http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=67&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Tue, 12 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT With tax season in full swing, Better Business Bureau reminds consumers to carefully evaluate businesses before enlisting the services of a tax professional. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/tips-for-tackling-your-taxes-in-2013-40183 Fri, 07 Dec 2012 06:00:00 GMT BBB cautions to read the fine print before purchasing and giving gift cards. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/giving-a-gift-card-avoid-grievances-with-these-tips-38831 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 06:00:00 GMT As two of the biggest shopping days of the year approach, Better Business Bureau warns Black Friday and Cyber Monday shoppers to be wary of deals that sound too good to be true. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbb-offers-tips-for-black-friday-and-cyber-monday-38156 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 06:00:00 GMT Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses during the busiest shopping weekend of the year. BBB encourages consumers to support small businesses on this day. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/make-a-big-difference-by-supporting-small-business-saturday-38168 Wed, 17 Oct 2012 05:00:00 GMT Hundreds of consumers throughout the United States, including several from Northern California, allege they were the victims of unauthorized charges against their checking accounts by supposed payday loan companies, Better Business Bureau warns. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-of-online-payday-loan-scheme-37531 Fri, 22 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT Two California websites are drumming up complaints with Sacramento consumers after the sites allegedly failed to deliver ordered photo albums and accessories. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/century-photo-and-light-impressions-not-so-timely-with-deliveries-consumers-allege-35038 Thu, 10 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau is urging consumers to be cautious when purchasing goods through Darling Crafts after several consumers allege the seller failed to deliver merchandise found on craigslist.org. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/darling-crafts-some-consumers-disagree-34238 Thu, 03 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT Mother’s Day gifts are often a hard task to conquer. Make the process less strenuous by shopping wisely. Whether you decide on flowers, custom jewelry or a spa date for the wonderful women in your life, always be sure you purchase that special gift from a trustworthy business. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbb-tips-for-successful-mothers-day-shopping-34098 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau today released its list for top complaints and top inquiries in 2011 for the Northeast California area, with auto-related services topping the list. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbb-announces-top-industries-for-complaints-in-2011-32335 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT In 2011, BBB received more than 6,600 complaints against gyms. Issues ranged from billing and collection issues to overall contract issues. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/-lose-weight-and-not-money-with-gym-memberships-32044 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT BBBB is urging consumers to be cautious when seeking Medi-Cal and Veterans benefits assistance after consumers report paying between $1,000 and $3,000 to a long-term health care planner, Mark John Crews & Associates, who allegedly collects payment and fails to file papers. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-of-mark-john-crews-and-associates-31712 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT Writing to Santa has been a long lasting tradition.The Better Business Bureau warns it is very important for adults to carefully review the site before using. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/make-a-list-and-check-the-privacy-policy-twice-31054 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT Consumers can now search businesses on the go with the release of the official BBB Search app for iPhones. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbb-iphone-app-now-available-30084 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau serving Northeast California (BBB) is warning consumers to use caution when ordering from Flowers By Dallas after complainants allege misuse of consumers’ credit cards. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/beware-of-sacramento-florist-29975 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau of Northeast California warns consumers of a phone call targeting Sacramento consumers offering a BMW and check. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/consumers-drive-away-from-free-car-scam-with-nothing-28876 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT Hundreds of online businesses are finding inactive Social Security numbers–most of which are assigned to children under the age of 18 who have not started using them yet - and selling them under different names to help people establish fake credit. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/identity-theft-children-at-risk-27926 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT The BBB of Northeast California warns comsumers to be wary of new craigslist scam http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/craigslist-computer-scam-warning-27830 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau receives thousands of complaints each year from consumers who have unknowingly purchased multi-year magazine subscriptions. Unscrupulous telemarketers sometimes trick consumers into paying hundreds of dollars for multi-year subscriptions to magazines they don't want or can't afford. BBB warns that deceptive door-to-door magazine sales crews are hitting the pavement and looking to earn a quick buck this summer. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbb-advises-consumers-on-door-to-door-magazine-sales-27705 Tue, 24 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT The BBB serving Northeast California is warning consumers to be leery of advertisements offering auto insurance for very low rates, some as low as $12 per month. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/dozens-advertise-misleading-auto-insurance-rates-27517 Mon, 23 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT Si bien es un momento de la vida atemorizante aunque estimulante a la vez, la perspectiva de que su hijo adolescente pronto estará detrás del volante es algo que conlleva a muchos preparativos necesarios. Al escoger una escuela de conductores para el inminente chofer, Better Business Bureau insta tanto a padres como alumnos a tomar decisiones inteligentes, basadas en la información. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/consejos-del-bbb-sobre-cmo-escoger-la-escuela-de-conductores-ideal-para-usted-27485 Wed, 04 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT In the aftermath of the death of Osama Bin Laden this past weekend, Better Business Bureau of Northeast California is warning consumers to watch out for a slew of cyber-scams that have popped up in the past few days. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/online-scams-proliferate-in-the-wake-of-osamas-death-27079 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT The BBB serving Northeast California is warning consumers to be aware of Pruitt’s Once & Again of Elk Grove. Dissatisfied customers who placed items on consignment with the company claim the company neglects paying them after reselling their furniture. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/beware-of-elk-grove-consignment-shop-26940 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT Consumers who owe money or are behind on their bills may be legitimately contacted by debt collectors to pay off debts. The BBB warns consumers, however, that phony debt collectors are lurking. In a recent release of the top complaints reported to the Better Business Bureau, collection agencies ranked 5th in number of complaints received. With more than 15,000 complaints, consumers need to be aware of the best practices for when it comes to handling debt collectors. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbb-advises-consumers-on-handling-debt-collectorsboth-legitimate-and-phony-26795 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT The BBB is hosting a FREE shredding event on April 16, 2011 from 10am-2pm at River City Bank: 900 Howe Ave. Bring up to 6 file-size boxes. We'll be giving away 2 ipod shuffles at the event. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/free-shredding-event-in-sacramento-26559 Sat, 02 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT Everyone loves a good movie and with today’s movie theater tickets costing more than ten bucks a pop (and that’s not even including the “pop”), many movie goers are opting to watch their favorite movies at home for free instead. “Free,” however, comes with a cost, a cost that many consumers don’t realize. The Better Business Bureau warns consumers against downloading “free” online movies. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-consumers-of-the-cost-of-watching-free-online-movies-26699 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT According to an annual report released by Better Business Bureau, consumers filed 1.1 million complaints against North American businesses in 2010, reflecting a ten percent increase over the previous year. Consumers also turned to the non-profit more than 87 million times for help researching businesses across North America, a whopping 37 percent more than in 2009. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/complaints-to-better-business-bureau-up-ten-percent-nationwide-26452 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT With severe rain and wind advisory alerts across Northern California, local consumers affected by rain, wind, snow, flooding, or storm debris have contacted the Better Business Bureau over 700 times today inquiring about roofing, gutter, and fence contractors, handymen, and tree services. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbb-tips-for-selecting-a-contractor-26273 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT The BBB serving Northeast California is warning consumers to be aware of Fix N Save of Carmichael. Dissatisfied customers claim the company takes their televisions for repairs, and fails to either return or repair them. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-consumers-of-fix-n-save-26233 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT If your child is having a hard time learning to read, needs a hand with their calculus homework or even SAT*/ACT preparation, a tutor may be the answer. The Better Business Bureau has advice on finding and working with a tutor to best meet your child’s needs. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-on-finding-a-tutor--26131 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 06:00:00 GMT In the wake of the most powerful earthquake to hit Japan in over 100 years, many Americans want to help those impacted by the earthquake and the tsunami that followed. Better Business Bureau warns donors to exercise caution when making donations to relief agencies and charities. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbb-advises-donors-on-tsunami-relief-efforts-25989 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 06:00:00 GMT The BBB serving Northeast California has received six complaints in January of 2011 alone and over two dozen complaints previously against Rising Sun Engines, Inc of Chico. Dissatisfied customers generally claim paying for merchandise not received, or in some cases, defective or not as ordered. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/rising-sun-engines-leaves-car-owners-bank-empty-25904 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 06:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau serving Northeast California has received some 18 complaints about Elite Conservation Services (ECS) of Sacramento, many claiming the company misrepresents their affiliation with PG&E to earn their business. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/be-aware-of-elite-conservation-services-25826 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT Getting ready to file your taxes? Thinking about hiring a professional? CBS Money Watch offers some great tips for finding a tax preparer. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/finding-a-tax-preparer-25612 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT National Consumer Protection Week, March 6-12, is an annual effort led by the US Federal Trade Commission to educate the public on how to use their money wisely. As a part of National Consumer Protection Week, BBB recommends five easy steps you can take to become a smart shopper and savvy consumer. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbbs-top-five-tips-to-become-a-savvy-consumer-25554 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT Knowing where your kids are can be a full time job. Knowing where they are online—which websites they’re visiting and who they’re talking to—is even harder, but is no less important. The Better Business Bureau Children’s Advertising Review Unit encourages parents to teach their kids and tweens about unsafe online situations and recommends looking out for seven stop signs. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/keep-your-kids-safe-online-by-teaching-them-the-seven-stop-signs-25384 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 06:00:00 GMT Whether you’re trying to snag tickets to the big game or the hottest concert, the Better Business Bureau warns that you run the risk of getting ripped off if you decide to gamble on a less than reputable source. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/five-easy-ways-to-get-ripped-off-buying-sports-and-concert-tickets-25219 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.sacramento.bbb.org/article/sunrise-nissan-auto-dismantling-leaves-cars-in-pieces-25097 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT Enrollment at for-profit schools—including trade schools and online universities—has skyrocketed in recent years. Unfortunately, not all schools offer a quality education and enrolling in a sub-par program can be a waste of time and money. When checking out for-profit schools, the Better Business Bureau recommends doing your research and looking for five red flags. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/look-for-seven-red-flags-when-applying-to-a-for-profit-college-25047 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT More than 1,600 consumers have inquired about Hope For Car Owners LLC of Folsom, CA in the past year. Complainants claim that after they paid the company $200-$400 in advance fees for a car loan modification, they were instructed by the company to avoid contact with their lender and in some cases, to hide their car from repossession agents. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/hope-for-car-owners-llc-leaves-consumers-hopeless-24992 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT Being vigilant against fraud is not only important for a company’s bottom line, it also strengthens customer trust in the business. Becoming a victim of fraud can have a negative financial and reputational impact on a business and the Better Business Bureau recommends owners train their staff to look out for seven common scams that prey on small companies. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/seven-scams-that-target-small-businesses-24956 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions after the gluttony of the holiday season. If you’re pledging to lose some pounds this year by joining a gym, the Better Business Bureau recommends asking ten questions before signing on the dotted line. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/ten-questions-to-ask-before-joining-a-gym-24833 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau today released a list of the top 10 scams and rip-offs of 2010. Job hunters and those struggling to make money and get out of debt were common targets of fraudsters, hackers and deceptive businesses in this tough economy. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/top-10-scams-and-rip-offs-of-2010-24643 Thu, 23 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT The toy industry spends an estimated $300 million a year on safety testing and inspection of toys, and approximately three billion toys are sold in America each year. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/safe-toy-shopping--how-to-avoid-recalled-toys-24450 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT Andrew’s Investment Group of Sacramento garners some $750 to $7000 in advance fees for guaranteed loan modifications, which most say fail to materialize. The company has recently resurrected as National Church Consultant of America, still offering to provide loan modifications. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/beware-of-national-church-consultant-of-america-24317 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT Many airports and other public spaces offer free wireless, or Wi-Fi, connections for the public to log onto the Internet from their laptop computers. “Hackers are now taking advantage of travelers who want to stay connected,” said BBB President Barry Goggin. “They are setting up fake Wi-Fi connections designed to steal your personal information without you even knowing it.” http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/free-wi-fi-scam-strikes-at-airports-24282 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT Bajar de peso es una de las determinaciones más comunes que uno toma cuando comienza el año nuevo, después de haber devorado de todo en las fiestas. Si planea perder algunas libras este año inscribiéndose en un gimnasio, el Better Business Bureau le recomienda hacer diez preguntas antes de firmar sobre la línea punteada. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/diez-preguntas-que-debe-hacer-antes-de-inscribirse-en-un-gimnasio-24663 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT Cyber Monday—the Monday after Thanksgiving—has officially replaced Black Friday—the day after Thanksgiving—as the most popular day to shop for the holidays. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/top-ten-cyber-monday-tips-for-staying-safe-when-shopping-online-23846 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT The holidays should be a happy time for food, family, and friendship, but they are also a time for fraud. Consumers can fall into any number of traps over the holidays and become victim to identity thieves, hackers and deceptive merchants online. The Better Business Bureau is warning holiday shoppers and donors to look out for five common scams this season. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/tis-the-season-for-holiday-scams-23302 Mon, 25 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT Online ads, often designed to look like news reports, are cropping up on popular websites claiming that you can get great deals on iPads and other electronics with online penny auctions. The discounts offered on penny auction sites are tempting, but the Better Business Bureau warns bargain hunters that they should stop and do their research before making their first bid. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/whats-the-deal-with-online-penny-auctions-23007 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT Sneaky little charges can make their way onto telephone bills and go unnoticed for months. Victims of so-called “cramming” often face a tough battle to stop being billed every month and get their money back. In order to fight cramming, Better Business Bureau recommends keeping a close eye on every bill and being extremely cautious when giving out personal information, including phone numbers. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/five-ways-to-fight-back-against-phone-bill-cramming-22847 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT Not satisfied with the comforts of home, bedbugs are migrating to public places like movie theaters and retail stores and then hitching rides on unsuspecting consumers. Not only are bedbugs a growing problem, they are also a hard problem to get rid of. Better Business Bureau recommends doing your research to find a pest control company you can trust to get the job done efficiently. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/how-to-find-a-pest-control-company-you-can-trust-22678 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT This old warning seems to be especially apt these days when money is tight and time is a luxury. When was the last time you actually took the time to read a contract all the way through? How about those pesky “terms and conditions” when you were on a website about to purchase something that sounded too good to be true? http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/caveat-emptor--let-the-buyer-beware--22271 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT Your home can take a serious beating when a big storm hits and finding a roofing contractor you can trust isn’t always easy. Storm chasers and other door-to-door crews often peddle dubious deals that can cost homeowners thousands of dollars and create serious headaches. The Better Business Bureau recommends doing your research to avoid getting ripped off by an unscrupulous contractor. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/find-a-roofer-you-can-trust-and-avoid-fraudulent-storm-chasers-22406 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT Disposing of outdated office computers, printers and copiers the right way is not only important for protecting the environment, it also staves off the efforts of data thieves. Better Business Bureau explains the three steps necessary for small business owners to dispose of old office equipment safely and securely. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/three-easy-steps-to-dispose-of-office-electronics-safely-21996 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT More changes to the rules for credit card companies are on the way, effective August 22nd. These changes will affect penalty fees and rate increases on your credit card account. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/watch-out-for-new-credit-card-rules-22127 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT Marriage is an exciting time for couples, however, once the honeymoon is over, it’s time to sit down and get serious about finances. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbb-offers-money-management-advice-for-newlyweds-21731 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau released today, troubling findings from a series of investigative shoppings in a segment of the furnace and air conditioning duct cleaning industry. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/year-long-bbb-investigation-yields-troubling-findings-in-the-air-conditioning-duct-cleaning-industry-20998 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT With the current economic condition, consumers are flocking to online auctions like eBay to bid and sell new and used items. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people that take advantage of the auction. If you, your employees, or family members frequent eBay and other online auction sites, watch out for the following schemes: http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/red-flags-to-watch-for-when-using-e-bay-20848 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT When temperatures heat up, door-to-door salesmen start making their rounds selling any number of different products and services. While many door-to-door salesmen are honest, every summer, Better Business Bureau receives troubling complaints from consumers who purchased meat from door-to-door salesmen and were dissatisfied with the quality or even claim to have gotten food poisoning. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/can-you-trust-a-door-to-door-meat-salesman-20446 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT Have you ever been surfing the web and all of a sudden a little box opens up and tells you that your computer is infected with a virus and instructs you to 'click here' to clean it? http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/warning-scareware-ads-more-abundant-across-the-web-20289 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT In the wake of any disaster, many reach for their checkbooks and donate money to aid and rescue organizations. The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance cautions, however, that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is unlike previous disasters and offers specific advice to potential donors and volunteers. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/gulf-oil-spill-recovery-bbb-tips-for-donors-and-volunteers--20092 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT Even before the iPad was released to the public, scammers were busy devising ways to take advantage of early adopters. Better Business Bureau warns eager shoppers to stay away from offers to become a “tester” just to get a free iPad. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-that-ipad-scammers-are-already-at-work-18801 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT As a result of the declining economy, the number of retailers closing their doors has increased substantially, leaving confused shoppers wondering what will happen to purchases they haven’t received, incomplete repairs, unused gift cards, and warranties. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/what-to-do-when-local-retailers-file-for-bankruptcy-18321 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to beware of an ad popping up on Craigslist.com, promising hundreds of dollars to those who were unemployed last year. This is a scam aimed at getting personal and financial information. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/beware-of-bogus-craigslist-post-600-financial-assistance-for-children-of-the-homeless-and-unemployed-18140 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau advierte a las familias que se encuentran escasos de dinero que tengan cuidado con algunos prestamistas del día de paga en línea que afirman que ellos no tienen obligaciones con las leyes federales o estatales, en relación con los requisitos de licencias, prácticas de cobro de deudas o los límites sobre las tasas de interés http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbb-advierte-sobre-los-prestamistas-del-da-de-paga-en-lnea-que-afirman-que-ellos-no-estn-sujetos-a-la-ley--18539 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT En una economía difícil, las familias que pasan por apuros buscan la forma de reducir sus gastos. Una opción común es deshacerse del tiempo compartido de manera que puedan recuperar su inversión y dejar de pagar tarifas de mantenimiento. Muchas empresas se especializan en la reventa de tiempo compartido, pero Better Business Bureau advierte que algunas empresas utilizan tácticas de venta engañosa para estafar en miles de dólares a los dueños de tiempo compartido que ya están cortos de dinero. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/que-no-lo-engaen-cuando-venda-su-tiempo-compartido-18540 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT El 7 de marzo es el comienzo de la Semana nacional de protección al consumidor y Better Business Bureau se enorgullece en apoyar este esfuerzo a nivel nacional para educar al público sobre cómo ser consumidores más informados. A todo el que busque ayuda para gastar el dinero de manera inteligente, Better Business Bureau está aquí para ayudarle, no sólo durante la Semana nacional de protección al consumidor, sino que durante todo el año. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/semana-nacional-de-proteccin-al-consumidor-averige-cmo-bbb-le-puede-ayudar-a-ser-un-consumidor-mejor-informado-18538 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT The New Year is here and, because of the rough economy, it’s more important that ever to resolve to be a savvy consumer. Better Business Bureau offers the following ten New Year’s resolutions to fight scammers, prevent identity theft and save money in 2010. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/bbbs-top-10-new-years-resolutions--14281 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Time is running out for first-time home buyers to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit set aside for them this year as part of the economic recovery effort. Barring a time extension, people looking to cash in must purchase a home by November 30. Considering it usually takes 30 days to close on a house, now may be the time to act. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/act-now-to-take-advantage-of-the-first-time-home-buyers-tax-credit-12866 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT Debido a que hay cada vez más familias que se esfuerzan para sobrellevar la difícil situación económica, los minoristas intentan flexibilizar los pagos durante las fiestas al ofrecer opciones de compra en reserva. Junto con el regreso de la compra en reserva, Better Business Bureau ofrece la siguiente orientación sobre cómo usar este antiguo plan de pago en lugar de las tarjetas de crédito. http://www.sacramento.bbb.org/article/recomendaciones-del-bbb-sobre-cmo-usar-la-compra-en-reserva-para-las-compras-realizadas-durante-las-fiestas-13410 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.sacramento.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.sacramento.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.sacramento.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.sacramento.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.sacramento.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.sacramento.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.sacramento.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.sacramento.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.sacramento.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.sacramento.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.sacramento.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.sacramento.bbb.org/article/ftc-how-to-buy-genuine-american-indian-arts-and-crafts-4487