http://www.dallas.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=50&id=43992b94-d883-442b-9205-63c9ba89c28c&debug=False&tag=site=50&bbb=0875&firm=90124280 10 Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT In a historic move, the leaders of the country’s three leading sources of information on nonprofits – GuideStar, Charity Navigator, and BBB Wise Giving Alliance – penned an open letter to the donors of America denouncing the “overhead ratio” as the sole measure of nonprofit performance. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/bbb-wise-giving-alliance-charity-navigator-and-guidestar-join-forces-to-dispel-the-charity-overhead-myth-42506 Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU), a leader in global payment services, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) today announced efforts to promote awareness of scams that target seniors. June 15th is the United Nations-designated World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/elder-abuse-awareness-day-western-union-and-better-business-bureau-promote-fraud-awareness-on-un-observance-42450 Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT Seniors can learn to avoid fraud and abuse at the North Texas Forum on Elder Abuse, Friday, June 14, 2013, 8:30-11:00 AM, Irving Heritage Senior Center. BBB in Dallas will discuss "Scams Aimed at Seniors". http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/north-texas-forum-on-elder-abuse-will-clue-in-seniors-on-avoiding-fraud-and-abuse-42458 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT This is the time of year when a lot of people move. Be sure to check out the moving company, Jeannette Kopko of BBB in Dallas tells Doug Magditch of CW33-TV in Dallas - Fort Worth. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/in-the-news--dont-be-scammed-by-a-bad-moving-company-42425 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers of a malware program that locks up your computer and demands you pay a fine or criminal charges will be filed. The BBB received a call Tuesday afternoon from a local consumer whose daughter's computer was displaying a message from the "FBI" stating she had violated federal law by illegally using or distributing copyright laws and is subject to fines up to $100,000. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/malware-locks-up-computer-in-attempt-to-extort-money-42441 Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to be extremely cautious about relying on business rating reports from Nationwide Business Bureau http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/homeowners-lose-money-after-trusting-nationwide-business-bureau-reviews-bbb-warns-42380 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB advice on buying exercise equipment http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/get-the-skinny-before-purchasing-exercise-equipment--42352 Thu, 06 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB is alerting area seniors and caretakers to be wary of phone calls or voicemails from a company offering a “free” personal alarm system. BBB Serving Greater Cleveland has reported an influx of inquiries in recent days about a company using a variety of different names such as “Medical Emergency,” “Medical Alert Company,” “First Alert Company,” “Life Alert USA,” and “Medical Alarms Hewlett.” The company claims to be offering a “free” medical alert system and tells the listener that the system will be provided to them because a family member or a friend believes they should have it, and that the system and shipping is already paid for. In many cases, seniors who have provided their bank account or credit card information to “verify” their identity have found they were charged the monthly service fee, usually around $35.00, then the system never arrived or they had trouble returning it and obtaining a refund. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-seniors-of-deceptive-telemarketing-calls-offering-free-medical-alert-devices-42312 Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT The BBB is warning consumers to be cautious when dealing with Richard Steffan, who has worked recently for All Seasons Contracting and Cannon Builders & Remodelers. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-roofing-contractor-richard-steffan-tied-to-troubled-firms-in-missouri-2-other-states-42228 Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT There are a few things more annoying than junk mail, spam and unsolicited calls and texts messages. Not only are these unwanted communications an annoyance, but they can potentially lead to identity theft. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/cut-down-on-junk-mail-and-spam-42250 Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT Is Dad an adventure seeker? Is he up for the thrill of skydiving, whitewater rafting or other exciting adventures? How about golf lessons, a fishing trip, or a wilderness experience? With Father's Day on Sunday, June 16, Better Business Bureau is recommending that shoppers consider the fine print before purchasing high adventure activities or gift certificates for Dad. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/fathers-day-advice-be-smart-about-adventure-packages-42243 Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT Before you finalize your vacation plans, be sure you have given careful thought to whether you need to purchase travel insurance. There are circumstances that could cause you to cancel your trip, return home early or force you to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/is-travel-insurance-right-for-you-42254 Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB warns consumers to be on the lookout for smishing scams http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/scam-texts-trick-consumers-into-sharing-banking-info-42248 Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT If you are like most people, the thought of speaking in public strikes fear in your heart. No worries; you can overcome your fear of public speaking. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/smart-business-four-tips-for-public-speaking-42252 Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT With an estimated 136 million Americans going on at least one vacation this summer, safety and security precautions are a must. Proactive measures can help consumers keep their home safe from fire, carbon monoxide, and the threat of burglary while they are away. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/summer-smarts-keep-your-home-safe-while-you-are-away-42246 Fri, 31 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL - May 31, 2013 – Phishing occurs when criminals pretending to be from well-known, legitimate businesses or organizations contact individuals and trick them into revealing personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial or other personal information. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/phishing-scams-growing-into-a-greater-threat-warns-better-business-bureau--42178 Wed, 29 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Beware bogus concert tickets often sold online through sites like Craigslist, reported Teresa Woodard of WFAA-TV, Dallas - Fort Worth. BBB said to buy from sites with guarantees, and be leery of sympathy pitches. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/in-the-news--beware-bogus-concert-tickets-on-craigslist-42139 Wed, 29 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Diet pills and food supplements may not be what they claim to be, said Doug Magditch of CW33-TV. “Watch out for claims that sound too good to be true,” said Jeannette Kopko of BBB in Dallas. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/in-the-news--diet-pills-may-not-be-what-they-claim-to-be-42130 Tue, 28 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT The BBB is alerting businesses that a group of eight or more firms in Maryland are sending unauthorized shipments of light bulbs and cleaning supplies after making contacts by phone. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/businesses-nationwide-tell-bbb-maryland-firms-shipped-unwanted-items-42093 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB in Dallas investigation finds "award notices" for airfare or cruises are for sales pitches for expensive travel clubs that don't deliver, reports Herb Weisbaum, "The ConsumerMan," on CNBC online. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/in-the-news--beware-postcards-promising-free-trips-and-tickets-42104 Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Some job postings promise good pay for easy work at home, but the offers aren't as good as they sound, Jeannette Kopko of BBB in Dallas told Doug Magditch of KDAF-TV, Dallas - Fort Worth. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/in-the-news--be-careful-when-responding-to-work-at-home-job-openings-42068 Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Charity scams pop up after every disaster, Jeannette Kopko, BBB in Dallas told Doug Magditch, KDAF-TV, Dallas - Fort Worth. Check out charities and beware appeals long on sympathy but short on details. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/in-the-news--beware-of-scammers-posing-as-charities-42071 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://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-urges-donor-caution-after-tornadoes-42005 Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Scams follow disasters like the tornadoes that hit North Texas in May, 2013, Jeannette Kopko of BBB in Dallas told Ginger Allen of CBS11-TV. Beware charity scams, and home repair and roofing scams. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/in-the-news--beware-of-after-storm-scams-41970 Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB in Dallas lists roofers in the Dallas area with a BBB rating of F, the lowest rating. "The time to check out a business is before you sign or pay any money," said Jeannette Kopko of BBB serving Dallas and Northeast Texas. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/as-tornado-recovery-begins-bbb-in-dallas-lists-roofers-with-f-ratings-41959 Thu, 16 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT After tornadoes swept through North Texas on May 15, 2013, Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns about scams targeting those in need and those trying to help. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/bbb-offers-tips-on-post-tornado-scams-repairs-and-appeals-41934 Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT The BBB is advising consumers to research contractors and consider how much you will use a swimming pool before starting a pool project. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/bbb-advises-homeowners-to-research-contractors-before-diving-into-a-pool-project-41878 Tue, 14 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Chicago, IL - May 14, 2013 - Apparent bargain-priced vacations may be presenting only a portion of the customer-cost story. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois advises consumers to carefully investigate and compare vacation plans, as well as ask questions about extra fees that could significantly impact your vacation budget. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/consumers-need-to-carefully-check-for-hidden-fees-when-making-vacation-plans-41892 Mon, 13 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT A phishing scam is using the Better Business Bureau name, said Doug Magditch of CW33-TV, Dallas-Fort Worth. BBB advises to check for bad grammar and other signs of phishing. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/in-the-news--how-to-recognize-phishing-scam-using-bbb-name-41868 Mon, 13 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Solicitors are going door-to-door in Denison, TX, collecting donations without authorization in the name of a local woman and a local non-profit, said Meredith Yeomans of KTEN-TV, Sherman - Denison. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/in-the-news--scammers-target-denison-business-owner-battling-cancer-41869 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://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/bbb-cautions-on-fundraising-to-assist-cleveland-kidnap-victims-41841 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://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/fbi-issues-cyber-security-advisory-that-could-impact-all-users-of-microsoft-explorer-8-41825 Fri, 03 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. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/beware-of-memorial-day-scams-aimed-at-military-personnel-41674 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://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/how-to-claim-your-unclaimed-property-41683 Fri, 03 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Mother’s Day is one of the biggest holidays for gifts, cards, flowers, candy and phone calls. If you’re showing your love with flowers this year, make sure they are on-time and just right. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/make-sure-moms-flowers-arrive-on-time-and-looking-beautiful-41673 Fri, 03 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB tips for residents of West, Texas looking to rebuild their homes and lives http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/rebuilding-west-on-a-foundation-of-trust-41693 Fri, 03 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Going green is all the rage these days. Sometimes going green can save you money and other times you just have to think of it as helping to save the environment a little bit at a time, with no monetary savings. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/solar-panels--make-it-a-sunny-decision-41677 Thu, 02 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT May is National Moving Month: BBB and AMSA Offer Tips for Safe, Secure Move http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/moving-scams-still-a-problem-for-many--41632 Wed, 01 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Scammers have charged job seekers for background checks, then disappeared. You shouldn't have to pay an employer for a background check, BBB told Doug Magditch of CW33-TV. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/in-the-news--job-seekers-scammed-by-fake-background-check-41726 Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB finds award notifications for airline tickets or cruises are promotions for high pressure sales pitches for expensive travel clubs that don't deliver promised savings, with costs for promotions. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/travel-club-schemes-cause-nationwide-promotion-commotion-41549 Mon, 29 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT The BBB has 9 tips to help parents find safe, reliable and satisfying summer camps for children. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-can-help-parents-find-safe-rewarding-summer-camps-for-children-41537 Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB tips for safely purchasing event tickets http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/dont-get-burned-by-a-hot-ticket-scam-41535 Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office are warning of a recent spike in “Timeshare Reseller” scams. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/timeshare-reseller-schemes-take-no-vacation-41534 Tue, 23 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Businesses are cooperating with BBB in Dallas to ensure that advertised claims of “Satisfaction Guaranteed” are backed up by appropriate refund policies and disclosures. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/businesses-cooperate-in-bbb-check-of-satisfaction-guaranteed-claims--41472 Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Malicious web links attaching themselves to the West, Texas tragedy are circulating the web http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/beware-of-phony-solicitations-and-malicious-web-links-in-wake-of-west-texas-and-boston-marathon-tragedies-bbb-warns-41444 Fri, 19 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT It took only a few hours for a phony Twitter account claiming to be collecting donations to be set up after the Boston Marathon bombings. Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that it would not be surprising to find scams popping up after the devastating explosion in West, Texas, on April 17, 2013. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/after-west-texas-explosion-bbb-offers-tips-on-giving-and-warns-of-potential-scams-41438 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT En nuestro mundo con tanta experiencia en la tecnología, todo es fácilmente accesible y conveniente...incluso la banca. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/cinco-consejos-importantes-para-la-banca-mvil-41420 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT El robo de identidad es un enorme problema, pero hay varios pasos que puede dar para proteger su información personal. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/da-de-proteccin-de-la-identidad-haga-trizas-los-papeles-que-ya-no-necesita-41422 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Con la temporada de béisbol ahora en pleno apogeo, asegúrese de que los boletos sean legítimos. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/llvame-al-juego-de-pelota-y-que-no-te-lleven-41424 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. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-of-charity-scams-offers-giving-tips-in-wake-of-boston-marathon-bombing-41366 Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Robocalls that seem to be from an employment agency may turn to a live person who tries to get your information to sell career training, BBB in Dallas tells Doug Magditch of CW33-TV. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/in-the-news--employment-agency-robocall-scam-41725 Fri, 12 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/bbb-getting-reports-of-bogus-bills-from-businesses-about-aypr-inc--41321 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Chicago, IL- April 11, 2013 – Chicago has taken a stance against driving with hand held cellphones and passed a prohibitive law in 2005. Many surrounding states, 10 in total, have also passed similar laws. As a result, drivers are turning to use Bluetooth technology to talk hands-free. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) warn that scammers are finding ways to exploit this technology for their gains. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/bluebugging-on-the-rise-as-bluetooth-usage-increases-41303 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Washington Business Under Fire for Dropping Deals and Refusing Refunds http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/electronic-company-malfunctions-on-home-deliveries-41293 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT The BBB advises consumers to ask about "resort fees" and other unexpected fees that can drive up the cost of vacations. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/unexpected-fees-can-add-to-cost-of-vacations-bbb-warns-41243 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT When your pest problem gets too big for a flyswatter, a mousetrap or do-it-yourself spray, it's time to call in a professional service. In 2012, more than 786,000 people turned to BBB for information on pest control services. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/getting-bugged-make-sure-your-pest-management-is-handled-by-a-pro-41277 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Door-to-door or on the phone, sellers mention your energy provider and talk about savings. As BBB told Doug Magditch, CW33 in Dallas, your provider could be switched without the promised savings. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/in-the-news--energy-scams-too-good-to-be-true-41724 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Customers are complaining about not being able to get their money back from Credit Alliance Group of Dallas, reported Ginger Allen of CBS11-TV. The company told BBB it's no longer in business. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/in-the-news--credit-alliance-group-complaints-41191 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT That call claiming to be from your bank about an unauthorized charge on your account could really be from a scammer, Jeannette Kopko of BBB Dallas told Doug Magditch of CW33-TV, Dallas - Fort Worth. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/in-the-news--credit-card-scammers-calling-41185 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Buying on the secondary market can be useful for non-season ticket holders, occasional fans, or those making a last-minute decision to head to the ball park. But how do you know if the tickets are real? http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/take-me-out-to-the-ballgameand-dont-get-taken-41163 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://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/top-five-tips-for-mobile-banking-41162 Thu, 28 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Beware of tax preparers who hold your refund hostage by charging unexpected high fees, Jeannette Kopko of BBB in Dallas warned in this story with Doug Magditch of CW33- TV, Dallas - Fort Worth. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/in-the-news--dont-let-your-tax-refund-be-held-hostage-41047 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT The Wisconsin BBB has received numerous complaints from small businesses across the country against A2Z Offsite. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/wisconsin-better-business-bureau-sees-complaint-pattern-with-a2z-offsite--41007 Tue, 26 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB investigation on Men's Edge Medical Centers, Dallas, finds customer complaints on sales practices and unsatisfactory treatments; unsubstantiated advertising claims; and questions on licensing. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/mens-edge-medical-centers-practices-raise-concerns-40951 Mon, 25 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Complaints in the U.S about Jamaican scams continue to grow, with a conservative estimate of annual losses of more than $300 million. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/growing-number-of-americans-being-bilked-out-of-retirement-money-by-jamaican-lottery-scams-40932 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://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/use-bluetooth-protect-yourself-from-hacking-scams--40971