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05/09/2013

FBI Issues Cyber Security Advisory That Could Impact All Users of Microsoft Explorer 8

BBB is urging all consumers and businesses to pay close attention to a Cyber Security Advisory issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding a vulnerability in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 browser(IE8)

04/16/2013

BBB Warns of Charity Scams, Offers Giving Tips in Wake of Boston Marathon Bombing

At least one poorly-conceived charity scam has already emerged in the wake of the explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon yesterday, and more are likely.

03/07/2013

New Merchant Surcharges on Credit Purchases

Most of us have gotten used to charging purchases, large and small, on a debit or credit card. Just swipe the card and avoid the hassle of carrying cash. Look carefully; you may notice a new fee on your receipt. Retailers are now allowed to pass along to consumers the cost of processing credit cards.

01/09/2013

BBB Lists Top 10 Scams of 2012

People always ask me, “What are the biggest scams”? It is very hard list the “biggest” scams strictly by the number of people affected or the amount of money stolen, because many go unreported or under-reported. Also, if you ask someone that has just lost money to a scam, they will assure you that they have just found the “biggest” scam. Some scams have been around as long as the BBB – 100 years – and some take advantage of brand new technologies. Our list for 2012 is made up of the ones that seemed the most audacious, the most egregious. They hurt a lot of people, and it seems that scams are only getting more prevalent even as consumers are getting savvier.

01/03/2013

Debt Negotiators Are Not the Same as Credit Counseling Agencies

Many consumers are experiencing the stress that comes with mounting credit card debt. With the unemployment rate still high, more families are depending on credit just to make ends meet. The Better Business Bureau warns over-burdened consumers to beware of companies that promise to cut their bills in half by negotiating low payoff amounts from creditors.

04/25/2012

Be An Educated Consumer: Know the Danger Signals of Scams

After seeing numerous consumers become victims to ruthless con artist each year, I always like to encourage everyone to think about how you can become a more educated consumer. While schemes and scams take infinite forms, there are basic principles underlying all of them. Knowing the common danger signals and ways to defend yourself can save you time, money and frustration.

04/18/2012

Don’t Get Duped by the Grandparent Scam

There is a scam that continues to grow that preys on the emotions of seniors who want nothing more than to ensure the safety of their grandchildren. The BBB continues to receive reports about grandparents who thought they were aiding their grandchildren by providing money for an emergency situation but were in fact giving thousands of dollars to con artists.

04/04/2012

To Shred or Not to Shred – Protect Your Identity at BBB’s Annual Secure Your ID Day

In honor of National Financial Literacy Month, the Better Business Bureau will hold a nationwide “Secure Your ID” Day on Saturday, April 21, 2012. In Macon, we will be at Raffield Tire Master at 7020 Peake Road (just off Zebulon Road), in Warner Robins, we will be set up at Raffield Tire Master at 4001 Watson Boulevard and in Augusta we will be in the parking lot of Wal-Mart at 260 Bobby Jones Expressway. Individuals and small businesses are encouraged to stop by between 10 am and noon for free on the spot document shredding. BBB staff will also be on site to provide expert advice and tips on identity theft, investment fraud, and other financial topics.

08/03/2011

Don’t Fall Victim to Unexpected Cell Phone Data Charges when Traveling this Summer

Nowadays, cell phone users are surfing the web, receiving emails and watching movies all on their smartphone with just the click of a button from just about anywhere. However, when traveling abroad, many consumers fail to recognize that their data plan is constantly in use even when they think their phone isn’t. Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to either turn off their phone or make the necessary data arrangements with their cell phone provider to avoid thousands of dollars worth of data charges while traveling abroad this summer.

08/02/2011

Consumer Alert: Watch Out for False Promises from OnlineBuinessScams.com

BBB cautions consumers to watch out for OnlineBusinessScams.com, a website that is falsely charging for BBB complaint resolution services.

07/20/2011

Don’t Fall Victim to a Beauty Pageant that Could Break the Bank

Many advertisements seeking beauty pageant participants read, “Win Big Prizes! Scholarships! Cash! Become the Next Supermodel!” These ads are appealing to parents of young children, teens and others who are convinced they have what it takes to become the next big star. Participating in a beauty pageant may provide a rewarding experience, but many would-be contestants find that some pageant promoters do not deliver what they promise. While there are legitimate pageants, there are also those whose only purpose is to fatten the pockets of promoters.

07/13/2011

Summer Months Bring Highest Rates of Burglaries – Is Your Home Secure?

The summer months are the perfect time for a vacation getaway. Unfortunately, they are also the perfect time for a home robbery. According to the FBI, the summer months of July and August have the highest rates of burglaries. Better Business Bureau is advising homeowners, who are looking to secure their property this summer, to do their research when picking a home security system.

06/08/2011

Don’t Fall Victim to High Pressure Magazine Sellers at Your Door this Summer

Better Business Bureau receives thousands of complaints each year from consumers who have unknowingly purchased multi-year magazine subscriptions. Unscrupulous telemarketers sometimes trick consumers into paying hundreds of dollars for multi-year subscriptions to magazines they don't want or can't afford. BBB warns that deceptive door-to-door magazine sales crews are hitting the pavement and looking to earn a quick buck this summer.

05/04/2011

BBB Warns That Scammers May Be Chasing Your Wallet in Light of Recent Storms

Your home and wallet may take a serious beating when a big storm hits and with several recent storms and tornadoes, Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be wary of fly-by-night “storm chasers,” as well as fraudulent charities promising to provide relief.

05/04/2011

Online Scams Proliferate in the Wake of Osama’s Death

In the aftermath of the death of Osama Bin Laden this past weekend, the Better Business Bureau of Central Georgia & the CSRA is warning consumers to watch out for a slew of cyber-scams that have popped up in the past few days


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