http://www.akorww.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=114&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT The Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau today issued a warning that flood damaged cars from Hurricane Sandy are showing up for sale in Washington state. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/consumer-alert-hurricane-sandy-flood-damaged-cars-washing-up-in-washington-42464 Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT Look For Warning Signs and Safe Facilities http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/elder-abuse-and-exploitation-42467 Tue, 04 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT Losing weight without diet or exercise right before summer sounds enticing, but Better Business Bureau warns that weight loss products weigh on consumers more than other types of fraud. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/weight-loss-complainants-lose-cash-not-weight-42231 Thu, 30 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Contractor Complaints Climb; BBB Issues Alert with WA L & I http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/if-you-build-it-complaints-may-come-42168 Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT AG Ferguson and Sec. of State Wyman Join BBB in Warning of Bogus Charities http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/tornado-charity-scams-swirling-around-42024 Thu, 16 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers to the recent upswing in cybercrime dollar losses. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/local-victims-lost-millions-to-cybercrimes-in-2012-41936 Wed, 08 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT Loving sons and daughters looking for thoughtful ways to show affection for moms this year should think twice before opening up hearts and wallets. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/a-mother-lode-of-scams-41800 Wed, 01 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT As thousands of people make the move to new homes in spring and summer, Better Business Bureau wants to help with the heavy lifting. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/make-the-right-move-during-moving-month-in-may-41608 Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office are warning of a recent spike in “Timeshare Reseller” scams. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/timeshare-reseller-schemes-take-no-vacation-41534 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Many choose this time of year to relocate to or from the largest state in the U.S. Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington steers shippers in a safe direction. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/alaska-relocation-can-be-a-moving-experience-41525 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT With the tax deadline looming, taxpayers need to prepare for unexpected emails and phone calls purporting last-minute issues with returns or refunds. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/is-there-really-a-problem-with-those-taxes-41349 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Washington Business Under Fire for Dropping Deals and Refusing Refunds http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/electronic-company-malfunctions-on-home-deliveries-41293 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT During Financial Literacy Month in April, Better Business Bureau reminds consumers to keep track of their credit reports to help prevent identity theft. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/credit-reports-are-an-identity-theft-protection-tool-41239 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT Spenders and Savers Alike “Like” BBBNews4U http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/30-steps-in-30-days-april-is-financial-literacy-month--41076 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Credit card processing service Securus Payments of Portland, Ore., is ringing up a pattern of complaints for sales practices and contract issues. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/credit-card-processor-charged-with-bbb-complaints-41021 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT Whether it’s Gonzaga going all the way or University of Oregon pulling off the upset, Better Business Bureau is warning fans of March Madness scams. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/avoid-the-foul-and-reject-the-scam-40913 Thu, 14 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT With threats on the rise, Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington is once again offering free document shredding immediately following the tax deadline. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/bbb-offers-free-tax-time-shredding-40787 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT Scams and identity thefts are particularly prevalent risks during tax time. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/online-and-offline-scams-target-tax-filers-40523 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau announces that Rachel Hews of Klamath Falls is the Oregon winner of the 2013 Students of Integrity Scholarship for $2,500. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/oregon-student-earns-2500-scholarship-from-bbb-40510 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT Tax Tuesday: Trust is Critical Better Business Bureau warns taxpayers that they are not exempt if their tax returns are prepared improperly by third-party professionals. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/tax-preparers-dont-have-to-be-taxing--40299 Tue, 12 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT With the tax deadline approaching, fraudsters and phishers are increasingly taking aim at unsuspecting Oregonians. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/dont-take-the-bait-avoid-getting-duped-by-tax-phishing-scams-40163 Tue, 05 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT Tax Tuesday: Identity Theft Prevention Reminders From BBB With tax season in progress, identity thieves know that W-2s are now in mailboxes, vehicles and other unsecured locations. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/tax-season-thieves-are-after-w-2-details-39989 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 06:00:00 GMT Don’t be fooled by the unseasonably-warm temperatures; it’s only January and there are many months of winter ahead. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/choose-a-reliable-snow-removal-contractor-before-hail-freezes-over-39808 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT BBB's Guide on Cold Weather Home Maintenance http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/stay-warm-in-winter-30455 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau has created a checklist to help pet owners choose a safe and reliable home-away-from-home for their pets. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/finding-a-trustworthy-kennel-to-board-your-pets-23645 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT Staying safe should be a top priority for all holiday travelers so your Better Business Bureau recommends taking a few precautions when hitting the road this holiday. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/five-tips-for-staying-safe-on-the-roads-over-the-holidays-23481 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT BBB is warns holiday shoppers and donors to look out for five common scams this season. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/tis-the-season-for-holiday-scams-23349 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT Beware of Traveling Salespeople Claiming BBB Affiliation http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/bussiness-alertbbb-impersonators-abound-18230 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT Prevent Losing Finances and Personal Information to Impostors http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/2010-census--bbb-says-be-cooperative-but-cautious-14749 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Natural Disaster Victims: Beware of Fly-By-Night Repair Companies and Charities http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/winter-storms-bring-wave-of-bogus-disaster-relief-promises-13613 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT 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 http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/ftc-sorting-out-green-advertising-claims-4659 Fri, 01 Jun 2007 05:00:00 GMT 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. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/ftc-mortgage-payments-sending-you-reeling-heres-what-to-do-4733 Tue, 01 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT 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. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/ftc-buying-a-home-its-a-big-deal-4763 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT 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. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/ftc-home-equity-credit-lines-4770 Sun, 01 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT If you’re thinking about selling your home, you may be considering using the services of a real estate broker or agent. But before you sign a listing agreement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the agency that works for a competitive marketplace, wants you to be informed about your choices. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/ftc-selling-your-home-tips-for-selecting-a-real-estate-professional--4783 Fri, 01 Sep 2006 05:00:00 GMT Gas prices are up, and so is the volume of advertising for "gas-saving" products. When gasoline prices rise, consumers often look for ways to improve fuel efficiency. Although there are practical steps you can take to increase gas mileage, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns you to be wary of any gas-saving claims for automotive devices or oil and gas additives. Even for the few gas-saving products that have been found to work, the savings have been small. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/ftc-gas-saving-products-fact-or-fuelishness--4501 Tue, 01 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT A laptop computer defines convenience and mobility. It enables you to work from home, a hotel room, a conference hall, or a coffee shop. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/ftc-keeping-laptops-from-getting-lost-or-stolen-4552 Tue, 01 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT Voice over Internet Protocol — VoIP — is one way people are making and receiving telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection rather than a regular phone line. VoIP converts your phone call — actually, the voice signal from your phone — into a digital signal that travels through the Internet to the person you are calling. If you are calling a plain old telephone number, the signal is converted back at the other end. If you’re comfortable with new technology, you may want to learn more about VoIP. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, suggests that it’s smart to do some research on this technology before signing up for it. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/ftc-voip-its-a-phone-its-a-computer-its--4427 Sat, 01 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT Could a simple medical test tell you if you are likely to get a particular disease? Could it evaluate your health risks and even suggest a specific treatment? Could you take this test in the privacy of your home, without a doctor’s prescription or guidance? http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/ftc-at-home-genetic-tests-a-healthy-dose-of-skepticism-may-be-the-best-prescription-4807 Thu, 01 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT Home is where most people feel safe and comfortable. But sometimes — say, when a hurricane, flood, tornado, wildfire, or other disaster strikes — it’s safest to pack up and go to another location. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/ftc-financial-readiness-as-critical-as-fully-charged-batteries-4652 Thu, 01 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT You’ve probably learned a long list of important safety and privacy lessons already: Look both ways before crossing the street; buckle up; hide your diary where your nosy brother can’t find it; don’t talk to strangers. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/ftc-social-networking-sites-safety-tips-for-tweens-and-teens-4442 Mon, 01 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT Ever wonder how a creditor decides whether to grant you credit? For years, creditors have been using credit scoring systems to determine if you’d be a good risk for credit cards and auto loans. More recently, credit scoring has been used to help creditors evaluate your ability to repay home mortgage loans. Here’s how credit scoring works in helping decide who gets credit — and why. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/ftc-credit-scoring-4637 Mon, 01 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT Your credit report contains information about where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you’ve been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. Consumer reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation’s consumer reporting companies. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/ftc-how-to-dispute-credit-report-errors-4710 Sat, 01 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Credit is an important money management tool for both young and older consumers. Yet the elderly, particularly older women, may find it difficult to get credit. http://www.akorww.bbb.org/article/ftc-getting-credit-when-youre-over-62-4660