http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=43&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT The old adage is that a satisfied customer will tell three people and an unsatisfied customer will tell ten. However, with the advent of blogs, Twitter, and YouTube, disgruntled customers can now share their rant about a company for the whole world to hear. Consumers are taking their complaints online and your Better Business Bureau advises that responding to complaints is necessary if a company wants to maintain a reputation for great customer service. http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-on-how-to-respond-to-online-customer-complaints-12165 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT A new money making opportunity that claims to “Multi-level market the Internet” could be nothing more than a pyramid scheme warns Better Business Bureau. http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-warns-about-ijango-possible-pyramid-scheme-12334 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Businesses are increasingly becoming victims of “friendly fraud” - fraud carried out by customers to get items free of charge. Better Business Bureau warns small business owners to be on the lookout for friendly fraud and offers advice on how to protect against this growing online threat. http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/article/bbb-small-business-advice-on-fighting-friendly-fraud-12335 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT As the economic slump continues, many people are struggling to make ends meet, and unfortunately, vehicle repossessions are now on the rise. Having a car repossessed hinders more than just a car owner’s mobility; it has a severe impact on credit scores, thereby limiting the ability to get loans or credit cards for up to seven years. Better Business Bureau advises troubled car owners on how to avoid losing their vehicle and their creditworthiness. http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/article/behind-on-car-payments-bbb-advice-on-how-to-avoid-the-repo-man-12336 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Prepaid calling cards may seem like a great value, claiming to provide hundreds of minutes for a few dollars. However many phone cards are so rife with fees and service charges that they deliver far fewer minutes than advertised. Better Business Bureau offers advice on how to get the most out of a prepaid phone card while avoiding getting ripped off. http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/article/make-the-most-of-your-minutes-and-avoid-deceptive-prepaid-phone-cards-12368 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau is warning renters to be on the lookout for scammers on Craigslist and other online classifieds when searching for a home. Phony ads for rental properties across the country are cropping up, and are specifically aimed at stealing money from unsuspecting renters. http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-renters-to-beware-of-bogus-home-rentals-12367 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be extremely wary of pervasive online ads offering the promise of a whiter, brighter smile. BBB has received a recent onslaught 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. http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/article/teeth-whitening-products-sold-online-wipe-smile-off-consumers-faces-12860 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Time is running out for first-time home buyers to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit set aside for them this year as part of the economic recovery effort. Barring a time extension, people looking to cash in must purchase a home by November 30. http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/article/act-now-to-take-advantage-of-the-first-time-home-buyers-tax-credit-12861 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Computer experts are reporting that scareware — yet another sneaky technique used by hackers to steal personal information and spread viruses online — is 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. http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/article/boo-scareware-attacks-on-the-rise-bbb-advice-on-how-to-protect-your-computer-12863 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/article/five-questions-for-determining-if-direct-selling-is-for-you-12864 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, the H1N1 virus — the so-called “Swine Flu” — isn’t any more deadly than a seasonal flu, but it is transmitted more easily. Employers play a vital role in preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus and Better Business Bureau offers the following advice to bolster the workplace against the threat of flu this winter http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/article/defend-your-business-against-the-h1n1-virus-this-winter-12865 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Following the success of the Cash for Clunkers program, the federal government recently announced the creation of a similar rebate program for consumers looking to purchase new energy-efficient appliances. While many of the details of the program are still yet to be determined, Better Business Bureau offers the following guidance to consumers who might be interested in taking advantage of the program. http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/article/cash-for-appliances-is-the-new-cash-for-clunkers-13604 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau has received more than 1,500 complaints about several dozen Web sites that are trading on the Google name to scam people who want to learn about making money from home. Because the sites often use the Google name and prominently display its iconic logo, consumers often assume they are getting a job with Google when in fact they were getting taken in by yet another work-at-home scheme. http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/article/make-money-from-home-with-google-not-so-fast-warns-bbb-13606 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Most charities rely heavily on the goodwill of individual donors during the holiday season to fund their activities throughout the coming year. Last year, charity contributions totaled $307.65 billion: 75 percent of this total came from individuals, according to the Giving USA Foundation. BBB Wise Giving Alliance advises donors to research a charity prior to giving and provides five questions to ask when vetting where to contribute this holiday season. http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/article/five-questions-to-ask-before-donating-to-a-charity-13607 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT As more families struggle in the tough economy, retailers are trying to make paying for holiday gifts more flexible by offering layaway options. With layaway experiencing a comeback, your Better Business Bureau offers the following guidance on how to use this old fashioned payment plan in lieu of credit cards. http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-on-using-layaway-for-holiday-purchases-13608 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Many small business owners are struggling to stay afloat and are being forced to make tough decisions—such as instituting layoffs or budget cuts. In the wake of these decisions, office morale can dip as employees face uncertainty about their jobs. Better Business Bureau offers guidance for small business owners on how to keep office morale high in a tough economy. http://www.birmingham-al.bbb.org/article/bbb-tips-for-boosting-office-morale-13609