http://westflorida.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=47&id=c81a49f2-5b3a-4224-9efc-28fc72555363&debug=False&tag=site=47&bbb=0653&firm=18334 10 Fri, 03 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT May is National Moving Month, which kicks off the busiest time of year for Americans changing residencies. It also means unlicensed movers and dishonest scammers are waiting to take advantage of unwary consumers. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/its-national-moving-month-move-safely-and-securely-while-avoiding-scams-41675 Fri, 03 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT When looking to find a florist, whether online or in person, make sure you’re dealing with a reputable business. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/make-sure-moms-flowers-arrive-on-time-and-looking-beautiful-41668 Wed, 01 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Your Better Business Bureau is warning consumers in Florida about a bill payment scam that is targeting utility customers. Individuals and businesses have reported receiving telephone calls that claim their electricity will be turned off within hours unless they make an immediate payment by a prepaid debit card, such as the Green Dot Money Card available at retailers nationwide. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/bbb-warning-bill-payment-scam-targets-utility-customers-41601 Wed, 01 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Beware of Green Dot MoneyPak Scams! Your BBB wants to remind you to beware of scammers using the Green Dot MoneyPak prepaid cards you can purchase at local stores. Using a prepaid card is a convenient way to pay bills online without threat of risk to your bank account. But scammers have found a way to get that money from you too! Green Dot spokesman states, “Fraudsters will call or email you saying that you won a lottery or can buy discount merchandise at their phony websites – but you need to pay fees to get your prize or purchase that merchandise via MoneyPak – and only MoneyPak, then they ask for the 14-digit code.” Once you have given them that code – the crooks can then transfer your MoneyPak funds to their own prepaid cards. MoneyPak offers these 7 tips to help protect you from fraud! 1. Never give your MoneyPak number to someone you don’t know. 2. Never give receipt information about your MoneyPak purchase to another party. 3. Use your MoneyPak only to reload your prepaid http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/beware-of-green-dot-moneypak-scams-41597 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Now that you have finished your tax return, how long should you keep all of those records? Keeping them forever could pose a security risk as these records contain personal and financial information. The question is which documents should you keep? http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/toss-or-save-a-financial-record-41418 Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT At least one poorly-conceived charity scam has already emerged in the wake of the explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon yesterday, and more are likely. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-of-charity-scams-offers-giving-tips-in-wake-of-boston-marathon-bombing-41366 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT The BBB advises consumers to ask about "resort fees" and other unexpected fees that can drive up the cost of vacations. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/unexpected-fees-can-add-to-cost-of-vacations-bbb-warns-41338 Fri, 12 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT When your pest problem gets too big for a flyswatter, a mousetrap or do-it-yourself spray, it's time to call in a professional service. In 2012, more than 786,000 people turned to BBB for information on pest control services. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/getting-bugged-make-sure-your-pest-management-is-handled-by-a-pro-41326 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT In our tech-savvy world, everything is readily accessible and convenient…even banking. Gone are the days of waiting in line at the bank or even waiting for your computer to boot up. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/top-five-tips-for-mobile-banking-41214 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT BBB advises consumers to obtain a contract in writing & set clear expectations http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/five-ways-to-ensure-youre-hiring-the-right-lawn-care-company-41055 Tue, 26 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Cell phone users are increasingly turning to Bluetooth technology to talk - hands free - on their phones. But as this high tech tool gains popularity in the US and Canada, scammers are finding ways to exploit it. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/use-bluetooth-protect-yourself-from-hacking-scams--40997 Thu, 14 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Most of us have gotten used to charging purchases, large and small, on a debit or credit card. Just swipe the card and avoid the hassle of carrying cash. Look carefully; you may notice a new fee on your receipt. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/new-merchant-surcharges-on-credit-purchases-40790 Thu, 14 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT An attractive, well-kept driveway can help a home make a good first impression, provide protection against flooding, and even add value to your investment. But replacing a driveway can be a costly endeavor. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/tips-for-driveway-improvements-40792 Thu, 14 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Consumers aren’t the only victims of fraud. Every year, thousands of small businesses are targets of fraudulent or deceptive sales practices. Protect your business from scams by learning what to look out for. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/watch-out-for-these-small-business-scams-40793 Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau celebrated its Centennial year by ringing the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Cemetery, and helping a record-breaking number of consumers across the United States and Canada. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/in-its-100th-year-better-business-bureau-breaks-all-records-for-consumer-services--40649 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau urges consumers to be aware that both smarphones and computers are vulnerable to the same hackers, spammers and malware. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/national-consumer-protection-week-protecting-your-computer-and-smartphone-from-hackers-40507 Thu, 28 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT Have you received a confirmation email for a driver's license renewal or vehicle registration transaction you never made? It's a scam! A new phishing scam poses as a confirmation email from the Florida DMV. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/how-to-spot-scammers-impersonating-the-florida-dmv-40427