http://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=61&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Wed, 09 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. Better Business Bureau offers advice on how to get the most out of a prepaid phone card while avoiding getting ripped off. http://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/make-the-most-of-your-minutes-and-avoid-deceptive-prepaid-phone-cards-12379 Wed, 16 Sep 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. Having a car repossessed hinders more than just a car owner’s mobility; it has a severe impact on credit scores, thereby limiting the ability to get loans or credit cards for up to seven years. Better Business Bureau advises troubled car owners on how to avoid losing their vehicle and their creditworthiness. http://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/behind-on-car-payments-bbb-advice-on-how-to-avoid-the-repo-man-12481 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://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/consumers-feel-more-at-risk-for-identity-theft-when-making-certain-types-of-purchases-12588 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau is issuing a national alert about phony debt collectors that are calling consumers nationwide and claiming that they have defaulted on a payday loan and will be arrested if they don’t pay immediately. Claiming to be lawyers, the scammers say they are with the “Financial Accountability Association” or the “Federal Legislation of Unsecured Loans” and are equipped with a disconcerting amount of personal information about their potential victims. http://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/widespread-harassment-from-phony-debt-collectors-raises-concerns-of-mass-data-breach-warns-bbb-12239 Wed, 30 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. Better Business Bureau warns small business owners to be on the lookout for friendly fraud and offers advice on how to protect against this growing online threat. http://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/bbb-small-business-advice-on-fighting-friendly-fraud-12738 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau is warning renters to be on the lookout for scammers on Craigslist and other online classifieds when searching for a home. Phony ads for rental properties across the country are cropping up and are specifically aimed at stealing money from unsuspecting renters. http://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-renters-to-beware-of-bogus-home-rentals-12587 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be extremely wary of pervasive online ads offering the promise of a whiter, brighter smile. The BBB has received a recent 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 they didn’t want. http://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/teeth-whitening-products-sold-online-wipe-smile-off-consumers-faces-12841 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, the H1N1 virus — the so-called “Swine Flu” — isn’t any more deadly than a seasonal flu, but it is transmitted more easily. 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://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/defend-your-business-against-the-h1n1-virus-this-winter-12921 Wed, 14 Oct 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. Barring a time extension, people looking to cash in must purchase a home by November 30. http://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/act-now-to-take-advantage-of-the-first-time-home-buyers-tax-credit-12981 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Computer experts are reporting that scareware — yet another sneaky technique used by hackers to steal personal information and spread viruses online — is on the rise. Most recently, companies like Google, Twitter and the New York Times are being exploited by hackers as part of a massive scareware attack on consumers. http://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/boo-scareware-attacks-on-the-rise-bbb-advice-on-how-to-protect-your-computer-13101 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Don't Get Stuck With A Flood Damaged Vehicle http://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-of-buying-flood-damaged-cars-12608 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Your time share may have sounded like a great vacation solution at the time you bought it, but some consumers are finding that the monthly maintenance fees and associated costs they’re paying are not worth the time they spend there. Some are turning to services that promise to relieve them of their time share and their obligations for a fee. http://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/time-share-alert-from-governors-office-of-consumer-affairs-13153 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT No Company Is Safe From Becoming A Victim Of The Fake Check Scam! http://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/fake-check-scam-hits-company-in-georgia-12657 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Millions of people have found a way to be their own boss and make money on a flexible schedule through direct selling. 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://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/five-questions-for-determining-if-direct-selling-is-for-you-13225 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Following the success of the Cash for Clunkers program, the federal government recently announced the creation of a similar rebate program for consumers looking to purchase new energy-efficient appliances. While many of the details of the program are still yet to be determined, Better Business Bureau offers the following guidance to consumers who might be interested in taking advantage of the program. http://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/cash-for-appliances-is-the-new-cash-for-clunkers-13362 Wed, 11 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. Because the sites often use the Google name and prominently display its iconic logo, consumers often assume they are getting a job with Google when in fact they were getting taken in by yet another work-at-home scheme. http://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/make-money-from-home-with-google-not-so-fast-warns-bbb-13489 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://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/bluehippo-faces-contempt-for-ongoing-computer-financing-scam-13563 Wed, 18 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. 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://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/five-questions-to-ask-before-donating-to-a-charity-13614 Tue, 24 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://centralgeorgia.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-on-using-layaway-for-holiday-purchases-13755