http://www.stockton.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=87&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Fri, 04 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. An investigation by BBB shows that iJango – a new self-described multi-level marketing company – is aggressively seeking representatives for a product that has no track record. Consumers are paying hundreds of dollars in upfront fees based on the claim that they can earn money by recruiting others to do the same – a red flag for pyramid schemes. http://www.stockton.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-warns-about-ijango-possible-pyramid-scheme-12282 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. 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.stockton.bbb.org/article/bbb-small-business-advice-on-fighting-friendly-fraud-12283 Fri, 04 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.stockton.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-renters-to-beware-of-bogus-home-rentals-12285 Fri, 04 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.stockton.bbb.org/article/make-the-most-of-your-minutes-and-avoid-deceptive-prepaid-phone-cards-12286 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT The Board of Directors of the Council of Better Business Bureaus has named Stephen A. Cox as President and CEO. http://www.stockton.bbb.org/article/council-of-better-business-bureaus-names-stephen-a-cox-as-president-and-ceo-12290 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. 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.stockton.bbb.org/article/behind-on-car-payments-bbb-advice-on-how-to-avoid-the-repo-man-12284 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.stockton.bbb.org/article/post-foods-joins-bbb-self-regulation-initiative-on-child-directed-food-advertising-12910 Tue, 13 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. Considering it usually takes 30 days to close on a house, now may be the time to act and Better Business Bureau offers guidance on how to benefit from the First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit. http://www.stockton.bbb.org/article/act-now-to-take-advantage-of-the-first-time-home-buyers-tax-credit-12961 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Ubiquitous Ads Result in Angry Customers Across North America 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.stockton.bbb.org/article/teeth-whitening-products-sold-online-wipe-smile-off-consumers-faces-12963 Tue, 13 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. Better Business Bureau is offering advice to consumers on how to protect their computer and personal information from the threat of scareware. http://www.stockton.bbb.org/article/boo-scareware-attacks-on-the-rise-bbb-advice-on-how-to-protect-your-computer-12964 Tue, 13 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.stockton.bbb.org/article/defend-your-business-against-the-h1n1-virus-this-winter-12965 Thu, 08 Oct 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.stockton.bbb.org/article/five-questions-if-direct-selling-is-for-you--12907 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT More than 400 vehicles drove through the parking lot of Valley First Credit Union at 15th & J Streets in Modesto October 10 and left 14 tons of documents to be shredded for free. http://www.stockton.bbb.org/article/modesto-shred-day-handles-14-tons-of-documents-13071 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.stockton.bbb.org/article/food-and-beverage-companies-continue-to-raise-the-bar-when-advertising-to-kids-13164 Tue, 03 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.stockton.bbb.org/article/make-money-from-home-with-google-not-so-fast-warns-bbb-13373 Tue, 03 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.stockton.bbb.org/article/cash-for-appliances-is-the-new-cash-for-clunkers-13372 Tue, 03 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.stockton.bbb.org/article/bbb-tips-for-boosting-office-morale--13381 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT The US Census Bureau has finished with the first phase of the Census and is no longer confirming addresses. The next step in the process is that households will receive their Census forms in the mail in March. All households that do not return their forms will be visited by a US Census representative. The information provides guidance on how to identify a legitimate Census employee. http://www.stockton.bbb.org/article/bbb-2010-census-tips-for-the-public--13674 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Have you thought about making a few extra dollars by selling some of your gold jewelry? Whether you do it through a gold-party (in-home party usually held with a group of friends), over the Internet, or through a local jeweler, here are some things you should consider. http://www.stockton.bbb.org/article/tips-for-selling-gold--13697