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06/01/2010
Better Business Bureau recommends researching the investment company first, rather than run the risk of falling for a financial siren song over a free lunch.
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03/01/2010
Many businesses specialize in reselling timeshares, but Better Business Bureau warns that some companies use deceptive sales tactics to bilk thousands from already cash-strapped timeshare owners.
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02/01/2010
Credit card holders can circle February 22 on their calendar as the day when new consumer protections laid out in the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 kick in.
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01/14/2010
In the wake of the earthquake disaster in Haiti, Americans are donating via text message more than ever before.
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11/02/2009
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.
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09/04/2009
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.
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01/01/2008
If you’ve ever locked yourself out of your car or home, you know what a hassle it can be. Your first thought is to get someone to help you out of your situation. If a family member or friend can’t deliver a spare set of keys, your next call might be to a local locksmith. But before you make that call, consider this: According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, some locksmiths advertising in your local telephone book may not be local at all. They may not have professional training. What’s more, some of them may use intimidating tactics and overcharge you.
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10/01/2007
If you or someone you know is trying to get a green card — the right to live in the United States permanently — be on the lookout for unscrupulous businesses and attorneys. They’ll claim that, for a fee, they can make it easier to enter the U. S. State Department’s annual Diversity Visa (DV) lottery (also known as the “green card lottery”) or increase your chances of winning the DV lottery.
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10/01/2007
Grocery shelves, hardware stores, card shops, and other retail operations are filled with products and packages announcing environmental features that may influence your purchasing decisions. But when it comes to products and packaging, what do claims like "environmentally safe," "recyclable," "degradable" or "ozone friendly" really mean? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) want you to know.
The FTC, in cooperation with the EPA, has developed guidelines for adv
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10/01/2007
Advance Fee Loan Scams, Appliances, Automobiles, Charity Scams, Contractor Scams, Credit and Money, Damaged or Lost Documents, Debris Removal Scams, Door-To-Door Sale (Cooling Off Rule), Fake Disaster Officals, Flood Restoration, Foundation-Excavation-or-Waterproofing Work, Home Ownership Issues, Home Repair Scams, Identity Theft, Job Scams, Money and Credit, Pest Control, Rental Listing Scams, Utility Related Scams, Water Treatment or Purification Devices
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07/01/2007
Alaska is famous for the rugged beauty of its mountains, rivers, and coastlines, as well as for the distinctive arts and crafts produced by Alaska Native artists. If you are considering purchasing an Alaska Native-made art or craft item, it’s smart to invest a little time learning about the processes and materials Alaska Natives may use to make these unique and beautiful objects.
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06/01/2007
The possibility of losing your home because you can't make the mortgage payments can be terrifying. Perhaps you are one of the many consumers who took out a mortgage that had a fixed rate for the first two or three years and then had an adjustable rate. Or maybe you're anticipating an adjustment, and want to know what your payments will be and whether you'll be able to make them. Or maybe you're having trouble making ends meet because of an unrelated financial crisis.
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05/01/2007
Whether you’re shopping for appliances or automobiles, groceries or gadgets, travel services or tax preparers, the Internet has changed the way most people gather information about products and services.
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03/01/2007
With prices averaging more than $28,000 for a new vehicle and $15,000 for a used vehicle, most consumers need financing or leasing to acquire a vehicle. In some cases, buyers use “direct lending:” they obtain a loan directly from a finance company, bank or credit union. In direct lending, a buyer agrees to pay the amount financed, plus an agreed-upon finance charge, over a period of time. Once a buyer and a vehicle dealership enter into a contract to purchase a vehicle, the buyer uses the loan proceeds from the direct lender to pay the dealership for the vehicle. Consumers also may arrange for a vehicle loan over the Internet.
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02/01/2007
Using a credit line to borrow against the equity in your home has become a popular source of consumer credit. And lenders are offering these home equity credit lines in a variety of ways.
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