10	Auto Dealers - New Cars	1811

Most Complained About Businesses

	Type of Business	Complaints
1	Auto Dealers - New Cars	145
2	Cellular Telephone Service	144
3	Auto Dealers - Used Cars	128
4	Collection Agencies	102
5	Auto Repair & Service	73
6	Hotels	65
7	Apartments	59
8	Restaurants	51
9	Furniture - Retail	51
10	Commercial Products Manufacturers	47

Scammers Pick Up the Phone in New Twist on BBB Phishing Scam

1/30/2012

Posted on 1/30/2012 by

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.

In the scam, callers offer help removing a virus from the recipient’s computer. They claim the computer was infected when the owner downloaded a virus from an email scam using the BBB name. Consumers reported scammers calling from 858-102-3252.

BBB is cautioning consumers not to give out any personal information to callers or to install or download any software they recommend.

Since late November, many consumers and business owners nationwide have received phishing emails appearing to be from a BBB.org email address. These emails inform the recipient of a non-existent BBB complaint against their business and encourage them to respond. In a newer take on the scam, emails urge the recipient to update their information with BBB by completing an online form. All emails either contain an attachment or a link to a third-party website, both of which download a virus on to the recipient’s computer.

Should you receive a suspicious email, don't click on any links. You can test the links by using your mouse to hover over them. The destination of the links will appear in a small pop-up box next to the link or at the bottom of the screen. See the screenshot below for an example. If the email is a scam, the website shown will not be a BBB.org URL.

BBB Warns of Do Not Call Phone Scam

1/30/2012

Posted on 1/30/2012 by

BBB warns of Do Not Call phone scam

Scammers pose as representatives from the National Do Not Call Registry

BBB 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. To add your number to the Registry you can call 888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register, or go click on ‘Register a Phone Number’ in the left column of this page.”

The National Do Not Call Registry gives consumers an opportunity to limit the telemarketing calls they receive. Once they register their phone number, telemarketers covered by the National Do Not Call Registry have up to 31 days from the date their telephone number is registered to stop calling.

BBB reminds consumers:

· Do not provide any personal information to unknown callers, including bank information, Social Security Number and contact information.

· If your number is already registered with the Do Not Call Registry, your registration does not expire. You can verify if and when your number was registered by going to DoNotCall.gov.

· The Federal Trade Commission does not allow private companies or other third parties to register consumers for the National Do Not Call Registry. Websites or phone solicitations that claim they can or will register a consumer’s name or phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry — especially those that charge a fee — are almost certainly a scam.

· FCC regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers. As automated dialers are standard in the industry, most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers on their cell phones without their consent. However, you can still register your cell phone number if you’d like.

· You can file a complaint with The National Do Not Call Registry if you are still receiving unwanted phone calls after your number is on the registry for 31 days. Record the date and time the calls were made so that you can include that information in your complaint.

· Report telephone scams to BBB, the FTC and the Mississippi State Attorney General. The Telemarketing Sales Rule gives the FTC and local law enforcement officers the power to prosecute fraudulent telemarketers who operate across state lines.

To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit bbb.org.

It's Back! Fake BBB Complaint Email Makes Rounds in 2012

1/18/2012

Posted on 1/18/2012 by

It’s back! An email scam using Better Business Bureau’s name and ‘Start With Trust’ tagline is flooding inboxes across the nation this morning. Emails purport to be from the Utah BBB and have a link that appears to be www.bbb.org. THIS IS A SCAM. Don’t be a victim; follow these basic tips to avoid malware and phishing attacks:

Do NOT open any attachments.
Do NOT click on any links, even if it looks legitimate.
Delete the email from your inbox, and then delete it again from your trash or recycling folder.
Run a full system scan using a reputable virus software scanner.
Forward scam emails to phishing@council.bbb.org.

Chris Garver, Chief Information Officer at the Council of Better Business Bureaus, recommends that all domain owners set up a sender policy framework (SPF) and set their spam filter to use it. “Using the SPF standard helps fight spam and phishing attacks by allowing your email servers to verify whether an email is legitimate…or not,” he says.

Microsoft offers a simple, four-step process for setting up an SPF: www.microsoft.com/mscorp/safety/content/technologies/senderid/wizard/

If you receive an email saying your business has a complaint filed against it with BBB, there are several things you can do to authenticate it:

Look for typos, grammatical errors, etc. in the text that could indicate it originated overseas.
Check to see who it says it is from. Complaints go out from the local BBBs, not from the headquarters office.
Hover your mouse over the link to see if its destination is really a bbb.org address.
Copy and paste the link into Notepad (not Word). Notepad does not support html, so if the link is a fake bbb.org address, the real link will show up.
If you still are not sure, go to www.bbb.org to find your local BBB, and send them a new email to ask if you have a complaint (do not Reply to the email you received, or forward it to them). You can call our BBB at 800-987-8280 as well to verify the legitimacy of a complaint.

Start With Trust and check with your local BBB if you receive something that seems fishy. Below is the exact text of this scam email:

Subject: BBB case # 216145442347

To the Urgent Attention of the Owner/ Manager!

Re: Case # 216145442347

The Better Business Bureau would like to inform you, that one of your clients has recently forwarded us a complaint relative to their business relations with you. Please use the link below to review the contents of the complaint: http://www.bbb.org/

In order to save your time and good customer relations, we strongly recommend that you provide the BBB with verification of your position regarding this case in writing by January 31, 2012 . Failure to promptly pay attention to this matter may have an influence on the Reliability Report we give to consumers about your company.

We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Larry Kaye

Dispute Counselor

snieves@utah.bbb.org

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Trademarks | Find a BBB | BBB Directory

I Saw Mommy Emailing Santa Claus

12/9/2011

Posted on 12/9/2011 by

Ol' St. Nick has gone digital and is now accepting letters and wish lists from children through websites and emails. Better Business Bureau reminds parents that while keeping the holiday magic alive is important, keeping children and their information safe is imperative.

With more than 60 domain names registered in the name of Santa Claus and more than 14,000 Google results for "Santa's email address," parents should be diligent in safeguarding their children's personal information. According to the Children's Advertising Review Unit (CARU), websites directed towards children must have easily accessible privacy policies that clearly outline how and where information will be used and if that information will be shared with third parties. Policies should also include full company names and complete contact information.

BBB gifts the following information to help identify legitimate Santa sites:

Ho-ho-hold onto personal information. Only provide information that is necessary for a response. Email or physical addresses may be required. Be wary when websites ask for additional information that seems unimportant to the letter submitting process.

Check their list - twice. Read privacy policies carefully to see how information will be used. Explain to children the dangers of giving out personal information online.

Don't accept "The North Pole." Choose sites that give specific contact information; skip those that give general contact details like "Santa Claus" at "The North Pole." Full business names, phone numbers and physical addresses should be easy to locate.

More information about children's online safety can be found in the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act and at the Children's Advertising Review Unit. Visit bbb.org for other holiday tips.

During the Season of Giving Cons are on the Take

11/30/2011

Posted on 11/30/2011 by
As scammers seek to exploit holiday generosity, Better Business Bureau urges consumers to protect well-intentioned donations.

According to the Nonprofit Research Collaborative's November 2010 Fundraising Survey, the majority of all charitable contributions are made in the last quarter of the year—October to December. Not surprisingly, scammers ramp up efforts during this time in hopes of snagging funds for themselves.

"Charities rely on giving season donations for the following year," stated Sherry Guderjohn, Charity Review Manager for BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. "When fraudulent charities or dishonest solicitors intercept donation dollars, it leaves legitimate organizations and those they serve in a difficult position."

BBB has compiled top tips to protect consumers and their donations:

Verify Validity: Don't let emotional appeals and high pressure tactics dictate donations. Visit ms.bbb.org
to research local BBB Charity Reviews. Utilize online search engines and databases like GuideStar.org. Ensure local charities are properly registered with the Mississippi Secretary of State's office.

Spotlight Spending: According to BBB's 20 Standards of Charity Accountability, publicly soliciting charities should spend at least 65 percent of total expenses on program activities. Be leery when solicitors declare that all proceeds go to the cause, but fail to substantiate claims. Seek out the Internal Revenue Service Form 990 from publicly soliciting charities; this form should be made available with appeals.

Protect Payments: Avoid giving cash and make checks payable to charities, not individual solicitors. Always request receipts or confirmation codes for donations.

Find more wise giving tips and BBB Charity Reviews at give.org.

BBB Offers Tips for Cyber Monday Shopping

11/28/2011

Posted on 11/28/2011 by

Every year, more people head online rather than to the mall to get their holiday shopping done. Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving, has officially replaced Black Friday as the most popular day to shop for the holidays. Shopping online means avoiding the crowds, but it also opens up the buyer to attacks from scammers and hackers.

The BBB recommends the following top 10 tips for shopping online this holiday season to help fight unscrupulous online retailers, scammers and hackers:

1. Protect your computer. Always have a secure firewall and the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software.

2. Shop on trustworthy websites. Start at bbb.org to check on the seller’s reputation and record for customer satisfaction. Look for the BBB logo and other widely-recognized third-party verification seals on retailer websites, but click through to make sure they are real (some rogue sites plagiarize seals to look legitimate). Remember, a glitzy website doesn’t always mean a legitimate business. Look on the contact information for a physical address and a phone number. It’s a good idea to call that phone number to see if you can actually get through to someone or if you just get redirected back to the website without reaching a real, live person.

3. Protect your personal information. Take the time to read the site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If there isn’t one posted, take that as a red flag that personal information may be sold to others without permission.

4. Beware of deals that sound too good to be true. Offers on websites and in unsolicited e-mails can often sound too good to be true, especially extremely low prices on this year’s hot gifts and other hard-to-find items. Unsolicited emails often direct you to look-alike sites that aren’t who they pretend to be.

5. Beware of phishing. Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with an order or an account to lure you into revealing financial information. If you receive such an e-mail, the BBB recommends picking up the phone and calling the contact number on the website where the purchase was made to see if there really is a problem with the transaction.

6. Confirm that your online purchase is secure. Make sure you are on a secure site by checking in the address box for the “s” in https:// and/or for the “lock” symbol before paying. Still not sure? Try right-clicking anywhere on the page and select “Properties” or “View Page Info”. This will let you see the real URL (website address) and the dialog box will reveal if the site is not encrypted.

7. Pay with a credit card. It’s best to use a credit card; under federal law, you can dispute the charges if you don’t receive the item. Your also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on your credit card. If you are going to shop on classified ad web sites like Craigslist, never wire money and only buy locally where you can see the item before you hand over your money.

8. Keep documentation of your order. Save the final confirmation page or confirmation e-mail. You should also save a copy of the web page and any e-mails for future reference and as a record of the purchase.

9. Check your credit card statements often. Don’t wait for paper statements; check for suspicious activity by looking at online statements regularly or calling your credit card companies.

10. Know your rights. Federal law requires that orders made online or by mail or phone be shipped by the date promised or, if no delivery time was stated, within 30 days. If the goods aren’t shipped on time, the shopper can cancel and demand a refund. There is no general three-day cancellation right, but you do have the right to reject merchandise if it’s defective or was misrepresented. Otherwise, it’s the company’s policies that determine if you can cancel the purchase and receive a refund or credit.

For more advice on staying safe online this holiday season, and to see reports on thousands of online retailers, go to www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-holiday/.

BBB Is NOT Sending This Email

11/23/2011

Posted on 11/23/2011 by

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - Better Business Bureau is warning businesses to beware of a new malicious e-mail that pretends to be from BBB about a complaint filed against the company. The e-mail first came to BBB’s attention on November 21, 2011.

The BBB has been flooded by calls from local businesses and many across the US have reported receiving a suspicious e-mail from the address alert@bbb.org or services@bbb.org with the subject line “BBB Complaint Case #” followed by a nine-digit number. Both BBB Accredited and non-accredited businesses have been targeted.

The body of the e-mail claims that the company did not respond to a complaint filed by a consumer and includes a link to a page at www.bbb.org where the business can supposedly review the complaint.

BBB is NOT sending this Email!

If you are receiving this email, do nothing! This is a scam.

Because the message is fraudulent, BBB advises any business that receives this e-mail to take the following steps:

Do not click on any links or reply to the message,
Forward the message to phishing@council.bbb.org,
Completely delete the message from your inbox, and
Run a full virus scan on your computer if you did click on any links.

If you receive an e-mail from Better Business Bureau about a complaint filed against your business and need assistance in determining whether or not it is legitimate, contact your local BBB directly at ms.bbb.org or 800-987-8294.

For more advice on how to protect your business from malicious online attacks and data breaches visit www.bbb.org/data-security/

A copy of the actual e-mail follows:

From: alert@bbb.org [mailto:alert@bbb.org]
Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 6:26 AM
To: Betty Graham
Subject: Complaint # 22101311
Importance: High

The Better Business Bureau has received the above-referenced complaint from one of your customers regarding their dealings with you.
The details of the consumer's concern are included on the reverse.
Please review this matter and advise us of your position.
As a neutral third party, the Better Business Bureau can help to resolve the matter. Often complaints are a result of misunderstandings a company wants to know about and correct.
We encourage you to use our ONLINE COMPLAINT system to respond this complaint.

The following URL (website address) below will take you directly to this complaint and you will be able to enter your response directly on our website:

http://www.bbb.org

BBB is NOT Sending this Email!

11/23/2011

Posted on 11/23/2011 by

Ridgeland, MS – November 23, 2011 – Businesses across the country have been receiving a spam e-mail purporting to be from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) regarding a complaint and referencing a complaint ID#. These e-mails are spam with virus potential. If you receive this e-mail, do not click on any links, open attachments or reply to the e-mail. Instead delete the e-mail completely from your computer. If you have clicked on links, opened attachments or replied to the e-mail, delete the e-mail and run a virus scan.

Your BBB does not send e-mails of this nature to businesses or consumers. BBB lawyers are working to track down what is happening and will take appropriate action to protect its trademark.

Here is a version of this spam e-mail:

From: alert@bbb.org [mailto:alert@bbb.org]
Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 6:26 AM
To: Betty Graham
Subject: Complaint # 22101311
Importance: High

The following URL (website address) below will take you directly to this complaint and you will be able to enter your response directly on our website:

http://www.bbb.org

###

The Better Business Bureau Serving Mississippi is a non-profit organization with the purpose of assisting in the protection of consumers and businesses from fraud and unethical business practices in the local marketplace. In addition to its recognized dispute resolution services, BBB maintains reliability reports on the customer service history of more than 80,000 local businesses and provides consumer education materials on numerous topics. BBB provides its services free to the public.

Don’t be Left in the Dark on Black Friday, be Prepared

11/21/2011

Posted on 11/21/2011 by

Don’t be left in the dark on Black Friday, be prepared

BBB has tips to avoid a stressful Black Friday weekend

Ridgeland, MS - Nov. 21, 2011 – The weekend following Thanksgiving, commonly known as Black Friday weekend, is one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. According to a survey conducted by National Retail Federation, 212 million shoppers visited stores and websites over Black Friday weekend last year.

Every year Better Business Bureau receives hundreds of complaints from consumers who allege a variety of issues with retailers on Black Friday. Some of the more common complaints BBB receives involve misleading advertisements, low availability of items or consumers failing to receive items after ordering in-store.

BBB offers consumers the following tips to help save time, stress and money on this busy shopping weekend:

· Start planning now. Many retail stores are already promoting Black Friday deals in ads and on their websites. Take time to print out or clip ads for items you are interested in buying to help outline your shopping day in advance.

· Create a realistic budget. Know whom you are buying gifts for and how much you are willing to spend. As you buy gifts, keep track of the cost and avoid impulse purchases to prevent over-spending.

· Watch out for tricky advertising. Read the fine print on all advertised sales to make sure you are truly saving money, and bring the ad with you. Watch for discrepancies in advertised prices and the prices on the shelf. Verify the real price before checking out.

· Read the fine print on gift cards. These can be found on the back of the card and will let you know the terms and conditions for using the card. There could be limitations to in-store purchases or exclusions on certain items.

· Ask about return policies. While many stores offer a 30-day return policy, it is important to read the terms and conditions associated with each purchase. And remember that the refund policy usually applies to the day you purchase the item not when you give the item as a gift. Be sure to request gift receipts for all gifts.

· Pay with a credit card. Credit cards carry more protections than a debit card if a purchase comes into question. Make sure to keep all receipts for return and/or dispute purposes.

· Think twice about store credit cards. Many retailers will offer discounts for signing up for their credit card, but these can sometimes carry high interest rates or annual fees. If you do not plan on shopping at a particular store very often or think you may forget to pay the balance, the credit card may not be financially beneficial for you.

To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit bbb.org.

About Better Business Bureau:
BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior.

Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB is the preeminent resource to turn to for objective, unbiased information on businesses and charities.

Contact BBB serving Mississippi at 800-987-8280 or 601-707-0960.###

Are You a Good Customer?

11/4/2011

Posted on 11/4/2011 by
If there’s any doubt in your mind that the holidays are upon us, all you need do is go to your favorite retail department store and see how all of the Thanksgiving merchandise has been relegated to a dark corner with a plethora of holiday decorations in their place.

All of this brings to mind one of my favorite pastimes: shopping. For me. Apparently I’m not alone in this, as the National Retail Federation said nearly six in 10 holiday shoppers (or 59.9 percent) say they will take advantage of retailers’ sales and discounts to make non-gift purchases for themselves or their families in addition to spending an average of $704.18 on actual gifts, which is down slightly from 2010, according to the NRF.

This year, shopping for the holidays will not just be about location – online vs. brick and mortar – but about how to get the best bang for your buck. And dare I say, it will also be about customer service.

Good customer service, however, is not just the responsibility of the business, be it retail or service. It helps when a customer knows how to be a good customer. This means taking the time to learn about the product or service prior to handing over your credit card and using a good amount of patience when crowds and lines go out the door. The last thing both parties want is an unhappy transaction that ends up in dispute resolution.

What does it take to be a good customer?

Do your homework and ask questions. Check out consumer recalls before purchasing toys and gifts for children. Know what the warranty covers, learn the store’s return policy (they vary from store to store), make sure you will be able to pay off a cartful of merchandise you put on layaway, and check out online reviews. If you’re looking for a business to remodel your kitchen or to fix that leaky drain before company arrives, ask for suggestions from friends and family, check them out with your BBB and call their references.

Practice patience. Holidays and resulting crowds can put the most even-tempered soul on edge. Rather than lambast a store employee because a product is not in stock or because the checkout line is a mile long, remember what your mother taught you about always being polite (“please,” “thank you” and “have a nice day” are words that can never be said too much. Remember, cashiers don’t always know the answers and might refer you to customer service.

Be courteous. Those long checkout lines often arise because customers are not prepared to present items for check out or have their credit card or check ready when it’s time to make payment. Do not get mad if the store will not honor competitor’s coupons; not all do. Also, standing at the cash register is not the time to start a long discourse about holiday travel or to suddenly realize you have neither wallet or checkbook. Nor is it the time to carry on a conversation on your cellphone – not when your cashier needs to ask if you prefer paper or plastic, if you want your receipt with you, in the bag or emailed, and to wish you a good day.

Last Resort. If you do have a complaint about a product or service, try first to resolve it through traditional channels of customer service, store manager or business owner. If that doesn’t work, you can file a complaint with your Better Business Bureau at ms.bbb.org.

Air Duct Cleaning

10/20/2011

Posted on 10/20/2011 by
Local ads offering a low price on air duct cleaning can seem like a great deal with minimal risk. While most companies are on the straight and narrow, Better Business Bureau warns consumers to beware of air duct cleaning businesses that employ bait and switch tactics or try to scare the homeowner into thinking they have a serious health-threatening mold problem.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a careless or inadequately trained service provider can damage your ducts or heating and cooling system, possibly increasing your heating and air conditioning costs or forcing you to undertake difficult and costly repairs or replacements. Complaints to BBB also show that putting your trust in the wrong company can mean spending thousands of dollars on unnecessary mold remediation services.

Most of us aren't experts when it comes to maintaining the mechanical components of our house and we have to rely on the opinion of the technician. Unfortunately, some companies can take advantage of that trust by misleading customers and even lying about having a serious mold problem.

When looking for a professional to clean out air ducts, BBB recommends that consumers:

Look for the Fine Print. Ads and contracts may contain fine print which the business might think will absolve them from honoring their advertised price. Always ask plenty of questions and get to the bottom line of what it's going to cost you, before you sign on the dotted line.

Get a Second Opinion. If the duct cleaner discovers that you have a mold problem, get a second opinion. Mold remediation can cost thousands of dollars so you'll want expert advice on how to take care of it.

File a Complaint with BBB. If you believe you've been misled by a business, file a complaint with your BBB online at www.bbb.org/us/file-complaint. Even if BBB isn't able to resolve the issue for you, the complaint can serve as a warning to other consumers about the business.

Consumers, Businesses Can Take Steps To Foil Copper Theft

9/8/2011

Posted on 9/8/2011 by

Copper theft is a serious problem for homeowners and businesses, but there are things people can do to reduce their vulnerability to thieves, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises.

Authorities have sought to fight the trend through a 2008 Mississippi law requiring scrap dealers to register, to keep a record of all transactions, to hold the materials for three days and then send a check to the seller instead of cash.

This summer, air conditioning units have been a popular target because of the amount of copper they may contain. Copper gutters, downspouts and water pipes often are stolen, too.

“Soaring commodity prices have made stealing and selling scrap profitable,” said Bill Moak, President/CEO of the BBB Serving Mississippi. "There are some things consumers and businesses can do to make their property less attractive to criminals.”

The BBB offers the following tips to avoid being victimized:

Secure items if possible. Keep items thieves could pilfer inside. For larger targets, like air conditioning units, keep the area fenced in and lock any gates.

Make it difficult for thieves. Move dumpsters and ladders away from buildings to make it harder for thieves to reach rooftop refrigeration units. Clear brush around ground-level air conditioning equipment so others can spot people attempting to work around the unit or destroying it.

Invest in security. Add continuous or motion-sensing outdoor lighting around air conditioning units. Businesses should try to have someone on site at night or install video cameras to watch for thieves.

Start a neighborhood watch. Get to know your neighbors and ask them to help keep watch. Never assume the person working on the neighbor’s air conditioner or gutters is a repairman. Check with the neighbors, then call the police.

Mark materials. If materials are stolen, the best chance of identifying them is to make them stand out from other similar material that might come to a recycler legitimately. Marking items with bright paint, and etching an identification number at various places can make the items more difficult to sell.

Scammers Using BBB Name

8/24/2011

Posted on 8/24/2011 by
Scammers desperate for cash have begun resorting to invoking names of familiar organizations and agencies when soliciting potential victims over the telephone, with the latest variation being use of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) name. The BBB warns consumers not to fall for ploys which claim to be endorsed or authorized by the BBB. Consumers reported that they recieved calls stating the "BBB was giving away money and a car in a sweepstakes". BBB notes that such tactics are often employed by scammers looking to gain the trust of consumers, and thereby break their reluctance to believe that they have actually won. Of course, at no time will the BBB notify anyone that they have won any sort of contest, so don’t believe these claims. You should end the call as quickly as possible, before the scammers can get more information from you. In recent weeks, the BBB has received hundreds of calls from Mississippi consumers who have received calls, emails and mailings, claiming that they have won big payouts. Such scams include “secret shopper” schemes, lotteries, such as the “Spanish Lottery”, “U.K. Lottery” and various other types of bogus promotions. Often, mailed solicitations come with a check or money order, with instructions to deposit the money, and then send money to various addresses. Some consumers have sent money as requested, only to find out later that the original check is forged, and they have lost whatever money they paid. Please remember that, if you have really won a lottery, sweepstakes or other promotion, you will not have to pay anything. Don’t believe the claims.

Be Wary of Ill-Intentioned Invention Promoters

8/5/2011

Posted on 8/5/2011 by
Every year, thousands of promising inventors attempt to patent and market their ideas to the public. Developing an invention can be challenging, costly and competitive; as a result, many inventors turn to invention promoters, but Better Business Bureau warns that not all firms have the right intentions.

Some companies offer to conduct research or market evaluations on invention ideas. Others promise to help with patenting, licensing or marketing. Beware if companies:

Insist on substantial upfront fees.
Won't disclose other clients' success and rejection rates.
Guarantee profits and refuse to provide written documentation of promises.

Realistically, few patented inventions are successful and most reputable firms:

Are highly selective.
Rely on royalties from successful clients' inventions.
Will not promote ideas if there are patent infringement risks.

During National Inventors Month, the BBB serving Mississippi recommends steps to help protect inventors' investments:

· Document everything. Fill out a Record of Invention to help experts determine whether patent protection will be sought. This legal form briefly describes the invention, date of conception, its advantages and features.

· Understand how patents work. Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database for competing patents and trademarks.

· Consider the costs. It takes time and money to develop inventions. Calculate possible fees and expenses.

· Investigate prospective "Product Development and Marketing" companies and "Patent Agents." Check for records with BBB.

· Consult experts. Search for patent attorneys and agents through the USPTO.

· Know the laws. The American Inventors Protection Act of 1999 requires invention promoters to reveal details on their success rates within the previous five years. Compare how many inventions have been evaluated to the number produced.

· Before discussing ideas, request a copy of the company's confidentiality agreement and review it carefully before signing.

The Federal Trade Commission covers more tips on avoiding fraudulent invention promotion firms and their sweet-sounding promises. File complaints with the USPTO.

Is Retirement in Your Future?

8/1/2011

Posted on 8/1/2011 by
Having an alternate plan for retirement is becoming the norm today. With the changes in retirement rules and the fact that employees are cutting back on what they contribute to an employee’s retirement, consumers now realize they must take more personal responsibility for their retirement finances. In this economy, how do you go about making sure you will have the finances needed for a secure retirement?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), fewer than half of all Americans have calculated how much they will need to save for retirement. While it’s important to plan, it’s also important to set realistic, achievable goals. Know your options and ask questions. Set aside time to talk with your employer about retirement plans. Your employer may offer benefits like 401(k) plans which allow for an immediate tax deduction growth on your savings.

“While earlier generations of retirees relied on employer provided pensions, today’s workers will need to rely on their own work-related and personal savings for retirement,” said Bill Moak, President of the BBB Serving Mississippi. “That’s why it’s extremely important to have an alternate plan and save as much as possible.”

BBB and USDOL recommend that consumers consider the following to ensure a more financially comfortable retirement:

A penny earned is a penny saved. Start saving now and continue to stick to your savings goal, it’s never too late to start saving. Make a budget and use it! Saving can be fun if you think big and realize how much it will pay off when the times comes to retire.

Be realistic about your retirement needs. According to the USDOL, experts estimate that you will need about 70 percent of your preretirement income – lower earners, 90 percent or more – to maintain your standard of living when you stop working. The average retiree is in retirement for 20 years of their life. Plan ahead and familiarize yourself with how much you will need after factoring in Social Security and other sources of retirement income.

Take advantage of your employer’s retirement savings plans. While more and more companies are becoming less generous with retirement benefits, some still allow you to contribute to a 401(k) plan. If it’s offered, participate. There may even be a chance that your employer matches a percentage of your contribution. If your employer doesn’t offer a plan, consider investing in a traditional IRA or Roth IRA. You can put up to $5,000 a year into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA); you can also contribute even more if you are 50 or older.

Don’t stir the pot. Avoid touching your retirement savings if at all possible. If you withdraw your retirement savings now, you’ll lose principal and interest and you may lose tax benefits or have to pay withdrawal penalties. If you change jobs, leave your savings invested in your current retirement plan, or roll them over to an IRA or your new employer’s plan.

For more financial tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org/us/bbb-news.

Are You on the Do-Not-Call List?

7/22/2011

Posted on 7/22/2011 by
Ridgeland, Miss., July 13, 2011 – Every day, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Mississippi receives dozens of calls from consumers who have been contacted by telemarketers or scam artists. Although the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry began in 2004, many consumers have not taken advantage of this free and valuable service.

“While the DNC registry is not by itself a solution to stopping unwanted calls, it certainly has helped curb the number of calls received by consumers,” said Bill Moak, President of the BBB Serving Mississippi. “We urge every consumer to register all their telephone numbers, including landlines and cell phone numbers.”

Many callers to the BBB report confusion about the DNC registry, which is administered by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and holds a reported 157 million numbers. For example, there are exceptions for charities, political campaigns, surveys, businesses with you have an existing relationship, business-to-business calls, and calls from companies to whom you have given your permission to call.

Numbers will remain on the registry unless assigned to another customer, and will not expire. To register, call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register, or visit www.donotcall.gov.

If your phone has been registered for at least 31 days and you get a call from a telemarketer, file a complaint with the FTC at the same number and website as above. You will need to provide the date of the call and the phone number or name of the company which called you. Companies which violate the law have in the past been slapped with heavy fines and penalties.

Online Rental Scams Target Renters and Landlords

7/21/2011

Posted on 7/21/2011 by

Online Rental Scams Target Renters and Landlords

BBB cautions consumers when using online websites to find a rental home

AUSTIN, Texas - July 20, 2011 – Within seconds of searching the Internet, potential home renters can find all the information they need about a possible new home, such as pictures, prices and virtual tours. However, such tools give scammers the perfect opportunity to take advantage of consumers. Better Business Bureau warns renters to be on the lookout for phony ads on Craigslist and other Internet services aimed at stealing money.

Consumers typically fall victim to these scams after responding to an online classified for a rental property. Victims say they are asked by the supposed landlord to wire money for the deposit and first month’s rent in order to receive the keys to the rental home. When asked if the renters can view the property prior to wiring money, the landlords claim to be out of the country and unable to show the house.

As a result of this scam, many shocked homeowners have received knocks at their doors from people who were planning to move into their new rental home. Often, the actual homeowners have their house up for sale — not rent — and have pictures posted online that the scammers steal for their phony listings.

BBB warns consumers of the following red flags:

·The deal sounds too good to be true. Scammers will often list a rental for a very low price to lure victims. Find out how comparable listings are priced. If the rental comes in suspiciously low, consider walking away.

· The landlord is located elsewhere and prefers to communicate via email. Scammers might say they have just been relocated out of the country for a job or missionary work. If the landlord is truly overseas, there is also no way to get a copy of a lease or keys.

· The landlord requires a substantial deposit before handing over the keys or even showing the property. Don’t pay any money before inspecting the home, inside and out. Most reputable Realtors will allow potential home renters to view and see the property before taking any money.

· The landlord asks the renter to wire money through services such as Western Union or Money Gram. Money sent via wire transfer service is extremely difficult to retrieve. Once the scammers have picked it up, there is little recourse, if any, for getting any money back.

To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit BBB.org.

BBB, US DOT Collaborate to Fight Distracted Driving

6/13/2011

Posted on 6/13/2011 by
Ridgeland, Miss., June 9, 2011 - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced on Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) will collaborate to educate consumers and businesses about the dangers of distracted driving.

The USDOT and BBB are calling on businesses across the country to adopt distracted driving policies as part of their employee culture. A strong distracted driving policy helps companies save lives, reduce time lost from work due to accidents and injuries, reduce insurance premiums, and save money.

"Drivers are four times more likely to be in a crash if they are
distracted while behind the wheel,” said Commissioner Albert Santa Cruz of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. “The Mississippi Highway Patrol encourages all drivers, no matter their age, to put their cell phones down and avoid all behaviors that will keep their full attention from focusing on driving."

“Distracted driving destroys lives and property every day, and seems to increasing as a threat to public safety,” said Bill Moak, President of the BBB Serving Mississippi. “With the business community involved, we believe we can begin to address this growing concern.”

BBB websites will feature a link to a free tool kit that provides employers with suggested distracted driving policies to help keep their employees safe. The kit, created by the USDOT and the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS), contains materials such as a sample company policy, a sample memo to employees on that policy, and a sample company press release.

In addition, the BBB website (http://ms.bbb.org/business/distracted-driving) will feature videos from USDOT’s “Faces of Distracted Driving” video series. The videos include heartbreaking stories from family members who have lost loved ones due to distracted driving accidents. A link to www.distraction.gov, a complete resource on everything having to do with distracted driving, will also be provided.

In 2009, nearly 5,500 people in the U.S. were killed and almost a half-million were injured in accidents related to distracted driving. Eighteen percent of those fatal accidents involved the use of a cell phone.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s campaign against distracted driving is a multi-modal effort that includes automobiles, trains, planes, and commercial vehicles.

“Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on America’s roads,” Secretary LaHood said. “We know that educating people about the risk of distracted driving works, and we are pleased to be working with BBB to raise awareness and help businesses and consumers fight this problem.”

On September 30, 2009, President Obama signed an Executive Order directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles; when using electronic equipment supplied by the government while driving; or while driving privately owned vehicles when they’re on official government business. The order also encourages federal contractors and others doing business with the government to adopt and enforce their own policies banning texting while driving on the job.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) banned commercial truck and bus drivers from texting while driving in September 2010, and proposed a ban on the use of cell phones by commercial drivers in December 2010. In September 2010, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) proposed a ban on the use of electronic devices by drivers operating a motor vehicle containing hazardous materials, in conjunction with the proposed FMCSA ban.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) banned rail employees from using cell phones or other electronic devices on the job following a September 2008 Metrolink crash in Chatsworth, California that killed 25 people.

After a Northwest flight crew distracted by a laptop overshot their destination by 150 miles, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advised air carriers to create and enforce policies that limit distractions in the cockpit and keep pilots focused on transporting passengers safely.

BBB and AMSA Offer Advice on Avoiding Moving Scams this Summer

5/26/2011

Posted on 5/26/2011 by
Ridgeland, Miss., May 26, 2011 – Following a few simple rules when selecting a mover will go a long way toward protecting yourself from being victimized by scams this summer, according to Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA). Chief among them: make sure you know who you’re hiring and know your rights.

May is National Moving Month, the start of the busiest time of the year for changing residences. More than 37 million Americans—or about 13 percent—move to a different home every year, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau statistics.

Every year, however, both BBB and AMSA receive complaints from consumers who have fallen prey to dishonest and often unlicensed moving companies. BBB received more than 8,900 complaints against movers in 2010—a five percent increase over the previous year—primarily about damaged or lost goods and final prices in excess of original estimates. In a too-frequent worst-case scenario, the moving company holds the customer's belongings “hostage” and requires potentially thousands of dollars to unload the van.

One particularly-egregious complaint last year involved a consumer who hired a moving company found on Craigslist. A-1-A Jay's Way Moving quoted a reasonable price of $80 per hour. It wasn’t until they arrived at the new apartment that A-1-A Jay’s Way Moving upped the price to $800 – practically doubling the quoted price. Demanding the payment in cash, A-1-A Jay’s Way Moving refused to unload the belongings and threatened that the furniture would be taken to storage, leaving the consumer no choice but to pay the drastic difference in price.

BBB discovered that the company did not have its required licensing as a household mover with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A-1-A Jay’s Way Moving did not respond to the complaint.

"Because anyone with a truck and a website can claim to be a mover, our industry is plagued by con artists who don’t adhere to standards for honesty and ethical conduct," said AMSA President and CEO Linda Bauer Darr. "When it comes to such an important decision, you can prevent a lot of headaches by checking on a company in advance to identify which put customer service and integrity first. For interstate moves, that means an AMSA-certified ProMover."

"Last year alone, consumers relied on BBB more than one million times for finding a trustworthy mover," said Bill Moak, President/CEO of the BBB Serving Mississippi. "When making the final choice, go with a BBB Accredited Businesses or, at the very least, choose a business that has a good rating with BBB."

BBB and AMSA offer the following checklist for finding a trustworthy moving company:

Research the company thoroughly. While state regulations vary, all interstate movers must, at minimum, be licensed by the federal government and are assigned a motor carrier number you can verify on FMCSA’s website, www.protectyourmove.gov. Also check the company's rating with your BBB, which maintains more than 17,000 Business Reviews on movers across North America. Having at least a satisfactory BBB rating is one of seven screenings AMSA relies on when authorizing its interstate mover members to display the ProMover logo, the sign of a quality, professional mover which has pledged to abide by the organization's Code of Ethics.

Get at least three written in-home estimates. No legitimate mover will offer to give you a firm price online or over the phone. Also keep in mind that the lowest estimate can sometimes be an unrealistic low-ball offer which can cost you more in the end.

Know your rights. Research your rights as a consumer with either FMCSA for interstate moves or the state in which you reside for moves within that state. Also, enlist the help of BBB or local law enforcement if the moving company fails to live up to its promises or threatens to hold your belongings hostage. FMCSA requires interstate movers to offer arbitration to help settle disputed claims.

Consider getting full value protection. It may cost a few dollars more up front, but it can provide some peace of mind and eliminate a headache after your move. Investing in full (replacement) value protection means any lost or damaged articles will be repaired or replaced, or a cash settlement will be made to repair the item or to replace it at its current market value, regardless of age. It’s important to note that the required minimum coverage of 60 cents per pound would not cover the replacement cost, for example, of a flat panel TV if damaged in transit.

More tips and information on how to choose a mover and plan your move are available at AMSA's consumer website; and the U.S. Department of Transportation's site. To research a mover or find your nearest Better Business Bureau, visit ms.bbb.org.

About BBB
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews^® and BBB Wise Giving Reports^® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visit www.bbb.org/us for more information.

About AMSA
The American Moving & Storage Association, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., is the trade association representing the nation’s moving and storage companies, which provide household goods moving services, specialized transportation for sensitive freight such as computers and trade show exhibits, and warehouse storage services. The association has 3,200 members, including more than 200 international members, and sponsors programs and activities that promote consumer protection, professional development, safety, and operational efficiency.

Media Contact:
John Bisney, Director of Public Relations
(703) 706-4986 jbisney@moving.org

Osama bin Laden scammers wasting no time

5/4/2011

Posted on 5/4/2011 by
Ridgeland, Miss., May 4, 2011 - In the aftermath of the death of Osama bin Laden this past weekend, the Better Business Bureau serving Mississippi is warning consumers to watch out for a slew of cyber-scams that have popped up in the past few days.

According to Kaspersky Labs, an Internet security firm, malicious Web sites and links have been proliferating on Google Images search, Facebook, and other social media sites. A fake Facebook video purporting to show the death of bin Laden prompts users to input a malicious URL into their browsers, which will infect their computer with a virus. Kaspersky also reports that other Facebook scams lure victims to malicious Facebook Pages with promises of free airplane tickets, and other “free” offers to “celebrate Osama’s death.”

Consumers should also be wary of links to Osama-related Web sites that they find on Twitter, or any link with a web address leading to an unfamiliar webpage. Often these links will lead consumers to Web sites with viruses, or forms that encourage consumers to enter personal information, which can be used to steal their identity, or for phishing scams.

In one recent attempt noticed by the BBB, scammers used a variant of the old “Nigerian Letter Scam”. The recipient of the email (supposedly sent by a U.S. general!!) is requested to help hide cash supposedly found near the house where bin Laden was taken down by U.S. forces. “This might appear as an illegal thing to do but i tell you what,” pleads the ersatz general. “No compensation can make up for the risks we have taken with our lives in this hellhole.”

“However poorly conceived these attempts may be, they are able to use email to solicit thousands of potential victims at once,” Moak said. “And even if they lure a few victims, that’s more than enough to pay for the solicitation. Therefore, consumers should view any of these links with suspicion.”

Here are a few additional tips:

Be mindful about clicking on links that purport to show information that’s not widely available from respected news sources. In the case of Bin Laden, no photos or videos related to his death have been released. Be extremely skeptical of links that say otherwise.
Be wary of free offers “celebrating” any sort of occasion, especially if the offer comes from a company or Web site you haven’t heard of before. Often times all it takes for a scammer to infect your computer with a virus is clicking on one bad link.
If you’re unsure if an offer or a Web site is legitimate, the best action is to ignore the solicitation, and make sure your computer is adequately protected from viruses and spyware.

What You Should Know about the Epsilon Security Breach

4/6/2011

Posted on 4/6/2011 by
A security breach of historic proportions recently resulted in the theft of millions of e-mail addresses and other personal information, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Mississippi is warning consumers to be on the lookout for the aftershocks.

Over the weekend, marketing giant Epsilon notified its high-profile customers that it was the victim of a data breach, affecting millions of consumers who shop at stores like Walgreens and Kroger.

“So far, BBB personnel have received email messages from Kroger, Walgreens, Marriott, Chase and others warning that their personal information could be compromised,” said BBB President Bill Moak. “So far, it appears that only names and email addresses were compromised by the hack, and that those were the only types of information accessed by the thieves.”

However, Moak warns that it’s likely that information obtained during the breach could be used in phishing attacks designed to scare customers into divulging personal and financial information.
If your bank, credit card lender, or favorite retailer is an Epsilon customer, you need to keep an eye on your email and a tight grip on your personal information. The same goes for parents and students signed-up with The College Board for prep tests and help with their college search.

So far, no one has released an exact number of how many consumers are at risk. On its Web site, Epsilon states, “We are the world’s largest permission-based email marketing provider, sending over 40 billion emails annually.” In a press release, Reuters claimed this “…could be one of the biggest such breaches in U.S. history…”

BBB Tips to Avoid Phishing

Beware of any email asking for personal, financial or account information. Legitimate companies you rely on for your online shopping, financial needs and college tests will not request this information – they already have it.
Do not open any attachments. Attachments may contain malicious code that will infect your computer.
Do not click on any links. If you want to communicate with the business use your favorite search engine to find their Web site and/or contact information. Do not trust the information provided in the email.
Never provide your User ID or password in an e-mail.
Watch for strange emails from family/friends. Hackers sometimes use stolen information to pose as someone in your address book.
Make sure your computer’s spyware, spam filter and virus protection are up to date.

Shred Days Rescheduled; Bring Your Documents to be Shredded Free

2/10/2011

Posted on 2/10/2011 by
The BBB Serving Mississippi and its partners have announced the fifth annual Community Shred Day Events on March 11-12, 2011 in Jackson, Hattiesburg, Tupelo and D'Iberville. The events have been rescheduled from an earlier date, due to the recent ice storm.

The purpose of the event is to promote consumer protection and awareness of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in the country and the state. You are invited to bring up to 5 bags of your sensitive documents to be shredded for free. (No business documents or household garbage, please).

Events will be held at the following locations:

Jackson: Home Depot, I-55 North. Friday, March 11, 7:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Hattiesburg: Home Depot, Highway 98 West. Friday, March 11, 7:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Tupelo: Wal-Mart Supercenter, North Gloster Street. Friday, March 11, 7:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
D'Iberville: Wal-Mart Supercenter. Saturday, March 12, 7:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

The BBB's partners in the Shred Day events include Attorney General Jim Hood, CredAbility (formerly The Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Jackson), Secretary of State Delbelt Hosemann, BancorpSouth and Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Sponsors include Shred-It, The Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola, the Leadership Council on Aging, Mississippi Department of Human Services Division of Aging and Adult Services, and other Mississippi Consumer Education Partnership members.

Online Tutoring Company Targets Students

1/26/2011

Posted on 1/26/2011 by

Online Tutoring Company Targets Students

Students Say Online Company, TutorNext, is Not Delivering Grade A Service

San Antonio, TX - January 24, 2011 –
Students working hard to get ahead or preparing for year-end tests like the TAKS or SATs are turning to online sources for help. However, BBB warns students to be wary of TutorNext, an online company which earned an F rating from BBB for failure to respond to a pattern of recent complaints.

Complaints to BBB allege poor quality of tutoring services and difficulty connecting to a tutor despite the claim of “24/7 service.” One student stated they waited four hours for a tutor to become available. Other students say TutorNext automatically renews monthly memberships resulting in unauthorized charges of up to $200 on their credit cards. Students further allege that TutorNext does not honor requests for cancellations or refunds. BBB reports the company has failed to respond to all 6 of their complaints filed in the past seven months. Click here for TutorNext’s current BBB Business Review.

The company claims to offer one-on-one supplemental education services for K-12 and college students at www.tutornext.com. The website invites students to ask questions about math, English or science and states, “Connect to a Tutor for Free!” When asked about the free tutoring services, the company replies that the services are no longer free and require a subscription.

TutorNext does not provide a mailing address on their website and encourages students to contact them via email or by a toll-free phone number. In addition, the company's terms of service, available on their website, make reference to the “jurisdiction for any court action (being) in the State of Karnataka,” a state in South West India. A BBB investigation also found that the company’s website is registered in Canada. Consumers are warned the company may not be operating from a United States-based location.

When looking for an online tutoring company, BBB recommends the following:

· Start With Trust - Consumers can visit bbb.org to check on a company’s reputation and record for customer satisfaction. You can look for the BBB Seal and click to confirm that it is valid.

· Read the Fine Print – Make sure to understand a company’s full refund policy and how to contact them with any issues.

· Confirm Your Online Purchase is Secure – Consumers should always look in the address box for the “s” in https and in the lower-right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying. If there are any doubts about a website, BBB recommends right-clicking anywhere on the page and selecting “Properties.” This will let you see the real URL (website address) and the dialog box will reveal if the website is encrypted.

· Pay with a Credit Card – Under federal law, consumers have dispute rights for unauthorized charges. In addition, many card issuers have “zero liability” policies under which the card holder pays nothing if someone steals their credit card number and uses it.

To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit BBB.

BBB Mississippi Publishes Charities Guide

12/23/2010

Posted on 12/23/2010 by
Charities Guide

Check Privacy Policy on "Dear Santa" Websites

12/17/2010

Posted on 12/17/2010 by

New York, NY – More than 60 domain names have been registered in the name of Santa Claus, offering children a wide range of opportunities to e-mail St. Nick. But before allowing children to share personal information with a “Letter to Santa” website, the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) recommends that adults carefully review the site to determine who is seeking the information, how it will be used and whether it will be shared with third parties.

“Even Santa is required to comply with CARU’s Online Privacy Protection guidelines and the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act,” said Wayne J. Keeley, CARU’s director.

All Websites directed to children – or Websites designed with a special children’s section – should have a privacy policy that explains the site’s information collection practices. The privacy policy should include the name of the company and the company’s complete contact information.

It should also state whether the company shares information with third parties, including advertisers, and whether the company publically discloses the information or retains the information for any future purpose.

CARU offered the following ‘Dear Santa’ site review tips:

Websites directed to children should not ask a child to disclose more information than is reasonably necessary to participate in the activity – a first name and email address, for instance.

Limit the personal information children share with Santa and omit physical addresses – Santa already knows where all the children live.

Check Websites for unwelcome content. Some sites are geared toward adults and may contain language or advertising adults may not want children to see.

Since hyperlinks can allow children to move seamlessly from one site to another, investigate the hyperlinks to assure children don’t access inappropriate content.

For more information on Website safety and children, please visit CARU at www.CARU.org or contact Linda Bean at 12-705-0129.

Top Ten Cyber Monday Tips for Staying Safe When Shopping Online

11/29/2010

Posted on 11/29/2010 by
Cyber Monday—the Monday after Thanksgiving—has officially replaced Black Friday—the day after Thanksgiving—as the most popular day to shop for the holidays. Shopping online means avoiding the crowds, but it also opens the buyer up to attacks from scammers and hackers. In order to fight these online grinches, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends 10 tips for staying safe when holiday shopping online.

Every year, more people head online—rather than to the mall—to get their holiday shopping done. Last year, 96.5 million Americans shopped online during Cyber Monday while 79 million Americans shopped at brick-and-mortar retailers on Black Friday, according to the National Retail Federation.

“Every year after the holidays too many people contact us about a bad online transaction only to learn they should have checked with us before clicking the submit button!" says Bill Moak, President of the BBB Serving Mississippi. " A quick search at bbb.org could have shown them the bad history many potential online merchants. The convenience and ease of shopping online has replaced the hassle of going to the store for many people—but online shopping has its own set of risks.”

Following are the “Top 10 Online Shopping Tips” for holiday shoppers to help fight unscrupulous online retailers, scammers and hackers:

1. Protect your computer – A computer should always have the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a secure firewall.

2. Shop on trustworthy websites – Shoppers should start with BBB to check on the seller’s reputation and record for customer satisfaction. Always look for the BBB seal and other widely-recognized “trustmarks” on retailer websites and click on the seals to confirm that they are valid.

3. Protect your personal information – BBB recommends taking the time to read the site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If there isn’t one posted, it should be taken as a red flag that personal information may be sold to others without permission.

4. Beware of deals that sound too good to be true – Offers on websites and in unsolicited e-mails can often sound too good to be true, especially extremely low prices on hard-to-get items. Consumers should always go with their instincts and not be afraid to pass up a “deal” that might cost them dearly in the end.

5. Beware of phishing – Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with an order or an account to lure the “buyer” into revealing financial information. If a consumer receives such an e-mail, BBB recommends picking up the phone and calling the contact number on the website where the purchase was made to confirm that there really is a problem with the transaction.

6. Confirm your online purchase is secure – Shoppers should always look in the address box for the “s” in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying. If there are any doubts about a site, BBB recommends right-clicking anywhere on the page and select “Properties.” This will let you see the real URL (website address) and the dialog box will reveal if the site is not encrypted.

7. Pay with a credit card – It’s best to use a credit card, because under federal law, the shopper can dispute the charges if he or she doesn’t receive the item. Shoppers also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on their credit card, and many card issuers have “zero liability” policies under which the card holder pays nothing if someone steals the credit card number and uses it. Never wire money and only shop locally on sites like Craigslist.

8. Keep documentation of your order - After completing the online order process, there may be a final confirmation page or the shopper might receive confirmation by e-mail – BBB recommends saving a copy of the Web page and any e-mails for future reference and as a record of the purchase.

9. Check your credit card statements often – Don’t wait for paper statements; BBB recommends consumers check their credit card statements for suspicious activity by either calling credit card companies or by checking statements online regularly.

10. Know your rights – Federal law requires that orders made by mail, phone or online be shipped by the date promised or, if no delivery time was stated, within 30 days. If the goods aren’t shipped on time, the shopper can cancel and demand a refund. There is no general three-day cancellation right, but consumers do have the right to reject merchandise if it’s defective or was misrepresented. Otherwise, it’s the company’s policies that determine if the shopper can cancel the purchase and receive a refund or credit.

For more advice on staying safe online this holiday season, and to see reports on thousands of online retailers, go to www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-holiday/.

BBB's Top 10 Tips For Safe Online Shopping

11/23/2010

Posted on 11/23/2010 by

Protect your computer: Install a firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Check for and install the latest updates.
Shop trustworthy websites: Look for the BBB seal and other widely-recognized “trustmarks” on retail websites. Click on the seals to confirm they’re valid.
Protect personal information: Read a site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If no policy is posted, that’s a red flag that they may sell your information without your permission.
Beware of too-good-to-be-true deals: Offers on websites and in unsolicited e-mails may offer extremely low prices on hard-to-get items. There may be hidden costs – or your purchase may sign you up for a monthly charge. Look for and read the fine print.
Beware of phishing: Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with an order or account to lure the buyer into revealing financial information. If you receive such an e-mail, the BBB recommends picking up the phone and calling the contact number on the website where the purchase was made to confirm any problem with the transaction.
Confirm that your online purchase is secure: Look at the website address or URL in the box at the top of your browser screen. There should be an “s” after “http” or a lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. If you have doubts about security, right-click anywhere on the page, and select “Properties” to see the real URL. The dialog box should say whether the site is encrypted.
Pay with a credit card: Under federal law, you can dispute the charges if you don’t receive the item. Shoppers also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on the card, and many card issuers have “zero liability” policies if someone steals your card number and uses it. Never wire money.
Keep documentation of your order: Save a copy of the confirmation page or e-mails confirming the order until you receive the item and are satisfied.
Check your credit card statements often: The BBB recommends that you check your account regularly for suspicious activity by going online or calling your credit card company. Make sure statements match up with purchases you know you made.
Know your rights: Federal law requires that orders made by phone, mail or online be shipped by the date promised, or within 30 days if no delivery time was stated. If goods aren’t shipped on time, shoppers can cancel and demand a refund. Consumers also may reject merchandise if it is defective or if it was misrepresented.

‘Tis the season for holiday scams

11/16/2010

Posted on 11/16/2010 by
The holidays are a happy time for food, family, and friendship, but they are also a time for fraud. Consumers can fall into any number of traps over the holidays and become victim to identity thieves, hackers and deceptive merchants online. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning holiday shoppers and donors to look out for five common scams this season.

“While the rest of us are pulling the decorations out of the attic, scammers are blowing the dust off of their tried and true holiday scams,” said Bill Moak, President of the BBB Serving Mississippi. “As you enjoy the holidays, don’t make their Christmas bright by falling for scammers’ tricks.”

The BBB recommends being on the lookout for the following scams this holiday season:

Scam shopping sites online
We’re all looking for a great deal online, but some sites offer electronics or luxury goods at prices that are too good to be true. Every holiday season BBB hears from holiday shoppers who paid for a supposedly great deal online, but received nothing in return.

BBB advice: Always look for the BBB seal when shopping online and click on the seal to confirm it is legitimate. When shopping on sites that you aren’t household names, check the business out with the BBB before you buy.

Finding the season’s hottest toys and gadgets online
Every year, holiday shoppers fight over the “must have” toy or gadget of the season. When the item is sold out in stores, you can often find it online through sites like Craigslist or eBay—for a much steeper price. The problem is that some sellers will take your money and run.

BBB Advice: Shop locally on Craigslist and conduct the transaction in person — never wire money as payment. When purchasing items on auctions like eBay, research the seller extensively and always listen to your doubts if the deal doesn’t sound legit.

Identity theft at the mall
While you’re struggling at the mall with bags of presents, identity thieves see an opportunity to steal your wallet and debit or credit card numbers.

BBB Advice: Don’t let yourself get bogged down in purchases and lose track of your wallet. Know where your credit and debit cards are at all times and cover the keypad when entering your pin number while purchasing items or getting money from the ATM.

Bogus charitable appeals
The holidays are a time of giving which creates a great opportunity for scammers to solicit donations to line their own pockets. Also beware of solicitations from charities that don’t necessarily deliver on their promises or are ill-equipped to carry through on their plans.

BBB Advice: Always research a charity with the BBB Wise Giving Alliance before you give to see if the charity meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Phishing e-mails – Phishing e-mails are a common way for hackers to get at your personal information or break into your computer. Common phishing e-mails around the holidays include e-cards and messages pretending to be from companies like UPS or Fedex with links to package tracking information.

BBB Advice: Don’t click on any links or open any attachments to e-mails until you have confirmed that they are not malicious. E-mail addresses that don’t match up, typos and grammatical mistakes are common red flags of a malicious phishing e-mail. Also beware of unsolicited e-mails from companies with which you have no association. Make sure you have current antivirus software and that all security patches have been installed on the computer.

For more advice on being a savvy consumer this holiday season, visit us online at www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-holiday/

Better Business Bureau Tips for using Craigslist

9/22/2010

Posted on 9/22/2010 by

Better Business Bureau Tips for using Craigslist: Consumers urged to be cautious

September 22, 2010 – Ridgeland, MS - In the wake of another tragic death involving a transaction initiated through Craigslist, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is advising the public to practice caution when using the online service and others like it.

According to recent news accounts, 33-year-old Youa Lor of St. Paul, Minn. was killed after placing to a Craigslist ad to sell his car. 19-year-old Dao Xiong responded to the ad, and allegedly killed Lor, then stole his car, removed several parts from the vehicle, and ditched the car.

"Craigslist provides some great opportunities for buyers and sellers to find each other, but it can also put you at great risk, as you don't know with whom you are dealing," said Bill Moak, President of the BBB Serving Mississippi.

Recently, Mississippi consumers have reported bogus ads for rental homes and merchandise on Craigslist, prompting the BBB to warn consumers about doing business on the popular E-commerce site. In addition, a number of murders have been reported around the nation which used Craigslist to find victims, or resulted from contacts gained through Craigslist and similar sites.

Here are some basic tips from the BBB in regard to using sites like Craigslist:

Try to deal with local buyers and sellers.
Never wire funds.
Use caution when using an escrow service – make sure it’s reputable by checking them out at www.bbb.org.
Never give out your Social Security or personal financial information.
Don’t apply for jobs that require a payment.
Apartment or home rentals should be thoroughly checked out and inspected in person before money is put down.
Consider the risks involved with selling a high value item yourself and weigh that against any extra profit you might make. Is it worth it?

The following are red flags, signs you could be dealing with someone using Craigslist to defraud people:

The buyer or seller is from another country.
The buyer or seller will not meet with you and will only communicate via e-mail.
The buyer overpays and asks you to wire the extra funds back to him/her.

The riskiest part of buying or selling something through Craigslist (or other online e-commerce sites) is the meeting to complete the transaction. Here are some tips to ensure your transaction goes safely and smoothly:

Set up meetings during daytime hours and in a public place (coffee shop, restaurant).
Consider bringing a friend or family member with you if you have safety concerns.
If you’re the seller, consider using an escrow service.
If you’re buying an item, don’t pay with cash if the item is more than one hundred dollars; pay with a cashier’s check and let the seller know in advance you’re paying with a cashier’s check.
If the seller insists you come to their home or apartment, tell them you will only meet at a neutral public site.
Trust your instincts. If you don’t like the direction things are taking, walk away.

As in most all other parts of life, most of the people you deal with when buying or selling household goods on sites like Craigslist are honest. However, there are those who see these sites as an opportunity to commit crimes. The BBB advises everyone who uses websites like these to make sure they’re doing everything they can to protect themselves.

(The BBB Serving Mississippi acknowledges the work of its sister BBB, the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota, in preparing this article.)

Watch Out for New Credit Card Rules

8/18/2010

Posted on 8/18/2010 by

More changes to the rules for credit card companies are on the way, effective August 22nd. These changes will affect penalty fees and rate increases on your credit card account.

The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009 mandated a lot of changes to the credit card industry. Some of those changes went into effect on February 22nd, 2010. They included: 45 days notice for interest rate changes; ability to opt out of changes and pay off your balance over 5 years; restrictions on getting a credit card under age 21; and no more double billing cycles. Now another set of changes is going into effect on August 22nd. According to the Federal Reserve Board, here’s what these new credit card rules include:

Reasonable late-payment penalty fees. In the past you paid the same expensive late fee whether your minimum required payment was small or large. The new rule says that your credit card company can’t charge you more than $25 for a late payment unless you’ve been late on one of your last six previous payments, in which case it can up the fee to $35. Also, it can’t charge you a late payment fee that’s more than the minimum payment you owe. So if your minimum payment is only $10 this month, then $10 is all the company can charge you as a late fee.
No inactivity fees. No more being charged a fee for not using your card enough.
One-fee limit. You can’t be charged more than one penalty fee for the same transaction.
Explanation of rate increase. If your credit card company increases the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) it charges you, it has to tell you why.
Re-evaluation of rate increases. If your credit card company does increase your APR, it has to re-evaluate that rate increase every six months. If it decides to lower your rate based on that evaluation, it has to do it within 45 days after completing the evaluation.

To learn more about the new credit card rules visit the Federal Reserve Board’s website.

A word to the wise: if you always pay your credit card on time you won’t have to worry about penalty fees and your credit score will thank you.

BBB Takes Mystery Out Of Buying Auto Insurance

8/10/2010

Posted on 8/10/2010 by
Fender benders and other vehicle mishaps result in billions of dollars in property damage, medical and legal bills as well as lost income for motorists every year. The right insurance policy can protect consumers from serious financial losses – and keep them in compliance with laws in states that require motorists to carry insurance.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to make sure they understand the coverage they’re buying so they avoid buying coverage they don’t need – or fail to purchase coverage that will protect them in case of a serious accident. Consumer complaints about coverage often concern delays in handling claims or misunderstandings about billing, so it pays to read policies carefully and check to see if others have filed complaints with the BBB.

"Most people are a little intimidated by the myriad terms and conditions involved in auto insurance, but if you do your homework, you can save money and get the best coverage," said Bill Moak, President of the BBB Serving Mississippi.

The basic types of coverage include:

Bodily Injury Liability. Pays your legal defense costs and claims against you if your car injures or kills someone. Covers family members living with you and others driving with your permission.
Property Damage Liability. Pays your legal defense costs and claims against you if your car damages another's property. Does not cover your property, including your auto.
Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection. Pays medical expenses resulting from an accident for you and others riding in your car. Also pays for you or your family members injured while riding in another's car or while walking.
Collision. Pays for repairs of damage to your car caused by a collision with another vehicle or any other object, regardless of who was responsible.
Comprehensive Physical Damage. Pays for damages to your car resulting from theft, fire, hail, vandalism, or a variety of other causes.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist. Pays for costs related to injuries or property damage to you or your family members and guests in your car caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver.

Consumers can save money on their policies by comparison shopping and by buying insurance that matches the type of vehicle they own, their driving habits and their financial situation. Some ways to save include:

Ask for Higher Deductibles. Deductibles represent the amount of money you pay before your insurance company fulfills a claim. By requesting higher deductibles on collision and comprehensive (fire and theft) coverage, you can lower your insurance costs substantially.
Drop Comprehensive and/or Collision Coverage on Old Cars. It may not be cost effective to have collision or comprehensive coverage on cars worth less than $1,000 because any claim you make would not substantially exceed annual cost and deductible amounts.
Buy a "Low Profile, Low Maintenance" Car. Cars that are expensive to repair, or that are favorite targets for thieves, have much higher insurance costs.
Low Mileage Discounts. Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive fewer than a predetermined number of miles a year.
Automatic Seat Belt and/or Airbag Discounts. Some coverages provide discounts if you have automatic seat belts and/or airbags.
Anti-Lock Brakes. Anti-lock brakes improve steering control and stability when a car is brought to a stop, thus reducing accidents. Some states require insurers to give discounts for cars equipped with anti-lock brakes while some insurers have a nationwide discount in place.

Ask the insurance company about other discounts you or your family may qualify for, such as discounts for good students, accident-free drivers, driver training courses or having more than one car insured with the company.

Before you buy, check with the BBB for a Reliability Report on a company by going to www.bbb.org or by calling 800-987-8280.

(Thanks to the St. Louis BBB for the content of this article.)

More than 2,800 Miss. Charities at Risk of Losing Tax-Exempt Status

7/26/2010

Posted on 7/26/2010 by
According to the IRS, 2,824 Mississippi charities named in a special list must file returns by Oct. 15, or they will automatically lose their status as tax-exempt organizations, a development which could cripple future fundraising efforts and entail possible tax liability.

The list includes organizations which have not filed returns for the past three years. Most are small, community-based organizations, including many service clubs, foundations, and faith-based ministries.

“This is potentially the biggest threat to the existence of small charities that has ever occurred,” said Bill Moak, President of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Mississippi. The BBB maintains standards for charitable accountability, and evaluates charities against those standards. “It’s important that charities file their returns to avoid loss of their tax exemption.”

The IRS has issued a “One-Time Filing Relief” which gives charities an extended time to file returns to avoid loss of tax-exempt status. After Oct. 15, the IRS will automatically revoke tax-exempt status for the organization, and will publish a list of those organizations in early 2011. Donors who give to those organizations will be protected until the list is published, meaning that they may still deduct contributions made before publication of the list.

To list of at-risk organizations may be viewed at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/ms.pdf. The IRS has information about this issue on its website at http://bit.ly/aTnjdr.

"Bumping" Registered Guests to Accommodate Oil Cleanup Workers: Letter to the Editor

7/16/2010

Posted on 7/16/2010 by
This letter was recently submitted to the Sun-Herald newspaper in Gulfport/Biloxi, MS, regarding the practice of "bumping" registered guests to accommodate oil cleanup workers.

Recently, we have heard reports that some Gulf Coast resorts are “bumping” registered guests in order to accommodate requests from BP and other companies working on the oil spill cleanup operations. The BBB has received several complaints and inquiries so far about this practice, some from families which had registered months in advance.

While this may not be an illegal practice, we consider it to be questionable from both an economic and ethical point of view. Of course, finding places for cleanup workers to stay is crucial to restoring the coastal areas from this unprecedented disaster.

However, coastal areas are finding their economies challenged as never before, and we need to build goodwill with customers over the long term. We urge coastal businesses to consider the long-term harm they may be causing when they “bump” paying customers to accommodate short-term workers. At the very least, these visitors should be given adequate notice of cancellation, and assisted with finding suitable accommodations.

In our view, if we want visitors to keep coming – the coast’s economic survival depends on it -- we need to make sure they feel they can trust us to keep up our end of the deal when they want to come visit our beautiful coast.

- Bill Moak, President/CEO
Better Business Bureau of Mississippi

Investment Seminar Red Flags

7/6/2010

Posted on 7/6/2010 by
Falling victim to a fraudulent investment scheme can mean losing anywhere from a few hundred dollars to your life savings. While most people might not see the harm in sitting through an investment seminar, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends researching the investment company first, rather than run the risk of falling for a financial siren song over a free lunch.

Investment scams and schemes can come in many forms and a common technique to lure people in is the offer of a free financial seminar over lunch. In one recent example, the Securities and Exchange Commission shut down a Ponzi scheme which stole $20 million from retirees in California and Illinois. The scammers invited senior citizens to estate planning seminars and later coaxed their victims into buying promissory notes for purported Turkish investments.

“This may seem like an easy way to get a good meal, but you run the risk of being drawn in by slick promoters who promise big returns only to find out that you’ve lost your money,” said Bill Moak, President of the BBB Serving Mississippi.

When listening to an investment pitch, BBB recommends looking for the following red flags:

•   Requires a large up-front investment. Untrustworthy schemers might try to convince investors to pay a lot of money upfront so they can get out of town with a large haul, rather than wait for the funds to trickle in.

•   Promises high returns for low risk. Every investment comes with a level of risk. Typically the amount of risk increases in line with the potential return on the investment. If the seminar is trying to sell an investment scheme that claims a high return with little or no risk, beware, even if it comes with the promise of a money-back guarantee.

•   Employs high pressure sales tactics. Seminar leaders often use high pressure sales tactics to get people to sign up without thinking it through. They might claim that there are only a few spots left or that you need to get in on the ground floor today to see the largest earnings. Any reputable investment company will let you take your time and do your research and will not pressure you into signing a check.

•   Relies on off-shore investments. Many hucksters try to give their scheme an air of sophistication by relying on overseas investments such as foreign currency, property, stocks and bonds. They also might claim—incorrectly—that you can avoid taxes by investing overseas.

•   Sounds too good to be true. At the end of the day, if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always listen to your instincts because the potential payoff is rarely worth the risk.

For more advice from your BBB on financial planning and investing, visit http://www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-finance/.

Gulf Oil Spill Recovery: Tips for Donors and Volunteers

6/22/2010

Posted on 6/22/2010 by

Arlington VA - June 10, 2010 - In the wake of any disaster, many reach for their checkbooks and donate money to aid and rescue organizations. The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance cautions, however, that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is unlike previous disasters and offers specific advice to potential donors and volunteers.

“Although tens of thousands of individuals are already involved in the response to the oil spill, many others wonder how they can pitch in and help, whether it means writing a check or volunteering their time,” said Art Taylor, President and CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. “Businesses, communities and wildlife across several states have been seriously impacted by the spill and the need for assistance is great. However, the constraints in the clean up effort limit what charities can do with your money or how you can volunteer.”

“Mississippians are always ready to help those in need, but we know that scam artists prey on donors after heart-wrenching disasters like the oil spill,” said Bill Moak, President of the BBB Serving Mississippi. “Please be cautious when considering any requests for money or volunteers.”

BBB Wise Giving Alliance recommends that donors and volunteers consider the following:

Beware of well-intentioned but inexperienced organizations – New non-profits and relief organizations spring up following any major disaster. While these groups might have the best of intentions, new charities responding to a crisis may lack the resources, experience and management needed to be effective. Ideally, look for established organizations with environmental expertise or experience aiding Gulf communities.

Understand where your money is going - Find out how the organization plans to spend funds for Gulf relief, ecosystem recovery and related activities. Among the activities that charities are promoting, in addition to shoreline rescue and protection, are needs assessment, litigation, economic relief, advocacy for new governmental energy policies and research into long-term solutions to minimize effects of future disasters. Ask whether the organization offers to restrict your donation for use in its Gulf-related activities or intends to use it for general support for all of its programs.

Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity - Be cautious when relying on third-party recommendations posted on blogs or web sites, as the authors might not have fully researched the organizations they list. The public can go to www.bbb.org/charity to research charities to verify that they are accredited by the BBB and meet the BBB’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Find out if the charity is doing Gulf-related work or raising funds for other Gulf relief organizations - If a charity is raising money for other groups, you may want to consider “avoiding the middleman” and giving directly to those performing the work. Research ultimate recipients of the “middleman’s” donations to ensure that theseorganizations are equipped to do the job you want to support and are aware of the individual or organization soliciting on its behalf.

Volunteering for Gulf clean-up may require special skills or training - Learn what qualifications are necessary before setting off for the site. If you’re looking to get your hands dirty, you’re out of luck unless you’re certified to handle hazardous materials or have received training to care for injured wildlife. In fact, Gulf residents are being told not to handle any tar balls that wash up on the beach or animals that might be affected by the spill. Other volunteer opportunities may include shoreline monitoring, fund raising, office work, help in food programs for families in need and providing transportation. Numerous charities with volunteer programs ask that you register with them so that they can assess your skills and place you appropriately when openings arise.

There will be many opportunities to give, so keep checking – The Gulf region will be suffering from the effects of the oil spill for years to come and, as the situation unfolds, there will be more opportunities for donors to step in and help in the future. If you can’t find a cause you can get behind right now, plan to revisit the possibility of making a donation or volunteering in the months to come.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance has compiled a list of nationally soliciting charities which meet BBB standards that are asking for donations and volunteers for the Gulf effort. More information and charity evaluations are available at www.bbb.org/charity.

Overdraft Opt-In Deadlines Approaching

6/8/2010

Posted on 6/8/2010 by
This summer, a host of new rules kick in regarding the way banks charge overdraft fees to their customers. As two critical deadlines approach, many consumers are receiving letters from their banks asking them to either “opt-in” or “opt-out” of overdraft protection services (and the accompanying fees) when they overdraw their accounts.

The new regulations are the result of comprehensive banking reform measures, and are primarily aimed at curbing overdraft fees. Banks are now required to let their customers decide whether they want their bank to “cover” ATM and one-time debit card transactions when there is not enough money in the account. Such service can help you avoid the potential problems caused by bouncing a check, but can also be costly as many banks charge fees of $30 or more for each transaction.

The new rules require banks to obtain explicit permission from their customers to provide this service. Over the past several weeks, consumers have been sent questionnaires from their banks, asking their preference on whether they want the bank to either cover their overdrafts (and incurring the bank’s stated fees), or waive the service and possibly have the transactions bounce. (If a consumer “opts out”, the bank may cover the transaction anyway, but may no longer charge for it.) The deadline for banks to implement the opt-in process for new customers is July 1, and Aug. 15 for existing customers.

“It is important for consumers to weigh their options, because a lot of consumers could be positively or negatively affected by their decisions,” said Bill Moak, President of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Mississippi.

For example, Moak says, a customer who meticulously keeps his or her checkbook and never overdraws would probably not need the service. Same goes for customers who have some other way to cover overdrafts, such as a linked bank account or line of credit. “But customers who regularly run into problems balancing their checkbook, or those who live on a tight margin, should consider whether they would benefit from the service.”

It is important to note that the new rules only apply to “one-time” debit card and ATM transactions, and do not apply to checks, ACH (Automated Clearing House) transactions, such as scheduled payments using the bank’s bill-payer service, or recurring debit card transactions.

A key factor in the decision, Moak explains, is whether you want to deal with the bank or with the person or business which is the subject of the bounced transaction. Fees vary, and many businesses charge up the maximum allowed by law. Others may allow you a second chance if you contact them to plead your case. If you have opted out, and try to use your debit card at a store or ATM, it will likely be declined.

Customers should also know that banks are allowed to charge you as many times per day as their stated policy allows, potentially costing much more than you paid for the product or service. “That dollar pack of chewing gum could end up costing you $35 or more,” Moak noted.

Whatever your choice, banks will automatically consider you to have “opted out” if you do not return the form with your choice by the deadline.

Here are a few suggestions for avoiding overdrafts:
•   Track your balances daily. Many banks have websites that allow you to see what is going through the account, minute-by-minute.
•   Consider signing up for “low-balance” alerts. These services can let you know about a potential problem.
•   Keep a “cushion” of cash in your account, for times when you need it, or when you make a mistake.
•   Link your account to a savings account or line of credit.

The BBB urges consumers to contact their banks for more information about their choice. For more on the new law, the American Bankers Association has produced an informative fact sheet on its website at http://bit.ly/9qkVAZ.

Consumers Warned About Apparent Advance-Fee Loan Scam

5/20/2010

Posted on 5/20/2010 by
Ridgeland, Miss., May 19, 2010 - Consumers from across the nation have been calling the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Mississippi about an apparent advance-fee loan scam which is using the address of a downtown Jackson, Miss. building, but investigations have determined that the address is false.

A company called Boardwalk Capital Funding has been soliciting loans over the Internet, allegedly from an office located at 200 South Lamar Street in Jackson. Investigative efforts have determined that mail cannot be delivered since there is no such company at that address. Furthermore, Parkway Properties, which owns the building, has confirmed that no such company is a tenant in the building.

A number of cash-strapped consumers have applied for loans with Boardwalk Capital Funding, and report wiring funds, then being hit up again when alleged “problems” come up with the loan applications. As of Wednesday, three consumers from Florida, Arizona and Ohio had filed complaints with the BBB. Several other consumers have contacted the BBB seeking information about the company, and reporting similar concerns.

Consumers report paying funds up-front to start the paperwork for loans, but have found that after wiring thousands of dollars (often to Madrid, Spain), that no loan is forthcoming. Typically, consumers have paid funds up-front as “collateral”, and then are called back requesting additional payments because of credit issues, or in some cases, problems with “foreign investors”. Consumers report losing as much as $5,500.00

Detective Martin Cohan, a cybercrimes investigator with the Peabody, Mass. police department, began investigating the company recently after being contacted by a consumer. He noted that the company’s website, www.boardwalkcf.com, was registered to a California company, but ultimately leads to an address in the Netherlands. Cohan believes the scammers are operating from Canada.
“Consumers should know that advance fee loans are illegal, and as soon as you wire funds, you have lost the money,” said Bill Moak, President of the BBB Serving Mississippi. “If you are having financial issues, or need credit, please seek the help of a qualified nonprofit financial counseling service, or contact a local bank to see if they can help you obtain a legitimate loan.”

If you have been victimized, the BBB advises consumers to report it immediately to the local police, or to state or federal authorities.

For more information on advance-fee loan scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at http://bit.ly/bXwCrl.

Texas AG Charges Taxmasters with Deceptive Practices

5/17/2010

Posted on 5/17/2010 by
Texas Attorney General Gregg Abbott has announced he has filed an enforcement action against Taxmasters, a Houston, Texas based firm that advertises heavily in national media that it can help consumers alleviate their existing obligations to the Internal Revenue Service.

On Thursday, May 13, Abbott charged the company with violations of Texas’ deceptive practices laws, including charges that, although the company promises to start working immediately for the consumer, it actually waits until the consumer makes full payment up-front (ranging from $1,500 to $9,000), with the resulting delays possibly resulting in even more IRS late penalties and fees.

“Although “tax relief” firms make big promises to help people relieve their tax obligations if they have fallen behind on their taxes, consumers should realize that they are taking a big risk if they rely on a third party to help cut their tax bills,” said Bill Moak, President of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Mississippi. “We urge consumers to be very careful when considering any offers to help ease your tax burdens.”

The BBB serving Greater Houston and South Texas reports that the company, which currently has an “F” rating, has been the subject of 684 complaints in the past 36 months. Seven of those have come from Mississippi consumers. 230 complaints have been unresolved.

In a news release on his website, Abbott accused the company of a number of deceptive practices. “…the defendants unlawfully misled customers about their service contract terms, failed to disclose its no-refunds policy, and falsely claimed that the firm’s employees would immediately begin work on a case – despite the fact that TaxMasters did not actually start to work on a case until its customers paid in full for services, even if that delayed response meant taxpayers missed significant IRS deadlines,” the statement read in part.

Furthermore, Abbott noted, the company appeared to be taking advantage of consumers during an economic downturn, and its no-refund policies and lack of a written contract resulted in customers who were uninformed about what services they were actually receiving.

When weighing claims from firms which promise to reduce your taxes, the BBB urges consumers to consider the following:

•   Remember that you are ultimately responsible for your tax debt regardless of any agreements you may reach with any third parties.
•   If you fall behind on your tax payments, contact the IRS immediately to see if a settlement or payment plan can be worked out. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse.
•   If you do choose to hire an outside firm, insist on seeing a contract, and don’t pay anything up front. Reputable firms will only charge you after they have completed their work.
•   Don’t give any credit card numbers, checking account numbers, or other information to anyone who contacts you.
•   Check out the firm at http://search.bbb.org before engaging them in any way, and file a complaint promptly if you suspect mishandling of your case or deceptive practices.

Abbott’s announcement about the case may be read in full at http://bit.ly/cpKP8Y.

The BBB’s report on Taxmasters may be read at http://bit.ly/d2tqmq.

Avoid Petal Pushers this Mother's Day

5/5/2010

Posted on 5/5/2010 by

Loved ones who plan to send flowers for Mother’s Day should beware of “petal pushers.” These unscrupulous florists place bogus listings in local phone directories. When you call the local number listed, or given to you by the operator, you’re unknowingly forwarded to an out-of-town telemarketing company. The telemarketer takes your order and credit card information, and then forwards your order to an area florist. The telemarketer pockets a processing fee and usually a percentage of the total order. You don't know you've been scammed until you learn you've been charged more than you planned, then the flowers aren't delivered as ordered or worse -- not delivered at all.

Here are some tips from the BBB so you don’t get duped by petal pushers:

Ask family and friends for referrals to a florist they have used.
Check to see if a florist is a BBB Accredited Businesses at www.bbb.org.
If you find a florist from the phone book, look for a listing that includes a local address. When you call, ask for the directions to the store – if they hesitate or refuse, hang up.
Visiting the shop is another way to determine if the florist is reputable. Check the quality of the flowers and the overall quality of the business.
You can also ask for a guarantee. Most professional florists should have one.

For more tips, go to www.bbb.org or call 800-987-8280.

Avoid Moving Scams this Summer AMSA and BBB Offer Advice on How to Protect Your Move

5/5/2010

Posted on 5/5/2010 by
Following a few simple rules when looking for a mover will go a long way toward protecting you from being victimized by scammers this summer, advises the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA).

May is National Moving Month, the start of the busiest time of the year for changing residences. More than 37 million Americans -- or about 13 percent -- move to a different home every year, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau statistics.

Unfortunately, every year, the BBB receives extremely serious complaints from consumers who have fallen prey to dishonest and sometimes unlicensed moving companies.

The BBB received more than 8,400 complaints against movers in 2009. Complaints to BBB about movers are primarily about damaged or lost goods and final prices in excess of original estimates. In a common worst-case scenario, the moving company will essentially hold the customer’s belongings hostage and require potentially thousands of dollars to unload the truck.

“Virtually anyone with a truck and a Web site can claim to be a mover and they can’t all be trusted to adhere to standards for honesty and ethical conduct,” said AMSA President and CEO Linda Bauer Darr. “When it comes to such an important decision, you can save a lot of heartache by doing just a little homework to track down the companies that put customer service and integrity first. For interstate moves, that means an AMSA certified ProMover.”

“While it is relatively simple to check out a moving company, many consumers don’t do this critical step, which could cause problems later,” said Jeff Taylor of Two Men and a Truck of Ridgeland, who serves on the Board of Directors of the BBB Serving Mississippi. “Last year alone, consumers relied on the BBB more than 1 million times for finding a trustworthy mover, and here in Mississippi nearly 1,400 times. “When making the final choice, go with a BBB Accredited Businesses or, at the very least, choose a business that has a good rating with the BBB.”

BBB and AMSA offer the following checklist for finding a trustworthy moving company:

•   Research the Company Thoroughly. While state regulations vary, all interstate movers must, at minimum, be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and are assigned a motor carrier number you can verify at www.protectyourmove.gov. Also check the company’s rating with your BBB; the BBB maintains more than 17,000 reliability reports on movers across North America. Having at least a satisfactory BBB rating is one of seven screenings that AMSA relies on when authorizing its interstate mover members to display the ProMover logo, the sign of a quality, professional mover which has pledged to abide by the organization’s Code of Ethics.

•   Get at Least Three In-Home Estimates. No legitimate mover will offer to give you a firm estimate on-line or over the phone. Also keep in mind that the lowest estimate can sometimes be an unrealistic low-ball offer which can cost you more in the end.

•   Know Your Rights. Research your rights as a consumer with both the state you currently reside in and where you are moving to. Also enlist the help of BBB or local law enforcement if the moving company fails to live up to its promises or decides to hold your belongings hostage.

More tips and information on how to choose a mover and plan your move are available at AMSA's consumer Web site, www.moving.org; and the U.S. Department of Transportation's site, www.protectyourmove.gov. To research a mover, visit http://ms.bbb.org.

BBB Urges Potential Miss. Tornado Donors to Exercise Caution

4/26/2010

Posted on 4/26/2010 by

Ridgeland, Miss., April 26, 2010 - As local, state and federal officials continue to survey the damage wrought by the series of deadly tornadoes which hit several Mississippi counties on April 24, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Mississippi warns consumers to watch for possible fraudulent appeals for disaster assistance and repair work.

"Mississippians are renowned for their generosity, and disasters such as the one which occurred recently often move people to want to help," said Bill Moak, President of the BBB Serving Mississippi. "However, please make sure that you know the facts before giving money to help disaster recovery efforts, or to make home or business repairs."

Often, scam artists are quick to take advantage of disasters. These may appear in the form of itinerant contractors who promise quick repair work but deliver little or no results; people looking to steal personal information from victims and/or potential donors; and appeals from charities which pull on the heartstrings of people wanting to help.

Here are a few rules of thumb to follow in the wake of the disaster:

If you are a homeowner affected by the storm, be careful about contractors. When approached by a contractor, ask for proof of licensing and bonding, and remember that most reputable contractors will not demand payment up front. Try to get at least 3-4 quotes from contractors, and insist that payments be made to the company, not an individual. A signed contract is a good idea, especially for costly jobs. If you have access to the Internet, search companies' history at ms.bbb.org or at bbb.org.
If approached by a charity for money, ask lots of questions and ask for information to be mailed to you before making a decision. Reputable charities will not pressure you into making a decision "on the spot", and will be able to provide you with information about how they have used donations in the past. Charity information may be found at the BBB Mississippi site at ms.bbb.org, the Mississippi Secretary of State's office at www.sos.ms.gov; and the Wise Giving Alliance at www.give.org.
If approached about giving for specific families, it's always a good idea to send a donation not just to a quickly-established bank account, but rather to a known charity which accepts contributions "designated" or restricted for a specific use. Often local churches are providing services to help families get back on their feet, so find out which are helping families in your area.

"In general, we advise people to be skeptical of any offers that seem too good to be true. The very act of asking questions is often sufficient to separate the good guys from the bad," added Moak.

Common Credit Card Mistakes Consumers Make

4/16/2010

Posted on 4/16/2010 by
Ridgeland, Miss., May 31, 2010 - As more and more consumers are having difficulty getting or keeping credit card balances under control, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Mississippi offers the following tips for regaining control of credit card debt and finances:

Pay more than the minimum payment. Paying only the minimum required by the card company will not enable you to pay off the debt. The interest charged on the account will actually keep the balance growing.

Don’t use credit cards for everyday items. It is best to pay for monthly necessities with your monthly income and avoid paying interest on such expenses that accumulate easily on credit cards.

Be wary of credit card “rewards”. The perks, although nice, are worth far less than the extra interest that accrues on card balances.

Say “no” to cash advances. Card companies mail “spending” checks which they actually consider cash advances. Therefore, interest begins to accrue immediately once the checks are used.

Avoid using credit cards as a cure for medical bills. If you are having difficulty paying your medical bills, negotiate an agreement with the health care provider to whom you owe money.

Don’t ignore your debt. Interest continues to accumulate on accounts and balances grow. Also, interest rates may actually increase under the terms of the card agreement if payments are missed. Your credit score is also impacted when bills are not paid on time.

“Clearing up credit card debt takes time and self control,” said Bill Moak, President/CEO of the Mississippi BBB. “Using cards sensibly and responsibly allows them to become helpful and convenient tools. Using the tools listed above will help you keep control of cards instead of letting them control you.”

Beware of Online Anti-Virus Pop-Up Ads

4/16/2010

Posted on 4/16/2010 by
Ridgeland, Miss., May 17, 2010 - The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Mississippi joins the FBI in warning computer users of the ongoing threat of pop-up security warnings known as Scareware.

hTe fake pop-up security warnings state that the user’s computer is infected with numerous viruses. The warnings look authentic and often show what appears to be real-time scanning of the user’s hard drive. Scareware is intimidating to most users and is extremely aggressive in luring users into purchasing rogue software that will supposedly remove computer viruses. The FBI is aware of estimated losses from this type of activity to victims in excess of $150 million.

Downloading the software could result in malware being installed on computers.

The new malware contains a key logger which will harvest account log-in information. Other personal information can be compromised in purchase process.

“In addition to having an infected system, the downloading of malware can be costly in computer repairs as well as potential identity theft losses,” said Bill Moak, President/CEO of the Mississippi BBB. “Be cautious because cyber criminals often use easy-to-remember product names that are often associated with know applications.”

The FBI encourages anyone who has experienced the anti-virus pop-ups (or other similar scams) to file a complaint at www.ic3.gov.

BBB Advice on Keeping Kids Safe on Social Networks

4/16/2010

Posted on 4/16/2010 by
Ridgeland, Miss., May 10, 2010 - The popularity of social networking continues to grow among kids. They can provide a secure way for kids to connect with each other, but they can also be exploited for any number of nefarious purposes. According to iStrategy Labs, the number of users on Facebook that are between the ages of 13 and 18 in 2009 grew to 10.7 million. While Facebook and MySpace require all users to be at least 13 years old, some sites are geared for children even younger.

“In many instances, kids know more about computers and the Internet than their parents; however, it’s important to remember that kids aren’t old enough to understand all of the various threats that lurk online,” said Bill Moak, President/CEO of the Mississippi Better Business Bureau. “Even if they’re intimidated by technology, parents need to supervise the computer use of children in the house as well as educate their kids on how to play it safe online.”

The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips for parents who want to help keep their kids safe online:

Explain the difference between sharing and over-sharing. While social networking is about sharing photos, thoughts and experiences, children should never share personal information such as phone numbers, address, bank account numbers, passwords or Social Security numbers.

“Never talk to strangers” applies online too. One of the first rules we teach our kids is never to talk to strangers. Remind them that the rule also applies when online. Even though chatting with a stranger online can seem harmless, the relationship can evolve and grow until the stranger has earned your child’s trust—and can then exploit it.

Set strict privacy settings. Social networking sites let users determine who they want to share information with. Have children restrict access to their profile to only friends or users in safe networks such as their school, clubs or church groups.

Keep the channels of communication open. Let kids know that you are always ready to talk if they are ever threatened, bullied or feel uncomfortable about an experience they had online.

Join them online. If you haven’t already, set up your own account in the same social networks to help you better understand what social networking is all about.

Federal law requires sites collecting identifying information from children under 13 to get a parent’s consent first. Report concerns about data collection from children under 13 to the Children’s Advertising Review Unit of the Council of Better Business Bureaus at www.caru.org/complaint.

You can learn more about how to keep your kids safe online at http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/net-cetera.aspx.

BBB Provides Information on Domain Name Registrars

4/16/2010

Posted on 4/16/2010 by
Ridgeland, Miss., April 26, 2010 - Historically, there has been a sole authorized domain name registrar – Network Solutions. Today the market is wide open for competition with several dozen registrars available.

The database of registered domain names is maintained by INTERNIC (short for Network Information Center), a non-profit organization. A domain name registrar is allowed to directly access and modify this database. Certification of registrars is the responsibility of ICANN (the International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) which oversees the handling of domain names, IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, and domain name extensions (such as .com, .gov, etc.)

Network Solutions has a set fee for every registered domain name; however, each registrar determines the fee charged to their clients. Some fees are annual while others are in effect for as many as ten years.

“There are two main benefits to registering with an accredited domain name registrar,” said Bill Moak, President/CEO of the BBB Serving Mississippi. “Normally their fees are lower, especially with packaged offers, and the registrar is known to be reputable.”

The validity of registrars can be checked with the following:

• INTERNIC (Internet Network Information Center): www.internic.net

• ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names & Numbers): www.icann.org

• BBB (Better Business Bureau) http://ms.bbb.org

How the BBB Can Help Consumers Become More Savvy

4/16/2010

Posted on 4/16/2010 by
Ridgeland, Miss., April 19, 2010 - As budgets tighten for many families, it’s more important than ever to spend your money wisely. For anyone looking for advice on how to make the best financial decisions, your BBB is here to help throughout the year.

“The economy is still in a slump and, now more than ever, consumers need to take control of their spending habits and be vigilant against fraud and scams,” said Bill Moak, President/CEO of the Mississippi BBB. “We encourage everyone to take time to keep the BBB in mind as a tool for protecting their hard-earned dollars.”

Following are just a few ways the BBB can help consumers shop smarter and safer. The BBB is here to help if…

You need every-day advice on how to manage your money and be a savvy consumer. The BBB offers tips on personal finance topics such as how to build a family budget, hire a contractor or avoid the latest scams. Advice you can trust is available online at http://ms.bbb.org.

You need help finding a business you can trust. The BBB Accredited Business Locator can help you find businesses in your area that uphold the rigorous BBB standards and have made a commitment to support the work of the BBB. There are nearly 400,000 BBB accredited businesses across North America including retailers, contractors and online businesses.

You want to research a business before you buy. The BBB maintains reports on nearly 4 million businesses across North America. Their Reliability Report will tell you how many complaints the business has received, how they responded to complaints and their letter-grade rating reflecting BBB’s experience with the business.

You have a dispute with a business. The BBB can lend a hand if you have a dispute with a business. Every year BBBs receives hundreds of thousands of complaints from disgruntled consumers, and usually the BBB is able to help resolve the issue quickly and easily.

You have been ripped off by a scammer. While BBB isn’t a law enforcement agency and cannot arrest scammers or unscrupulous businesses, your complaint enables the BBB to identify trends and warn other consumers to help prevent others from being taken advantage by scammers.

Check out all of the online resources and tools BBB provides at http://ms.bbb.org. More information and advice is also available on the National Consumer Protection Week Web site (www.consumer.gov/ncpw).

Consumers Nationwide Complain Kleargear.com Doesn’t Deliver

4/14/2010

Posted on 4/14/2010 by

Austin, TX - April 6, 2010 – Kleargear.com claims to offer products to "make your home and desk more fun with our desk toys, cool gadgets, stress relievers, games, cube decor, geek toys, and unique computer accessories." However, consumers across the country tell BBB that dealing with this company is anything but fun. BBB serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas has issued an F rating to San Antonio-based Kleargear.com for failing to respond to consumer complaints. Click here to view the company’s current BBB Reliability Report™.

Consumer disputes received by BBB allege Kleargear.com does not deliver products purchased online in a timely manner and, in some cases, fails to deliver any product at all. Consumers further allege that attempts to contact the company go unanswered. In the past three years, 95 of the 123 disputes forwarded by BBB staff to Kleargear.com have gone unanswered, though some consumers later notified BBB they did eventually receive their products.

BBB warns consumers to use caution when shopping online and provides the following tips to shop safely.

Check with BBB first. BBB Reliability Reports™ are available free of charge and will tell you how the company responds to any consumer complaints received by BBB and the company’s overall letter-grade rating with BBB.

Determine the company's refund and return policies. Consumers should understand what circumstances allow for the return of a product or a refund of the purchase before buying. These details should be clearly stated on the seller’s Web site.

Confirm all purchase details. Check the full price of all purchases, including any shipping and handling charges and the terms of any product or service guarantees. Find out how long it will take to receive the order. Federal law requires that goods and services be delivered within 30 days, unless a different delivery period is specifically stated by the merchant.

Guard personal information. Only provide personal information, such as a credit card number, online in a secure environment. Look for the prefix “https://” in the URL box to be sure the site is secure.

Keep a paper trail. Print and keep a copy of any order or purchase confirmation. Any problems associated with payment or delivery of products can potentially be resolved more easily with proof of purchase information.

For more information on staying safe online or to find a trustworthy business, visit http://ms.bbb.org.

BBB Warns Businesses About New Phishing Attack

4/12/2010

Posted on 4/12/2010 by

Beware of fake complaint reports coming from seatac@bbb.org

Better Business Bureau is warning businesses to beware of a new malicious e-mail that pretends to be from BBB about a complaint filed against the company. The e-mail first came to BBB’s attention on April 12, 2010.

Several businesses across the US--including law firms, advertising agencies and architecture firms--have reported receiving a suspicious e-mail from the address seatac@bbb.org with the subject line “BBB Complaint Case #” followed by a nine-digit number. Both BBB Accredited and non-Accredited businesses have been targeted.

The body of the e-mail claims that the company did not respond to a complaint filed by a Jason Harlow (however other names may be used) and includes a link to a page at www.ca-bbb.org where the business can supposedly review the complaint.

Because the message is fraudulent, BBB advises any business that receives this e-mail to take the following steps:

• Do not click on any links or reply to the message,
• Forward the message to phishing@council.bbb.org,
• Completely delete the message from your inbox, and
• Run a full virus scan on your computer if you did click on any links.

For more advice on how to protect your business from malicious online attacks visit www.bbb.org/data-security/.

A copy of the actual e-mail follows:

BBB Offers Tips on Common Diet Scams

4/12/2010

Posted on 4/12/2010 by
An estimated $35 billion is spent each year in the U.S. on weight loss products. And fraudulent products, which offer weight loss without reduced caloric intake and increasing activity levels, continue to appear in the marketplace. These scams, reflecting the willingness of many to spend money for “instant results”, are flourishing and rapidly growing in number.

“It is estimated that 300,000 deaths annually could be prevented if there was a real product to make weight loss simple and safe,” said Bill Moak, President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Mississippi. “People desperate to lose weight are often fooled by scams simply because they hope that they are not scams. They are looking for an easier, faster, painless way to lose weight.”

The BBB offers the following tips on ways to spot weight loss scams:

• Unrealistic weight loss promises.
• Claims of “secret” formulas.
• Lack of a physical address for the business.
• Promises of rapid weight loss.
• Promises to lose fat or cellulite in a specific part of the body.
• Promises of permanent weight loss.

The following are examples of weight loss scams:

• No products are sent following payment.
• Products sent are of no benefit at all.
• Claims of product ingredients that aren’t substantiated.
• Products contain very low levels of active ingredients.
• Product names similar to real products which do not contain the same ingredients or quality.

“At the BBB we often claim the slogan that if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is,” Moak continued. “We urge consumers to thoroughly check out the company and the plan before signing up.

BBB Warns Against Online Payday Lenders that Claim the Laws Don’t Apply to Them

4/12/2010

Posted on 4/12/2010 by
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning cash-strapped families to beware of some online payday lenders that claim they are not subject to state or federal laws regarding licensing requirements, debt collection practices or caps on interest rates.

“Desperate times are leading people to the Internet to apply for payday loans, and many are falling deeper into debt after getting tangled up with a lender that has no regard for the law,” said Bill Moak, President /CEO of the BBB Serving Mississippi. “Unlike a payday loan that you might get from a local business, online payday loans require your bank account number and, as a result, the borrowers are at the mercy of the lender as more money than they counted on is withdrawn from their accounts.”

People across the country have complained to the BBB after signing up for a payday loan on sites such as OnceClickCash.com, 500Fastcash.com, rbtloans.com and Ameriloan.com. Complainants state that they agreed to what they believed was a one-time payday loan — typically a few hundred dollars to be paid off in two weeks. They supplied their bank account information to the lender and the money was promptly deposited.

The arrangement quickly turns into a debt spiral. Complainants state all of their subsequent payments went toward paying off recurring finance charges and never toward the principal. As a result, they report paying two and three times the amount of the original loan and still having the same amount of principal to pay off.

Many complainants were surprised to learn that the online lender was not licensed by the state and charged interest rates well over what was allowed under their state’s usury laws.

“The bottom line here is that if you are handing over your bank account information online to get a payday loan without doing your research, you are setting yourself up to pay hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars more than you bargained for,” added Moak.

When looking for a payday loan online, the BBB recommends the following:

Consider all of your options. Payday loans can be extremely expensive if you are unable to pay the loan off quickly. The Federal Trade Commission recommends looking into a short term loan from your bank, contacting your current creditors quickly to explore payment options, working with a credit counseling center or at the very least, shopping around for the best interest rate and terms.

Look for the red flags. Unscrupulous online lenders often wave the same red flags including not being forthcoming about their location or contact information. Also be cautious of any lender that doesn’t ask you for any background information outside of your bank account number.

Research the lender with the BBB. Always check an online payday lender’s Reliability Report before you hand over any bank account information. BBB Reliability Reports are available online (ms.bbb.org) or by calling 800-987-8280. These will tell you how many complaints BBB has received, how the company responded to complaints and the BBB’s overall letter-grade rating.

BBB Offers Tips on Debit Card Fraud

4/12/2010

Posted on 4/12/2010 by
When a debit card is used fraudulently, the money is taken from your bank account immediately. This could cause drafts, electronic payments or checks to bounce. Not only could it take a while for the fraud to be cleared up, but the process of having the money restored to your account can take a long time.

“The easiest way to detect any debit card problems is to sign up for online banking,” said Bill Moak, President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Mississippi. “The sooner you detect fraud, the easier it will be to limit its impact. Check your balance and recent transactions daily either online or by phone.”

BBB tips on ways to protect yourself from banking fraud:

• Get banking alerts. Sign up with your bank to get email or text messages when certain activities occur on your account.
• Go paperless. Sign up for paperless bank statements. Shred existing bank statements and debit card receipts.
• Don’t make purchases with your debit card. Use credit cards instead because they offer better protection against fraud. If you do make purchases with a debit card, don’t use your PIN – have the card treated as a credit card.
• Stick to bank ATMs. They tend to be more secure (and have video cameras) than ATMs at convenience stores, malls or restaurants.
• Destroy old debit cards.
• Don’t keep all of your money in on e place. If your checking account is compromised, have access to funds elsewhere to meet financial obligations.
• Be safe online. Beware of phishing scams; make sure your computer has up-to-date firewalls, anti-virus and anti-spyware software; avoid doing online business in a public place or over an unsecured network.

“If you learn that your debit card information has been compromised, contact your bank immediately”, Moak continued. “Make contact by phone and follow up with a detailed written statement. Ask your bank to waive any NSF (Nonsufficient Funds) fees incurred by the fraud.”

Mississippi "Cash for Appliances" Program Starts April 22

4/7/2010

Posted on 4/7/2010 by

Following the success of last year’s “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. The program begins April 22, and Mississippi residents could save a lot on the purchase of new appliances.

“This is a great opportunity to replace an older appliance with a more energy-efficient one, which has many benefits both to the consumer in the form of lower energy bills, and will help reduce demand for resources such as electricity and water,” said Bill Moak, President of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Mississippi.

The federal government has set aside $300 million from last year’s stimulus package to fund the new State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate program (SEEARP), $2.8 million which has been allocated to Mississippi on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Rebates range from $50 for freezers to $750 for geothermal heat pumps. Program details will be available at www.mississippirebate.com and http://www.energysavers.gov/financial/70022.html.

SEEARP has a two-fold purpose: to provide economic activity in the appliance industry, which has seen a 15 percent drop in sales, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers; and to increase energy efficiency in households by replacing old appliances with newer “greener” ones. According to ENERGYSTAR.gov, the typical household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills but could save over one-third or about $700 per year by making the switch to ENERGY STAR products.

ENERGY STAR standards are set by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency and help consumers identify energy-efficient products in 60 different categories including appliances, windows and doors, heating and cooling equipment and water heaters. In 2008, about 55 percent of new major household appliances had the ENERGY STAR seal.

Following are some things for consumers to keep in mind:

The following types of appliances may qualify for rebates: Dishwashers, Room Air Conditioners, Refrigerators, Clothes Washers, Freezers, Gas Storage Water Heaters, Tankless Water Heaters, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Heat Pump Water Heaters, Air Source Heat Pumps, Gas Furnaces and, Central Air Conditioners.
No trade-in will be required. Unlike the Cash For Clunkers program, wherein participants had to hand over their old car and the clunker was sent to the scrap heap, participants in cash for appliances are not required by the federal government to exchange an older appliance for a new one.
Remember, once the money is gone, no more is available. However, some appliances may qualify for existing rebate or tax credit programs.
Keep your guard up. Remember, con artists often try to take advantage of consumers by posting fraudulent websites, sending emails, or offering to help process rebates.

Citizens Contact BBB with Safety Fears About Lengthy Census Form

4/6/2010

Posted on 4/6/2010 by

Arlington, VA – April 6, 2010 – Better Business Bureau has received calls from concerned people across the country who received a Census form in the mail that asked personal questions involving their income range and employment situation. BBB advises consumers that, while most will receive a short 10-question 2010 Census survey form, they should not be alarmed if they are chosen to respond to the 69-question American Community Survey (ACS) as well.

The 2010 Census form has 10 questions covering basic information while the ACS has 69 questions on topics such as income, household expenses, employment, education, and work commutes. Some individuals who received the ACS in addition to the 10 question form contacted their BBB over concerns that the form was actually the work of scammers.

“Everyone in the country has been prepped to expect the simple 10-question survey in their mailbox and red flags automatically go up when they receive the longer and more personal American Community Survey,” said Stephen A. Cox, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus “While the questions in the ACS might seem invasive, especially when compared to the 10-question form, responding to the survey is safe, important and required by law.”

BBB reminds consumers that the American Community Survey and the 2010 Census will never ask for donations or bank account, Social Security or credit card numbers. The Census Bureau may contact you by mail or phone, but will not send you unsolicited e-mails requesting sensitive personal information.

Following are a few answers to frequently asked questions to BBB about the American Community Survey:

How many addresses receive the ACS?
The ACS is sent to a random sample of approximately 3 million addresses per year, or approximately 250,000 each month of the year. This means that approximately 2.5 percent of the population will receive the ACS in any given year.

If I received both the 10-question survey and ACS do I need to respond to both?
If you receive both the 10-question form and the ACS, you are required by law to respond to both.

The questions seem to get personal, are my answers safe?
Responding to the ACS is safe and your personal information will not be shared with anyone, including other government agencies.

Why does the federal government need to ask me so many questions?
In addition to needing population counts, communities need data about the well being of children, families, and the elderly to provide services to them. The information you provide on the ACS not only helps your community get its fair share of federal funds, but also to establish goals, identify problems and solutions, and measure the performance of programs.

I received a survey from the federal government, but it isn’t the ACS or the 2010 survey. Is it legit?
At any point in time the US Census Bureau distributes a number of different surveys to the American public and the topics and length vary. Before responding to a survey you received in the mail that claims to be with the Census Bureau, do your research on the Census Bureau’s Web site (“Are you in a survey?” Link) at www.census.gov/survey_participants/.

Who do I contact if I have questions or could use help filling out the ACS?
If you need help completing your American Community Survey questionnaire or have other questions about the American Community Survey, please call 1-800-354-7271 for an English-speaking operator. If you prefer a Spanish-speaking operator, call 1-877-833-5625.

For more information or to schedule an interview with a BBB spokesperson, contact Alison Southwick at 703-247-9376.