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12/12/2012

Toy safety: Important information for Santa’s helpers

BBB helps parents choose safe, suitable toys this holiday season

08/21/2012

College-Age Adults at Higher Risk of Falling Victim to Identity Theft

Better Business Bureau warns that college-age adults are particularly vulnerable to identity theft and related fraudulent crimes. According to the Consumer Sentinel Network database, 56,689 consumers between the ages of 20 and 29 fell victim to identity theft in 2011. That number accounts for 23 percent of the total number of identity theft complaints reported last year; the largest out of any 10-year age range.

07/16/2012

Beware of Scam Calls During President Obama’s Visit to Texas

President Obama will be at several private fundraising events in Austin and San Antonio on Tuesday, but will not be taking time out of his busy schedule to pay your utility bills. A new scam suggests the federal government will help pay your electric bill to help curb the high utility costs many Americans are incurring this time of year. But instead of financial relief, victims could be left with a stolen identity and an empty wallet.

06/05/2012

Avista and BBB Alert Customers to National Utility Scam

Avista and the BBB warn customers of a scam that has impacted utility customers in several states. Imposters claim that President Obama is providing credits or applying payments to utility bills.

05/22/2012

Don't Get Rolled Over by a Paving Scam

Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin warns consumers to beware of asphalt paving scams. Unscrupulous contractors may offer bargain prices if the consumer pays in advance, but often leave the job unfinished or perform subpar work.

03/29/2012

BBB Warns Consumers About Mission Attic Pros

The San Antonio address listed for Mission Attic Pros is empty and mail sent there is returned; the website was taken down; and calls to the company’s listed phone number go immediately to voicemail.

03/19/2012

Severe Weather Warning Issued for Central Texas, BBB Warns of Weather-Related Scams

A strong storm system is making its way toward Central Texas, expectedly bringing with it severe storms and heavy, flooding rainfall. The National Weather Service predicts damaging winds, hail, torrential downpours and isolated tornados are all possible.

03/16/2012

Watch out for Tricky Leprechauns and Imposters this St. Patrick’s Day

With most holidays, sporting events and disasters, scammers use these opportunities to target consumers and lure them into their schemes. As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, Better Business Bureau reminds consumers to be suspicious of sweepstakes winnings claims.

03/12/2012

Callers Claiming to be from Microsoft Tech Support are Really Scammers Attempting to Gain Control of Your Computer

Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers of a phone scam in which the caller claims to be from Microsoft. The caller offers to solve a consumer’s computer problems or sell him or her a software license, all in an effort to gain remote control access to the consumer’s computer.

03/07/2012

Timeshare Pitfalls Continue to Trap Consumers

It is a common scenario. Someone receives a mailer or email offering a free trip or other fantastic prize and all he or she has to do is sit through a half-day seminar. Once the victim is there, the company turns on the high-pressure tactics in an attempt to sell a timeshare.

02/13/2012

Don’t Let Your Valentine’s Day Love Match Scam Your Heart and Bank Account

Market Research released a report last month stating that dating services are a $2.1 billion industry, with online dating representing 53 percent of the market. With an estimated 1,500 online dating sites, according to Market Research, Better Business Bureau advises those consumers looking for love to be cautious and thoroughly research sites before committing their heart and money.

01/30/2012

BBB Warns of Do Not Call Phone Scam

Better Business Bureau warns consumers that scammers are making phony phone calls claiming to represent the National Do Not Call Registry. According to DoNotCall.gov, “The calls claim to provide an opportunity to sign up for the Registry. These calls are not coming from the Registry or the Federal Trade Commission, and you should not respond to these calls.

01/25/2012

Locksmiths Unlock Customer Frustrations

Standing outside his house on a cold night last year, Austin resident Carlos Marquez did not feel like he was in any position to argue with the locksmith who had come out to help him get the broken key out of his lock. Marquez’s family was trying to stay warm in the car, and he had been quoted a reasonable price, $39, on the phone.

01/25/2012

Watch for Scams Associated with Severe Weather

Severe weather hit Central Texas last night bringing with it several inches of rain, high winds, hail and even reports of a possible tornado. According to the National Weather Service, the hazardous weather conditions will continue throughout the morning bringing with it damaging winds and flash flooding.

12/13/2011

Penny Auctions Can Cost Consumers Hundreds

With the promise of high-end items at a 95 percent reduction in price, many consumers have been lured to penny auction sites and ended up losing hundreds of dollars, Better Business Bureau reports. BBB has received more than 500 complaints about penny auctions this year.


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