http://clearwater.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=47&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Tue, 15 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://clearwater.bbb.org/article/bbb-small-business-advice-on-fighting-friendly-fraud-12475 Wed, 16 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://clearwater.bbb.org/article/behind-on-car-payments-bbb-advice-on-how-to-avoid-the-repo-man-12492 Wed, 16 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://clearwater.bbb.org/article/make-the-most-of-your-minutes-and-avoid-deceptive-prepaid-phone-cards-12493 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) cloning, which targets used car buyers, is on the rise. The Better Business Bureau advises car buyers to do their research or they could unknowingly purchase a stolen car. VIN cloning is basically a form of vehicle identity theft. It is used by car thieves to sell stolen cars. http://clearwater.bbb.org/article/do-your-research-or-you-could-be-buying-a-stolen-car-12701 Tue, 15 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://clearwater.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-warns-about-ijango-possible-pyramid-scheme-12474 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT 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://clearwater.bbb.org/article/defend-your-business-against-the-h1n1-virus-this-winter-12819 Wed, 30 Sep 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. http://clearwater.bbb.org/article/act-now-to-take-advantage-of-the-first-time-home-buyers-tax-credit-12743 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers and businesses about a new phishing attack that resembles an e-mail confirmation claiming the recipient has filed a complaint with BBB about a business. The malicious e-mails first came to the attention of BBB on Thursday, October 15. http://clearwater.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-of-new-phishing-e-mail-posing-as-bbb-complaint-confirmation-13032 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Consumers who wish to rent an apartment or home using Craigslist or other online classifieds need to use caution according to your Better Business Bureau. http://clearwater.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-renters-to-be-wary-of-fraudulent-home-rentals-online-12898 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://clearwater.bbb.org/article/food-and-beverage-companies-continue-to-raise-the-bar-when-advertising-to-kids-13154 Mon, 12 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. BBB is offering advice to consumers on how to protect their computer and personal information from the threat of scareware http://clearwater.bbb.org/article/boo-scareware-attacks-on-the-rise-bbb-advice-on-how-to-protect-your-computer-12947 Tue, 03 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://clearwater.bbb.org/article/cash-for-appliances-is-the-new-cash-for-clunkers-13361 Fri, 06 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://clearwater.bbb.org/article/bbb-tips-for-boosting-office-morale--13365 Tue, 10 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://clearwater.bbb.org/article/make-money-from-home-with-google-not-so-fast-warns-bbb-13368 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Individuals across the country are looking for ways to help support the victims and families affected by last week’s tragedy at Fort Hood. Initially, supporters were encouraged to donate blood to help victims. As options for monetary donations in support of victims and their families become available, it is important to understand exactly where and how your funds will be used. http://clearwater.bbb.org/article/supporting-the-victims-of-the-fort-hood-tragedy-13462 Mon, 23 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://clearwater.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-on-using-layaway-for-holiday-purchases-13695