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11/20/2009
Consumers with mobile phones capable of accessing the Internet have the convenience of using www.bbb.org while on the go to make informed decisions. This week, BBB released new online Reliability Reports™ optimized for iPhone viewing.
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11/19/2009
The CARS, or Cash for Clunkers, program and the Chrysler and General Motors bankruptcy agreements have headlined a very busy year for auto manufacturers and new car owners. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports nearly 700,000 vehicles were purchased through Cash for Clunkers at a value of over $2.8 billion. With so many new vehicles on the road, BBB reminds new car owners that BBB AUTO LINE® provides dispute resolution for manufacturer warranty issues that may arise under the Lemon Law.
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11/16/2009
Last week, the Federal Trade Commission asked a federal court to issue a contempt order against Maryland-based BlueHippo Funding, LLC for violating a court ordered settlement issued in April 2008. BBB serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas first alerted consumers to this computer dealer in a press release on May 8, 2009. Since then, 12 additional consumers in the local area have filed complaints against BlueHippo.
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11/12/2009
Prepaid calling cards may seem like a great value, claiming to provide hundreds of minutes for a few dollars. However, some phone cards come with hidden fees and service charges which deliver far fewer minutes than advertised. Better Business Bureau offers advice on how to get the most out of a prepaid phone card and avoid getting ripped off.
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11/10/2009
Individuals across the country are looking for ways to help support the victims and families affected by last week’s tragedy at Fort Hood. Initially, supporters were encouraged to donate blood to help victims. As options for monetary donations in support of victims and their families become available, it is important to understand exactly where and how your funds will be used.
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11/03/2009
The second annual report issued by the Council of Better Business Bureaus on the progress of the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI) shows that, because of the self-regulatory efforts of the nation’s leading food and beverage producers, there has been a continued significant shift in children’s advertising in the United States toward the promotion of healthier dietary choices and lifestyles.
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11/02/2009
With the NFL and college football seasons underway and the NBA season just beginning, BBB warns sports fans to be on the lookout for fraudulent sellers when shopping for hard-to-get tickets online.
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10/27/2009
Millions of people have found a way to be their own boss and make money on a flexible schedule through direct selling. Success at direct selling does not require any special education or experience but it is not for everyone. Better Business Bureau suggests consumers ask themselves a few questions when considering a new venture in direct sales.
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10/26/2009
This month marks the 25th anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and many businesses and charities are marketing “pink” products and services to support breast cancer charity groups. In order to make sure donations go to the right place, BBB advises consumers to research pink product claims before making a purchase.
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10/22/2009
According to a report by the Anti-Phishing Working Group, scareware attacks, or pop-up ads deceiving consumers into thinking their computer is infected with viruses, are on the rise. Most recently, companies like Google, Twitter and the New York Times are being exploited by hackers as part of a massive scareware attack on consumers. Better Business Bureau is offering advice to consumers on how to protect computers and personal information from the threat of scareware.
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10/22/2009
BBB serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas recently received five international awards at the 2009 BBB International Assembly in Boston. The awards - including three of the highest honors a Better Business Bureau can earn - recognize all facets of Better Business Bureau work: communications, core services and business development.
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10/20/2009
Time is running out for first-time home buyers to take advantage of the up to $8,000 tax credit set aside this year as part of the economic recovery effort. Barring a time extension, consumers looking to cash in must purchase a home by November 30th, 2009. Considering it usually takes 30 days to close on a house, now may be the time to act and Better Business Bureau offers guidance on how to benefit from the First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit.
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10/16/2009
October is National Dental Hygiene month and Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be cautious of online ads offering the promise of a whiter, brighter smile. BBB has received a recent increase of complaints from consumers who thought they were signing up for a free trial of teeth whitening products, but were repeatedly billed for products and services they didn’t want.
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10/13/2009
BBB serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas helped consumers and businesses shred 125,000 pounds (over 62 tons) of financial records, business forms and other sensitive documents during BBB's Shred Day on Saturday, October 10th. Consumers and small business owners like Ana Cortez of RAM Practice Management in Manor, TX cleared out desk drawers, file cabinets and garages to fill boxes and bags with documents to shred.
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10/12/2009
Following the Justice Department’s first settlement under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) last month, BBB reminds service men and women in Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas of certain protections in the event they are called for active duty or deployment. The SCRA is intended to postpone or suspend some civil obligations to enable service members to devote full attention to duty and relieve stress on their family members.
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