http://easttexas.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=74&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Tue, 28 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT The BBB advises consumers to ask about "resort fees" and other unexpected fees that can drive up the cost of vacations. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/unexpected-fees-can-add-to-cost-of-vacations-bbb-warns-42113 Wed, 08 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Loving sons and daughters looking for thoughtful ways to show affection for moms this year should think twice before opening up hearts and wallets. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/a-mother-lode-of-scams-41800 Mon, 30 Jul 2012 05:00:00 GMT 100 Years of Trust in the Marketplace http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/bbb-rings-the-nyse-bell-to-celebrate-centennial-36045 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT A BBB study shows that debt collectors are buying up billions of dollars in discharged debt and seeking to collect on the face value from consumers. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/bbb-study-debt-collection-industry-thrives-complaints-soar-31645 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT The BBB warns baseball fans to be wary of potential scams involving lodging for the World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/with-hotels-booking-up-for-world-series-bbb-advises-fans-to-be-alert-to-lodging-scams-30106 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT August 9, 2010 - Grand Rapids, MI - Forty billionaires have pledged to donate a substantial portion of their wealth to charity with the hope of inspiring others to donate to worthy causes as well. While the dollar amount might be less, the BBB National and Local Charity programs encourages everyone to give like a billionaire by researching any charity fully before making a donation. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/you-too-can-donate-like-a-billionaire-21461 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT Today's job market demands new skills, and career training schools, both public and private, offer training that can help you prepare for a new career. But which ones will really help you land a job? http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/want-training-for-a-new-career-check-schools-with-bbb-first-20978 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT Finding funding to start a business or bolster an existing one has been more difficult than usual lately. While the economy improves, banks are still reticent about lending to small business owners and the Better Business Bureau recommends developing a solid business plan to earn the bank’s trust and increase your chances of landing a loan. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/100602d-bbb-advice-to-increase-your-chances-of-getting-a-small-business-loan-19896 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT In a tough economy, struggling families look for ways to reduce their expenses. One popular option is to unload any timeshares so they can recoup their investment and stop paying maintenance fees. Many businesses specialize in reselling timeshares, but the Better Business Bureau warns that some companies are using deceptive sales tactics to bilk thousands from already cash-strapped timeshare owners. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/100303a-dont-get-duped-when-selling-your-timeshare-17890 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT March 7 is the kickoff to National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) and the Better Business Bureau is a proud supporter of this nationwide effort to educate the public on how to become savvier consumers. For anyone looking for advice on how to spend money wisely, your Better Business Bureau is here to help, not just during National Consumer Protection Week but all year long. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/100303b-national-consumer-protection-week-find-out-how-the-bbb-can-help-you-become-a-savvier-consumer-17904 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT Every ten years the US federal government is required to count every man woman and child in the country. Not surprisingly, the census is a massive undertaking requiring the work of more than a million people to accurately count the hundreds of millions of people living in the country. Contrary to the myths, participation in the census is extremely safe and easy, and the Better Business Bureau encourages everyone to take a few minutes to fill out their census form when it arrives in the mail in March. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/100303c-top-five-reasons-to-fill-out-the-2010-census-form-17892 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT BlueHippo – it was a catchy name and a great logo. You might have been okay buying their coffee mug or even the boxer shorts they peddled on their website. But the company’s primary business was selling computers and other electronic equipment over the Internet to people with low incomes and impaired credit. If you were one of those customers, you’re probably still regretting it. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/beware-of-computer-offers-for-the-credit-impaired-15405 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT Free offers may sound good, but too often there are catches, clauses and fine print that can end up costing consumers money and aggravation, the Consumer Fraud Task Force warns. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/with-free-offers-devil-is-in-details-task-force-warns-15348 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT Most Americans will get assistance from a professional tax preparer or tax software when filing their taxes this year. The Better Business Bureau encourages taxpayers to use caution when selecting tax preparation help or they may get hit with headaches and mounting fines and fees if the return isn’t correct or filed late. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/100202a-tips-for-finding-a-trustworthy-tax-preparer-15042 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT Credit card holders can circle February 22 on their calendar as the day when new consumer protections laid out in the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 kick in. The Better Business Bureau explains what these new consumer protections mean to cardholders across the U.S. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/100202b-new-credit-card-regulations-kick-in-15043 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT The popularity of social networking continues to grow among kids. Social networking sites can provide a secure way for kids to connect with each other, but they can also be exploited for any number of nefarious purposes. The Better Business Bureau recommends parents take specific steps to keep their kids safe online. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/100202c-teach-your-kids-how-to-stay-safe-on-social-networks-15044 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT Online banking has made it easier and more convenient to manage business finances, but it also provides an opportunity for hackers to gain access to business accounts with the goal of making unauthorized money transfers. The Better Business Bureau recommends small business owners implement a few simple steps to keep their financial information and transactions secure when banking online. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/100202d-five-steps-for-protecting-your-business-when-banking-online-15045 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT Grand Rapids, MI - February 1, 2010 – The Better Business Bureau warns that a new scam is fraudulently using the organization’s name in order to steal tens of thousands of dollars from victims who are led to believe they have won a lottery. So far, one victim has lost $80,000 to scammers posing as BBB employees. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/new-lottery-scam-fraudulently-claims-to-be-from-better-business-bureau-15025 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT One way to budget for the added expense of gifts, food and decorations over the holidays is to take advantage of a Christmas Club. This budgeting tool has been provided by banks and credit unions for decades, and now some retailers are offering their own Christmas Clubs. Your Better Business Bureau advises that consumers can make this year’s holiday season easier on the family finances by setting up a Christmas Club account now. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/100101a-start-saving-now-for-the-holidays-with-a-christmas-club-account-14316 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT One New Year’s resolution that many small business owners are making is to increase their use of social media to promote their business online through sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. The Better Business Bureau recommends that small business owners ease into the waters thoughtfully when planning to launch a social media strategy; otherwise, they risk abandoning the ship in frustration. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/100101b-bbb-small-business-advice-five-tips-for-ensuring-social-media-success-in-2010-14317 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT The national unemployment rate is hovering around 10 percent, but the good news is that the upcoming 2010 Census will create hundreds of thousands of temporary, part-time jobs across the United States. The Better Business Bureau offers the following advice on what it takes to work for the Census and tips on how to land a job. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/100101d-out-of-work-the-us-census-bureau-is-hiring-nationwide-14320 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT December 21, 2009 – The Better Business Bureau announced a national partnership with J.D. Power and Associates to better assist consumers in their choices for auto dealers, insurance agents, home inspectors, movers and home builders. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/bbb-announces-partnership-with-jd-power-and-associates-14272 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT The BBB of Western Michigan warns ALL regional residents that a SCAM OFFER has been mailed to hundreds of consumers. The “postcard” claims to be a “package” that could not be delivered to you during the Christmas season and claims, “Sorry we missed you!!!” http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/consumer-alert-scam-delivery-package-offer-hits-west-michigan-14179 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT Identity theft claimed 10 million victims in 2008, a 22 percent increase over 2007, according to a report from Javelin Strategy and Research. The 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://easttexas.bbb.org/article/091201a-dont-fall-prey-to-identity-thieves-over-the-holidays-13859 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT Online auctions can be a great place for finding deals at any time of year, but over the holidays such sites become hot spots for tracking down popular and hard-to-get gifts - such as new game consoles or must-have toys. The Better Business Bureau offers advice to shoppers on how to avoid getting ripped off when searching for bargains and hard-to-find presents through online auctions. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/091201d-be-a-savvy-bidder-using-online-auctions-13858 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/new-time-share-scam-13467 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Most charities rely heavily on the goodwill of individual donors during the holiday season to fund their activities throughout the coming year. Last year, charity contributions totaled $307.65 billion: 75 percent of this total came from individuals, according to the Giving USA Foundation. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance advises donors to research a charity prior to giving and provides five questions to ask when vetting where to contribute this holiday season. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/091103c-five-questions-to-ask-before-donating-to-a-charity-13332 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT As more families struggle in the tough economy, retailers are trying to make paying for holiday gifts more flexible by offering layaway options. With layaway experiencing a comeback, your Better Business Bureau offers the following guidance on how to use this old fashioned payment plan in lieu of credit cards. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/091103d-bbb-advice-on-using-layaway-for-holiday-purchases-13334 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Many small business owners are struggling to stay afloat and are being forced to make tough decisions - such as instituting layoffs or budget cuts. In the wake of these decisions, office morale can dip as employees face uncertainty about their jobs. The Better Business Bureau offers guidance for small business owners on how to keep office morale high in a tough economy. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/091103e-bbb-tips-for-boosting-office-morale-13518 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT This holiday season, everyone will be on the hunt for the best deals. The Better Business Bureau warns online shoppers that some deals online for electronics are too good to be true. The BBB is advising holiday shoppers to keep an eye out for five red flags of unscrupulous consumer electronics stores. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/dont-get-ripped-off-when-buying-electronics-online-13327 Wed, 30 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://easttexas.bbb.org/article/credit-repair-organizations-and-the-law-12643 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 06:00:00 GMT If you’ve ever locked yourself out of your car or home, you know what a hassle it can be. Your first thought is to get someone to help you out of your situation. If a family member or friend can’t deliver a spare set of keys, your next call might be to a local locksmith. But before you make that call, consider this: According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, some locksmiths advertising in your local telephone book may not be local at all. They may not have professional training. What’s more, some of them may use intimidating tactics and overcharge you. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/ftc-the-keys-to-hiring-a-reputable-locksmith-4482 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Care Labeling Rule requires manufacturers and importers to attach care instructions to garments. Updates to the Rule became effective on September 1, 2000. The Rule's section requiring a "reasonable basis" for care instructions has been changed to clarify what is required, and the definitions of "hot," "warm," and "cold" water have been changed to harmonize with the definitions used by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/ftc-clothes-captioning-complying-with-the-care-labeling-rule--4379 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT These Voluntary Guidelines represent a consensus of voluntary consumer disclosure practices reached by a panel of weight management companies, weight loss professionals, and consumer protection groups. They are not binding, do not represent legal standards or interpretation of any legal requirements, and are not sponsored or issued by any government agency. Providers1 should only make these disclosures to the extent that they are permissible under applicable state and federal law. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/ftc-voluntary-guidelines-for-providers-of-weight-loss-products-or-services-4452 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) prepared this booklet to help you comply with a new FTC rule that requires labeling on alternative fueled vehicles. The Labeling Requirements for Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fueled Vehicles Rule was issued in keeping with a directive in the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The Rule requires you to provide information to potential purchasers of alternative fueled vehicles to help them compare vehicles. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/ftc-labeling-alternative-fueled-vehicles-4354 Sun, 01 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT Alaska is famous for the rugged beauty of its mountains, rivers, and coastlines, as well as for the distinctive arts and crafts produced by Alaska Native artists. If you are considering purchasing an Alaska Native-made art or craft item, it’s smart to invest a little time learning about the processes and materials Alaska Natives may use to make these unique and beautiful objects. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/ftc-alaska-native-art-4497 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT If you're refinancing your mortgage or applying for a home equity installment loan, you should know about the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994 (HOEPA). http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/ftc-high-rate-high-fee-loans-hoepasection-32-mortgages-4768 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT It’s not hard to see why ads for business opportunities that promote the benefits of being your own boss and making money quickly are appealing. But the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the government agency that monitors advertising for deception, says that some ads for business opportunities feature empty promises and false claims that potential entrepreneurs could never realize. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/ftc-ads-for-business-opportunities-how-to-detect-deception-4607 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission staff prepared this business booklet to help finance companies, retailers, and other creditors comply with the Credit Practices Rule, which went into effect March 1, 1985. This booklet tells you what the Credit Practices Rule requires, who must comply, and what transactions are covered. It also discusses liability for rule violations and how exemptions are granted. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/ftc-complying-with-the-credit-practices-rule-4420 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT For many consumers, electronic banking means 24-hour access to cash through an automated teller machine (ATM) or Direct Deposit of paychecks into checking or savings accounts. But electronic banking now involves many different types of transactions. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/ftc-electronic-banking--4646 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT Shopping for gifts can be a real dilemma. Just what do you get the person who has everything: your finicky Aunt Mary, your co-worker, or your child's babysitter? Gift cards may be the answer: one size fits all, and the recipients can get exactly what they want. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/ftc-buying-giving-and-using-gift-cards-4412 Wed, 01 Mar 2006 06:00:00 GMT Internet auction sites give buyers a “virtual” flea market with new and used merchandise from around the world; they give sellers a global storefront from which to market their goods. But the online auction business can be risky business. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants to help buyers and sellers stay safe on Internet auction websites. Among the thousands of consumer fraud complaints the FTC receives every year, those dealing with online auction fraud consistently rank near the top of the list. The complaints generally deal with late shipments, no shipments, or shipments of products that aren’t the same quality as advertised; bogus online payment or escrow services; and fraudulent dealers who lure bidders from legitimate auction sites with seemingly better deals. Most complaints involve sellers, but in some cases, the buyers are the subject. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/ftc-internet-auctions-a-guide-for-buyers-and-sellers-4516 Wed, 01 Feb 2006 06:00:00 GMT Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of turquoise and silver jewelry or the earth tone colors of Indian pottery, having some knowledge about American Indian arts and crafts can help you get the most for your money. Be aware also that because Indian arts and crafts are prized and often command higher prices, a few unscrupulous sellers misrepresent imitation arts and crafts as genuine. http://easttexas.bbb.org/article/ftc-how-to-buy-genuine-american-indian-arts-and-crafts-4487