http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=17&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/new-rule-prohibiting-unwanted-robocalls-to-take-effect-on-september-1-12190 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT The Board of Directors of the Council of Better Business Bureaus has named Stephen A. Cox as President and CEO. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/council-of-better-business-bureaus-names-stephen-a-cox-as-president-and-ceo-12246 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/idaho-to-receive-650000-from-record-health-care-fraud-settlement-12248 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT As the economic slump continues, many people are struggling to make ends meet, and unfortunately, vehicle repossessions are now on the rise. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/behind-on-car-payments-bbb-advice-on-how-to-avoid-the-repo-man-12412 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Personal letters and checks to consumers asking them to pose as potential customers to an assigned place of business to evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency and customer service of some retailers. A small amount of the money is to be kept as a training fee. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-is-warning-of-a-secret-shoppers-agency-selecting-customers-nationwide-12486 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Idaho Power customers are being targeted by a utility scam. The customers are receiving calls from individuals using the name of Idaho Power. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/alert-idaho-consumers-being-contacted-by-utility-scam-4093 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT The BBB is alerting consumers that if they wish to donate to an organization to always make sure the telephone solicitor is clear as to who they represent and who benefits from the donation. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/consumer-alert-know-where-your-donation-is-going--12418 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT The Idaho Department of Finance has ordered two companies, Hillside Financial Group and Outsource Credit Solutions, both allegedly located in Florida, to cease and desist from lending activities in Idaho and from offering to arrange consumer loans that require the payment of an advance fee. The companies have never been licensed in Idaho to offer consumer loan services, as required by Idaho law. Additionally, during its investigation into the activities of the companies, the department found Hillside had charged an Idaho resident more than $4,000 in advance fees for its loan services, and Outsource had charged an Idaho resident more than $5,600 in advance fees for its loan services. Neither of the Idaho residents who paid these advance fees received any loan product from the companies. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/cease-and-desist-orders-issued-against-two-companies-charging-advance-fees-for-consumer-loans-12509 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT A recent National Foundation for Credit Counseling survey conducted by Harris Interactive® revealed that 45 percent of all U.S. adults feel at most risk for identity theft when making a purchase with a credit card that requires the card to be taken out of their sight, for example, at a restaurant. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/consumers-feel-more-at-risk-for-identity-theft-when-making-certain-types-of-purchases-12589 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT 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. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/make-the-most-of-your-minutes-and-avoid-deceptive-prepaid-phone-cards-12590 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Phony ads for rental properties across the country are cropping up, and are specifically aimed at stealing money from unsuspecting renters. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-renters-to-beware-of-bogus-home-rentals-12508 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT A new money making opportunity that claims to “Multi-level market the Internet” could be nothing more than a pyramid scheme warns Better Business Bureau. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-warns-about-ijango-possible-pyramid-scheme-12296 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Don't Get Stuck With A Flood Damaged Vehicle http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-of-buying-flood-damaged-cars-12610 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT No Company Is Safe From Becoming A Victim Of The Fake Check Scam! http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/fake-check-scam-hits-company-in-georgia-12658 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Reducing the amount of junk mail received is one way to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of identity theft. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/bbb-tips-for-reducing-junk-mail-12754 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT BBB is warning consumers to be extremely wary of pervasive online ads offering the promise of a whiter, brighter smile. BBB has received an onslaught of complaints from consumers who thought they were signing up for a free trial of teeth whitening products but were repeatedly billed for products and services. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/teeth-whitening-products-sold-online-wipe-smile-off-consumers-faces-12764 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT The Council of Better Business Bureaus today announced that Post Foods, LLC has become a participant in the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/post-foods-joins-bbb-self-regulation-initiative-on-child-directed-food-advertising-12767 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Being successful at direct selling doesn’t require any special education or experience but it isn’t for everyone. Better Business Bureau suggests people ask themselves a few questions when considering a new venture in direct sales. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/five-questions-if-direct-selling-is-for-you--12896 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Computer experts are reporting that scareware — yet another sneaky technique used by hackers to steal personal information and spread viruses online — is on the rise. BBB is offering advice to consumers on how to protect their computer and personal information from the threat of scareware http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/boo-scareware-attacks-on-the-rise-bbb-advice-on-how-to-protect-your-computer-12900 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT I recently bought a torque wrench on eBay. It broke during the first use. I contacted the seller, explained what happened and was immediately issued a refund. Wow! That's customer service. The process worked well for the reputable seller and me - the reputable buyer. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/friendly-fraud-12901 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Cyber Security Awareness presentations are available for government employees and all interested citizens! http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/national-cyber-security-awareness-month-october-2009-12904 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT The BBB and DL Evans Bank would like to alert consumers that their customers and employees have received vishing attempts in the last two days. The calls are being made to individuals cellular phone. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/consumer-alert-local-vishing-scam--8789 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT BBB advises citizens to cooperate carefully in order to avoid becoming a victim of possible census-related scams. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/bbb-offers-advice-on-how-to-identify-legitimate-census-workers-12929 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is alerting job seekers to Government Careers, Inc.(GCI), a Tucson-based company that helps “government job seekers assert themselves into the government wor http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/tucson-company-receives-complaints-from-job-seekers-across-the-country-13007 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) is partnering with the National Foundation of Credit Counseling (NFCC) in launching the 2nd annual National Protect Your Identity Week (PYIW) October 17 – 24, 2009. This event coincides with BBB’s Secure Your ID Day to be held on October 17, 2009. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/bbb-joins-national-effort-to-promote-identity-theft-protection-and-education-13008 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT (Boise) – The Idaho Department of Finance announced today the issuance of a Cease and Desist Order against Meridian-based International Co-op LLC for engaging in unlicensed mortgage loan modification activities and for illegally charging distressed Idaho homeowners exorbitant upfront fees. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/department-of-finance-orders-meridian-mortgage-loan-modification-company-to-cease-further-business-activities-13009 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers and businesses about a new phishing attack that resembles an e-mail confirmation claiming the recipient has filed a complaint with BBB about a business. The malicious e-mails first came to the attention of BBB on Thursday, October 15. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-of-new-phishing-e-mail-posing-as-bbb-complaint-confirmation-13040 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Not Even The Government Is Safe From Fake Check Scams! http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/fake-check-scam-hits-fulton-georgia-county-board-of-commissioners-13083 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT BBB received a call today from a Laurel, MT teacher who has been receiving information from several students and parents about highly deceptive college prep pitches being made to Montana families of teens. Here’s how the call goes: The parent receives a phone call from someone advising they are a representative for SAT or ACT testing. They want to make sure their child is registered to take the ACT test and proceed with a couple questions. They then ask for a credit card number, at which point, the parent hesitates and the caller immediately hangs up. The phone number on Caller ID shows 866-569-1215. When BBB tries that number, the # is a constant busy. Some parents are reporting that this number states that it is “not in service.” http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/deceptive-satact-prep-test-calls-being-made-to-mt-parents-and-students-using-866-569-1215--13093 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT A business in southwest Idaho received a phone call this past Saturday from someone claiming to be with Merchant Services. The caller asked for the cashier at the business. When connected, the caller asked if the cashier had handled any credit card transactions that day. The cashier said there had been two transactions. The caller said there had been a problem with one of the transactions and asked if the terminal had been serviced recently. The cashier replied that they didn’t know. Then, the called asked for the six-digit authorization number on last transaction, the amount of the transaction and name on the credit card. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/business-alert-scam-artists-target-weekend-employees-to-steal-customer-data-13139 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau Serving Southwest Idaho and Eastern Oregon teams up with Cintas and KTSY 89.5FM to shred tons of sensitive documents for nearly 200 people. The Saturday, October 17, 2009 event lasted two-hours, 10 a.m. - noon - and was supported by several volunteers. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/secure-your-id-day-october-17-2009-13177 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT 36 Idaho students of a bankrupt helicopter training school will receive nearly $1.5 million in debt relief from student loans as a result of a legal settlement, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said. Students who borrowed from Student Loan Xpress and were enrolled at Silver State Helicopters at the time the school shut down will receive the benefits of the settlement negotiated by Wasden’s Consumer Protection Division. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/debt-relief-coming-for-some-silver-state-helicopters-students-13199 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Aerobatic pilot Greg Poe talks about his sponsor - Fagen, Inc. - and the new 'green' energy products being built in Idaho. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/business-at-its-best-13224 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT 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. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/cash-for-appliances-is-the-new-cash-for-clunkers-13267 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT With layaway experiencing a comeback, your Better Business Bureau offers the following guidance on how to use this old fashioned payment plan in lieu of credit cards. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-on-using-layaway-for-holiday-purchases-13276 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau has received more than 1,500 complaints about several dozen Web sites that are trading on the Google name to scam people who want to learn about making money from home. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/make-money-from-home-with-google-not-so-fast-warns-bbb-13431 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Retailers and manufacturers are changing the way they issue rebates and Better Business Bureau advises that it’s more important than ever to read the fine print when filing for a rebate. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/mail-in-rebates-now-available-in-paper-or-plastic-13432 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Boise Police Financial Crimes Detectives are seeing an increase in reports of citizens falling victim to phone and internet scams. In one recent case, a Boise man reported a loss of more than $10,000 to a secret shopper scam. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/boise-police-seeing-increase-in-phoneinternet-scam-victims-13445 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Purpose of the Fraudulent Products List This list is intended to alert consumers about Web sites that are or were illegally marketing unapproved, uncleared, or unauthorized products in relation to the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus (sometimes referred to as the “swine flu” virus). Note that until evidence to the contrary is presented to FDA, the owner of the listed Web site is considered responsible for promoting the unapproved, uncleared, or unauthorized products. The uses related to the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus are not necessarily being promoted by the manufacturers of the products. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/fraudulent-2009-h1n1-influenza-products-list-13460 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Individuals across the country are looking for ways to help support the victims and families affected by last week’s tragedy at Fort Hood. Initially, supporters were encouraged to donate blood to help victims. As options for monetary donations in support of victims and their families become available, it is important to understand exactly where and how your funds will be used. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/supporting-the-victims-of-the-fort-hood-tragedy-13505 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT The FBI has issued a warning to businesses and job-seekers to beware of fraudulent online money transfers being processed in their name. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/job-seekers-and-businesses-beware-of-fraudulent-money-transfers-13507 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT The St. Louis BBB hails the Missouri Attorney General's lawsuits against six auto service companies as "a new and very clear warning" to an industry that has sparked thousands of consumer complaints. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/bbb-hails-missouri-suit-against-auto-service-contract-firms-13534 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission filed a request with a federal court to issue a contempt order against the Baltimore firms BlueHippo Funding, LLC, BlueHippo Capital, LLC, and owner, Joseph Resin. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/could-contempt-charge-finally-snare-bluehippo-13646 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Idahoans who experienced difficulties cancelling their VONAGE Voice over Internet Protocol service may be eligible for refunds as part of a $3 million multistate settlement, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said today. The settlement with VONAGE also requires the company to make significant changes to its marketing practices, honor consumer cancellation requests and provide refunds to eligible consumers. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/idaho-attorney-general-reaches-settlement-with-vonage-13648 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT BBB Wise Giving Alliance advises donors to research a charity prior to giving and provides five questions to ask when vetting where to contribute this holiday season. http://www.magicvalley.bbb.org/article/five-questions-to-ask-before-donating-to-a-charity-13650