BBB Consumer News and Opinion Blog

Scammers Fake Facebook Account Cancellation Notices

Facebook users, watch out. A clever scam in the form of a fake account cancellation email is making the rounds, and it’s easy to get fooled.

Beware of Memorial Day Scams

Always be aware of scams and fraud around the holidays. Memorial Day is no exception. Memorial Day is a time…

Verizon Says Unlimited Data or Discount Phone, but Not Both

Verizon Wireless, the largest mobile provider in the U.S., is making changes to its service plans that means customers will…

“Before Selling Your Timeshare, Take This Into Consideration!”

For starters, be aware that there are unscrupulous companies that will take advantage of you, should the opportunity present itself. …

1May 24, 2012
Facebook Releases Camera App that’s Identical to Instagram

Less than two months after announcing its plans to acquire photo app company Instagram for $1 billion…
0May 23, 2012
Unethical Sales Practices Foster False Home Security Alarms

Recently the BBB received a report of elderly people getting calls from an alarm company “due to recent break-ins in…
2May 22, 2012
Phishers Attack LinkedIn Users Via Email

Recently my husband got notice from LinkedIn that he had an invitation and messages from his friend Joe. There’s just one problem:…
0May 22, 2012
Say ‘No’ to Scams

Anyone can prevent becoming a victim of a scam by saying “no” in words and actions, says a retired corporate executive with a major money-wire service whose job was to track and stop money-wiring fraud.
0May 22, 2012
Computer Maladies and their Various Ailments

Have you ever wondered if there might be spyware or viruses on your computer that you are unaware of? How…
0May 18, 2012
Pack to Avoid Scams

When you are packing for those summer trips, think about what you don’t want to take along and what not…
1May 17, 2012
Influenced by Coupons

Does it really take a $10 coupon to get me into a store? Apparently so. And I’m not alone. This week JC Penney released its first quarter 2012 report showing a $163 million loss in revenue. Mostly because of coupons. Or, rather, lack thereof.
13May 16, 2012
Can You Get Rich Quickly By Flipping Houses?

This weekend, a company is coming to my town to hold a free seminar on “flipping” houses. According to our…
5May 16, 2012
Have You Purchased a Pair of Skechers Shape-Ups or Toning Shoes? You May Be Eligible for a Refund.

According to a Federal Trade Commission report, Skechers USA has agreed to pay $40 million to provide refunds to people…
0May 15, 2012
Fraudulent Invoices Frequently Fool Bill-Payers

You get a bill in the mail. You go to pay it. Pretty straightforward? NO. Put down your checkbook while…
0May 15, 2012
When a Business Shuts Its Doors

What do you do when a local business shuts its door? Unfortunately, “Out of Business” signs pop up all the time, usually accompanied by disconnected phones and unanswered email.
0May 14, 2012
She May Have Cancer, But You’re Not Helping

This morning in my Facebook notifications there were three that intrigued me: An inspiring video of an Iraq War veteran who…
0May 14, 2012
Still looking for your Free Burger King Vouchers?

Unfortunately, they won’t be coming. There was a scam on Facebook stating if you liked a specific Facebook page and…
2May 11, 2012
Can Election Scammers Count On Your Support?

It’s definitely the season for political ads. One of my friends received 16 pieces of mail from a local candidate—who…
0May 11, 2012
USDA Seeks Change to Internet Puppy Sales

Under a proposed rule change by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, dog breeders who skirt animal welfare laws by selling puppies over the Internet would face tighter scrutiny…