With more and more consumers making the switch to iPhones, BlackBerrys and other smartphones, security questions seem to be popping up regarding the applications you can download for each device. The obvious answer would be "if you're careful, everything will be fine," but BBB hears about scammers everyday that come up with clever ways to fool victims who take the right precautions.

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The summer season has officially arrived and that means vacations are right around the corner. With credit cards replacing traveler’s checks in popularity while away from home, it’s important to make sure your personal information stays safe. According to a 2009 Javelin Strategy and Research study, 43% of all fraud cases were due to lost or stolen checkbooks, debit cards and credit cards. BBB advises consumers on the go to keep these tips in mind…

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Last week, we gave consumers a few tips and advice for making wise donation decisions towards helping oil spill relief efforts. As an addition to that information, here are the websites of several national BBB Accredited charities addressing the oil spill. Keep in mind, this list only includes charities that meet BBB Wise Giving Alliance’s Standards for Charity Accountability. Click on each of the names for their individual BBB charity report.

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Most consumers and business owners receive unsolicted offers via e-mail, phone or mail. However, faxes can be used to push questionable offers as well, and we came across such an example today. The fax offered businesses a credit card or line of credit loan for what seemed like little work on the part of the business.

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A couple of months ago, we warned you about a phony BBB lottery scam circulating mailboxes. Apparently that is old news and now scammers are moving on to using BBB's name in a sweepstakes scam. The BBB in Florida alerted us about a consumer who called and claimed someone from BBB informed him a company was looking for him because he was the winner of $85,000 and a brand new car. Wouldn't that be nice?

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Warmer weather in Central Texas is sure to have consumers thinking about summer plans. Whether you are looking to rent a vacation home or put your second home up for rent, Better Business Bureau is here with some advice to keep you from getting scammed.

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