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09/17/2012

Save on Heating Costs with Seven Ways to Winterize Your Home

Better Business Bureau is offering a checklist for homeowners to safely prepare their homes for the cold winter months, and perhaps save a few dollars in the process.

09/05/2012

Do Your Research before Driving into an Auto Repair Scam

While most auto repairmen are honest and forthcoming, consumers need to be on the lookout for those that are trying to make a quick buck. Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to do their research before turning their car over to an auto repair service.

08/28/2012

Labor Day Travel Tips from the Better Business Bureau

Grand Rapids, MI – August 28, 2012 – With Labor Day weekend approaching, millions of drivers will begin taking to the road and the Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan (BBB) advises drivers to practice safe driving to avoid potential accidents.

08/22/2012

Don't be Dumb with Smartphones

Mobile Banking Can Be Dangerous If Used Improperly

08/21/2012

Tips To Protect Your Child While On Campus!

As college students get settled on campus, fighting fraud may not be at the top of their list of priorities. College students are susceptible to identity theft, however, and Better Business Bureau recommends that they take seven simple steps to protect themselves on campus.

08/01/2012

Back to School - and Back to the Playing Field

The last few days of summer vacation will soon give way to the back-to-school rush. In addition to the usual cart full of notebooks, papers, pens and crayons, many families will spend a substantial amount of money on athletic equipment, ranging from helmets and pads to cleats and hockey skates.

06/26/2012

Don’t get burned by an AC repair company!

Before hiring a contractor to make repairs, Better Business Bureau advises you to carefully research contractors to ensure that your experience doesn’t make you even hotter under the collar.

02/29/2012

National Consumer Protection Week

The Better Business Bureau has participated with many other organizations to provide data for the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network. This is the most complete report and database available on consumer protection in the United States.

01/16/2012

Don’t Cruise Your Way into a Vacation Scam

Winter and spring are prime months for ocean cruises, but the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan (BBB) advises consumers to read all of the fine print before signing up for a special cruise deal. The BBB urges consumers to be especially cautious of unsolicited mail with offers of free or discounted cruises. In 2011, the BBB received more than 1,300 complaints against cruise companies. While legitimate cruise companies do offer specials periodically, there are always those sneaky few that end up leaving consumers on the hook for thousands of dollars. Many times, scammers will send numerous e-mails, postcards, and other mailings trying to get you to call them in order to claim your “free cruise.” Don’t be fooled by professional looking websites. Gather as much information as you can about the business, and ask a lot of questions before signing on the dotted line.

04/01/2010

New Rules Go Into Effect to Protect Air Travelers

Complaints to Better Business Bureau about airlines increased by more than 170 percent in the last five years. But good news is on the horizon. New rules and regulations go into effect this month to better protect consumers.

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

07/01/2007

FTC - Alaska Native Art

Alaska is famous for the rugged beauty of its mountains, rivers, and coastlines, as well as for the distinctive arts and crafts produced by Alaska Native artists. If you are considering purchasing an Alaska Native-made art or craft item, it’s smart to invest a little time learning about the processes and materials Alaska Natives may use to make these unique and beautiful objects.