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08/29/2011

BBB Advises Homeowners on Mold Must-Knows

Many homeowners are looking for remedies for dealing with the aftermath of the devastating floods that have hit so many homes around the country. While a little part of the water damage picture, mold can be an ever growing, pesky problem that, if not taken care of quickly, can last forever. Better Business Bureau, along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are advising homeowners to be proactive when it comes to dealing with mold and mildew.

07/05/2011

BBB Advice on Keeping Pesky Bed Bugs at Bay and Out of Your Home

It appears that the bed bug infestation has hit homes once again. These pesky little critters are not only latching onto your beds, but to your wallets as well. Some self-proclaimed bed bug eradicators are coming into your home with the intention to only take your money and not actually rid you of your critter problem. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Better Business Bureau are advising consumers on ways to ultimately prevent bed bug infestations from stepping “foot” in your home.

05/25/2011

BBB Advises Consumers on Handling Debt Collectors—both Legitimate and Phony

Consumers who owe money or are behind on their bills may be legitimately contacted by debt collectors to pay off debts. The BBB warns consumers, however, that phony debt collectors are lurking. In a recent release of the top complaints reported to the Better Business Bureau, collection agencies ranked 5th in number of complaints received. With more than 15,000 complaints, consumers need to be aware of the best practices for when it comes to handling debt collectors.

05/04/2011

BBB Advice on Choosing a Driving School That’s Right for You

While a scary but exciting time, having your eagerly-awaiting teenager soon to be behind the wheel is one that comes with lots of necessary preparation. When choosing a driving school for your soon-to-be driver, Better Business Bureau urges both parents and students to make smart, informed decisions.

06/01/2010

Can You Trust a Door-to-Door Meat Salesman?

Every summer, Better Business Bureau receives troubling complaints from consumers who purchased meat from door-to-door salesmen and were dissatisfied with the quality or even claim to have gotten food poisoning.

03/16/2010

Top Five Reasons to Fill Out the 2010 Census Form

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 Better Business Bureau encourages everyone to take a few minutes to fill out their census form when it arrives in the mail in March.

01/01/2008

FTC - The Keys to Hiring a Reputable Locksmith

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.

10/01/2007

FTC - Diversity Visa Lottery: Read the Rules, Avoid the Rip-Offs

If you or someone you know is trying to get a green card — the right to live in the United States permanently — be on the lookout for unscrupulous businesses and attorneys. They’ll claim that, for a fee, they can make it easier to enter the U. S. State Department’s annual Diversity Visa (DV) lottery (also known as the “green card lottery”) or increase your chances of winning the DV lottery.

10/01/2007

FTC - Sorting Out "Green" Advertising Claims

Grocery shelves, hardware stores, card shops, and other retail operations are filled with products and packages announcing environmental features that may influence your purchasing decisions. But when it comes to products and packaging, what do claims like "environmentally safe," "recyclable," "degradable" or "ozone friendly" really mean? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) want you to know. The FTC, in cooperation with the EPA, has developed guidelines for adv

10/01/2007

FTC - The Federal Trade Commission's Information about Relief for Hurricane Victims

Advance Fee Loan Scams, Appliances, Automobiles, Charity Scams, Contractor Scams, Credit and Money, Damaged or Lost Documents, Debris Removal Scams, Door-To-Door Sale (Cooling Off Rule), Fake Disaster Officals, Flood Restoration, Foundation-Excavation-or-Waterproofing Work, Home Ownership Issues, Home Repair Scams, Identity Theft, Job Scams, Money and Credit, Pest Control, Rental Listing Scams, Utility Related Scams, Water Treatment or Purification Devices

12/01/2006

FTC - Ads for Business Opportunities: How To Detect Deception

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.

12/01/2006

FTC - Electronic Banking

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.

11/01/2006

FTC - Before You File for Personal Bankruptcy: Information About Credit Counseling and Debtor Education

The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 launched a new era: With limited exceptions, people who plan to file for bankruptcy protection must get credit counseling from a government-approved organization within 180 days before they file. They also must complete a debtor education course to have their debts discharged.

08/01/2006

FTC - VoIP: It’s A Phone, It’s a Computer, It’s ...

Voice over Internet Protocol — VoIP — is one way people are making and receiving telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection rather than a regular phone line. VoIP converts your phone call — actually, the voice signal from your phone — into a digital signal that travels through the Internet to the person you are calling. If you are calling a plain old telephone number, the signal is converted back at the other end. If you’re comfortable with new technology, you may want to learn more about VoIP. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, suggests that it’s smart to do some research on this technology before signing up for it.

08/01/2006

FTC - Keeping Laptops from Getting Lost or Stolen

A laptop computer defines convenience and mobility. It enables you to work from home, a hotel room, a conference hall, or a coffee shop.