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05/15/2013

Beware of Memorial Day Scams Aimed at Military Personnel

Memorial Day is a time to honor those who serve and remember those who have died in war. But sadly, it has also become a key opportunity for scammers to target those who are serving or have served their nation, especially elderly veterans. As Memorial Day approaches, the Better Business Bureau urges consumers and donors to be aware of scammers that feed off the military.

05/09/2013

Sidewalk Salesmen and Parking Lot Peddlers

It is the weekend and you are dashing to complete a list of errands. As you pull into the parking lot of a neighborhood mall or store, you see some enticing signs for “high quality” equipment, furniture, jewelry or artwork that is displayed on the blacktop. The advertised prices are extremely low and worth checking out, you decide. Think again, as you are about to get taken.

05/02/2013

Move Safely and Securely While Avoiding Scams

May is National Moving Month, which kicks off the busiest time of year for Americans changing residencies. It also means unlicensed movers and dishonest scammers are waiting to take advantage of unwary consumers.

04/25/2013

Don't Fall for Fake Promises of Lower Property Taxes

As the economy improves, property prices are rebounding... and so are property taxes. Most municipalities mail tax assessments each spring. Scammers are often close behind, posing as government programs that claim to lower your taxes for a fee.

04/18/2013

6 Tips to Consider Before You Spend this Year’s Tax Refund

Do you spend weeks each spring eagerly anticipating your income tax refund? When the money finally comes in, is it gone tomorrow? You’re not alone. Many consumers view tax refunds as unplanned bonuses, but it makes more sense to plan for that new chunk of change so it doesn’t go to waste.

04/11/2013

Know What’s Involved Before Cosigning A Loan

What if you were asked to cosign a loan for a family member or friend? Would you do it? Before you give your answer, make sure you understand what cosigning involves. Under a Federal Trade Commission rule, creditors are required to give you a notice to help explain your obligations. The cosigner’s notice says:

04/04/2013

Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

Assisted living is one of the fastest growing types of senior housing in the United States. Assisted living facilities usually provide or coordinate personal care services, 24-hour supervision, scheduled and unscheduled assistance, social activities, and some health-related services. These facilities are designed for individuals who cannot live independently, but do not need nursing care on a daily basis.

03/28/2013

Three-Day “Cooling Off’ Rule

“A salesman came to my house selling magazines, and I signed up for a long-term subscription that I really do not want or need just to get him to leave. Can I cancel the subscription?”

03/21/2013

Spring-Cleaning? Know What to Keep, What to Discard…and When

Springtime is finally here. Now is a good time to rid your home of the clutter and paperwork you have accumulated over the past year. When it comes to reviewing your financial records, how do you know what to discard and what to keep?

03/14/2013

Spring Scams

Spring is just around the corner and so are con artists who prey on homeowners, especially senior citizens.

02/27/2013

Reverse Mortgages – Are They For You?

If you have been within earshot of a television or radio in the last year, then you have no doubt heard about Reverse Mortgages. While the term seems to be self-explanatory, most consumers have no idea how they work and being uneducated is dangerous territory when it comes to making a major financial decision.

02/14/2013

BBB Advice for Avoiding Automobile Repair Scams

When your vehicle needs repairs, you don't need a crash course in auto mechanics, but you should know how to find a reliable shop and mechanic. The Better Business Bureau recommends following a few key pointers to ensure that your automobile gets fixed without a glitch.

02/07/2013

Avoiding Fraudulent Tax Preparers

Tax evasion scams, including fraudulent tax return preparation, cost taxpayers billions of dollars every year. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reports that criminal investigations into fraudulent tax return preparers continue to rise.

01/30/2013

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. Collection agencies are consistently ranked in the top five in number of complaints received by Better Business Bureaus. With more than 15,000 complaints, consumers need to be aware of the best practices for when it comes to handling debt collectors.

01/23/2013

Don’t Let Paperless, E-Receipts Compromise Your Personal Information

Have you ever opted for a paperless, e-receipt? Some retailers and banks have started offering customers the option of receiving receipts from purchases and ATM transactions via email. While this is a convenient alternative to paper clutter, the Better Business Bureau is reminding shoppers to protect their identity in the process.