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04/24/2012
At an average cost of $8,000, funerals are one of the more expensive purchases made by consumers. During this emotionally charged time, when decisions must be made quickly, and often under great emotional stress, it can be easy to spend more than might be necessary. Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to take their time, ask a lot of questions and consider several providers before buying or paying for funeral services.
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04/20/2012
Nowadays, it is hard for consumers to go shopping without being bombarded with products advertised as “environmentally safe,” “degradable” and “ozone friendly,” but how does a consumer have confidence in a product or service advertising itself as “green?”
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04/17/2012
In the latest Consumer Sentinel Network report issued by the Federal Trade Commission, Texas ranks fifth in the nation for the most reported cases of identity theft per 100,000 residents. Out of 384 metropolitan areas nationwide, cities in Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin were ranked as follows:
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03/01/2012
Effective today, March 1, amendments to the Federal Trade Commission’s Business Opportunity Rule go into effect. The changes implement new disclosures that work-at-home businesses must provide to ensure consumers have the appropriate information they need when considering a work-at-home program.
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02/28/2012
Better Business Bureau is joining with federal, state and local government agencies, and national organizations to promote consumer education during the 14th annual National Consumer Protection Week, March 4-10.
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02/28/2012
Better Business Bureau se está uniendo con las agencias federales, estatales y locales, y organizaciones nacionales para promover la educación de los consumidores durante el año 14 de la "Semana Nacional de Protección al Consumidor." Busque información nueva todos los días durante esta semana, días 4 a 10 de marzo.
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01/30/2012
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.
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01/20/2012
Gloria Kroske took out a second mortgage on her Dallas, Ore. home in better times. Now, she and her husband are struggling to pay their bills on Social Security. Her husband has found work off and on, but multiple health problems make working difficult and medical bills are piling up.
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03/31/2011
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s Consumer Sentinel Network (CSN), Texas has the fifth highest rate for reported identity theft complaints in the nation. CSN’s 2010 report compiled nationwide complaint data from BBB as well as from the FTC, Internet Crime Complaint Center and other consumer advocacy organizations.
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12/29/2010
The Federal Trade Commission’s Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) Rule takes effect today to protect homeowners from mortgage relief scams. This year, BBB has received over 800 complaints nationally from consumers against mortgage relief companies. Complaints generally allege the companies falsely claim that, for a fee, they will negotiate with lenders or servicers to obtain a loan modification, a short sale or other relief from foreclosure.
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11/24/2010
As the U.S. mortgage crisis continues to affect thousands of American homeowners, the FTC is working to cease numerous mortgage relief service scams that prey on consumers behind in their mortgage payments or facing foreclosure. Bogus operations falsely claim that, for a fee, they will negotiate with the consumer's mortgage lender or servicer to obtain a loan modification, a short sale or other relief from foreclosure. BBB warns consumers who are struggling with the financial responsibilities of owning a home to take careful precautions with regards to mortgage relief services in order to avoid becoming a victim of the prevalent deceptive practices.
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11/02/2010
A common way consumers can be tricked into a sweepstakes scam is when the person who initiates the contact identifies with a well known organization or government entity. Luckily the person who called
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10/27/2010
Today, the last of several changes to the FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule go into effect. These regulations will protect consumers from for-profit companies that sell debt relief services over the phon
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10/25/2010
BBB warns consumers that the amount of inaccurate telephone bill charges is on the rise, according to recent investigations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The billing of hidden or unexpected charges is called bill “cramming” or bill “shock.” Victims often face a tough battle identifying the source and getting the money returned.
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09/27/2010
New amendments to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) take effect today in prohibiting debt relief companies from making false promises to consumers. The new rules apply to for-profit debt settlement, debt consolidation and debt counseling companies and will serve to help inform consumers of the services offered prior to payment.
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