http://westflorida.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=47&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Memorial Day is a time to honor those who serve and remember those who have died in war. But sadly, it has also become a key opportunity for scammers to target those who are serving or have served their nation, especially elderly veterans. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/beware-of-memorial-day-scams-aimed-at-military-personnel-42087 Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT In the wake of the devastating tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma yesterday, and in north Texas last week, Better Business Bureau and BBB Wise Giving Alliance have issued tips to help donors make smart giving decisions and to avoid scams. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-urges-donor-caution-after-tornadoes-42005 Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Finding a trustworthy business is the same whether you’re looking for a remodeler, handyman, plumber, painter, pool contractor, landscaper, etc. http://westflorida.bbb.org/article/this-is-the-season-for-home-improvements-42016 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 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 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 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 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