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04/25/2012
Shredding more than 39,000 pounds of confidential documents, the BBB of Western Michigan’s Secure Your ID Day was a great success! The BBB partnered with document shredding companies, financial institutions, and a church to provide free document shredding to more than 300 individuals and small businesses. Thank you to Calvary Church and West Michigan Document Shredding in Grand Rapids, Gateway in Berrien Springs, Profile in Traverse City, Keystone Community Bank and West Michigan Document Shredding in Kalamazoo, and First Bank West Michigan and Rapid Shred in Hastings.
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04/11/2012
The Better Business Bureau is urging you to participate in Secure Your ID Shred Day events April 20 and 21 throughout Western Michigan. In Grand Rapids, documents can be dropped off at Calvary Church on the East Beltline between 9 a.m. and noon on Friday, April 20. Other locations throughout West Michigan will be hosting free shredding on Saturday, April 21. Reduce identity theft by shredding outdated or unnecessary personal and financial documents. According to the Federal Trade Commission, these are the most prevalent types of identity theft fraud in Michigan:
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03/30/2012
As phishing attacks using our name continue circulating, targeting both accredited and non-accredited businesses, we would like to assure you that the Better Business Bureau has played no role in this process, nor has information you’ve shared with us been compromised or caused you to become the target of these emails. Despite our best efforts to stop these fraudulent emails (see below), these phishing attacks may continue. Therefore, in an effort to help prevent any further issues, we’re issuing a general guideline which businesses and individuals should follow to determine if emails are actually from the BBB.
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03/13/2012
Two important consumer alerts today: #1 Michigan’s Attorney General alleges that from July 2006 through January 2012 API Worldwide Holdings and its operators ran a Ponzi scheme promising huge returns on investments. #2 WOOD-TV ran an important story recently about the safety of used cars that were involved in accidents.
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02/29/2012
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.
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02/07/2012
A national tax preparation company, Mo Money Taxes, is leaving many consumers with serious questions. The home office of Mo Money Taxes is in Memphis, TN, and police there have confiscated computers and shut the business. The West Michigan location is at 101 E Broadway Ave, Muskegon Heights, MI 49444-2166, and calls to that location are being forwarded to voicemail.
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02/02/2012
NATIONAL BBB ALERT - An advanced fee loan company, GreenPoint Capital located in Lansing, Michigan, has been named by four consumers contacting the BBB, inquiring about their business practices. One consumer informed the BBB that GreenPoint Capital did not honor the contract she made with them after paying $800.00 by wire transfer. The consumer was told a $5000.00 loan would be in her account on 1/31/2012. The money was not provided, and the company representative called to ask for another $800.00, saying they needed more security on the loan. This consumer says GreenPoint Capital took everything she had plus money she borrowed from someone else to get the $800.00 to take out a loan.
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01/19/2012
Recently there have been reports of unwanted SMS (Short Message Service) texts showing up on cell phones, and the recipient being billed for them.
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01/19/2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Beware of fake complaint or request for information email claiming to be from bbb.org. If you receive an e-mail from a bbb.org address, DON’T OPEN IT!
The Better Business Bureau is warning businesses to beware of a malicious email that pretends to be from the BBB about a complaint, or seeking accreditation information from the company.
The phishing email is sent from the multiple email addresses with the subject line “Complaint #” followed by a nine-digit number, or referencing an SBQ Form. BBB Accredited and non-Accredited Businesses have been targeted and some consumers have received the Email.
The body of the email claims that the company has received a complaint, or that the BBB needs more information, and asks them to respond by directing them to click through to what is actually is disguised link to a third party website.
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01/16/2012
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.
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12/14/2011
THOUSANDS OF BUSINESSES AND CONSUMERS ARE BEING EFFACTED BY THIS!
Beware of fake complaint email claiming to be from bbb.org
If you receive the fake complaint Email, DON’T OPEN IT!
The Better Business Bureau is warning businesses to beware of a malicious email that pretends to be from the BBB about a complaint filed against the company.
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10/03/2011
Arlington, VA – October 3, 2011 – Child identity theft is a growing crime that is causing damage to the pristine credit reports of children. Hundreds of online businesses are finding inactive Social Security numbers online – most of which are assigned to children under the age of 18 who have not started using them yet. These scammers are then selling the numbers under different names to help people establish fake credit. Protecting your child’s innocent, clean record is something that every parent needs to do.
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10/03/2011
The current economy has left many shoppers on a budget and searching for more affordable methods of paying for big-ticket items and holiday gifts. This holiday season, many families will be turning to alternate forms of payment to make ends meet. With many stores offering layaway services, Better Business Bureau is offering advice on how to use this payment plan in lieu of credit cards.
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10/03/2011
With the holiday season right around the corner and the economy putting the squeeze on budgets, many shoppers are going to be looking for the best gift options this holiday season. For those looking to give gift cards to family and friends, BBB is recommending that you do your research before purchasing a gift card.
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07/19/2011
Having an alternate plan for retirement is becoming the norm today. With the changes in retirement rules and the fact that employees are cutting back on what they contribute to an employee’s retirement, consumers now realize they must take more personal responsibility for their retirement finances. In this economy, how do you go about making sure you will have the finances needed for a secure retirement?
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