To kick-off the celebration of National Consumer Protection Week (March 6-12, 2011), BBB is excited to announce today that we’ve redesigned our BBB Business Review search website! Over 65 million businesses were researched on bbb.org in 2010, proving that more and more people are relying on BBB Business Reviews to find trustworthy businesses and make well-informed purchase decisions.

Read the full post.

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 BBB yesterday wasn't fooled by a phone call from the "Federal Gaming Commission."

Read the full post.

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 BBB yesterday wasn't fooled by a phone call from the "Federal Gaming Commission."

Read the full post.

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 BBB yesterday wasn't fooled by a phone call from the "Federal Gaming Commission."

Read the full post.

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 BBB yesterday wasn't fooled by a phone call from the "Federal Gaming Commission."

Read the full post.

According to recent investigations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the amount of inaccurate charges added to cell phone bills is on the rise. The billing of hidden or unexpected charges is called bill “cramming” or bill “shock.” BBB wants you to know how to prevent these additional fees from popping up on your monthly statements.

Read the full post.

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 phone. Whether the company calls you, or you respond to advertising from a for-profit credit counseling, debt settlement or debt negotiation service, the company CANNOT collect an advance fee for their service until:

Read the full post.

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 phone. Whether the company calls you, or you respond to advertising from a for-profit credit counseling, debt settlement or debt negotiation service, the company CANNOT collect an advance fee for their service until:

Read the full post.

Shred Day is coming up THIS Saturday for San Antonio and Austin business owners and consumers. While BBB will gladly accept your old documents and records, we do want to make sure you're not discarding things you should be keeping. That's why we have the following records retention schedule for you to use as a guide BEFORE packing those boxes and bags into your car:

Read the full post.

With Shred Day coming up this weekend and next weekend, it's important for consumers to remember that “Green Marketing” is becomming more and more popular. All kinds of products and events are being labeled or advertised with claims they are environmentally friendly. But which claims are truthful? Here's a few red flags that a product may not be as advertised:

Read the full post.

With Shred Day coming up this weekend and next weekend, it's important for consumers to remember that “Green Marketing” is becomming more and more popular. All kinds of products and events are being labeled or advertised with claims they are environmentally friendly. But which claims are truthful? Here's a few red flags that a product may not be as advertised:

Read the full post.

With Shred Day coming up this weekend and next weekend, it's important for consumers to remember that “Green Marketing” is becomming more and more popular. All kinds of products and events are being labeled or advertised with claims they are environmentally friendly. But which claims are truthful? Here's a few red flags that a product may not be as advertised:

Read the full post.

With today's announcement from Blockbuster that it has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, many consumers may wonder what this specifically means to them as a customer. The answer in this case is, not a whole lot. According to Blockbuster, their online and retail stores will remain open while the company attempts to restructure and reorganize to help alleviate the debt it has accumulated.

Read the full post.

With today's announcement from Blockbuster that it has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, many consumers may wonder what this specifically means to them as a customer. The answer in this case is, not a whole lot. According to Blockbuster, their online and retail stores will remain open while the company attempts to restructure and reorganize to help alleviate the debt it has accumulated.

Read the full post.

We normally think of phishing attempts as those that come through your email or from malicious websites, but they can also come from phone solicitations as well. Case in point, today we received an alert that several consumers have received automated phone calls telling them their credit or debit cards have been locked or temporarily suspended. Conveniently enough, the message also invites them to enter information over the phone to solve the problem. BBB warns this not to be done.

Read the full post.

Employee fraud costs businesses $400 billion in annual losses, and 76% of frauds are committed internally by employees. To help businesses gain knowledge on how to reduce fraud in the workplace, BBB is hosting a Business Seminar on Fraud Prevention next week in the following locations:

Read the full post.

As many Americans are seeking employment, BBB is warning job-seekers to watch out for red flags of employment scams to avoid losing money and sensitive information. Do your research to conduct a safe, fruitful job search.

Read the full post.

As many Americans are seeking employment, BBB is warning job-seekers to watch out for red flags of employment scams to avoid losing money and sensitive information. Do your research to conduct a safe, fruitful job search.

Read the full post.

As many Americans are seeking employment, BBB is warning job-seekers to watch out for red flags of employment scams to avoid losing money and sensitive information. Do your research to conduct a safe, fruitful job search.

Read the full post.

As many Americans are seeking employment, BBB is warning job-seekers to watch out for red flags of employment scams to avoid losing money and sensitive information. Do your research to conduct a safe, fruitful job search.

Read the full post.