http://www.kalamazoo.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=53&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Thu, 01 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 the Better Business Bureau offers guidance on how to benefit from the First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit. http://www.kalamazoo.bbb.org/article/091001a-act-now-to-take-advantage-of-the-first-time-home-buyer-tax-credit-12769 Thu, 01 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. The Better Business Bureau is offering advice to consumers on how to protect their computer and personal information from the threat of scareware. http://www.kalamazoo.bbb.org/article/091001b-boo-scareware-attacks-on-the-rise-bbb-advice-on-how-to-protect-your-computer-12770 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Millions of people have found a way to be their own boss and make money on a flexible schedule through direct selling. Being successful at direct selling doesn’t require any special education or experience but it isn’t for everyone. The Better Business Bureau suggests people ask themselves a few questions when considering a new venture in direct sales. http://www.kalamazoo.bbb.org/article/091001c-five-questions-for-determining-if-direct-selling-is-for-you-12772 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Come on people; “advance fee loans” are a long term problem. “NEVER” send money to have to “secure” a loan. How many times do we have to report this before cash strapped consumers will check out all offers at www.bbb.org. http://www.kalamazoo.bbb.org/article/consumer-alert-advance-fee-loan-scam-uses-fake-grand-rapids-address-12813 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be extremely wary of pervasive online ads offering the promise of a whiter, brighter smile. The 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.kalamazoo.bbb.org/article/teeth-whitening-product-sold-online-wipes-smile-off-consumers-faces-12768 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau is alerting Michigan consumers and businesses about a new phishing attack that resembles an email confirmation claiming the recipient has filed a complaint with the BBB of Western Michigan about a business. The malicious emails first came to the attention of the BBB on Thursday, October 15. http://www.kalamazoo.bbb.org/article/consumer-alert-bbb-warns-of-new-phishing-email-posing-as-bbb-complaint-confirmation-13081 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT This holiday season, everyone will be on the hunt for the best deals. The Better Business Bureau warns online shoppers that some deals online for electronics are too good to be true. The BBB is advising holiday shoppers to keep an eye out for five red flags of unscrupulous consumer electronics stores. http://www.kalamazoo.bbb.org/article/dont-get-ripped-off-when-buying-electronics-online-13327 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, the Better Business Bureau offers the following guidance to consumers who might be interested in taking advantage of the program. http://www.kalamazoo.bbb.org/article/091103a-cash-for-appliances-is-the-new-cash-for-clunkers-13329 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT The 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.kalamazoo.bbb.org/article/091103b-make-money-from-home-with-google-not-so-fast-warns-bbb-13331 Tue, 03 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. The 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.kalamazoo.bbb.org/article/091103c-five-questions-to-ask-before-donating-to-a-charity-13332 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. The Better Business Bureau offers guidance for small business owners on how to keep office morale high in a tough economy. http://www.kalamazoo.bbb.org/article/091103e-bbb-tips-for-boosting-office-morale-13335 Tue, 03 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.kalamazoo.bbb.org/article/091103d-bbb-advice-on-using-layaway-for-holiday-purchases-13334