http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=53&id=4b570bfd-acff-4b14-8fba-361c8b0f1272&debug=False&tag=site=53&bbb=0372&firm=24006777 10 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://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-urges-donor-caution-after-tornadoes-42012 Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB warns consumers about aggressive door-to-door salespersons showing up this summer http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/knock-knock-close-the-door-on-high-pressure-sales-tactics-41975 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://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/fbi-issues-cyber-security-advisory-that-could-impact-all-users-of-microsoft-explorer-8-41829 Mon, 06 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT FCC 'Bill Shock' Rules Require Alerts About Overages for cell phone users - April 17, 2013 announcement. http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/fcc-announces-bill-shock-rules-for-cell-phones-41741 Thu, 02 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT The BBB has 9 tips to help parents find safe, reliable and satisfying summer camps for children. http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-can-help-parents-find-safe-rewarding-summer-camps-for-children-41628 Wed, 01 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB tips for consumers looking to hire a mover http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/tips-to-ensure-a-smooth-move-this-national-moving-month-41620 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://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/travel-club-schemes-cause-nationwide-promotion-commotion-41621 Mon, 29 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB tips for prom and graduation preparations http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/dont-let-your-childs-senior-celebrations-leave-you-with-bad-memories-41626 Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Grand Rapids, MI - April 26, 2013 - Spring cleaning is here and many people take the opportunity to spruce up their homes by adding a new coat of paint. Due to health and environmental concerns, many people are wary of buying paint that contains VOCs or volatile organic compounds. VOCs are emitted gases made up of different chemicals that may have short- and long- term negative health and environmental affects. The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) warns consumers to take a closer look at what is in their remodeling supplies. http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/your-diy-spring-projects-can-be-hazardous-to-your-health-warns-the-better-business-bureau-41629 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Beware of Green Dot MoneyPak Scams! Your BBB wants to remind you to beware of scammers using the Green Dot MoneyPak prepaid cards you can purchase at local stores. Using a prepaid card is a convenient way to pay bills online without threat of risk to your bank account. But scammers have found a way to get that money from you too! Green Dot spokesman states, “Fraudsters will call or email you saying that you won a lottery or can buy discount merchandise at their phony websites – but you need to pay fees to get your prize or purchase that merchandise via MoneyPak – and only MoneyPak, then they ask for the 14-digit code.” Once you have given them that code – the crooks can then transfer your MoneyPak funds to their own prepaid cards. MoneyPak offers these 7 tips to help protect you from fraud! 1. Never give your MoneyPak number to someone you don’t know. 2. Never give receipt information about your MoneyPak purchase to another party. 3. Use your MoneyPak only to reload your prepaid http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/beware-of-green-dot-moneypak-scams-41516 Tue, 23 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/online-pharmacies-budget-stretcher-or-big-danger-41631 Fri, 19 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau serving Western Michigan would like to warn consumers of potential door-to-door scams that are making their way back into the area. http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/scam-watch-door-to-door-sales-41633 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://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-of-charity-scams-offers-giving-tips-in-wake-of-boston-marathon-bombing-41387 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT With the tax deadline looming, taxpayers need to prepare for unexpected emails and phone calls purporting last-minute issues with returns or refunds. http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/is-there-really-a-problem-with-those-taxes-41637 Fri, 12 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB tips for filing last-minute taxes before the April 15 deadline http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/file-your-last-minute-2012-taxes-the-right-way-41639 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Grand Rapids, MI - April 11, 2013 – Michigan has taken a stance against driving with hand held cellphones and recently passed a prohibitive law against it. 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 Western Michigan (BBB) warns that scammers are finding ways to exploit this technology for their gains. http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/bluebugging-on-the-rise-as-bluetooth-usage-increases-41641 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://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/getting-bugged-make-sure-your-pest-management-is-handled-by-a-pro-41644 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT During Financial Literacy Month in April, Better Business Bureau reminds consumers to keep track of their credit reports to help prevent identity theft. http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/credit-reports-are-an-identity-theft-protection-tool-41646 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB gives tips to prevent credit card identity theft http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/a-bad-credit-score-is-no-april-fools-day-joke-41083 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB Warns Youth 18-24 are often targets of ID Theft Protect Your Social Insurance Number, Check Your Anti Spam, Check your bank statements. http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/-who-is-the-victim-of-id-theft-hint-it-is-not-seniors-bbb-offers-tips-to-guard-against-id-theft-40899 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB advises consumers to get a contract in writing & set clear expectations http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/five-ways-to-ensure-youre-hiring-the-right-lawn-care-company-40900 Mon, 18 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Fake pharmacy websites may put unauthorized charges on your credit card, sell prescription drugs that are from outside the country, counterfeit, pharmacologically-inactive or the wrong dosage. http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/connecticut-better-business-bureau-warns-online-pharmacies-can-be-dangerous-40901 Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB reminds consumers to be wary of claims they’ve won a sweepstakes ‘pot of gold’ http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/watch-out-for-tricky-leprechauns-this-st-patricks-day-40902 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Car owners need to protect their vehicle and themselves with auto insurance, but how do you know if you are properly covered? http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/car-owners-need-to-protect-their-vehicle-and-themselves-with-auto-insurance-but-how-do-you-know-if-you-are-properly-covered--40770 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT As a new generation increasingly uses the internet, the Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan (BBB) warns parents that mobile applications for smart phones and tablets are siphoning children’s data and sharing it. In most cases, the applications’ developers do not disclose whether data is being collected, with whom it is being shared nor how it is used. http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/study-shows-mobile-applications-targeted-at-youngsters-seldom-disclose-privacy-policies-40772 Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT BBB AUTO LINE is Fast, Fair and Saves You Money http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/bbb-auto-line-is-fast-fair-and-saves-you-money-40760 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT National Consumer Protection Week is nearly over, but your Better Business Bureau reminds consumers to stay informed year round - and check with us first! http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/start-with-bbbs-consumer-resources-247-40761 Wed, 06 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT If you’ve decided it’s time to give your home a facelift, or if you are just in need of repairs, Better Business Bureau can help you find a trustworthy contractor. http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/national-consumer-protection-week-how-to-find-a-trustworthy-contractor-40580 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT Scams and identity thefts are particularly prevalent risks during tax time. http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/national-consumer-protection-week-online-and-offline-scams-target-tax-filers-40527 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT BBB tips for protecting your personal information http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/national-consumer-protection-week-protecting-your-computer-and-smartphone-from-hackers-40490 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT Don’t Bet When Borrowing http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/refund-anticipation-loans-come-with-risks-40409 Fri, 22 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau is urging consumers to take steps to secure their mobile devices in order to protect themselves from identity theft and malware. http://westernmichigan.bbb.org/article/bbb-tips-for-securing-your-mobile-device-40309