tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-325202232011-04-21T22:35:43.591-05:00Up-to-date information from the Better Business Bureau of MississippiBill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comBlogger561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-16382017524886476232009-01-14T15:21:00.003-06:002009-01-14T15:29:08.201-06:00

As you make your New Year's resolutions, here are some you may want to consider:Resolve to get all promises in writing. Make sure the contract provisions match what the salesperson told you. Read and understand the contract and guarantee before you sign. Resolve to guard your personal information. Give out credit card, bank account, or Social Security numbers very cautiously. Be wary of phone

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-23919725560918072062008-06-10T09:04:00.003-05:002008-12-10T15:09:32.380-06:00

In a recent report on job searching, The Conference Board noted that people are increasingly turning to the Internet as a key tool, noting that in 2007, 73 percent of job seekers reported using the online sources compared to 66 percent in 2005.While the Internet has made searching for jobs easier, it also provides an opportunity for ID thieves and scammers to take advantage of eager - and

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-14433768089725186172008-05-13T15:24:00.004-05:002008-12-10T15:09:32.637-06:00

As evidence of the devastation in Myanmar continues to mount, many Americans are looking for ways to help by donating to a relief organization or charity. The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance warns that—as occurred following the tsunami disaster in 2004—fraudulent charities will likely emerge to try and scam donations from well-meaning Americans. The recent earthquakes in China and

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-27775807089999791552008-04-29T08:58:00.006-05:002008-04-29T14:33:25.924-05:00

A couple of years ago, we learned that a number of "colleges" and "universities" with questionable credentials had set up shop in Mississippi, especially in the areas of the state nearest the New Orleans metro area. When we did a little investigating, we found that Louisiana had strengthened its consumer protection laws regarding so-called "diploma mills." They were coming here because of the

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-72311028121606517192008-04-28T11:32:00.002-05:002008-04-28T11:40:18.720-05:00

Today marks a real milestone in the history of the BBB Mississippi, with the launch of our new website at www.ms.bbb.org. This "new and improved" site features a design which will be much easier to use. You may notice also that there is an intermix of local and national content. Photos of some of the people who run BBB accredited businesses are featured, for example, along with access to

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-4175502540393621522008-04-16T10:06:00.009-05:002008-12-10T15:09:32.919-06:00

Jackson, Miss., April 2, 2008 – Three Mississippi companies have received Business Integrity Awards by the Better Business Bureau of Mississippi and the Mississippi Business Journal.The winners were announced on Friday, March 28 at the annual luncheon held at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in Jackson. An estimated 120 people were on hand to witness the presentation of the 6th

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-69059650627114960722008-03-25T11:49:00.004-05:002008-12-10T15:09:33.105-06:00

The BBB of Mississippi is warning Mississippi consumers to watch out for con artists looking to profit from the tax rebate checks that are expected later this year.“Every time there is a general tax rebate program, there are reports of people who attempt to take money from consumers,” said Bill Moak, BBB Mississippi president. “While we haven’t yet heard reports from Mississippi consumers about

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-18918491680666198252008-03-17T10:51:00.004-05:002008-12-10T15:09:33.338-06:00

Identity thieves are constantly looking for ways to make scam emails more plausible, so they are now attempting to add credibility to such emails by including a “Verified by Visa” scheme.The wording may be something like this: “Your credit card (specified) has been automatically enrolled in the Verified by Visa program. To ensure your card’s security, it is important that you protect your card

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-59566260151359876412008-02-05T10:59:00.001-06:002008-12-10T15:09:33.521-06:00

Attorney General Jim Hood, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann and President/CEO Bill Moak of the Better Business Bureau are pleased to announce Mississippi's Community “Shred-It” Days, February 8 & 9, 2008. The purpose of the event is consumer protection and awareness concerning identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in the country and the state. Consumers are invited to bring up to

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-35011824025271328432008-01-14T11:56:00.000-06:002008-12-10T15:09:33.757-06:00

With tax season upon us, it is certainly tempting to hire someone to prepare your tax return. And, in many cases, hiring an expert can save you a lot of time and money.Since you are legally responsible for your tax return, whether or not it is prepared by someone else, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Mississippi offers the following guidelines when selecting a tax preparer:Be skeptical of any

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-42645080680650538312008-01-08T08:44:00.000-06:002008-12-10T15:09:33.951-06:00

ocument).ready( function() { $('.slider').Slider( { accept : '.indicator', fractions : 30, onChange : function(cordx, cordy, x , y) { var sel = 30 - (30/100)*cordx; window["ctl05_gc1_s_rgNews"].AjaxRequest( "ctl05$gc1$s", sel) //alert('CHANGED'); //document.getElementById('slider-value').value = 30 - (30/100)*cordx

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-12570403000264771952007-12-18T09:39:00.000-06:002007-12-18T09:40:44.073-06:00

A new Better Business Bureau (BBB) survey conducted by Kelton Research finds that six in 10 (60 percent) American adult online shoppers are worried about their personal information being sold or reused when asked what has ever made them hesitant about completing a transaction online. Nearly the same amount (59 percent), admit they’ve had anxiety about their credit card information being

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-84380418146374976002007-12-04T08:41:00.000-06:002008-12-10T15:09:34.198-06:00

While many recipients of holiday gifts will no doubt be ecstatic about the gifts they receive, many others will head to the store to return gifts the first chance they get. Unfortunately, many people find there are unpleasant consequences if they do not know the store's return policy. Among common myths are that stores must take back any item they sell. Consumers should know that there are no

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-20714588650546199092007-11-20T10:48:00.000-06:002008-12-10T15:09:34.442-06:00

Tis’ the season for giving and there are many ways you can give back to your community this holiday season. Whether you’re donating money, gifts, or your time, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance has guidance to help make sure your contributions have the most benefit for those in need this holiday season.According to the Giving USA Foundation, donations totaled $295 billion in 2006; individuals

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-57700451571403514432007-11-06T10:30:00.000-06:002008-12-10T15:09:34.662-06:00

BBB Offers Tips to Use Credit Cards ResponsiblyRidgeland, Miss. November 5, 2007 – With holiday shopping in full swing, credit card charges are surging. Consumers appreciate the convenience and safety of credit card transactions. The “buy today, pay later” philosophy has become a holiday tradition.“Credit cards are useful tools when used responsibly," said Bill Moak, President/CEO of the Better

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-82923294773211977462007-10-29T15:36:00.000-05:002008-12-10T15:09:34.866-06:00

Many Americans want to help the thousands of Southern Californians displaced by the wildfires, and the most common way people across the country can do this is by making donations to the many relief agencies and charities already at work.However, as with every natural disaster, there are some unscrupulous people who will attempt to take advantage of the public’s eagerness to help victims and the

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-86713111517879883842007-10-15T14:32:00.000-05:002008-12-10T15:09:35.118-06:00

Online degree programs are an option in an emerging trend for those interested in adding credentials and qualifications to their resumes. In 2006 more than three million students were enrolled in at least one online course. It is estimated that in 2008 one in 10 college students will be enrolled in an online university.Although an online education can be convenient and popular, the Better

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-3821405416656449272007-09-04T10:20:00.000-05:002008-12-10T15:09:35.423-06:00

An urban myth is circulating that the federal “Do Not Call” listings are about to expire. Internet emails would have you believe that the federal list, which went live in 2003, is about to expire. In truth, the first expirations will occur in 2008, five years after the numbers were registered. More than 3.4 million people visited the new DoNotCall.Gov Web site on the day it launched, June 27,

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-21403262155369263492007-08-20T21:46:00.000-05:002008-12-10T15:09:35.557-06:00

In order to keep up in today’s world, a business needs to make sure its employees stay connected, even on the road. Many airports and other public spaces offer free wireless, or Wi-Fi, connections for the public to log onto the Internet from their laptop computers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that hackers are now taking advantage of this convenience and setting up fake Wi-Fi

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-14063957846745699902007-08-14T09:16:00.000-05:002008-12-10T15:09:35.857-06:00

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning college-bound students and their parents to be wary of financial aid fraud perpetrated by companies promising big bucks for college tuition, but who ultimately take your money and leave you with nothing.Consumer complaints against scholarship, loan and grant services to the 114 BBBs across the U.S. increased by 60 percent in 2006.“Funding a college

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-1740159104292960322007-07-31T09:47:00.000-05:002008-12-10T15:09:36.220-06:00

Mortgage foreclosures are up; interest rates are up; and the number of houses for sale that are languishing on the market is up. About the only thing that is "down" these days is the troubled homeowner who is having difficulty making his or her mortgage payment.The Better Business Bureau has developed a new educational resource - BBBTips™ for Troubled Homeowners --to assist those who fear they

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-64056729328383324462007-07-24T09:16:00.000-05:002008-12-10T15:09:36.405-06:00

Banking industry losses due to debit card fraud exceed $600 billion annually. This is being done by skimmers – criminals who steal card information and use it to make purchases or withdraw cash from accounts – who make PIN and signature purchases as well as (mainly) ATM transactions. The skimming takes several forms: hacking into payment networks, attaching a skimming device to an ATM or merchant

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-44842047757115222662007-07-16T19:06:00.000-05:002008-12-10T15:09:36.545-06:00

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers to beware of untrustworthy locksmith companies that are ripping off consumers across the country.Victim complaints to the BBB reveal that several locksmith companies, all using similar methods, are significantly overcharging consumers, charging consumers for unnecessary services, using intimidation tactics, and failing to give refunds or

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-40107261630099871232007-07-03T09:34:00.000-05:002008-12-10T15:09:36.781-06:00

For older homeowners who are looking for a way to tap into the equity they have built up in their homes over the years, a reverse mortgage can be a good solution. Reverse mortgages allow homeowners to turn their home equity into spendable cash without having to make monthly interest or principal payments.Under a reverse mortgage, the lender sends the borrower money via a lump-sum payment, a

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-17968874411939714072007-06-20T16:34:00.000-05:002008-12-10T15:09:36.954-06:00

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) and the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) are warning consumers about scams targeting unsuspecting puppy buyers.Both the AKC and the CBBB have recently received a number of reports from consumers throughout the nation who have lost money after responding to online or newspaper classified advertising. Commonly, the scammer —posing as a breeder—will place

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-59933420629451810002007-06-12T09:14:00.000-05:002008-12-10T15:09:37.218-06:00

In an age where it is commonplace for kids to know more about technology and the Internet than their parents, do you know how and where your children spend their time in cyberspace?In a report entitled Online Victimization of Youth: Five Years Later, researchers found that approximately one in seven youth (10 to 17-years-old) received a sexual solicitation or approach over the Internet.With kids

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-81021879754083927682007-05-15T12:20:00.000-05:002008-12-10T15:09:37.396-06:00

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says that just as consumers must be vigilant about checking out credentials when choosing contractors to do needed repairs on their homes, consumers should be just as prudent after an accident in checking out which collision repair center is the most qualified to fix one of their most expensive possessions. With more than 35,000 auto body repair shops nationwide,

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-32817894364256910302007-05-08T10:07:00.000-05:002007-05-08T10:16:09.807-05:00

The truth is, no one can legally remove accurate and timely negative information from a credit report. But the law does allow you to request a reinvestigation of information in your file that you dispute as inaccurate or incomplete.There is no charge for this. Everything a credit repair clinic can do for you legally, you can do for yourself at little or no cost. According to the Fair Credit

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-77555322650393129862007-05-01T10:30:00.000-05:002007-05-01T10:42:59.737-05:00

Information in your credit report or credit file is used to formulate your credit score. This number, which can range between 300 and 850, depending on the credit reporting agency, summarizes your creditworthiness. It helps potential lenders, landlords, employers to quickly gauge your credit history and predict how likely you are to make your credit payments on time. They look at your credit

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-48273315126807542662007-04-10T10:38:00.000-05:002007-04-10T10:41:54.598-05:00

Spring is in the air and for sale signs are sprouting up along with crocuses and daffodils, as many families prepare to change residences. Those who decide to relocate may opt to leave the moving to professionals instead of doing it themselves. Be warned though, rogue movers are operating coast to coast, blending into the crowd of legitimate movers and luring unsuspecting consumers. The Better

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-65322955615130049652007-04-10T10:32:00.000-05:002007-04-10T10:38:11.395-05:00

Three Mississippi companies have been awarded Integrity Awards by the Better Business Bureau of Mississippi and the Mississippi Business Journal.The winners in each of three size categories were announced Thursday, March 29 at the Mississippi Telecommunications Center in Jackson. An estimated 170 people were on hand to witness the presentation of the 5th Annual Mississippi Business Integrity

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-27496139063608418842007-03-27T09:44:00.000-05:002007-03-27T09:47:41.675-05:00

Better Business Bureaus across the United States and Canada are warning consumers about an increase in deceptive travel-related offers.Consumers are contacting the BBB to inquire about travel companies that promise "too-good-to-be-true" travel deals. These offers arrive unexpectedly in consumers' mailboxes, or over the telephone, office fax machine or Internet.Typically, the consumer is told that

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-34092675219048670322007-03-20T10:18:00.000-05:002007-03-20T10:30:10.351-05:00

Thirteen Mississippi companies have been selected as Finalists for the 5th Annual Mississippi Business Integrity Awards. The winners will be announced at a luncheon at noon March 29 at the Mississippi Telcom Center in downtown Jackson. The awards are being conducted by the Better Business Bureau of Mississippi in partnership with the Mississippi Business Journal, with judging being conducted by

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-24710500485078436022007-03-06T10:28:00.000-06:002007-03-06T10:30:22.816-06:00

The Council of Better Business Bureaus is warning consumers across the United States and Canada to be wary when considering foreign currency investment, particularly alleged investment deals for the Iraqi Dinar.The Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois has seen a recent spike in consumer complaints focused on Dinar investment. The BBB continues to field an increasing number of

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-84915723126833486292007-01-30T09:33:00.000-06:002007-01-30T13:37:46.734-06:00

Shredding is considered to be a key element in your efforts to protect yourself against Identity Theft, which has become the nation's fastest-growing white collar crime.To help raise awareness of the need for people to shred their sensitive documents, and in observance of National Consumer Protection Week, the Better Business Bureau of Mississippi (BBB) is teaming up with a number of state and

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-20997633991361167362007-01-22T22:13:00.000-06:002007-01-22T22:19:02.948-06:00

Multi-level marketing plans, also known as "network" or "matrix" marketing, are a way of selling goods or services through distributors. These plans typically promise that if you sign up as a distributor, you will receive commissions -- for both your sales of the plan's goods or services and those of other people you recruit to join the distributors. Multilevel marketing plans usually promise to

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-44880821945100226162007-01-16T10:20:00.000-06:002007-01-16T10:22:02.898-06:00

The Better Business Bureau of Mississippi (BBB) is seeking nominees for the prestigious 5th annual Mississippi Business Integrity Awards, sponsored by the BBB of Mississippi and the Mississippi Business Journal. Nominations for the awards program are open to any for-profit Mississippi business or corporation, and will be taken through January 31, 2007."This program has grown into a Mississippi

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-86691430577647726412007-01-02T07:46:00.000-06:002007-01-02T07:56:49.793-06:00

Tax refunds represent a windfall for many people eager to receive needed cash. With increased popularity in the last several years, tax preparers are offering what are called “Refund Anticipation Loans” (RALs) to taxpayers who file electronically. RALs allow you to get cash in just a day or two and pay the money back with your refund.The problem is that the lender fees associated with RALs can

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-74609292019372592912006-12-11T09:02:00.000-06:002006-12-11T09:16:51.240-06:00

More than $18 billion in gift cards were purchased in 2005 and projections for 2006 approach nearly $25 billion in total gift card sales. Where there is big money, crooks, criminals, thieves and scammers are soon to follow. The Better Business Bureau system has issued an advisory through its 129 local BBBs across the United States and Canada warning that a number of scams surrounding gift

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-19322163076818270262006-11-08T11:40:00.000-06:002006-11-08T15:00:34.740-06:00

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Mississippi is warning Mississippians about an email scam which purports to warn consumers about a Social Security benefit increase, but is really a "phishing" scam, which seeks confidential information from consumers which could be used in identity theft.Consumers have called and emailed the BBB to notify us of the scam, titled, “Social Security Announces 3.3%

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-32290432377146468372006-11-06T21:21:00.000-06:002006-11-06T21:23:04.809-06:00

The Better Business Bureau reminds businesses that use the fax machine to advertise to check their compliance with new federal commercial fax rules, some of which took effect August 1, 2006.In general, it is unlawful to send unsolicited fax advertisements (using a fax machine, computer or other device) to any business or place of residence without the recipient’s prior express permission (

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-1161698880595019092006-10-24T09:04:00.000-05:002006-10-24T23:03:45.195-05:00

In 2005, a vehicle was stolen every 25.5 seconds in the United States, based only on data for the 1,235,226 stolen vehicles reported to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Using the FBI’s average valuation of $6,173 per stolen vehicle, this amounts to over $7.6 billion in losses in 2005 – just in vehicle value alone. (see press release at www.nicb.org)“Auto theft is an expensive crime,

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-1161028767628554762006-10-16T14:56:00.000-05:002006-10-24T23:03:45.135-05:00

With the weather turning cooler, many seniors will spend more time at home, which is not always a safe haven. The BBB is urging families of seniors to safeguard their homes against scam artists.Scam artists today are not looking for items to steal. They seek to obtain personal information (Social Security, bank account and credit card number) and money. And, unlike traditional burglars, scam

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-1160489505082843472006-10-10T09:10:00.000-05:002006-10-24T23:03:45.073-05:00

Better Business Bureaus frequently warn that scam artists are the first to take advantage of new technology. The latest example of scammer ingenuity is the use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones to steal people’s financial information. This new scam is called “vishing” -- short for “voice phishing.”It can work one of two ways. In the online version, the con artist sends a blast e-mail,

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-1159805105437961672006-10-02T11:02:00.000-05:002006-10-24T23:03:45.012-05:00

The Better Business Bureau of Mississippi is warning Mississippians to not fall for ads promising federal jobs, in exchange for hefty up-front fees. Signs on utility poles and in classified ads promise you can make excellent money working for the U.S. Postal Service and other federal agencies. One ad recently seen in Jackson promises you can make an average of $57,000 per year working for the U.S

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-1159241543056960852006-09-25T22:25:00.000-05:002006-10-24T23:03:44.955-05:00

Despite an e-mail warning that continues to circulate on the Internet, it is not necessary to register your personal cell phone number on the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry to be protected from telemarketers!Inquiries to the Better Business Bureau indicate that many consumers are still confused about this issue. The DNC Registry does accept registrations from cell phones, as well as land

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-1157466217315378662006-09-05T09:11:00.000-05:002006-10-24T23:03:44.897-05:00

Many consumers and even businesses are confused about credit scoring, but this important number can help determine whether lenders will extend credit to you. It's important to understand not only what is your credit score, but what factors go into it.Basically, information in your credit report or credit file is used to formulate your credit score. This number can range between 300 and 850,

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-1156862183767585382006-08-29T09:30:00.000-05:002006-10-24T23:03:44.840-05:00

More and more businesses are providing employees with laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and cell phones for speed, convenience and mobility of communication. The benefits can be enormous, particularly for business travelers. So can the security risks, if proper precautions are not taken.Before handing out these high-tech communication tools, the Better Business Bureau advises business

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-1156193242613921892006-08-21T15:29:00.000-05:002006-10-24T23:03:44.783-05:00

In recent months, Mississippi consumers have been reporting increasing solicitations by foreign "lottery" scams, which promise payouts reaching into the millions of dollars, but are in reality designed to capture bank account information and other information from consumers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Mississippi receives dozens of calls and emails daily from consumers."Don't be fooled

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-1155656463100884632006-08-15T09:23:00.000-05:002006-10-24T23:03:44.671-05:00

The Federal Trade Commission has recently settled with a company which sold contact lenses over the Internet. The company, Walsh Optical, sells contact lenses on the sites http://www.lensworld.com/, http://www.contactmania.com/, and http://www.contactlensworld.com/. The company was cited by the FTC after allegations the company had failed to verify contact lens prescriptions, as required by the

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-1155505471407919232006-08-13T16:44:00.000-05:002006-10-24T23:03:44.616-05:00

Counterfeit check scams are defrauding consumers across the country according to complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau and state Attorneys General.The most common type of scheme involves a counterfeit cashier’s check, traditionally considered a trusted form of payment. Unfortunately, the advent of high quality printers and scanners is making it easier for counterfeiters to produce

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-1155338103104837192006-08-11T18:07:00.000-05:002006-10-24T23:03:44.559-05:00

Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and hailstorms can wreak havoc your car, as well as your home. But when it comes to insurance, people shopping only for the lowest rates too often don’t notice their lack of certain types of coverage until they try to make a claim. The number of vehicle losses due to hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, large hailstorms, firestorms and other severe storms nearly doubled in

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-1155264151443504212006-08-11T18:02:00.000-05:002006-10-24T23:03:44.441-05:00

Consumers call us often asking about letters and emails they've gotten. Jim A. of Jackson has forwarded us a copy of an email that promises 100 million Euros (About $78 million) for an "Microsoft Outlook Award" lottery, then goes on to ask for personal information. All of this is to be sent to an address in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Of course, Jim never entered any lottery.If you get this email,

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-1155225739766697362006-08-10T23:58:00.000-05:002006-10-24T23:03:44.270-05:00

Are you buried under an avalanche of unwanted mail? Do you get solicitations from telemarketers when you least want it? There is something you can do. You can Opt Out! There are several methods for getting your name off telephone and direct mail lists. Most recently, the nation's four Credit Bureaus (TransUnion, Experian, Equifax and Innovis) have begun providing a service to remove your name

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-1155246008220086842006-08-10T23:16:00.000-05:002006-10-24T23:03:44.327-05:00

Welcome! This weblog (or "blog") is the site for breaking news, bulletins, and information you need to know. It will contain information from our consumers here in Mississippi, as well as our sister Better Business Bureaus around the nation, and a variety of other sources. This site will be growing daily and weekly, as we add new news and information. There will also be many new features which

Bill Moakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10236702645372548926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32520223.post-1155261560422237252006-08-10T20:57:00.000-05:002006-10-24T23:03:44.384-05:00

Consumers look to financial planners to provide objective, knowledgeable advice about managing an important aspect of their lives: their money. Because the field is largely unregulated, however, the title "financial planner" does not guarantee any level of qualifications or expertise. Consumers therefore need to exercise caution when choosing someone with whom to entrust financial

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