http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=56&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT Beginning September 1, 2009, prerecorded commercial telemarketing calls to consumers – commonly known as robocalls – will be prohibited, unless the telemarketer has obtained permission in writing from consumers who want to receive such calls, the Federal Trade Commission announced today. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/new-rule-prohibiting-unwanted-robocalls-to-take-effect-on-september-1-12214 Fri, 04 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. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/bbb-small-business-advice-on-fighting-friendly-fraud-12340 Mon, 14 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. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/make-the-most-of-your-minutes-and-avoid-deceptive-prepaid-phone-cards-12337 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Phony ads for rental properties across the country are cropping up, and are specifically aimed at stealing money from unsuspecting renters. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-renters-to-beware-of-bogus-home-rentals-12338 Fri, 04 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. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/behind-on-car-payments-bbb-advice-on-how-to-avoid-the-repo-man-12339 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.huntsville.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-warns-about-ijango-possible-pyramid-scheme-12341 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT A recent National Foundation for Credit Counseling survey conducted by Harris Interactive® revealed that 45 percent of all U.S. adults feel at most risk for identity theft when making a purchase with a credit card that requires the card to be taken out of their sight, for example, at a restaurant. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/consumers-feel-more-at-risk-for-identity-theft-when-making-certain-types-of-purchases-12556 Fri, 04 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. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/behind-on-car-payments-bbb-advice-on-how-to-avoid-the-repo-man-12291 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Phony ads for rental properties across the country are cropping up, and are specifically aimed at stealing money from unsuspecting renters. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-renters-to-beware-of-bogus-home-rentals-12292 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Don't Get Stuck With A Flood Damaged Vehicle http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-of-buying-flood-damaged-cars-12665 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT The Council of Better Business Bureaus today announced that Post Foods, LLC has become a participant in the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/post-foods-joins-bbb-self-regulation-initiative-on-child-directed-food-advertising-12760 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT The BBB of Central Florida has received complaints from businesses about National Business Publishing Corporation located in Winter Park, Florida. The company sells business directories nationwide (in book or online version). Complaints are regarding misleading sales tactics. The complaints report that their business was offered a "free copy of the 2009 Edition valued at $500." http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/high-price-for-vanity-publications-12825 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT BBB is warning consumers to be extremely wary of pervasive online ads offering the promise of a whiter, brighter smile. BBB has received an 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. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/teeth-whitening-products-sold-online-wipe-smile-off-consumers-faces-12759 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) is partnering with the National Foundation of Credit Counseling (NFCC) in launching the 2nd annual National Protect Your Identity Week (PYIW) October 17 – 24, 2009. This event coincides with BBB’s Secure Your ID Day to be held on October 17, 2009. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/bbb-joins-national-effort-to-promote-identity-theft-protection-and-education-13068 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT BBB advises citizens to cooperate carefully in order to avoid becoming a victim of possible census-related scams. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/bbb-offers-advice-on-how-to-identify-legitimate-census-workers-13069 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Bargain hunters who ordered wholesale electronics and clothing from Chinese Internet sites say they never received the items they ordered, the BBB warns. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-that-wholesale-chinese-websites-fail-to-deliver-goods-13080 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Many businesses are marketing products to support finding a cure for breast cancer during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The BBB advises consumers to check donation claims before buying. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/bbb-advises-consumers-to-check-before-buying-pink-ribbon-products-13102 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative report shows marked progress in 2008 through self-regulation. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/food-and-beverage-companies-continue-to-raise-the-bar-when-advertising-to-kids-13184 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau is alerting Alabama consumers and businesses about a new phishing attack that resembles an email confirmation claiming the recipient has filed a complaint with the BBB of North Alabama about a business. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/consumer-alert-bbb-warns-of-new-phishing-email-posing-as-bbb-complaint-confirmation-13185 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT 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.huntsville.bbb.org/article/bbb-tips-for-boosting-office-morale--13351 Mon, 02 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. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/make-money-from-home-with-google-not-so-fast-warns-bbb-13353 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT 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.huntsville.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-on-using-layaway-for-holiday-purchases-13354 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT 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.huntsville.bbb.org/article/five-questions-to-ask-before-donating-to-a-charity-13355 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT The federal government recently announced the creation of a similar rebate program for consumers looking to purchase new energy-efficient appliances. BBB offers the following guidance to consumers who might be interested in taking advantage of the program. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/cash-for-appliances-is-the-new-cash-for-clunkers-13357 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Being successful at direct selling doesn’t require any special education or experience but it isn’t for everyone. Better Business Bureau suggests people ask themselves a few questions when considering a new venture in direct sales. http://www.huntsville.bbb.org/article/five-questions-if-direct-selling-is-for-you--12891