http://www.dallas.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=50&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 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 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 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 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 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 05:00:00 GMT Hundreds of consumers across the nation say they have been victimized by an online payday loan scheme involving at least seven questionable businesses, all claiming the same Las Vegas address, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/vegas-payday-loan-scheme-draws-hundreds-of-complaints-nationwide--37654 Thu, 20 Sep 2012 05:00:00 GMT BBB consumers to be skeptical of claims by sellers of athletic equipment that promise quick results or improvement in a certain part of the body. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/need-to-get-in-shape-after-a-lazy-summer-be-wary-of-claims-for-athletic-equipment-bbb-advises-37171 Tue, 17 Jul 2012 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL- July 17, 2012 - A tried and true way to save money in a tough economy is coupons. However, because of the Internet, a savvy consumer no longer has to wield a pair of scissors in order to reap rewards. With the popularity of online coupons on the rise, the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) offers advice for identifying deals and avoiding deceptive offers. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-money-saving-advice-tips-for-using-online-coupons-35699 Thu, 28 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT If you are cruising online vehicle ads for a new ride, the BBB warns consumers to be alert to criminals that hijack online ads to “sell” vehicles they do not own and have no intention of delivering. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/criminals-are-hijacking-online-vehicle-ads-to-trick-consumers-bbb-warns-35141 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau advises students and their parents to be wary of websites, seminars or other schemes that promise to find scholarships, grants or financial aid packages for a fee. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-students-to-steer-clear-of-sites-sales-pitches-that-promise-to-find-financial-aid-34697 Tue, 29 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO, IL – May 29, 2012 - Summer is a popular time for weddings. However, even before the ceremony, the couple should take time to sit down and get serious about finances. Newlyweds need to take control of their finances, advises the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois (BBB), or else the walk down the aisle will only lead to a rocky financial future. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/discussing-financial-issues-should-be-essential-step-in-wedding-plans-34521 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT The Consumer Fraud Task Force in Missouri is warning consumers about the cost and long-term effects of payday loans. The tips apply for consumers all across the country. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/consumer-fraud-task-force-warns-about-pitfalls-of-payday-loans-31819 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT BBB in Chicago warns consumers to beware of websites and businesses claiming to provide assistance with immigration services, in particular United States Immigration Organization at www.usaimmigrationsupport.com. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/warning-on-business-offering-help-with-immigration-28859 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT Faxes from Corporate Travel offer travel packages. Faxes show a BBB Accredited Business Seal but the business is not BBB accredited. The travel packages don't include all expenses and have restrictions. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/alert--faxes-from-corporate-travel-misrepresent-bbb-accreditation-28468 Fri, 27 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT While the nation honors veterans on Memorial Day, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns veterans and their families that scammers also may be victimizing veterans. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/veterans-can-become-victims-of-scams-bbb-warns-27577 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT The BBB serving Northeast California has received over three dozen complaints from consumers across the country against Sunrise Nissan Auto Dismantling of Rancho Cordova, claiming to receive incorrect or defective merchandise, if any, and despite promises - no refund. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/sunrise-nissan-auto-dismantling-leaves-cars-in-pieces-25101 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT Complaints to the BBB on Hope for Car Owners LLC, Folsom, CA, claim the company took $200-$400 in advance for a car loan modification, but didn't receive the modification. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/hope-for-car-owners-llc-leaves-consumers-hopeless-25108 Tue, 09 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT Cases of timeshare fraud have become so widespread that they are stretching the ability of law enforcement, regulators and consumers groups to keep up, says the Consumer Fraud Task Force in Missouri and Illinois. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/timeshare-owners-should-be-wary-of-timeshare-resale-firms-23397 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT Missouri is so overwhelmed by the number of puppy sellers that it can’t regulate the puppy industry properly, a statewide BBB study concludes. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/bbb-study-lack-of-effective-law-enforcement-allows-missouri-puppy-industry-to-thrive-18256 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 06:00:00 GMT 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. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/ftc-the-keys-to-hiring-a-reputable-locksmith-4482 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Care Labeling Rule requires manufacturers and importers to attach care instructions to garments. Updates to the Rule became effective on September 1, 2000. The Rule's section requiring a "reasonable basis" for care instructions has been changed to clarify what is required, and the definitions of "hot," "warm," and "cold" water have been changed to harmonize with the definitions used by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/ftc-clothes-captioning-complying-with-the-care-labeling-rule--4379 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT These Voluntary Guidelines represent a consensus of voluntary consumer disclosure practices reached by a panel of weight management companies, weight loss professionals, and consumer protection groups. They are not binding, do not represent legal standards or interpretation of any legal requirements, and are not sponsored or issued by any government agency. Providers1 should only make these disclosures to the extent that they are permissible under applicable state and federal law. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/ftc-voluntary-guidelines-for-providers-of-weight-loss-products-or-services-4452 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) prepared this booklet to help you comply with a new FTC rule that requires labeling on alternative fueled vehicles. The Labeling Requirements for Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fueled Vehicles Rule was issued in keeping with a directive in the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The Rule requires you to provide information to potential purchasers of alternative fueled vehicles to help them compare vehicles. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/ftc-labeling-alternative-fueled-vehicles-4354 Sun, 01 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT 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. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/ftc-alaska-native-art-4497 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT If you're refinancing your mortgage or applying for a home equity installment loan, you should know about the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994 (HOEPA). http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/ftc-high-rate-high-fee-loans-hoepasection-32-mortgages-4768 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT It’s not hard to see why ads for business opportunities that promote the benefits of being your own boss and making money quickly are appealing. But the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the government agency that monitors advertising for deception, says that some ads for business opportunities feature empty promises and false claims that potential entrepreneurs could never realize. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/ftc-ads-for-business-opportunities-how-to-detect-deception-4607 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission staff prepared this business booklet to help finance companies, retailers, and other creditors comply with the Credit Practices Rule, which went into effect March 1, 1985. This booklet tells you what the Credit Practices Rule requires, who must comply, and what transactions are covered. It also discusses liability for rule violations and how exemptions are granted. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/ftc-complying-with-the-credit-practices-rule-4420 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT For many consumers, electronic banking means 24-hour access to cash through an automated teller machine (ATM) or Direct Deposit of paychecks into checking or savings accounts. But electronic banking now involves many different types of transactions. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/ftc-electronic-banking--4646 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT Shopping for gifts can be a real dilemma. Just what do you get the person who has everything: your finicky Aunt Mary, your co-worker, or your child's babysitter? Gift cards may be the answer: one size fits all, and the recipients can get exactly what they want. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/ftc-buying-giving-and-using-gift-cards-4412 Wed, 01 Mar 2006 06:00:00 GMT Internet auction sites give buyers a “virtual” flea market with new and used merchandise from around the world; they give sellers a global storefront from which to market their goods. But the online auction business can be risky business. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants to help buyers and sellers stay safe on Internet auction websites. Among the thousands of consumer fraud complaints the FTC receives every year, those dealing with online auction fraud consistently rank near the top of the list. The complaints generally deal with late shipments, no shipments, or shipments of products that aren’t the same quality as advertised; bogus online payment or escrow services; and fraudulent dealers who lure bidders from legitimate auction sites with seemingly better deals. Most complaints involve sellers, but in some cases, the buyers are the subject. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/ftc-internet-auctions-a-guide-for-buyers-and-sellers-4516 Wed, 01 Feb 2006 06:00:00 GMT Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of turquoise and silver jewelry or the earth tone colors of Indian pottery, having some knowledge about American Indian arts and crafts can help you get the most for your money. Be aware also that because Indian arts and crafts are prized and often command higher prices, a few unscrupulous sellers misrepresent imitation arts and crafts as genuine. http://www.dallas.bbb.org/article/ftc-how-to-buy-genuine-american-indian-arts-and-crafts-4487