http://ms.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=173&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT A recent National Foundation for Credit Counseling survey conducted by Harris Interactive® revealed that 45 percent of all U.S. adults feel at most risk for identity theft when making a purchase with a credit card that requires the card to be taken out of their sight, for example, at a restaurant. http://ms.bbb.org/article/consumers-feel-more-at-risk-for-identity-theft-when-making-certain-types-of-purchases-12556 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Businesses are increasingly becoming victims of “friendly fraud” - fraud carried out by customers to get items free of charge. http://ms.bbb.org/article/bbb-small-business-advice-on-fighting-friendly-fraud-12289 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Prepaid calling cards may seem like a great value, claiming to provide hundreds of minutes for a few dollars. However many phone cards are so rife with fees and service charges that they deliver far fewer minutes than advertised. http://ms.bbb.org/article/make-the-most-of-your-minutes-and-avoid-deceptive-prepaid-phone-cards-12293 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Mississippi urges consumers to be cautious when agreeing to buy anything on an online layaway plan. http://ms.bbb.org/article/be-cautious-when-considering-online-layaway-plans-12594 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Time is running out for first-time home buyers to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit set aside for them this year as part of the economic recovery effort. http://ms.bbb.org/article/act-now-to-take-advantage-of-the-first-time-home-buyers-tax-credit-12726 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Credit Repair Organizations have attracted considerable attention as a "problem industry." If you know what to look for, you can discern the good from the bad. http://ms.bbb.org/article/credit-repair-organizations-and-the-law-12636 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT The BBB of Central Florida has received complaints from businesses about National Business Publishing Corporation located in Winter Park, Florida. The company sells business directories nationwide (in book or online version). Complaints are regarding misleading sales tactics. The complaints report that their business was offered a "free copy of the 2009 Edition valued at $500." http://ms.bbb.org/article/high-price-for-vanity-publications-12894 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT BBB advises citizens to cooperate carefully in order to avoid becoming a victim of possible census-related scams. http://ms.bbb.org/article/bbb-offers-advice-on-how-to-identify-legitimate-census-workers-12923 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) is partnering with the National Foundation of Credit Counseling (NFCC) in launching the 2nd annual National Protect Your Identity Week (PYIW) October 17 – 24, 2009. This event coincides with BBB’s Secure Your ID Day to be held on October 17, 2009. http://ms.bbb.org/article/bbb-joins-national-effort-to-promote-identity-theft-protection-and-education-12955 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers and businesses about a new phishing attack that resembles an e-mail confirmation claiming the recipient has filed a complaint with BBB about a business. The malicious e-mails first came to the attention of BBB on Thursday, October 15. http://ms.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-of-new-phishing-e-mail-posing-as-bbb-complaint-confirmation-13041 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT BBB is warning consumers to be extremely wary of pervasive online ads offering the promise of a whiter, brighter smile. BBB has received an onslaught of complaints from consumers who thought they were signing up for a free trial of teeth whitening products but were repeatedly billed for products and services. http://ms.bbb.org/article/teeth-whitening-products-sold-online-wipe-smile-off-consumers-faces-12759 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Bargain hunters who ordered wholesale electronics and clothing from Chinese Internet sites say they never received the items they ordered, the BBB warns. http://ms.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-that-wholesale-chinese-websites-fail-to-deliver-goods-13080 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT As the economic slump continues, many people are struggling to make ends meet, and unfortunately, vehicle repossessions are now on the rise. http://ms.bbb.org/article/behind-on-car-payments-bbb-advice-on-how-to-avoid-the-repo-man-13100 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Many businesses are marketing products to support finding a cure for breast cancer during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The BBB advises consumers to check donation claims before buying. http://ms.bbb.org/article/bbb-advises-consumers-to-check-before-buying-pink-ribbon-products-13130 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative report shows marked progress in 2008 through self-regulation. http://ms.bbb.org/article/food-and-beverage-companies-continue-to-raise-the-bar-when-advertising-to-kids-13154 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT No Company Is Safe From Becoming A Victim Of The Fake Check Scam! http://ms.bbb.org/article/fake-check-scam-hits-company-in-georgia-12657 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT The federal government recently announced the creation of a similar rebate program for consumers looking to purchase new energy-efficient appliances. BBB offers the following guidance to consumers who might be interested in taking advantage of the program. http://ms.bbb.org/article/cash-for-appliances-is-the-new-cash-for-clunkers-13258 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau has received more than 1,500 complaints about several dozen Web sites that are trading on the Google name to scam people who want to learn about making money from home. http://ms.bbb.org/article/make-money-from-home-with-google-not-so-fast-warns-bbb-13259 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Office morale can dip as employees face uncertainty about their jobs. Better Business Bureau offers guidance for small business owners on how to keep office morale high in a tough economy. http://ms.bbb.org/article/bbb-tips-for-boosting-office-morale--13288 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT BBB Wise Giving Alliance advises donors to research a charity prior to giving and provides five questions to ask when vetting where to contribute this holiday season. http://ms.bbb.org/article/five-questions-to-ask-before-donating-to-a-charity-13289 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Individuals across the country are looking for ways to help support the victims and families affected by last week’s tragedy at Fort Hood. Initially, supporters were encouraged to donate blood to help victims. As options for monetary donations in support of victims and their families become available, it is important to understand exactly where and how your funds will be used. http://ms.bbb.org/article/supporting-the-victims-of-the-fort-hood-tragedy-13459 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT FTC wants contempt charges against BlueHippo for continuing to deceive cash-strapped consumers with phony promises that it would help them purchase a computer even if they have credit problems. http://ms.bbb.org/article/bluehippo-faces-contempt-for-ongoing-computer-financing-scam-13563 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau warns that the holiday season provides many new opportunities for identity thieves to ply their trade and offers the following advice on how to keep your identity safe and secure both online and off. http://ms.bbb.org/article/dont-fall-prey-to-identity-thieves-over-the-holidays-13247 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Being successful at direct selling doesn’t require any special education or experience but it isn’t for everyone. Better Business Bureau suggests people ask themselves a few questions when considering a new venture in direct sales. http://ms.bbb.org/article/five-questions-if-direct-selling-is-for-you--12891 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT The federal government recently announced the creation of a similar rebate program for consumers looking to purchase new energy-efficient appliances. BBB offers the following guidance to consumers who might be interested in taking advantage of the program. http://ms.bbb.org/article/cash-for-appliances-is-the-new-cash-for-clunkers-13242 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Employers play a vital role in preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus and Better Business Bureau offers the following advice to bolster the workplace against the threat of flu this winter. http://ms.bbb.org/article/defend-your-business-against-the-h1n1-virus-this-winter-12711 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT BBB is advising holiday shoppers to keep an eye out for five red flags of unscrupulous consumer electronics stores. http://ms.bbb.org/article/dont-get-ripped-off-when-buying-electronics-online-bbb-says-know-the-red-flags-of-a-scam-site-13248