http://northalabama.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=56&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT In the wake of the devastating tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma yesterday, and in north Texas last week, Better Business Bureau and BBB Wise Giving Alliance have issued tips to help donors make smart giving decisions and to avoid scams. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-urges-donor-caution-after-tornadoes-42017 Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT 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, your Better Business Bureau urges you to be aware of scammers that feed off the military. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/beware-of-memorial-day-scams-aimed-at-military-personnel-42004 Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT The rescue this week of three women and a child from a Cleveland home where they were held captive for a decade has gained worldwide attention. Generous donors wishing to help the victims are being cautioned by Better Business Bureau to confirm the legitimacy of all charitable fundraising and crowdfunding efforts. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/bbb-cautions-on-fundraising-to-assist-cleveland-kidnap-victims-41861 Thu, 09 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau serving North Alabama is alerting consumers to a website offering fitness equipment at “too good to be true” prices that falsely claims to be a BBB Accredited company. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/bbb-of-no-alabama-alerts-consumers-to-a-website-offering-fitness-equipment-at-too-good-to-be-true-prices-falsely-claims-to-be-bbb-accredited-business-41837 Thu, 09 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT 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) http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/fbi-issues-cyber-security-advisory-that-could-impact-all-users-of-microsoft-explorer-8-41825 Tue, 07 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Mother’s Day is on Sunday, and whether you are ordering flowers, shopping for custom jewelry, or arranging a special spa day, your Better Business Bureau (BBB) wants you to be a smart consumer. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/make-mom-proud-by-doing-your-homework-when-ordering-your-mothers-day-gifts-41767 Mon, 06 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Over 15 million Americans have their identity stolen each year, with an additional 25.6 million falling victim to fraud. Online scams have risen over 1000% in the last few years. While it is difficult to avoid identity theft and scams altogether, you can learn many ways to minimize the chance of being a victim of both by attending the 15th Annual Scam Jam Fraud Summit. Better Business Bureau and Alabama Senior Medicare Patrol, along with several North Alabama agencies and community partners are teaming up to host the event on Thursday, May 9 from 9:00 – 11:30 AM at Central United Methodist Church (corner of 6th Ave. and Jackson St. in Decatur). http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/15th-annual-scam-jam-fraud-summit-thursday-in-decatur-41742 Fri, 03 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT FCC 'Bill Shock' Rules Require Alerts About Overages for cell phone users - April 17, 2013 announcement. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/fcc-announces-bill-shock-rules-for-cell-phones-41723 Fri, 03 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Do you have unclaimed property? If so, how would you know? Is it worth it to pay a service to help you identify unclaimed property? http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/how-to-claim-your-unclaimed-property-41704 Thu, 02 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT May is National Moving Month, which kicks off the busiest time of year for Americans changing residencies. It also means there could be unlicensed movers and dishonest scammers waiting to take advantage of unwary consumers. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/bbb-and-amsa-help-you-prepare-for-a-smooth-move-during-national-moving-month-41658 Mon, 29 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB tips for prom and graduation preparations http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/dont-let-your-childs-senior-celebrations-leave-you-with-bad-memories-41595 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Appearance projects top the list of work that homeowners are planning to hire contractors for this spring, according to the latest poll by the Better Business Bureau. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/looks-lead-the-way-for-spring-home-improvements-41527 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Whether you have coverage under a comprehensive policy or fend for yourself, whether you’re covered under Medicaid or Medicare, whether you’re healthy or sick, paying for medications crosses everyone’s path sooner or later. No matter how we might feel about the future of health insurance, the truth is that prescription medications – particularly name brand meds with no generic counterpart – are expensive, and for those taking multiple prescriptions over months or years, the costs of those medications can be significant. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/online-pharmacies-budget-stretcher-or-big-danger--41519 Tue, 23 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Spring cleaning is here and many people take the opportunity to spruce up their homes by adding a new coat of paint. Due to health and environmental concerns, many people are wary of buying paint that contains VOCs or volatile organic compounds. VOCs are emitted gases made up of different chemicals that may have short- and long- term negative health and environmental effects. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) warns consumers to take a closer look at what is in their remodeling supplies. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/your-diy-spring-projects-can-be-hazardous-to-your-health-warns-the-better-business-bureau-41486 Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Malicious web links attaching themselves to the West, Texas tragedy are circulating the web. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/beware-of-phony-solicitations-and-malicious-web-links-in-wake-of-west-texas-and-boston-marathon-tragedies-bbb-warns-41454 Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT 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. BBB Wise Giving Alliance (“Alliance”), the national charity monitoring arm of the Better Business Bureau, and BBB Serving Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont (“BBB Boston”) cautions donors about potential red flags concerning tragedy-related philanthropy. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-of-charity-scams-offers-giving-tips-in-wake-of-boston-marathon-bombing-41391 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT A BBB employee received an email notification today that made it appear he was receiving a receipt for a purchased airline ticket from American Airlines. The message contained a link for downloading the actual ticket. In reality the message was designed to get the recipient to click on the link, which will likely lead him to a website where either personal information will be requested or a virus or spyware will be downloaded unknowingly onto his computer. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-beware-of-fake-airline-ticket-notification-scams--41361 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT With the tax deadline looming, taxpayers need to prepare for unexpected emails and phone calls purporting last-minute issues with returns or refunds. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/is-there-really-a-problem-with-those-taxes-41351 Fri, 12 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-for-last-minute-tax-return-filers-41329 Fri, 12 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/do-your-homework-if-needing-storm-cleanup-and-roofing-companies--41330 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Do you know that hijacking or sniping domain names is becoming a business and you need to take precautions? http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/domain-names-are-being-hijacked-41291 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to beware of "sound alike" names when giving to charities. They can confuse potential donors. These "sound alike" names are common among health-related and animal welfare organizations. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/beware-of-sound-alike-names-when-giving-to-charities-41263 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Car owners need to protect their vehicle and themselves with auto insurance, but how do you know if you are properly covered? http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/get-the-most-from-your-auto-insurance-41248 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Like clockwork, as the weather improves, so does the influx of various contractors who go door-to-door offering low cost home improvement services. One service we anticipate seeing very soon is asphalt paving. The salesmen claim to be able to offer their services at a low cost because they have material left over from a larger paving job. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/now-that-spring-has-sprung-so-will-the-advent-of-the-travelers--41224 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT April is National Pest Management Month, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). In 2012, Better Business Bureau received more than 3,100 complaints against pest control services http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/getting-bugged-make-sure-your-pest-management-is-handled-by-a-pro-41188 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT In our tech-savvy world, everything is readily accessible and convenient…even banking. Gone are the days of waiting in line at the bank or even waiting for your computer to boot up. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/top-five-tips-for-mobile-banking-41182 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Hackers are exploiting Bluetooth wireless connections to access texts, contacts and photos, send texts and even place long-distance telephone calls without you being aware. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-smart-phone-and-tablet-users-about-bluetooth-security-hole-41152 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Telemarketers are prohibited by law from calling consumers on the Do Not Call Registry. They also are forbidden to call cell phones. This has not stopped them. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/is-an-end-to-illegal-robocalls-in-sight--41147 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Summer is just around the corner and now is the time to start planning your summer time activities. According to the American Camp Association, there are more than 12,000 day and resident camps nationwide. When looking for the appropriate one for your child, Better Business Bureau recommends parents do their research to ensure they find a camp that is both financially fit for their pocketbook and fundamentally right for their child. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/bbb-tips-on-making-a-wise-choice-for-your-childs-summer-camp-activities--41113 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Who needs a financial planner? You do if you want to save, invest and grow your money and you have no clue as to how to get started or the best ways to achieve your financial goals. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/take-time-in-finding-qualified-financial-planner-41127 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT 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. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/homeowners-dont-fall-for-fake-promises-41045 Thu, 28 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Although the temperatures are still low, spring has arrived and it is a good time to rid your home of the clutter and paperwork you have accumulated over the past year. However, when it comes to reviewing your financial records, it is important to know what to keep, what to discard, and when. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) offers advice on how to safely clear your clutter. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-identifies-what-paperwork-to-keep-when-spring-cleaning-41039 Thu, 28 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Planning a wedding involves orchestrating a symphony of vendors, and bridal expos can be a great one-stop shop to find all of the service providers you would need. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/planning-to-tie-the-knot-41024 Tue, 26 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Deciding what to do if you receive a tax refund is an important decision in this economy. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to consider a few options that can provide some long-term financial benefits. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-tips-for-using-your-2013-tax-refund--40993 Tue, 26 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Your BBB warns job seekers to be wary of ads seeking mystery or secret shoppers. While some companies do hire and pay individuals to serve as secret shoppers, many of these ads are designed to take advantage of someone in need of a job. The best way to tell the legitimacy of a mystery shopping job offer is that you won’t be required to pay anything or cash a check and wire funds back to the sender. Instead, they will pay you, with no strings attached. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/can-you-really-get-paid-to-shop-40994 Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Cell phone users are increasingly turning to Bluetooth technology to talk - hands free - on their phones. But as this high tech tool gains popularity in the US and Canada, scammers are finding ways to exploit it. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/use-bluetooth-protect-yourself-from-hacking-scams-40949 Thu, 21 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Buying Medication on the Internet Can Have Tragic Results Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be extremely careful when considering the purchase of prescription medication from online pharmacies. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-warns-online-pharmacies-can-be-dangerous--40925 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Natural disasters like tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes can bring out the best in people, as strangers reach out to help others in need. Unfortunately, crises also bring out persons who choose to take advantage of the victims. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/hiring-a-roofing-contractor-after-a-disaster-40905 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT For those that lack a green thumb, hiring a lawn care service or landscaper can ease the burden of beautifying your own yard. But, Better Business Bureau advises consumers to get clear, written expectations for what services the company will provide, and agree on a fee before work starts. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/five-ways-to-ensure-you-are-hiring-the-right-lawn-care-company-40874 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT It’s that time of year when you might get an unexpected knock on your door — especially if you have a gravel driveway. At the door will be a salesman announcing that he represents an asphalt company that’s finishing up a job in the neighborhood and lo and behold, they have asphalt to spare. Would you be interested in blacktopping that dusty drive? Meet the asphalt scam artists. They come out in droves during spring and summer and travel the nation looking for victims. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/bbb-tips-for-recognizing-asphalt-scams-40826 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Tax season is here, and that means tax scams are back in full swing. Keep a look out for these top three ways that scammers prey on unsuspecting taxpayers. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/watch-out-for-2013s-top-tax-refund-scams--40830 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Scammers use major holidays, big events and disasters as an opportunity to target consumers and lure them into scams. Sweepstakes scams are so popular because they play on consumer’s emotions and dreams of financial freedom. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/watch-out-for-tricky-leprechauns-this-st-patricks-day-40824 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection have put together a list of some of the top business scam situations: http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/watch-out-for-these-small-business-scams-40729 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT Maybe you’ve moved to a new town. Maybe you changed insurance carriers. Maybe it’s simply time for someone new. Whatever your reason, finding a new dentist does not have to be like pulling teeth. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/research-pays-off-when-looking-for-new-dentist-40520 Sat, 09 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT Want to make informed giving decisions? Want to be sure your charitable donations are going to organizations that meet high standards? BBB Wise Giving Alliance can help! We've made our reports even easier to read and understand. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/ncpw-tip-7-giving-wisely-to-accountable-charities-40712 Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT A new phishing scam is making the rounds disguised as a consumer complaint notification from the FTC. If you receive it, just hit "delete." http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/how-fake-ftc-emails-are-tricking-business-owners-40805 Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT Investors lose millions every year to risky investments and fraudulent scams, and the problem is getting worse as more people manage their own retirement savings. BBB has partnered with the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, part of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, to help combat investment fraud and through the BBB Smart Investing program. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/ncpw-tip-6-bbb-smart-investing-40656 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT The average child spends 2-7½ hours online every day. That's a good chunk of time. BBB Children's Advertising Review Unit (CARU) is here to help parents control what gets advertised to their child while they watch television, listen to the radio and surf the Web. Learn more about CARU. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/ncpw-tip-5-keeping-kids-safe-online-40612 Wed, 06 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT Visit northalabama.bbb.org for consumer protection tips and releases http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/ncpw-tip-4-how-to-find-a-trustworthy-contractor-40556 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT Scams rip people off to the tune of billions of dollars every year. Now you can fight back with BBB Scam Stopper, developed in partnership with Western Union. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/ncpw-tip-3-bbb-scam-stopper-40533 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT BBB Military Line provides financial literacy and consumer education resources to members of each branch of service, retirees, and their family members. From financial readiness classes to dispute resolution, BBBs across the U.S. work with military installations to provide information on financial literacy and consumer education. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/financial-field-manual-for-military-families-40495 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT Your BBB is taking part in the 2013 National Consumer Protection Week,Your BBB is taking part in the 2013 National Consumer Protection Week, and we'll be releasing new information geared toward conscious consumers every day this week. Check back here to stay up to date with Your BBB! http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/2013-national-consumer-protection-week--40468 Sun, 03 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT BBB tips for protecting your personal information http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/ncpw-tip-2-protecting-your-computer-and-smartphone-from-hackers-40497 Sat, 02 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT For more than 30 years, BBB AUTO LINE has helped consumers resolve "lemon law" complaints quickly and at no cost. Our dispute resolution program covers car warranty issues against participating manufacturers, and we have helped more than two million consumers. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/ncpw-tip-1-bbb-auto-line-is-fast-fair-and-saves-you-money--40474 Fri, 01 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau (BBB) system is joining government agencies and national advocacy organizations to launch the 15th Annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 3 - 9, 2013. This year’s observance highlights the need for consumer education efforts around the country. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/2013-national-consumer-protection-week--march-3-9-2013-40464 Fri, 01 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT Around this time of year homeowners begin planning home improvement projects for spring and summer. When planning these renovations it is important to be aware of tax credits being offered by the Federal Government on products that increase home energy efficiency. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers some tips for money-saving decisions http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/home-improvement-planning-requires-checking-out-contractors-products-to-save-money-40449 Wed, 27 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT Don’t Bet When Borrowing http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/refund-anticipation-loans-come-with-risks-40414 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT Sometimes our finances can become overwhelming to keep track of. And starting a savings account is the last thing on our minds. But it’s necessary to avoid living from paycheck to paycheck! It’s also a great life and academic lesson for our kids to learn. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/how-to-start-saving-from-baby-steps-to-retirement-40395 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT The BBB has 10 tips to help you spot fake coupons online. Extremely high discounts are often a sign of a fraudulent coupon. http://northalabama.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-check-for-warning-signs-of-fake-coupons-online-40370