| 05/18/12 |
Give But Give Wisely - May 18, 2012 |
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Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:35am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 05/11/12 |
Diamond Ring For Sale |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:35am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 05/04/12 |
Malware Alert... DNS Changer Could Kill Your Internet Access |
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Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:35am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 05/03/12 |
New Phishing Scam Hurts Small Businesses |
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Unfortunately, small businesses and consumers across the country are falling victim to the latest phishing scam that exploits BBB’s trusted name. The campaign that started yesterday was the second biggest phishing scam in the country on Wednesday, according to the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Spam Data Mine, one of the nation’s foremost computer forensics labs. SDM is assisting the Council of Better Business Bureaus in tracking phishing scams that use the BBB name.
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| 04/27/12 |
Prom time can be Scam time |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:35am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 04/20/12 |
BBB Secure Your ID/Shred Day - April 21st, 2012 |
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On Saturday, April 21st, 2012, the BBB will host a national identity theft and fraud protection event in local communities across North America. Bring your boxes or bags of paper documents that contain personal identifiers, and we'll shred it for you FREE - on the spot. 6 area locations will be held in Middle Tennessee. The Nashville location (at Richards & Richards - info below) is unlimited in the quantity of paper goods that can be brought and shredded and businesses are welcome to bring large quantities. Other locations are mobile Shred Trucks and are limited in the quantity that can be accommodated.
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| 04/13/12 |
BBB Warns of Calls from FAKE Debt Collectors |
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Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:35am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 04/13/12 |
Tips for Storm Damage Repair |
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BBB reminds those who experience storm and hail damage to take certain precautions when cleaning up and making repair decisions. Some of the most common "after-disaster" scams involve hail and wind damage done to roofs or vehicles.
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| 04/03/12 |
BBB Warns Consumers and Businesses About Phishing Scam |
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“For the past 4+ months, BBB has been the victim of a massive phishing scam that uses our name and logo to fool people into thinking the email is from BBB concerning a complaint against their business. Although they appear to be coming from a BBB computer, they are not.
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| 03/29/12 |
Do Your Homework Before Giving to Charaties |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:35am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 03/23/12 |
RFID Electronic Pickpocketing |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:35am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 03/09/12 |
Newspaper Ad Touts FREE TV |
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What looks like a legitimate newspaper article appearing in the March 8, 2012 Tennessean, is really a full page advertisement by the same company that introduced so-called "breakthrough products" such as the Heat Surge Amish Fireplace Heater, & Arctic Pro Air Conditioner.
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| 03/01/12 |
VacuVent Lures Consumers with Bait & Switch Tactics |
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BBB warns consumers of the business practices of VacuVent, an air duct cleaning company located in Sebastian, FL (800-664-5322), who is soliciting Middle Tennessee consumers...
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| 02/24/12 |
BBB Warns Taxpayers of a Bogus IRS Email |
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BBB has issued numerous warnings about a malicious e-mails that continues to circulate in BBB's name, now the scammers have added a new twist to this scheme by using the IRS name.
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| 02/22/12 |
ALERT - Malicious Email Still Circulating using BBB's Name |
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BBB has issued numerous warnings about a malicious e-mail that continues to circulate in BBB’s name, but the scammers have added a new twist to this scheme by targeting accountants.
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| 02/03/12 |
Scammers claim to represent DO NOT CALL Registry |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:35am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 02/02/12 |
BBB Middle Tennessee Saluted on Congressional Record |
On November 2nd, 2011, Congressman Jim Cooper saluted the 50th Anniversary of BBB Middle Tennessee, Inc. in an address to his colleagues on the house floor, recognizing the many accomplishments and service initiatives to businesses and consumers.
On January 31, 2011, Congressman Cooper made a formal presentation of the Congressional Record to BBB’s Board of Directors & staff at a luncheon in Nashville. BBB’s 50-Year legacy of fostering high ethical standards and trust in the Middle Tennessee marketplace is officially recorded in America’s history by the 112th Congress Congressional Record, Library of Congress.
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| 01/26/12 |
Scam Artists Abuse Relay Call Services to Defraud Mid-TN Businesses |
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Your Better Business Bureau has issued numerous warnings to businesses in the Middle Tennessee area regarding suspicious relay calls. This week the scammers are targeting automotive and tire repair shops.
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| 01/22/12 |
Misleading Advertising, Products and Services that Middle Tennessee Consumers and Businesses Can Do Without - January 2012 |
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BBB Identifies Misleading Advertising, Products and Services Middle Tennessee Consumers and Businesses Can Do Without. Your Better Business Bureau has identified the following businesses as offering services and products, which have resulted in numerous complaints alleging misleading ads/offers, unsatisfactory services and misrepresented products.
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| 01/20/12 |
Text Message Scam is the New Way to Cram |
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In today’s technology driven world, consumers are faced with an overwhelming amount of information on a daily basis, but when it comes to personal cell phones, many assume they are protected from unsolicited text messages. Unfortunately, scammers have found a way into consumer wallets by way of sending “Short Message Service” (SMS) texts to personal cell phones resulting in cramming charges.
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| 01/13/12 |
Beware Fake Sweepstakes |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:35am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 01/08/12 |
Consumers Trust BBB's Watchful Eye |
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2011 was a busy year and one that proved consumers trust BBB’s watchful eye when it comes to spending money and choosing trustworthy businesses.
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| 01/06/12 |
Beware of Deed Retrieval Services |
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Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:35am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 12/21/11 |
BBB Secure Your ID/Shred Day April 21, 2012 |
On Saturday, April 21st, the BBB will host a national identity theft and fraud protection event in local communities across North America. 6 area locations will be held in Middle Tennessee.
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| 12/16/11 |
Holiday Charitable Donations - Give But Give Wisely |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:35am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 12/09/11 |
Malicious E-mail Uses BBB's Name |
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BBB is warning businesses to beware of a new malicious e-mail that pretends to be from BBB about a complaint filed against the company.
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| 12/01/11 |
Tri-Star Waste Systems Fails to Complete Dumpster Pick-up Services |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:50am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 11/23/11 |
BBB Warns of a NEW Phishing Attack |
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BBB is warning businesses to beware of a new malicious e-mail that pretends to be from BBB about a complaint filed against the company.
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| 11/18/11 |
'Tis The Season For Counterfeit Products |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:50am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 11/10/11 |
In-Ear Systems, Inc. Fails to Deliver Products as Promised |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:50am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
BBB warns consumers of the business practices of In-Ear Systems located at 2176 N. Mt. Juliet Rd, Ste 103, Mt. Juliet, TN – Phone 877-730-8806 & 615-345-0407, owned and operated by Earl and Catherine “Cat” Neal.
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| 11/09/11 |
Scams That Target Veterans and Military Personnel |
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Veterans Day is one where we take time to honor those who have served our country. It’s also a time when scammers come out to take advantage of our veterans and active duty military personnel. BBB wants to make sure those who serve us do not become victims of fraud.
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| 11/02/11 |
BBB Celebrates Half Century of Service |
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[November 2, 2011 - Nashville, TN] 350 Middle Tennessee business people were in attendance at the BBB Middle Tennessee 50th Anniversary Celebration event held at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel, November 1. Jennifer Kraus, Investigative Reporter, NewsChannel5 welcomed attendees and served as Emcee for the evening.
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| 10/28/11 |
TRICK OR TREAT? |
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...careful - it’s a Trick
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| 10/21/11 |
Identity Theft Is Not Going Away |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:50am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 10/13/11 |
Consumers Scammed by Time-Share Resale Offers |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:50am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 10/12/11 |
BBB Secure Your ID/Shred Day October 22, 2011 |
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On Saturday, October 22nd, the BBB will host a national identity theft and fraud protection event in local communities across North America. 7 area locations will be held in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.
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| 10/06/11 |
Clarksville Exteriors Leaves Many Military Personnel with Incomplete Home Improvements |
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BBB warns consumers of the business practices of Jacob Smith, owner of Clarksville Exteriors located at 1044B South Riverside Dr. in Clarksville, TN – phone: 931.906.7663
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| 09/29/11 |
NatureScapes Landscaping & Lawn Care in Clarksville, TN Escapes Without Completing Promised Work |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:50am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 09/10/11 |
Extreme Homeworks Collects Deposits for Roof Repairs, but Fails to Begin Promised Work |
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BBB warns consumers of the business practices of Carlos Gomez, owner of Extreme Homeworks aka Extreme Roofers, previously located at 900 Peachers Mill Rd. in Clarksville, TN – phone: 888-766-3156 and 256-684-3224.
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| 09/09/11 |
It's NOT Always A SCAM! |
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Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:50am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 08/31/11 |
Scam Alert: Do NOT Respond To Emails From "bbbupdate@post.com" |
BBB reminds local business owners that all
email correspondence from BBB Middle TN and our 5 branch offices will come
from a valid bbb.org address.
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| 08/24/11 |
Scammers Impersonating BBB |
BBB warns businesses to be on the lookout for con artists using BBB’s good name and trusted relationship with businesses and consumers to fool them into sharing confidential information.
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| 08/19/11 |
Dinar, High Risk for a Virtually Worthless Currency |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:50am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 08/11/11 |
Watch Out for False Promises from OnlineBusinessScams.com |
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BBB cautions consumers to watch out for a website that is falsely charging for BBB complaint resolution services.
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| 08/04/11 |
Misleading Advertising, Products and Services that Middle Tennessee Consumers and Businesses Can Do Without - August 2011 |
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BBB Identifies Misleading Advertising, Products and Services Middle Tennessee Consumers and Businesses Can Do Without. Your Better Business Bureau has identified the following businesses as offering services and products, which have resulted in numerous complaints alleging misleading ads/offers, unsatisfactory services and misrepresented products.
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| 07/29/11 |
BBB explains the Pros and Cons of Retail Buy-Back Programs |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:50am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 07/22/11 |
Cool Surge Air Cooler Too Good To Be True |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:50am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 07/13/11 |
Callers Posing as Health Department Inspectors Target Businesses |
The BBB alerts of scam targeting businesses in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.
In this scheme, scammers are trying to trick businesses into helping them establish an identity for an online service like Craigslist. This allows the scammers to bypass Craigslist verification controls put in place to prevent spam and online scams.
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| 06/29/11 |
Construct Data Sends Phony Invoices to Businesses |
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BBB alerts Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky businesses to the solicitation tactics of Construct Data located in Bratislava, Slovakia.
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| 06/24/11 |
EXTENDED WARRANTY or is it a Worthless Service Contract? |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:50am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 06/13/11 |
Check Out the New Look of Your BBB Report |
A letter to BBB Accredited Businesses:
Your reason for joining the BBB is unique to you and your business, but most tell us they made this decision to BOLDLY present their Business Identity with ethics, fairness and honesty.
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| 06/09/11 |
Scams targeting Americas Veterans on the rise |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:50am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 06/02/11 |
Unwanted Fax communication is raising a lot of questions |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:50am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 05/20/11 |
Anyone with a Truck and a Website Can Claim To Be A Mover |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:50am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 05/13/11 |
Internet Crime Complaint Center's (IC3) Scam Alert |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:40am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 05/06/11 |
Morning News Update on Bin Laden and Mothers Day Scams |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:40am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 04/29/11 |
BBB Alert: New Cyber Scams |
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Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:40am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 04/22/11 |
Jacobi Financing is Nothing More Than an Advance Fee Loan Scam |
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Claiming to located in the heart of Nashville, TN, Jacobi Financing’s website (www.jacobifc.com) offers personal loans, debt consolidation, business loans, and car loans to consumers with less than perfect credit.
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| 04/15/11 |
The McGraw-Hill Companies and BBB Military Line Join To Bring Financial Literacy to Military Families |
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As part of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s “Joining Forces" initiative, McGraw-Hill and Better Business Bureau are joining together to develop and deliver expanded financial literacy and consumer protection programs to military families.
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| 04/14/11 |
Scammers Use Caller ID Spoofing to Trick Unsuspecting Consumers |
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BBB warns consumers of a hoax that uses Caller ID technology to trick unsuspecting consumers into sending money to a con artist.
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| 04/05/11 |
BBB Advises Consumers on Handling Debt Collectors |
BBB Advises Consumers on Handling Debt Collectors –
Both Legitimate and Phony
Nashville, TN – April 5, 2011 – Consumers who owe money or are behind on their bills may be legitimately contacted by debt collectors to pay off debts. The BBB warns consumers, however, that phony debt collectors are lurking. In a recent release of the top complaints reported to the Better Business Bureau, collection agencies ranked 5th in number of complaints received. With more than 15,000 complaints, consumers need to be aware of the best practices for when it comes to handling debt collectors.
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| 04/01/11 |
DON’T BE FOOLED on April Fools Day... |
DON’T BE FOOLED on April Fools Day...
or any other by false advertising, poor customer service,
or bad business practices.
During the first quarter of 2011 BBB Middle Tennessee handled over 2300 consumer complaints. The good news is that 75% of those complaints have been resolved! Proof positive that most customer issues are easily resolved when the business is committed to doing the right thing.
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| 03/18/11 |
Know The Cost Of Watching "FREE" Movies Online |
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Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:40am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 03/15/11 |
BBB Secure Your ID Day - April 16, 2011 |
On Saturday, April 16th, the BBB will host a national identity theft and fraud protection event in local communities across North America. Bring your boxes or bags of paper documents that contain personal identifiers, and we'll shred it for you FREE - on the spot. We'll also be distributing great tips and resources to help you protect your identity - online and off.
5 area locations will be held in Middle Tennessee. The Nashville location (at Richards & Richards - info below) is unlimited in the quantity of paper goods that can be brought and shredded and businesses are welcome to bring large quantities. Other locations are mobile Shred Trucks and are limited in the quantity that can be accommodated.
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| 03/11/11 |
Looking For A Bit Of Extra Cash Online?
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Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:40am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 03/04/11 |
Fake News is Big Business For Scammers |
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Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:40am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 03/01/11 |
BBB Reminds Storm Victims to Check out Unknown Repair Crews |
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Recent severe weather in Middle Tennessee will result in traveling repair crews descending on residents offering emergency repair services to homeowners and businesses.
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| 02/18/11 |
BBB Update: Ads for Tax Relief - Fact or Fiction? |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:40am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 02/07/11 |
I Love Murfreesboro's Alton Minton Scam Hits Local Businesses |
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The Better Business Bureau warns Rutherford County businesses to be on the lookout for a scammer who has a long history of deceptive business practices, shady offers, misleading marketing schemes and fraudulent investment scams.
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| 01/31/11 |
BBB Elects 2011 Leadership |
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| 01/27/11 |
Misleading Advertising, Products and Services that Middle Tennessee Consumers and Businesses Can Do Without Jan 2011 |
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BBB Identifies Misleading Advertising, Products and Services Middle Tennessee Consumers and Businesses Can Do Without. Your Better Business Bureau has identified the following businesses as offering services and products, which have resulted in numerous complaints alleging misleading ads/offers, unsatisfactory services and misrepresented products.
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| 01/25/11 |
Jury Duty Prank Leads to Identity Theft |
Unsuspecting Consumers Fear Arrest or Fines.
[January 25, 2011 – Nashville, TN] The Better Business Bureau warns consumers of a shrewd prank called the “jury duty scam” fraudsters are using to steal identities of unsuspecting consumers.
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| 01/14/11 |
BBB Update: Use Caution When Getting Cash for Your Unwanted Giftcards |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:40am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
Warning, Use caution..The Giftcard exchange ads or website many be a SCAM!
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| 01/06/11 |
Don’t Miss Dateline NBC Sunday, January 9 |
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This Sunday, January 9th at 8pm/7pm CT, Dateline presents a compelling new franchise, "The Hansen Files." With the help of the Better Business Bureau, Chris Hansen and "Dateline's" hidden cameras uncover secrets and scams-- taking a special look into a nationwide ring of air duct cleaning companies.
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| 01/06/11 |
Top 10 Scams and Rip-Offs of 2010 |
Job hunters and those struggling to make money and get out of debt were common targets of fraudsters, hackers and deceptive businesses in this tough economy.
With the economy still on the mend, scammers had a field day targeting struggling families who were looking for work and trying to make ends meet. While some of the most popular scams are perennial problems that have always plagued consumers, some new additions to the list are signs of our tough economic times.
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| 12/30/10 |
Consumers Trust BBB More Than Ever |
[December 30, 2010 – Nashville, TN] Who do you turn to when deciding which roofer to hire, what car dealership to trust, or which heating and air conditioning firm you will allow into your home? In 2010, consumers from all over the world, including the U.S., Canada, India, United Kingdom, China, the Philippines, and more, asked the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee which businesses they could trust. In fact, BBB provided over 2.4 million instances of service this year alone!
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| 12/20/10 |
Twas the Week Before Christmas, BBB Style |
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| 12/17/10 |
PLAYING IT SAFE WITH 'DEAR SANTA' WEBSITES |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:40am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
The week before Christmas more and more kids will be searching out Santa Claus online. While this is a seemingly harmless and fun childhood tradition, there are plenty of concerns for parents. Some webmasters and product promoters don’t always hold Santa in the highest esteem and use these sites to prey on kids who simply want to talk to or write a letter to Santa.
Before allowing children to share any personal information with a "Letter to Santa” website, BBB recommends that parents carefully review sites to determine who is asking the information, how it will be used and whether it will be used with third parties.
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| 12/10/10 |
Timeshare Resellers….Are They All Scammers? |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:40am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
[December 10, 2010 – Nashville, TN] For over a decade, consumers have splurged on timeshare vacation properties only to realize there are huge disadvantages with this type of vacation plan. Now with the prolonged recession, high unemployment, and cash strapped owners, a top priority is to get rid of a costly timeshare with high monthly maintenance fees.
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| 12/03/10 |
BBB Update: Charitable Solicitations in the Guise of Invoices |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:40am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
[December 3, 2010 – Nashville, TN] BBB Huntsville received an interesting item in the mail the other day. It was an "invoice" to help pay for toys that are supposedly given to our local Toys for Tots program from a company called Discovery Educational Toys using an address in Nashville.
BBB also received calls from businesses located in Alabama & Mississippi about receiving the same invoice. None had agreed to pay for toys, but noticed wording on the bottom asking for a donation toward the invoice.
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| 11/14/10 |
BBB Responds to ABC 20/20 - Accountability With Substance |
On Friday, November 12, ABC's 20/20 news magazine aired a segment on BBB with a "teaser" that ran earlier in the day on Good Morning America. The segment called into question our organization's business ratings system and accreditation, specifically alleging that a substantially higher rating can be "bought" via accreditation. The segment also highlighted an incident of a fictitious business application that was mistakenly accredited by a local BBB.
This ABC 20/20 story was critical of the BBB on several fronts. Let me separate what was fact and what was fiction.
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| 11/12/10 |
BIG World Vacations marketing tactics leave consumers with low expectations |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:40am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
[November 12, 2010 – Nashville, TN] Ahhhhh, the thought of relaxing with a refreshing drink on the beach with a loved one is something we all long for. To make that dream come true, BIG World Vacations has been sending direct mail pieces to consumers throughout Middle Tennessee that state the recipient has been verified to “receive TWO ROUND TRIP AIRFARES to a major International Airport in the CONTINENTAL USA!” Decorated with balloons and a birthday cake, the mailer entices the consumer to believe that in celebration of his or her birthday he or she has been chosen to receive free airfare and hotel stays, but complaints on file with BBB indicate there is no celebration – only hefty fees, restrictions, and frustrations.
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| 11/04/10 |
Klean Air Care Service's Advertising Isn't Very "Klean" |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:40am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
This company is running advertisements in Nashville, Chattanooga, and surrounding areas offering air duct cleaning services for $89.95. The ads claim the company’s sanitizing treatment kills H1N1 in 3 minutes and HIV in 1 minute, offers whole house fogging using moldicide and other mold controlled preventatives, state they are Certified Mold Remediation Contractors with CMI and CMRC certifications, and indicate they are fully bonded and insured listing a license number of TN0000621850. The ads also state the company is locally owned and operated, and the company’s website (www.Kleanaircare.com) advertises a physical location on Industrial Park Drive in Nashville - but BBB’s investigation into the advertised claims tells a different story.
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| 10/29/10 |
iRenew Bracelet - Scientific Medical Breakthrough or Shameless Fraud? |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:40am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
The television ads say the iRenew bracelet works simply be wearing it, “there is no special gimmicks or procedures to follow. You put it on and start seeing and feeling the changes in as little as 10 minutes…Instant results…”
*More Energy
*Better Sleep
*Increase in Strength
*Greater Flexibility
*Enhanced Balance
A Healthy Dose of Skepticism. After monitoring the medical claims for the iRenew bracelet, BBB Middle Tennessee ordered two iRenew bracelets and asked two consumer volunteers to wear the iRenew bracelets for six weeks and report back on their experience.
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| 10/25/10 |
Rejected Federal Tax Payment Email Is a SCAM! |
Email purporting to be from the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFFTPS) claims that the federal tax payment made by the business has been rejected. The recipient is instructed to follow a link to rectify the problem with the IRS.
The email is a phishing scam and is not from the EFTPS.
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| 10/22/10 |
PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM IDENTITY THEFT |
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Cases reveal that 50% of child ID theft is the result of a parent, relative or caregiver fraudulently using the child's social security number for years accumulating debt. It's only when the child becomes of age and applies for credit or the ID Thief defaults on the debt that the fraud is discovered.
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| 10/21/10 |
BBB Columbia / Tennessee Valley Branch Secure Your Identity Day |
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BBB's Secure Your ID Day will be held at the "502" Building parking lot at 502 North Garden Street in Columbia -- Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 9 a.m. till 12 noon.
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| 10/21/10 |
BBB Murfreesboro / Central Tennessee Branch Secure Your Identity Day |
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Secure Your ID Day will be held in the Lowe's Parking Lot - Old Fort Parkway, Murfreesboro, Tennessee -- October 23, 2010 from 9 a.m. till 12 noon (or until the truck is full)
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| 10/21/10 |
BBB Franklin / Williamson County Branch Secure Your Identity Day |
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Secure Your ID Day will be held in the Lowe's Parking Lot - 3060 Mallory Lane, Franklin/Cool Springs -- October 23, 2010 from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. (or until the truck is full)
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| 10/21/10 |
Shred & Secure Your Identity Day |
On Saturday, October 23rd, the BBB will host a national identity theft and fraud protection event in local communities across North America. Bring your boxes or bags of paper documents that contain personal identifiers, and we'll shred it for you FREE - on the spot. We'll also be distributing great tips and resources to help you protect your identity - online and off.
4 area locations will be held in Middle Tennessee. The Nashville location (at Richards & Richards - info below) is unlimited in the quantity of paper goods that can be brought and shredded and businesses are welcome to bring large quantities. Other locations are mobile Shred Trucks and are limited in the quantity that can be accommodated.
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| 10/08/10 |
The Association of Firefighters & Paramedics Wants Your Donation |
THE TELEPHONE SOLICITATION
The story sounds almost unbelievable: 10 to 15 calls daily. 150 calls in three months. All these calls despite the fact that the consumer asked repeatedly to be taken off the organization's call list and has advised the BBB that she is on the Do Not Call list.
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| 09/08/10 |
American Shingle Files Chapter 7 Bankruptcy |
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American Shingle filed voluntary Bankruptcy Chapter 7 on September 2, 2010, in Georgia owing millions of dollars to creditors. Among the unsecured creditors are thousands of homeowners, in 20+ locations where American Shingle operated, who paid the company to roof their home, but did not receive roofing services.
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| 08/05/10 |
Universal Adcom Targets Businesses in the Name of Local Chambers of Commerce |
The Better Business Bureau alerts Middle Tennessee businesses to the sales practices of Premier Impressions aka Hometown Productions, Premier Map, Universal Adcom of Arlington, Texas, and a variety of other business names.
Callers to the Better Business Bureau state that the company is currently targeting local businesses in several Middle Tennessee Counties, selling advertising for products such as maps, directories, magnets, etc. Businesses and Chamber contacts have reported that the company’s representatives are leading them to believe the advertising opportunity is being offered “in cooperation with”, “on behalf of”, or “working with the Chamber.”
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| 07/26/10 |
Misleading Advertising, Products and Services that Middle Tennessee Consumers and Businesses Can Do Without - July 2010 |
BBB Identifies Misleading Advertising, Products and Services Middle Tennessee Consumers and Businesses Can Do Without. Your Better Business Bureau has identified the following businesses as offering services and products, which have resulted in numerous complaints alleging misleading ads/offers, unsatisfactory services and misrepresented products.
Each business identified in this BBB Accredited Business Member/Media Update has been contacted by BBB concerning their business practices, unresolved customer complaints, and failure to discontinue the cause of customer complaints.
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| 07/12/10 |
American Shingle, LLC Collects Insurance Money for Roof Repairs, but Fails to Begin Promised Work |
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BBB of Middle Tennessee warns consumers about the business practices of American Shingle, LLC located at 475 Metroplex Dr, Suite 105A in Nashville, headquartered in Atlanta, GA. The company uses the phone numbers 615-349-1436 and 877- 599-1568.
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| 07/09/10 |
Don’t Get Sucked in By Deceptive Air Duct Cleaners |
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Local ads offering a low price on air duct cleaning can seem like a great deal with minimal risk. While most companies are on the straight and narrow, Better Business Bureau warns consumers to beware of air duct cleaning businesses that employ bait and switch tactics or try to scare the homeowner into thinking they have a serious health-threatening mold problem.
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| 07/01/10 |
BBB Warns that Scams Emerge in the Wake of the BP Oil Spill |
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The Deepwater Horizon oil spill continues to threaten the environmental and economic health of the Gulf Coast. In the wake of the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history, a coordinated effort is underway to clean up the spill and provide aid to affected families. Your Better Business Bureau warns that the recovery effort creates a great opportunity for scammers to make an easy dollar by deceiving those who are trying to find work, file claims with BP or donate money or volunteer to help with the cleanup.
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| 06/21/10 |
Internet Scam Uses Reputable Auto Dealer’s Name To Defraud Consumers |
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The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers that an Internet car sales scam using the website www.americautosales.com is falsely using the name and address of a BBB Accredited car dealer in an attempt to defraud the public. The BBB of Northeast Florida issued a similar scam alert last year about a similar fraudulent website using the names and addresses of two of their local businesses.
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| 06/13/10 |
Gulf Oil Spill Recover: BBB Tips for Donors and Volunteers |
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In the wake of any disaster, many reach for their checkbooks and donate money to aid and rescue organizations. The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance cautions, however, that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is unlike previous disasters and offers specific advice to potential donors and volunteers.
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| 06/11/10 |
Grant Checks + Green Dot MoneyPak = SCAM |
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| 06/09/10 |
Universal Adcom Targets Businesses in the Name of Local Chamber of Commerce |
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The Better Business Bureau alerts Middle Tennessee businesses to the sales practices of Premier Impressions also known as Universal Adcom of Arlington, Texas.
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| 06/04/10 |
BBB Update: Post-Disaster Scams |
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The BBB is updating Middle Tennessee of two scams present in our communities:
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| 05/28/10 |
“Online Privacy” An Oxymoron? |
Today people can see into your life farther and faster than ever before.
An entire industry of database aggregation companies, using information brokers, routinely scrape public/government records and commercial databases collecting data for the purpose of selling your personal information.
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| 05/20/10 |
Beware of Flood-Damaged Automobiles |
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In the wake of the recent flood disaster in our area, the Better Business Bureau urges new and used car buyers to be cautious of unscrupulous businesses and individuals who may try to sell flood-damaged cars without revealing the vehicles' history.
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| 05/06/10 |
Simple TIPS to help consumers and businesses begin flood damage recovery And not be a victim for a second time |
[May 6, 2010 – Middle Tennessee] Tennessee residents and businesses have a huge emergency need for restoration and clean up services that may not be able to be quickly handled by available local companies. Demand for immediate services provides an opportunity for out of state contractors and restoration companies to enter our marketplace and help flood victims who would otherwise be on long waiting lists.
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| 05/05/10 |
BBB Reminds Flood Victims to Check out Unknown Repair Crews |
Recent flooding in Middle Tennessee will result in traveling repair crews descending on residents offering emergency repair services to homeowners and businesses.
If you are one of the many homeowners or businesses affected, you may need major home repairs as well as clean up jobs from flood damaged homes, fallen tree limbs, or other damages as a result of the recent storms. You should be on the watch for traveling, fly-by-night repair crews that will hit storm damaged areas within hours. These repair crews know demand for service will be high and that local, well established home repair and roofing companies will be working their crews around the clock. Many homeowners don’t want to wait for estimates on repairs…so when there is a knock on the door from a home repair crew, good consumer business practices are all but forgotten.
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| 04/13/10 |
BBB Warns Businesses About New Phishing Attack |
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Better Business Bureau is warning businesses to beware of a new malicious e-mail that pretends to be from BBB about a complaint filed against the company. The e-mail first came to BBB’s attention on April 12, 2010.
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| 04/09/10 |
Beware of the White Van Scam |
BBB warns consumers to be wary of two men selling stereo equipment out of the back of their white van claiming it’s worth thousands more then they are selling it for.
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| 04/08/10 |
Secure Your ID Day - April 17, 2010 |
The Better Business Bureau & Partner Shredding Service Companies throughout our Middle Tennessee area invites consumers and businesses to bring documents to be shredded for FREE such as credit card statements, old checks, I.R.S. tax returns, and anything that a thief could use to steal your identity. The BBB stresses the importance of shredding confidential documents that can leave you vulnerable to identity theft.
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| 04/06/10 |
Concerned Citizens Nationwide Contact BBB with Safety Fears About Lengthy Census Form |
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Better Business Bureau has received calls from concerned people across the country who received a Census form in the mail that asked personal questions involving their income range and employment situation. BBB advises consumers that, while most will receive a short 10-question 2010 Census survey form, they should not be alarmed if they are chosen to respond to the 69-question American Community Survey (ACS) as well.
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| 03/17/10 |
BBB Small Business Tips: Online Banking |
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Online banking has made it easier and more convenient to manage business finances, but it also provides an opportunity for hackers to gain access to business accounts with the goal of making unauthorized money transfers. Better Business Bureau recommends small business owners implement a few simple steps to keep their financial information and transactions secure when banking online.
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| 03/15/10 |
Scammer targets businesses in the name of missing children |
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BBB warns businesses located in the Montgomery County area of an advertising scam offering ad space/sponsorships on magnets in the name of missing children.
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| 03/14/10 |
Dog Bones Can Cause Serious Illness, Death of Pets |
A popular pet treat distributed by a meat company in Washington, Mo., and sold in stores across the United States is under attack by dog owners who blame the product for injuring or killing their animals.
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| 03/05/10 |
Scammers Pose as Government Agencies |
Update from Ralph Bristol Morning News - BBB Middle Tennessee can be heard Fridays at 7:40am on the Ralph Bristol Nashville Morning News, WTN 99.7 (FM Radio)
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| 02/25/10 |
BBB Warns of Schemes Against Business: YellowPage-Tennessee.com |
The solicitation is purportedly from the “Yellow Pages” and nefariously shows a logo which looks like the well recognized Yellow Pages logo only it’s upside down!
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| 02/22/10 |
New Credit Card Regulations Kick In Today! |
BBB explains what it means to you
[February 22, 2010 – Nashville, TN] Credit card holders can mark today as the day when new consumer protections laid out in the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 kick in. Better Business Bureau explains what these new consumer protections mean to cardholders across the US.
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| 02/08/10 |
Scammers pose as grandchildren to dupe unsuspecting grandparents |
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Better Business Bureau is warning senior citizens to be aware of an emerging telephone scam that is preying on grandparents nationwide. BBB has recently received reports about grandparents from California to New Hampshire who thought they were aiding their grandchildren by providing money for an emergency situation but were in fact giving thousands of dollars to Canadian con artists.
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| 01/28/10 |
BBB Reminds Hailstorm Victims to Check out Unknown Repair Crews |
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Recent severe hailstorms in the Fayetteville area of Middle Tennessee will result in traveling repair crews descending on residents offering emergency repair services to homeowners and businesses.
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| 01/21/10 |
BBB Identifies Misleading Advertising, Products and Services that Middle Tennessee Can Do Without - January 2010 |
BBB Identifies Misleading Advertising, Products and Services that Middle Tennessee Consumers and Businesses Can Do Without.
Your Better Business Bureau has identified the following businesses as offering services and products, which have resulted in numerous complaints alleging misleading ads/offers, unsatisfactory services and misrepresented products.
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| 01/14/10 |
BBB Advice to Donors on Earthquake Charity Appeals |
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As immediate relief needs are assessed in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti on January 12th, many Americans are looking for ways to help by donating to a charity. The Better Business Bureau warns that--as occurred following the tsunami in 2004 and Katrina in 2005--fraudulent charities will likely emerge to try and scam donations from well-meaning Americans.
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| 01/14/10 |
BBB Advice on Donating by Text Message to Haiti Relief Efforts |
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In the wake of the earthquake disaster in Haiti, Americans are donating via text message more than ever before. Your Better Business Bureau advises donors that giving through text can be a safe and easy way to give—but you should still use caution.
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| 01/06/10 |
Computer Training School Closes |
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Local media first broke the story that sent shivers down the spines of students awaiting commencement of their spring semester of classes at ComputerTraining.edu, a Hunt Valley, MD based business with classrooms in Towson & Annapolis, MD and 23 other locations around the country. The 17 year-old business, specializing in information technology training, shut its doors on December 31, 2009.
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| 12/16/09 |
Advance Fee Loan Scam Posing as Local BBB Accredited Business |
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In a new twist, an advance fee loan scam based in Kingston Jamaica has stolen the identity of a local BBB Accredited Business. Innovative Financial Group, LLC located in Nashville, Tennessee reports that consumers have been contacting the company for "bad credit loans". Innovative Financial Group does not offer any kind of loan.
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| 12/11/09 |
Office Supply Firm Misleads And Overcharges |
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Eight months after the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of St. Louis, MO first warned consumers about the questionable operations of a Missouri office supply company, the BBB says the company appears to be continuing to deceive businesses across the nation.
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| 12/04/09 |
*72 Call Forwarding Scam |
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In November of this year, your Better Business Bureau issued numerous warnings to businesses in the Middle Tennessee area regarding suspicious relay calls. When the scam first appeared, it targeted smaller electronic stores, the lock and key industry, flooring contractors and mattress sales. This week the scammers are targeting residents (often the elderly).
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| 11/20/09 |
Say NO to Chinese Internet sites selling discounted electronics |
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Despite the economy, consumer electronics are expected to be the HOT gift this holiday season. Bargain hunters on the hunt for the best deal could find themselves up the Yangtze without a paddle if they fall for bogus web sites offering electronics for sale at deep discounts.
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| 11/16/09 |
Scambuster UPDATE: |
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How does $1,000 in FREE groceries sound? Radio ads from GrocerySavers.com has caught the attention of consumers just in time for their Thanksgiving dinner shopping.
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| 11/06/09 |
UPDATE 2: Your BBB Wants You to be a Counterfeit Check Scambuster |
October 23 BBB enlisted the help of WTN 99.7 radio listeners asking them to become counterfeit check Scambusters for BBB. In two weeks scambusters have faxed to BBB counterfeit checks totaling $189,000
In less than 4 weeks a GRAND total of $279,000 in counterfeit checks have been taken out of circulation and NOT DEPOSITED IN MID-TENNESSEE BANK ACCOUNTS!!
Holiday Giving ALERT: Give, but Give Wisely
Donors should be wary of a Tennessee-based cancer charity, which is giving less than a penny of every dollar raised in direct aid to help people with cancer.
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| 10/30/09 |
UPDATE: Your BBB Wants You to be a Counterfeit Check Scambuster |
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In less than 3 weeks a GRAND total of $246,000 in counterfeit checks have been taken out of circulation and NOT DEPOSITED IN CONSUMER BANK ACCOUNTS!!
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| 10/23/09 |
Your BBB Wants You to be a Counterfeit Check Scambuster |
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There's a new twist on an old scam involving payment for goods and services with fake checks making the rounds in Middle Tennessee. Your Better Business Bureau is asking businesses and individuals who receive suspicious checks to fax them to us at 615-250-4245.
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| 09/09/09 |
Better Business Bureau Warns about iJango - Possible Pyramid Scheme |
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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.
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| 08/10/09 |
BBB Warns Your Online Diploma could be Worthless |
Don't fall for the promise of quick and easy credentials
[Nashville, TN - August 10, 2009] - It's time to head back to school for many students and Better Business Bureau is warning consumers against online programs that offer fast and easy high school diplomas or college degrees. As millions struggle to find a job, earning a diploma or an advanced degree is one way to stand out from the crowd, but some students found out the hard way that the diploma they thought they earned online wasn't worth the paper it was printed on.
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| 08/07/09 |
US Commerce Association Awards Not So Rewarding |
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BBB alerts businesses to an email US Commerce Association, aka US Local Business Association located in Washington D.C., has been circulating to Middle Tennessee businesses.
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| 07/22/09 |
Shifty Service Reps Swindle Williamson County Businesses |
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BBB alerts Williamson County businesses to a scam attempting to swindle business owners into unknowingly switching their credit card processing vendor.
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| 07/13/09 |
Misleading Advertising, Products and Services that Middle Tennessee Consumers and Businesses Can Do Without - July 2009 |
BBB Identifies Misleading Advertising, Products and Services that Middle Tennessee Consumers and Businesses Can Do Without.
Your Better Business Bureau has identified the following businesses as offering services and products, which have resulted in numerous complaints alleging misleading ads/offers, unsatisfactory services and misrepresented products.
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| 06/29/09 |
Use Caution When Buying Michael Jackson Memorabilia |
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Immediately following the announcement of Michael Jackson's sudden death, enterprising individuals began selling memorabilia online to take advantage of the increased demand. Better Business Bureau warns that the value of most memorabilia and commemorative items being sold is sentimental and the currently inflated prices for many items will drop over time.
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| 06/02/09 |
Attention GM and Chrysler Owners |
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Get up-to-date information regarding the status of your GM or Chrysler auto warranty.
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| 06/03/09 |
Tips & Advice Regarding Auto Warranty Solicitations |
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Because major auto manufacturers such as Chrysler and GM are either contending with bankruptcy or fighting off the threat of bankruptcy, there is currently a lot of confusion surrounding the status of auto warranties. BBB is concerned that consumers are particularly susceptible right now to deceptive telemarketing phone calls and other solicitations that seem to be coming from their manufacturer regarding the status of their warranty.
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| 06/02/09 |
Warranty Dispute Program Still Available for GM Customers Through BBB |
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The U.S. Court overseeing General Motor's bankruptcy has approved GM's request to continue honoring vehicle warranties, including GM's participation in the BBB AUTO LINE program for consumers that need help with any warranty-related dispute with the manufacturer.
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| 05/21/09 |
BBB Warns of TN Web Lottery Scam |
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"Congratulations You Have Won Tennessee Web Lottery" - That's the subject line of the latest bout of email lottery scams circulating the United States. BBB has received numerous calls from consumers inquiring about the authenticity of the email, and warns the public this email is a hoax.
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| 05/12/09 |
Message for Chrysler Automobile Owners |
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Chrysler has stated that it intends to continue to honor warranties, repair vehicles and resolve customer warranty complaints while it undergoes restructuring under Chapter XI bankruptcy protection.
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| 05/11/09 |
Phony Ecommerce Job Offer Disguised Under Legitimate Business Name |
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BBB alerts job seekers of a phony employment offer that appears to be from a legitimate business - Ecommerce, Inc., headquartered in Columbus, OH with customer service offices located in Hopkinsville, KY.
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| 05/11/09 |
Business Identity Theft Disguised as a Legitimate Employment Offer |
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BBB warns consumers of fraudulent checks offering mystery shopping positions.
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| 05/08/09 |
BBB Update: Background on the TTY & IP Relay Connect System for the Deaf |
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Have you ever wondered how deaf people make a phone call? TTY (teletype terminals) allows them to type their half of the conversation while an operator serves as the intermediary. There's just one HUGE problem. The IP Relay System is under attack by international scammers and costing businesses and phone customers (Relay is paid for out of a charge on every consumers phone bill) millions of dollars.
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| 05/02/09 |
BBB Warns Against Swine Flu Scams |
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Relying on reports from online security experts, Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be on the lookout for fraudulent e-mails and Web sites trying to take advantage of the current swine flu outbreak.
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| 04/22/09 |
BBB Branch Office adapts to become, The BBB Neighborhood Assistance Office... |
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"When the BBB serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky made a commitment to open 5 branch offices throughout our service area," says BBB President & CEO Kathleen Calligan, "we knew we would be able to be more of a part in the individual lives of the people and businesses in those communities." This is a story of how true that statement has proven itself to be.
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| 04/21/09 |
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BBB warns job seekers of a work from home scam using a well-known charity's name to dupe unsuspecting consumers into cashing counterfeit checks.
The BBB was notified by a consumer who answered an advertisement in her local newspaper for a work-at-home job as a Regional Donations Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity International. She applied for the job via email and was accepted.
She was sent a check, which she was told was a donation, and was instructed to keep $350 of it as her payment and wire the remainder to another Habitat for Humanity official who was said to be in charge of home construction projects. Unfortunately, the check was counterfeit.
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| 04/16/09 |
Youth Leadership Maury Visits Better Business Bureau |
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The BBB Middle Tennessee's Nashville headquarters was host on April 16th to twenty of the mid-state's future leaders.
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| 04/13/09 |
Secure Your ID Day - Saturday, April 18th |
On Saturday, April 18th, the BBB will host a national identity theft and fraud protection event in local communities across North America. Bring your boxes or bags of paper documents that contain personal identifiers, and we'll shred it for you - on the spot. We'll also be distributing great tips and resources to help you protect your identity - online and off.
5 area locations will be held in Middle Tennessee. One location is unlimited in the quantity of paper goods that can be brought and shredded. Other locations are mobile Shred Trucks and are limited in the quantity that can be accommodated.
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| 04/10/09 |
BBB Reminds Tornado Victims to Check out Unknown Repair Crews |
Recent severe weather in Middle Tennessee will result in traveling repair crews descending on residents offering emergency repair services to homeowners and businesses.
If you are one of the many homeowners or businesses affected, you may need major home repairs as well as clean up jobs from falling tree limbs or other damage as a result of the recent storms. You should be on the watch for traveling, fly-by-night repair crews that will hit storm damaged areas within hours. These repair crews know demand for service will be high and that local, well established home repair and roofing companies will be working their crews around the clock.
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| 04/09/09 |
Business owners may need extension of tax deadline |
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As April 15 approaches, two classes of small-business owners are likely to feel some panic: the procrastinators and the owners who don't have the money to pay their tax. All of them should consider using the IRS pressure valve -- the extension of the filing deadline.
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| 03/18/09 |
Top 5 Scams Looking for You |
Need quick cash? Searching for ways to eliminate debt? Want perfect credit? That's the motive behind the top 5 scams of 2009. Better Business Bureaus across the country are inundated with calls from consumers seeking advice regarding all the TV, newspaper and email advertisements offering just that.
To avoid becoming a victim of losing your hard earned money, BBB advises consumers to be wary of the following top 5 scams looking for you:
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| 03/17/09 |
Phishing Scam |
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BBB warns consumers about a 'phishing' scam con artists are using to steal personal and financial information.
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| 03/12/09 |
BBB Torch Awards - Williamson County |
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The BBB of Williamson County honored three local businesses with a Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics at an award dinner March 10, 2009 at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs. The event recognizing ten Finalists for the Torch Award featured keynote speaker, Mac Anderson, author and founder of Simple Truths. Tom Lawrence, WAKM-AM (950) served as Master of Ceremonies.
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| 02/27/09 |
Contractors Beware of Phony U.S. DOT Procurement Letters |
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BBB warns contractors and all contracting personnel to beware of phony U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) procurement letters. With the economic downturn, con artists are searching for ways to swindle money from hard working businesses, even if it means cloaking their identity in the guise of a government agency.
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| 02/23/09 |
Fraudulent Checks Entice Mystery Shoppers |
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BBB warns consumers of fraudulent checks Kochair Market Forum aka PGC Market Forum is sending consumers via mail.
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| 02/18/09 |
Mystery Shopping Company Scam |
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The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers that thieves are using the name of a legitimate mystery shopping company to scam people across the country.
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| 02/10/09 |
Ten Williamson County Businesses named Semi-Finalists in the 2009 BBB Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics |
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The BBB Williamson County Advisory Board of Directors is pleased to announce the following businesses are Semi-Finalist in the 2009 Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics.
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| 02/06/09 |
Work-at-home Scams |
The Better Business Bureau, FBI and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) continue to receive numerous complaints from individuals who have fallen victim to work-at-home scams and remind consumers to be vigilant when seeking employment online.
These work-at-home schemes are designed by criminals to gain the trust of job seekers in order to take advantage of working relationships to further illegal activity. Most victims do not even realize they are engaging in criminal behavior until it is too late.
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| 01/20/09 |
Misleading Advertising, Products and Services that Middle Tennessee Consumers and Businesses Can Do Without, Jan 2009 |
BBB Identifies Misleading Advertising, Products and Services Middle Tennessee Consumers and Businesses Can Do Without. Your Better Business Bureau has identified the following businesses as offering services and products, which have resulted in numerous complaints alleging misleading ads/offers, unsatisfactory services and misrepresented products.
Each business identified in this BBB Accredited Business Member/Media Update has been contacted by BBB concerning their business practices, unresolved customer complaints, and failure to discontinue the cause of customer complaints.
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| 01/05/09 |
BBB Warns: Your Facebook Friends Could Actually be Hackers, Scam Artists, and ID Thieves |
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Social networking Web sites are a great way to find old classmates, stay connected with friends, even make new friends. Unfortunately, hackers have learned how to use Web sites like Facebook in order to disseminate viruses or steal identities. Your Better Business Bureau is offering advice on how consumers can protect themselves against hackers, scammers and ID thieves on social networking Web sites.
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| 12/29/08 |
SCAM Uses BBB Name in Malicious Email -- Contains Virus Infection [UPDATE] |
BBB warns businesses about more malicious spam email which contains a virus that appears to come from the Better Business Bureau.
The spam contains a spoofed 'From' address making it appear as if the message was sent by the Better Business Bureau. The message states it's an automated email confirming registration of a complaint filed in September 2007 concerning Online Identity Theft. It then says you can download a copy of the complaint by clicking on the URL link provided in the email.
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| 12/18/08 |
BBB Announces smart USA as New Participant in BBB AUTO LINE |
Warranty dispute resolution service now available to smart USA owners nationwide through BBB AUTO LINE program
Nashville, TN - December 18, 2008 - The Council of Better Business Bureaus announced today that it will provide warranty dispute resolution between smart USA car owners and smart USA under the BBB AUTO LINE program. BBB AUTO LINE assistance is available free to smart car owners - and the owners of more than 20 other makes of cars.
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| 11/12/08 |
Is This Check For REAL? |
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Email, telephone and mail solicitations contain more and more offers enticing consumers to make poor financial decisions, and con-artists are flooding every U.S. market with fake check scams. What is a fake check scam? It is a fast-growing fraud that could cost you thousands of dollars.
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| 11/12/08 |
Want to Buy Tickets to the Obama Inauguration? Let the Buyer Beware |
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A record number of Americans want to be a part of history and attend the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, but, unfortunately, only 250,000 tickets are up for grabs. While many websites are claiming to sell tickets online, your Better Business Bureau is advising the public that purchasing scalped tickets could leave you out in the cold with empty pockets on Inauguration Day.
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| 11/05/08 |
Memorial Hospital Scam |
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Callers to BBB state they have been receiving telephone calls appearing on their Caller ID as "Memorial Hospital." The caller states a family member has been involved in an accident and has been placed in the emergency room. In order for the hospital to secure payment for medical services the caller asks for credit card information. Other consumers report similar instances involving emergency circumstances or claims of credit cards being suspended with requests to provide account numbers in order to obtain credit card information; however, the name appearing on the Caller ID varies.
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| 10/30/08 |
BBB Names Better Business Ambassador And Student Of Integrity |
BBB Names Cordia Harrington, 2008 Better Business Ambassador of the Year
Allison Paige Knight, Culleoka High School, Culleoka, TN Named 2008 Student of Integrity
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| 10/23/08 |
Malicious Email Contains Virus Infection & Appears to Come From BBB |
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BBB warns businesses about a malicious spam email that appears to come from the Better Business Bureau which contains a virus.
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| 10/17/08 |
Credit Crunch Advice for Struggling Businesses |
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[October 17, 2008 - Nashville, TN] Many struggling businesses are beginning to feel the credit crunch and are seeking loans from financial institutions. Banks and other lending sources have begun to tighten up their lending practices due of today's financial crisis making it difficult for some to obtain the lending they are seeking, and con artists are lurking in every shadow looking for ways to take advantage of today's economy. Advertisements in newspapers and internet search engines are overflowing with advance fee loan scams that businesses seeking financial assistance must beware of.
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| 10/16/08 |
Con Artists Use Cell Phone Text Messages to Scam Consumers |
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[October 16, 2008 - Nashville, TN] BBB warns consumers about a new 'phishing' scam con artists are using to steal personal and financial information.
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| 10/10/08 |
BBB Tips on SBA Loans |
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a government agency that was created by Congress in 1953 to "aid, counsel, assist and protect...the interests of small business concerns." SBA is the only Federal government agency specifically designed to encourage small business enterprise.
Over the past five decades, the agency has grown in terms of its array of programs and total assistance provided to small businesses. In 2004 alone, the SBA backed more than $12.3 billion in loans to small businesses, made available more than $1 billion for disaster loans and assisted small businesses to secure more than $50 billion in federal contracts.
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| 09/19/08 |
International Speaker Caruso Coming to Mid-State |
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Columbia State Community College, The Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee - TN Valley, and The Columbia Breakfast Rotary Club are partnering to deliver a business-empowering leadership seminar to the mid-state area. "Growing Your Business - How to Profit Even During Slow Times" will feature internationally recognized author and speaker Michael Angelo Caruso.
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| 09/12/08 |
BBB Warns Sports Fans, Concert-Goers, and Theater Buffs: Beware of TicketsMyWay.com |
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Better Business Bureau is warning sports, music, and theater fans who are trying to get their hands on the hottest event tickets that they might get burned when shopping online with TicketsMyWay.com.
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| 09/10/08 |
Beware of Phone Calls for National Yellow Pages Listing |
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BBB alerts Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky companies about the business practices of National Yellow Pages Online (NYPO) located in Russell, IL.
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| 08/19/08 |
R & K Wholesale & Distribution Scams Auto Dealers |
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BBB alerts Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky auto dealers to the business practices of R & K Wholesale & Distribution, located in Madisonville, Kentucky.
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| 08/14/08 |
Complaints against Autumn Ridge Nursery Sky Rocket in 2008 |
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BBB alerts consumers to the business practices of Autumn Ridge Nursery, located in McMinnville, TN, owned and operated by Sam & Melinda Womack.
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| 08/13/08 |
Scam Artists Target TN & KY Consumers |
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Better Business Bureaus routinely field complaints from consumers who have fallen prey to scam artists. They may have been too distracted to thoroughly investigate the offer, perhaps were too eager to take advantage of a bargain price, or the sales person was too quick in their sales pitch for the consumer to make an informed decision.
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| 08/04/08 |
BBB & FTC Cautions Consumers about Voter Registration Scams |
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According to the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, unsolicited messages from people who claim to need your Social Security number or other personal information as a pretext to register you to vote -- or to confirm your registration -- could be a scam designed to steal your personal information.
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| 07/28/08 |
Music City RV Fails to Pay Lenders |
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BBB alerts Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky residents to the business practices of Music City RV, operated by Gary Armagh, President.
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| 06/25/08 |
Misleading Advertising, Products and Services that Middle Tennessee Consumers and Businesses Can Do Without, June 2008 |
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Your Better Business Bureau has identified the following businesses as offering services and products, which have resulted in numerous complaints alleging misleading ads/offers, unsatisfactory services and misrepresented products.
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| 06/18/08 |
Atlas Transmission - New Name... Same Game... |
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BBB alerts Clarksville and surrounding residents of the business practices of Joe & Josh Chisenhall currently doing business as Atlas Transmission located at 1305 Ft. Campbell Blvd, Clarksville, TN
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| 06/12/08 |
BBB Tips on Moving |
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Planning a move can be very challenging. If your plans this summer include a major move, the Better Business Bureau recommends that you do some advance legwork to save yourself frustration, and possibly money.
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| 05/14/08 |
Check Out Summer Camps in Person |
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The Better Business Bureau cautions parents who are seeking a summer camp for their kids.
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| 05/01/08 |
BBB Advice on Hiring Contractors for Home Improvements and Remodeling |
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Many homeowners are now choosing to remodel their current home rather than selling in an effort to hold home values in the turbulent U.S. housing market. To execute the strategy successfully, most projects require professional help and Better Business Bureau (BBB) is offering advice and guidance on finding trustworthy contractors who can help make the strategy pay off.
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| 04/30/08 |
Trustpoint Lending Group Scams Consumers with Loan Promises |
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Middle Tennessee - BBB alerts the public to the business practices of Trustpoint Lending Group of Nashville, TN, operated by Matthew Dunson.
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| 04/10/08 |
Jones Memorials aka HalfOff Stones.com Fails to Deliver Monuments/Headstones |
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[Nashville, Tennessee] BBB alerts consumers to the business practices of Jones Memorials aka HalfOffStones.com owned and operated by Marcus Jones.
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| 04/08/08 |
Consumers Sound Off with Complaints on Tax Preparers |
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According to a BBB study, nearly one-third of complaints against tax preparation companies allege that the preparer made an error or mistake in their tax return, resulting in the consumer having to pay fines or added fees to rectify the problem.
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| 02/11/08 |
BBB Warns Against Online Dating Sites |
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For those people looking to find the man or woman of their dreams, Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that complaints against matchmaking and online dating services are on the rise and many consumers across the U.S. have gone looking for love but only found a headache.
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| 02/05/08 |
The BBB name continues to be used in |
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Fraudulent emails containing malicious links and viruses have been sent to businesses and consumers around the country claiming to contain information on a complaint filed with the Better Business Bureau.
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| 12/04/07 |
Keeping Toys Safe |
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The BBB offers tips for buying safe toys.
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| 12/04/07 |
Exchange Policies Examined |
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Knowledge of return policies makes the holidays easier.
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| 12/14/07 |
Extended Warranty questions |
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Are extended warranties worth the price? The debate goes on.
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| 11/19/07 |
BBB Spoof |
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A hacker using a phoney BBB site delivers dangerous viruses to computers.
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| 11/12/07 |
New IRS Foreclosure Site |
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A new IRS site is available for people who have lost their homes to foreclosure.
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| 11/05/07 |
Relay Calls Swarm Middle Tennessee Businesses Again |
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Your Better Business Bureau has issued numerous warnings to businesses in the Middle Tennessee area regarding suspicious relay calls. When the scam first appeared, it targeted smaller electronic stores, the lock and key industry, flooring contractors and mattress sales. BBB has spoken to five business members this week alone who almost fell for the scam, and this time the schemers aren't just targeting specific industries.
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