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April Top 10 Complaints and Inquiries

5/15/2013

Posted on 5/15/2013 by

Edmonton, AB (May 3, 2013) – Between April 1 and 30, BBB of Central and Northern Albertare ceived the most complaints and inquiries about the following industries:(Ranked from highest to lowest)

	Complaints		Inquiries
1.	Furniture - Retail	1.	Roofing Contractors
2.	Auto Dealers – New Cars	2.	Home Builders
3.	Wigs & Hairpieces	3.	General Contractors
4.	Auto Dealers – Used Cars	4.	Movers
5.	Burglar Alarm Systems	5.	Landscape Contractors
6.	Spa & Hot Tub Dealers	6.	Plumbing Contractors
7.	Plumbing Contractors	7.	Auto Repair & Service
8.	Roofing Contractors	8.	Auto Dealers – New Cars
9.	Fitness Consultants	9.	Auto Dealers – Used Cars
10.	Movers	10	Home Improvements

The following is a tip to help when hiring a Roofing Contractor.

Home owners often use the summer months to repair and restore areas of their home damaged by harsh seasonal weather. Roofing repairs, however, can be tricky for home owners to address. It is important to take certain precautions when hiring a roofing contractor to ensure you receive a good quality product for a reasonable price.

“In 2012, BBB received 3.5 million inquiries about roofers,” says Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager for BBB of Central and Northern Alberta. “The weather has been up and down the past few years and people are increasingly needing roof repairs.”

BBB offers the following tips when hiring a roofer.

Do your research. Check out the company online and through edmonton.bbb.org. The more information you can gather the better before making any decision.

Shop around. For major repairs, take time to shop around and get at least three estimates. These estimates should compare the same spec and materials. Check out references, which are at least one year old and verify the contractor is correctly licensed.

Avoid high pressure tactics. Be wary of door to door workers who claim to have spare materials from past jobs. You should also be concerned if they do not have a permanent place of business.

Trust your gut. Be suspicious if someone arrives claiming your home is unsafe. If you are concerned about your home, hire an engineer, architect or inspector to provide a report. Although the vast majority of roofers abide the law, use caution when allowing a stranger to inspect your home.

Get everything in writing. Require a written contract with anyone you hire. Be sure their name, address, license and phone number are included. Never sign a blank contract and make sure you always get a copy.

The following is a partial list of items your contract should include:

Type of roof covering, manufacturer and colour
Supplemental materials including underlay and nails
Scope of work
Removal or replacement of current roof
Ventilation needs
Responsibility for property damage
Approximate start and completion dates
Payment procedure
Length of warranty and coverage
Removal of garbage

These tips and some thorough research should help consumers find a roofer they can trust.

For more information on hiring a roofer, visit edmonton.bbb.org

Consumer tips and media releases can also be found on our Homepage, Blogand NewsCentre. Please feel free to subscribe to our RSSfeed to receive BBB news at your computer. We also have a Facebook Fan Page and you can follow us on Twitter.

Make Sure Flowers Arrive on Time and Look Beautiful

5/15/2013

Posted on 5/15/2013 by

If you’re showing your love with flowers this year, make sure they are on-time and just right.

In 2012, BBB received more than 3,900 complaints against florists. Many of the complaints were a result of the flowers being late, wrong, or just never delivered. When looking to find a florist, whether online or in person, make sure you’re dealing with a reputable business. BBB recommends the following tips when purchasing flowers:

Ask about guarantees. Request a written receipt for the order and ask about the business's refund policy if the delivery is late, never arrives or is in bad condition.

Make sure the florist has information on where to reach you. Delivery instructions may need to be confirmed or a driver may need additional directions. Check to see that the flowers can still be delivered even if the recipient is not home. Try to plan the delivery around a time that she will be home to avoid damaged or stolen flowers.

Research florists. Check out a florist's BBB Business Review to see any history of complaints, and additional details about the company. Ask friends and family which florist they recommend.

Allow time for shipping and delivery. Check with the florist or website to be certain that you have allowed enough time for delivery. Make sure that this date is specified clearly and guaranteed when you order. If you order ahead of time, delivery and other charges will be less than last-minute or overnight shipping. Some florists offer discounts for deliveries a day or two before a major holiday, since that helps them deal with the rush.

Have a back-up plan. Make sure you understand the store’s guarantee. Find out how customer complaints are handled and what recourse you will have if the arrangement is not satisfactory. It’s best to use a credit card when ordering online, because you can dispute charges if the vendor doesn’t come through.

For moretips you can trust, visit bbb.org and for the latest, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau.

Making a Move? Move Safely and Securely While Avoiding Scams

5/15/2013

Posted on 5/15/2013 by

May kicks off the busiest time of year for Canadians changing residencies. As the busy moving season approaches, unlicensed movers and dishonest scammers are gearing up to take advantage of unwary consumers.

In 2012, BBB received over 1.4 million moving-related inquiries and more than 9,300 complaints against movers. Complaints included damaged or missing items, big price increases over originally-quoted estimates, late deliveries, and goods being “held hostage”for additional (disputed) payment.

BBB and the Canadian Office of Consumer Affairs recommend the following important tips on how to avoid scams and find a trustworthy moving company:

Research the company thoroughly. Find reputable movers and validate their certification through the Canadian Association of Movers, Better Business Bureau, and/or your provincial government's consumer protection agency. Check out the business’ BBB Business Review at bbb.org before committing. Also, make sure the company knows about and agrees to abide by the terms of the Good Practice Guidelines for Canadian Movers.

Get at least three written in-home estimates. Not all price quotes online or over the phone are legitimate, and crooks are not likely to send an estimator to your home in advance. Also, remember that the lowest estimate can sometimes bean unrealistic, low-ball offer, which may cost you more in the end.

Know your rights. Research your rights with either the Canadian Association of Movers, or with your provincial government’s consumer protection agency. Also, enlist the help of BBB or local law enforcement if the company threatens to hold your belongings hostage.

Consider accepting full Replacement Value Protection. It may cost a few dollars more upfront, but it can provide some peace of mind and eliminate headaches after your move. Purchasing full Replacement Value Protection from your mover means any lost or damaged articles will be repaired or replaced, or a cash settlement will be made to repair the item or to replace it at its current market value,regardless of age. It’s important to note, for example, that the required minimum coverage of 60 cents per pound would not cover the replacement cost of a flat panel TV if damaged in transit.

To check out a mover near you, and formore consumer information you can trust, visit bbb.org, and Canadian Office of Consumer Affairs. For the latest, follow BBB on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BetterBusinessBureau.

There's no such thing as easy money

3/26/2013

Posted on 3/26/2013 by

Detective James MacDonald, EPS Economic Crimes Section is an expert in investigating investment fraud cases.

Affinity fraud occurs when a fraudster pretends to be part of a group (social groups, religious groups, ethnic communities, etc.) Many times friends and family members are brought into the scheme as they too may be part of the group.

The fraudster convinces the leaders, or a selec tfew of the group, that an investment scheme is legitimate. The most common type of affinity fraud is a Ponzi scheme, or pyramid scheme.

How do Ponzi schemes work?

A fraudster will talk about a legitimate investment which pays significant interest payments. Once the fraudster has some investors,the interest payments they receive is actually their own money being given back to them. The victims then spread the word about the legitimacy and success of their investment to others. This brings in more investors who continue to spread the news about their investment successes.

The fraudster never invests the money and almost always uses the remaining balance for their personal use, lifestyle and vices.The problem with the scheme is that it requires a never-ending supply of new investors. Once new investors dwindle and inevitably stop so too does the flow of money to pay the interest payments. This is when the victims realize that their investment was not legitimate and that their investment principle is gone.

People can lose a lot of money, even their life savings

People can, and do, invest substantial amounts of money into these schemes. If a scheme is beginning to slow down the fraudster often offers higher rates of return for existing clients who invest even more money.

The fraudster will tell the victim to draw from their RRSP’s, HELOC’s, credit cards, and remortgage their homes. In the end the victim is on the hook for all of their borrowed money.

The words ‘easy money,’ are a bad sign

Easy money should be a large red flag for anyone inthe investment world. There are no sure things in any investments. All investors should conduct their own due diligence when it comes to investing(Google, ASC, Civil court, etc). Legitimate investments require a lot of signatures on multiple financial documents and are almost never paid in cash.

If you’re meeting your investment person at a coffee shop or parking lot and handing over several thousand dollars in cash with only a handshake or hand written receipt / promissory note for the transaction red flags should be flying.

When the victims finally catch on, there is usually no money left. The fraudster has spent all of the money on interest payments and on their own personal lifestyle and vices.

Investment fraud

1. What should a person do if they’ve been victimized?

Gather up all of your documents provided by the fraudster, returned cheques, money orders, bank statements showing withdrawals of money. This may be your only evidence that you participated in the investment.

Report the investment to police. Some people do not report to police as the fraudster was,or still is, a member of their trusted tight knit group and they choose to work it out within the group.

2. Tips on how to avoid becoming a victim

Pay attention to the red flags: too good to be true, better rate of return than any other legitimate investments, cash payments, meeting in coffee shops,etc.

Do your own due diligence on the person before you are going to hand over a substantial amount of money to (Google, ASC, Civil court, etc).

Consult with an independent financial advisor or lawyer before you invest.

Fully understand what it is that you are investing in and how it works. If you do not fully understand don’t invest.

Never invest any money unless you are prepared to lose it.

If it sounds too good to be true then it is. No one to date has ever been able to beat the market.

TRUST is a key element to any scheme. TRUST is the most powerful tool for someone looking to separate you from your money.

If the only thing you are going on is trust you are not protecting yourself!

It’s time to shred those old hard drives!

3/22/2013

Posted on 3/22/2013 by

We all know that it’s important to shred confidential papers, but it’s equally important that we shred data from computers and electronic devices.

March is Fraud Prevention Month and this is your opportunity to bring old electronics to an Electronic Shredding Event:

Saturday, March 23, 2013

10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.

Kingsway Mall (109 Street and Kingsway Avenue)

Main West Entrance

“While there are a number of paper shredding events that take place during Fraud Prevention Month, we recognize the importance of shredding data from electronic devices,” says Constable Nadine Swist.

“We encourage people to think about the data that’s stored on old electronic devices. It’s very important to ensure that the device is swept clean of personal information before it’s donated or recycled,” noted Swist.

The Edmonton Police Service has partnered with the Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) for this special shredding event.

Studies have shown that the fear of sensitive data being recovered from old equipment is one of the biggest obstacles that people have, when it comes to donating used equipment to charities.

With ERA you can be assured that your data will be secure from retrieval. All data will be securely removed from all the electronic equipment that will be brought in on Saturday. ERA will then issue certificates of certified drive wiping. So bring your Electronics down (remember:just electronics – this is not a paper-shredding event).

Click here to see an ERA shredder at work.

Is your identity at risk?

3/14/2013

Posted on 3/14/2013 by

“Once a thief is in possession of a victim’s identity, they can obtain bank loans,cell phone contracts, mortgages, you name it, they’ll buy it. And ,all of this activity is attributed to the unknowing victim,” says Detective Bill Allen of the EPS Economic Crimes Unit.

ID thieves will stop at nothing to obtain tidbits of identity-type information. Sometimes, it’s as easy as stealing someone’s wallet from a vehicle.

‘Hiding’ your purse or wallet under the seat is not a good idea

Detective Allen explains, “People quite often leave their wallet or purse in their vehicle. They walk away, thinking their belongings are secure in a locked vehicle. They probably even went to the effort of hiding their wallet or purse beneath the seat, or in the trunk.

While we recommend that you always lock your vehicle, determined thieves have been known to smash vehicle windows to get in. And, one of the first places they’ll look is under the seats to see what may have been hidden there.”

Thieves will also wade through residential garbage cans, as well as garbage bins located outside of businesses in search of what they think of as hidden gems –scraps of discarded paper containing personal information. Tech-savvy thieves break into e-mail accounts and social media sites. They also like to steal letters and documents from home mailboxes.

Victims unaware their ID has been stolen

Most victims are unaware that their personal information has been stolen until something bad happens. For instance, a victim goes to charge something to their credit card, and the transaction is refused. Or, they may get stopped in a routine traffic check, where police run their name through the system, and it is discovered that there are warrants out in their name.

Reduce your risk of becoming a victim

Detective Allen shared some tips on how to protect your identity:

· Never carry more credit cards than is absolutely necessary, and cancel all credit cards that you no longer use

· Change your passwords and PINs frequently, and always cover one hand with the other when entering a PIN

· Never carry your Social Insurance Number or your birth certificate

Click here for more detailed tips on protecting your identity, and what to do if your identity is stolen

Your identity is a valuable possession .. . cherish it and protect it!

In Its 100th Year, Better Business Bureau Breaks All Records for Consumer Services

3/13/2013

Posted on 3/13/2013 by

Arlington, VA (March 12, 2012) – Better Business Bureaucelebrated its Centennial year by ringing the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Cemetery, and helping a record-breaking number of consumers across the United States and Canada. The organization set new records in virtually all categories of service:

· Total instances of service (online and in person) topped 180 million, up from 142.5 million in 2011, a 27% percent increase.

· Inquiries jumped more then 20%, from just over 103 million in 2011 to 124.5 million in 2012 (inquiries are primarily consumers looking up a specific business or searching for a business in their area at bbb.org or via the mobile app).

· The number of complaints against businesses handled by BBB in 2012 was 984,721, up more than six percent from 927,256 in 2011.

· National charity reports viewed on Give.org were up from three million in 2011 to five million in 2012, due in part to a new, easier-to-read reporting format.

· Visitors to the organization’s website averaged 8-10 million a month, also a record.

“These numbers confirm BBB’s leadership in helping consumers make smarter buying decisions,” said Carrie A. Hurt, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “They demonstrate the trust that consumers place in us to give them good information, to steer them toward good businesses and away from bad ones, and to help them resolve problems when they arise. It’s gratifying as we enter our second century to know that our brand is more relevant than ever.”

Hurt credits the venerated organization’s Centennial with helping to remind people just how valuable BBB can be. 2012 was also the first full year that BBB Business Reviews and ratings were available on an iPhone app. The organization’s popular Scam Alerts, blog and social media sites attracted a new generation of BBB users. Two new micro sites – BBB Smart Investing and BBB Scam Stopper– generated a lot of interest, as did the group’s annual list of Top Ten Scams.

One startling statistic had to do with online-only businesses, which had approximately seven times the number of complaints per business as “bricks and mortar” retailers. “When shopping online, it’s even more important to take the time to know who you are dealing with,” said Hurt. “It takes less than a minute to look up a company at bbb.org. Do that before you enter your credit card information and click ‘Buy.’”

One number that was down was good news – BBB AUTO LINE handled fewer lemon law disputes (17,158, down from 17,367 in 2011). “Automakers are making better quality automobiles and improving customer service,” noted Hurt. “This positive trend has been going on for years.”

BBB maintains Business Reviews on more than 4.5 million businesses and rates them based on complaint histories, responsiveness to customers, licensing, legal and government action, and other factors. Nearly 400,000 are Accredited Businesses that meet the BBB Code of Business Practicesand are permitted to display the BBB logo in their marketing and place of business.

The top industries by inquiry and the percentage change over 2011 were:

Industry	2012 Total Inquiries	Rank by number of Inquiries1	Percentage Change over 2011
Roofing Contractors	3,502,493	1	5 %
Contractors – General	2,488,480	2	11.5 %
Auto Dealers – Used Cars	2,149,417	3	34 %
Auto Repair & Service	1,915,473	4	21 %
Mortgage Brokers	1,805,244	5	22.5 %
Plumbers	1,773,853	6	16 %
Auto Dealers – New Cars	1,649,661	7	9 %
Collection Agencies	1,543,234	8	40.5 %
Heating & Air Conditioning	1,540,500	9	25.5 %
Construction and Remodeling Services	1,538,574	10	19 %

1 Inquiry rank is outof 5,034 industry categories

These numbers were not surprising, as consumers tend to do more research on large purchases such as cars and home re-modeling. The top four categories for inquiries remained the same from 2011, and most of the rest changed only slightly. Movers fell off the top ten while collection agencies moved up to #8.

Complaints are filed by consumers against a particular business when they have a problem they cannot resolve on their own. Every complaint is reviewed by a staff member at the BBB where the business is located, and the company is given two weeks to respond. Through a self-regulatory process, honed over 100 years, about 95% of complaints to BBBs are resolved at this level (either the business and consumer work it out, which may impact the business’s rating positively, or the business refuses to cooperate, which may impact their rating negatively). For those that cannot be resolved, mediation or arbitration is offered, and BBB has trained mediators and arbitrators across North America.

The top industries for complaints in 2012 were:

Industry	2012 Total Complaints	Rank by number of Complaints1	Percentage Change over 2010	Percentage of Resolved Complaints 2
Cellular Telephone Service & Equipment	41,809	1	9 %	96.2%
Auto Dealers – New Cars	27,025	2	4 %	87.7%
Television – Cable, CATV & Satellite	25,714	3	3 %	97.7%
Collection Agencies	25,068	4	38.5 %	85.9%
Telephone Communications	17,508	5	265 %	95.6%
Auto Dealers – Used Cars	17,506	6	7.5 %	73.4%
Telephone Companies	16,010	7	2 %	97.2%
Internet Shopping	14,744	8	14.5 %	67.3%
Auto Repair & Service	14,380	9	-.75 %	66.5%
Furniture – Retail	14,003	10	-3.5 %	78.7%

1 Complaint rank isout of 5,034 industry categories

2Averageresolution rate across all industries for 2012 was 76.3 percent

“Again, not too surprising, as these are goods and services almost all of us use,” said Hurt. “So even though the volume of complaints is high, the actual rate of complaints is relatively low. And companies in these industries also tend to resolve complaints at a higher rate, as well.”

Telephone communications as a category saw the largest increase in the number of complaints, up 265%. This was due primarily to mergers and acquisitions within the industry, which caused a number of smaller companies to move into this category for the first time, and a few “bad apples” that currently have low ratings with BBB due to unresolved complaints.

Thre industries increased in complaints by more than 35%: internet marketing, credit cards and collection agencies. Financial services had the biggest decrease in complaints, about 38%.

-30-

* The most improved/declined industries were those with the highest percentage changes in complaints from 2011 to 2012 for those industries with at least 1,000 complaints in 2012. All of those noted are in the top 200 industry categories that BBB tracks.

ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2012, consumers turned to BBB 124 million times for Business Reviews on more than 4.5 million companies and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for 114 local, independent BBBs across the United States and Canada, as well as home to its national programs on dispute resolution and industry self-regulation.

MEDIA CONTACTS: For more information, journalists should contact Katherine Hutt at 703-247-9345 or khutt@council.bbb.org orKelsey Owen at 703-247-9376 or kowen@council.bbb.org. After hours, use the BBB Media Hotline at 571-422-3584.

Have you changed your Debit/Credit Card PINs lately?

3/12/2013

Posted on 3/12/2013 by

If you haven’t changed your PINs lately,your money could be at risk.

Changing your PIN on a regular basis (at least every two months) can go a long way toward preventing thieves from accessing your bank account.

Pin pad fraudsters can empty your bank account. While the bank will reimburse the stolen funds, the problem is, your account may be empty when the mortgage or rent comes due. Bounced cheques and missed payments can affect your credit rating.

How do they do it?

Pin pad fraudsters will steal a legitimate PIN pad and substitute it with a decoy while they install their own equipment into the legitimate Pin pad. The now-altered original PIN pad is then swapped back with the decoy. This PIN pad is now capable of recording debit and credit card numbers and their corresponding PINs (this is called ‘skimming’).

With this information, PIN pad fraudsters can compromise your accounts at their discretion. It is estimated that skimming costs the economy billions of dollars each year.

Change your PIN!

Fraud affects us all.

Constable Elvin Toy, who works with our Economic Crimes Unit says, “While it’s important to cover your hand while you’re entering your PIN, it’s even more important that you change your PIN regularly. If the fraudsters have your old PIN, your account will be safe.That’s the only way to stop criminals from emptying your account.”

Click here for more information on protecting your debit/credit cards.

When Mr./Ms. Right isn’t what they appear to be

3/4/2013

Posted on 3/4/2013 by

“We get calls from victims of romance fraud, and their stories are heart-breaking,” says Cst. Nadine Swist, who works in the EPS Economic Crimes Unit. “In some cases, they’ve not only lost their life savings, but their homes as well.”

Fraudsters commit crimes of confidence. They don’t just steal your money, they gain your trust first and they take your money. In Romance Scams, they take advantage of those who are looking for love; they play upon the victim’s emotions to steal their money. Victims of both sexes come in shapes and sizes and ages.

Prime hunting grounds are any and all dating sites, even those that require members to pay a fee. Social networking sites are popular as well.

“These criminals are heartless; they’ll say whatever it takes to make the victim trust them. They ‘fall in love’ quickly, using terms of endearment right off the bat,” notes Swist. “And, of course, the photo you see on-line isn’t them: it’s a photo of an attractive person that they simply plucked off the internet.”

Quite often, they work out of a call centre, a room filled with men and women working on numerous victims simultaneously. These centres are not usually located in North America.

Once a relationship has been established, they’ll sometimes get a third party to chat with the victim. This party would gush about how happy they are that their loved one has found the perfect partner.

Signs to watch for

• They often move the conversation off of the dating site and to your personal e-mail, text, or phone

• They’ll say they’re overseas

• They want to meet you, but:

• they have a financial burden

• their funds are frozen

• they’ve lost their passport

• they can’t pay for a ticket to come and visit.

They ask for money

They’ll ask if you can ‘lend’ them money so they can come and visit. They’ll even insist that they’ll pay you back.

“Sometimes, after the victim has sent some money, the criminal will come up with heart-rending sob story, compelling them to ask for more. They’ll keep doing this until the victim either refuses the requests, or runs out of money,” says Swist.

How to protect yourself

Constable Swist advises that you ask the person provide a unique photo with cues in it that you will recognize. For instance, you might ask them to post a photo of themselves holding a blue mug and a red pen. If they can’t do that, that’s not a good sign.

Use the internet to your advantage. “Google” the name and the email they give you and see what you can find out.

The most important thing is to never send money to someone you’ve never met. And if you do send money, accept that you will never see that money again. Trust your gut: if it doesn’t feel right, then don’t get involved . . . period.

If someone sounds too good to be true, they probably are not for real. Literally anyone can be a target.

BBB Highlights Top 10 Complaints and Inquiries for January

2/8/2013

Posted on 2/8/2013 by

Between January 1 and 31, BBB of Central and Northern Albertar eceived the most complaints and inquiries about the following industries:(Ranked from highest to lowest)

	Complaints		Inquiries
1.	Furniture - Retail	1.	Home Builders
2.	Auto Dealers – New Cars	2.	General Contractors
3.	Burglar Alarms & Monitoring	3.	Plumbing Contractors
4.	Movers	4.	Auto Repair & Service
5.	Auto Dealers – Used Cars	5.	Roofing Contractors
6.	Home Builders	6.	Movers
7.	Windows	7.	Auto Dealers – New Cars
8.	Landscape Contractors	8.	Auto Dealers – Used Cars
9.	Auto Parts & Supplies	9.	Electrical Contractors
10.	Collection Agencies	10	Home Improvements

The following is a tip to avoid Romance Scams.

Romance Scams are one of the many Internet scams that target individuals. But this time of year, consumers become increasingly vulnerable to this type of scam. Scammers use dating sites, chat rooms and social networking to find the “perfect victim.’

BBB warns that while all people may be at risk, criminals focus more on those over the age of 40, who may be divorced or widowed. They also may target elderly and disabled individuals.

“Online romance scams grow more sophisticated each year,” says Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager for BBB of Central and Northern Alberta. “We’re trying to warn consumers and make them aware of some signs they can look out for to avoid being scammed.”

According to the Internet Crime Complaint Centre, they received over 5,600 complaints regarding romance scams in 2011 and information indicates that number grew in 2012. In some cases, scammers send their victims flowers or gifts while using stories of tragedy to earn trust and sympathy. Common signs you might be dealing with a scammer include: emails with poor grammar, misspelled words and requests for money. If a message you are sent through a dating service or online chat room contains any of these things,you may be dealing with someone intent on misleading you.

BBB offers the following tips for avoiding romance scams.

Consider using an established dating service. Check out their record first at edmonton.bbb.org

Don’t get involved with anyone who claims to love you from the word go. Scammers usually use emotional ties to increase their chances of getting your money. If your match quickly asks for travel expenses or other gifts, be on alert.

Make sure you’re familiar with the sites sending messages. Install updated anti-virus software and beware of unsolicited emails with subject lines like “Someone just sent you an e-card,” or “We’re a perfect match.”

Never give credit card and account details and be careful what personal information you pass out. Scammers can use your information and pictures to create a fake identity or target you with another scam.

Consider focusing your efforts to meet someone locally. While it’s possible and increasingly likely to meet someone online, there’s also more possibility of running into a long-distance scammer.

For more information on romance scams, visit edmonton.bbb.org

Consumer tips and media releases can also be found on our Homepage, Blog and News Centre. Please feel free to subscribe to our RSS feed to receive BBB news at your computer. We also have a Facebook Fan Page and you can follow us on Twitter.

The 2013 BBB Consumer Guide is coming

2/1/2013

Posted on 2/1/2013 by

BBB Names Top Scams of 2012

1/14/2013

Posted on 1/14/2013 by

Edmonton, AB (January 14, 2013) – The Better Business Bureau investigates thousands of scams every year, and this past year launched two websites to help consumers figure out which offers are real and which ones are possibly frauds:

BBB Smart Investing (www.bbb.org/smartinvesting), developed in partnership with the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, informs consumers about investment fraud, Ponzi schemes and risky investments, and helps them assess their risk, check out U.S. brokers, and avoid getting taken. The general information provided is applicable to Canadians but Canadians should contact their local BBB to check on their broker.

BBB Scam Stopper (www.bbb.org/scamstopper), developed in partnership with Western Union, educates consumers about the major types of scams and provides information on how to avoid them and how to report them.

The annual “Top Ten Scams” list is culled from a variety of sources. BBB gathers information on scams from consumers, some of whom have been victims of scams; from federal agencies; and from other reliable information sources.

“It’s hard to say which the ‘biggest’ scams are because many go unreported or under-reported,” said Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations for BBB of Central and Northern Alberta. “Some of these scams have been around as long as BBB – 100 years – and some take advantage of brand new technologies. Our list is made up of the ones that seemed the most audacious, the most egregious.”

Although this list is compiled for all of North America, itis interesting to note that the consumers in our service area were affected similarly by every one of these scams listed here.

Here are BBB’s Top Ten Scams of 2012:

Top Overpayment/Fake Check Scam: Car Ads

The scam is old but this is a new twist. The online ad says something like “Get Paid Just for Driving Around” – a prominent company is offering $400+ per week if you’ll drive around with their logo all over your car. They send a check to you, which you are supposed to deposit in your account and then wire part of the payment to the graphic designer who will customize the ad for your vehicle. Whoops! A week later, the check bounces, the graphic designer is nowhere to be found, and you are out the money you wired.

Top Emergency Scam: Grandparents Scam

The “Grandparents Scam” has been around a while, but it’s still so prevalent we need to mention it again: grandchild/niece/nephew/friend is traveling and calls/texts/emails to say he or she has been mugged/arrested/hurt and needs money right away (“…and please don’t tell mom and dad!”). Thanks to social media, it’s getting easier and easier for scammers to tell a more plausible story because they can use real facts from the supposed victim’s life.

Top Employment Scam: Mystery Shopping

If you love to shop, working as a secret shopper may sound like an ideal way to supplement your income. Scammers have figured that out, too, and many job offers are nothing more than a variation on the Overpayment/Fake Check Scam (above). Sometimes they even tell you that evaluating the wire service company is part of the job, which is why you need to send back part of the money. The Mystery Shopping ProvidersA ssociation says it’s not the practice of their members to pre-pay shoppers, but if you have your heart set on this type of job, you can find a legitimate gig through their website at www.mysteryshoppingcanada.com.

Top Advance Fee/Prepayment Scam: Nonexistent Loans

Loan scams continued to fester in 2012. It seems for every legitimate lender out there, there is a scammer waiting to prey on people in desperate situations. Most of the scams advertise online from U.S. locations and promise things like no credit check or easy repayment terms. Then the hook: you have to make the first payment upfront, you have to buy an “insurance policy,”or there is some other kind of fee that you have to pay first to “secure” the loan.

Top Phishing Scam: Using a Respected Name to Impact Your Computer

The BBB phishing scam hit our top ten last year but the scammers have not slowed down their efforts to use our trusted name but others as well in 2012. Canada Post, UPS and more have had their names used in emails that claim to have complaints, parcels or even crime information attached to a link in the email. The majority of these scams serve to slow people down by uploading malware into their computer causing viruses and costly repairs. Some are more malicious and end in identity theft.

Top Sweepstakes/Lottery Scam: Jamaican Phone Lottery

This is an old one that flared up again this year. In this one, the calls come from Jamaica (area code 876) but the person claims to represent BBB ( or other trusted group). Great news: you’ve won a terrific prize (typical haul: $2 million and Mercedes Benz) but you have to pay a fee in order to collect your winnings. There are lots of variations on this; sometimes it’s a government grant.

Top Identity Theft Scam: Fake Facebook Tweets

Two top social media sites were exploited in one of this year’s top scams. You get a Direct Message from a friend on Twitter with something about a video of you on Facebook (“ROFL they was taping you” or “What RU doing in this FB vid?” are typical tweets). In a panic, you click on the link to see what the embarrassing video could possibly be, and you get an error message that says you need to update Flash or other video player. But the file isn’t a new version of Flash; it’s a virus or malware that can steal confidential information from your computer or smart phone.

Top Home Improvement Scam: The Fake or Unskilled Contractor

BBB spends a lot of time investigating and reporting on home improvement scams such as tree removal, roofing, landscaping, and general home repairs. Although there are many licensed and skilled contractors available consumers can still fall victim to the unlicensed, uninsured and ill-prepared contractor. Some were out-and-out scam artists who took the money and never did the work. Often when it is an emergency or simply the impact of our short Canadian spring and summer season, it’s tempting to skip reference checking, but that’s never a good idea. BBB has tens of thousands of Accredited Businesses in the home contracting field who are committed to upholding our mission of trust. Next time you need home repairs,check out your BBB tips on How to Hire a Contractor and find a contractor at www.bbb.org/search.

Top Sales/Rental Scam: Real Stars, Fake Goods

Sports memorabilia and phony tickets to your favorite performer’s concert always make the list of top counterfeit goods. With the London Olympics added to the mix, it appears that 2012 was a good year for sports fakes. Some scammers were selling cheap knock-offs in front of stadiums. Others set up websites that just stole your money and never had any goods to begin with. Counterfeit goods are not only a rip-off for you because the merchandise is usually shoddy, but they are also a rip-off for the teams, athletes, performers, designers and artists who create, license and sell the real thing. Buy directly from team stores and ticket websites, or from legitimate retailers. You’ll pay a little more, but it will be the real deal. Remember,if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Scam of the Year: Newtown Charity Scams

Although this took place in the United States, both Canadians and Americans were moved to show their support for the victims of this horrific act. Within hours of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, social media pages dedicated to the child victims began cropping up…and some of them were scams asking for money. The FBI has already arrested one woman for posing as the aunt of one of the children killed,and state and federal agencies are investigating other possible fraudulent and misleading solicitations. In response to these reports, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offered tips for donors to understand how and when to best support those dealing with such a tragic crisis or Canadians can check at www.cra-arc.gc.ca. Although the number of people defrauded and the total dollars stolen is most likely low, the cynicism and sheer audacity of these scams merits our selecting it as the “Top Scam of 2012.”

Consumer tips and media releases can also be found on our Homepage, Blog and News Centre. Please feel free to subscribe to our RSS feed to receive BBB news at your computer. We also have a Facebook Fan Page and you can follow us on Twitter.

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As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau of Central and Northern Alberta is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 65 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews to help them find trustworthy businesses across North America. Visit edmonton.bbb.org for more information.

* Trade-mark of theCouncil of Better Business Bureaus used under License

For media inquiries please contact:

Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager

BBB^® of Central and Northern Alberta

Phone: (780) 488-6632 Ext. 233 Toll-Free: 1 (800) 232-7298

Email: ron@edmonton.bbb.org

BBB Top 10 Tips for Online Shopping

11/29/2012

Posted on 11/29/2012 by

With more shoppers looking online for their gift giving, BBB is offering some tips to help ensure your loved ones get what they want and you don't get a nasty surprise from a scammer.

The BBB’s 10 tips for safe online shopping are as follows:

Protect your computer. Install a firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Check for and install the latest updates and run virus scans regularly.
Check a site’s security settings. If the site is secure, its URL (web address) should start with “https://.” You also may see a picture of a small closed lock in the lower right hand corner of the screen.
Shop trustworthy websites: Look for the BBB seal on the site and click to confirm that it’s valid. New BBB dynamic seals will take you to a site’s Business Review. You also may find the review at edmonton.bbb.org
Protect personal information. Read a site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. Don’t enter that information on unsolicited emails. If a site lacks a privacy policy, it could be a red flag that the site could sell your information without your permission.
Beware of too-good-to-be-true deals. Offers on websites and in unsolicited emails may offer free or very low prices on hard-to-find items. There may be hidden costs or your purchase may sign you up for a monthly charge. Look for and read the fine print.
Beware of phishing. Legitimate businesses do not send emails claiming problems with an order, account or a package to lure the buyer into revealing financial information. If you receive such an email, the BBB recommends that you pick up the phone and call the contact number on the website where the purchase was made to confirm a problem.
Pay with a credit card. Under federal law, you can dispute the charges if you don’t receive an item. Shoppers also have dispute rights if there are any unauthorized charges on the card, and many card issuers have zero-liability policies if someone steals and uses your card number. Check your credit card statement regularly for unauthorized charges. Never wire money.
Keep documentation of your order. Save a copy of the confirmation page of an order or emails confirming the order until you receive the item and are satisfied.
Obtain a tracking number for shipments. If you need the product before the holidays, find out when the seller intends to ship it and if possible, how it will be shipped. The tracking number can help you find a lost order.
Know your rights: Research any refund or exchange policies. Find out what your responsibilities are if returning a product. Is there a time frame? Who pays postage?

Don't let Scams ruin your holiday spirit

11/26/2012

Posted on 11/26/2012 by

Looking forward to the holidays? So are the scammers. As many begin to make their holiday gift list, scammers are targeting your hard earned money. Better Business Bureau is warning holiday shoppers to know the red flags and to be on their guard for this season's holiday scams.

"Every year, thousands of shoppers fall victim to the holiday scams that seem too good to be true," said Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager for BBB of Central and Northern Alberta. “Scammers prey on that hope that this time is different and you really are getting a great deal.”

This holiday season, BBB urges consumers to take the following tips into consideration before doing their holiday shopping and making charity donations:

Always check a business's BBB Business Review, at www.edmonton.bbb.org, before making a purchase in the store or online. Make sure that the company has a physical address and telephone number. When shopping online, some websites offer electronics or luxury goods at prices that are too good to be true. Every holiday season, BBB hears from holiday shoppers who paid for a "great deal" online, but received little or nothing in return.

If you shop Craigslist or other free bulletin board sites, look for local sellers and conduct transactions in person. Bring a friend if you’re uncomfortable meeting the seller alone. Never wire money as payment. If you’re shopping on auctions like EBay, look at seller ratings and read their reviews. Don't buy if the deal sounds too good to be true.

Don't let yourself get bogged down in purchases or lose track of your wallet. While you're struggling with bags of presents, identity thieves may see an opportunity to steal yourw allet or look over your shoulder to copy your debit or credit card numbers.Know where your credit and debit cards are at all times and cover the keypad when entering your PIN while purchasing items or getting money from an ATM.Make sure you put your card backing your wallet after each purchase.

Don't click on any links or open any attachments to emails until you have confirmed that they are notm alicious. Phishing emails are common way for hackers to get at your personal information or break into your computer. Around the holidays, beware of e-cards and messages pretending to be from companies like Canada Post or FedEx with links to package tracking information. Email addresses that don't match up,typos and grammatical mistakes are common red flags of a malicious phishing email. Also beware of unsolicited emails from companies with which you have no association. Make sure you have current antivirus software and that all security patches have been installed on the computer.

For more holiday tipsthat you can trust, visit edmonton.bbb.org

Baby Boom your Business Strategy

11/14/2012

Posted on 11/14/2012 by

When looking to create or update the branding strategy for your business, it’s always important to take every demographic into consideration. According to the International Council of Active Aging (ICAA), the majority of adults over the age of 55 feel that advertising does not reflect their current lifestyle, and they are turned off by marketing messages targeted to them. Better Business Bureau is reminding business owners to include our nation’s aging population in their branding and marketing.

Creating ads that work is one of the top goals for all businesses. And while many boomers are much more apt to rely on referrals than the younger generation, 90%of adults 50 and older also rely on and comfortably use email, according to ICAA. Forrester Research found that 49% of consumers who are 66 or older rely on personal emails to direct them to sites, compared to 28% of non-seniors.

One of the problems in today’s marketing world is the fact that many businesses don’t even have a viable strategy for targeting the nation’s 77 million baby boomers, ICAA notes. When creating or sprucing up your branding strategy, the best way to make sure that it doesn’t neglect the aging population is to get input from them directly.

Better Business Bureau and ICAA recommend the following 6 steps to businesses that are looking to make their branding strategy more baby boomer friendly:

Create ads that work. Don’t assume that you’ll reach the aging population by default. Actively design ads to portray baby boomers in a positive, uplifting light. Don’t use negative stereotypes of older adults to humor younger audiences.

Deliver the message effectively. Tell a story instead of lecturing. Let your ad arouse emotions and tug at the heart strings of your audience. Help your audience with comprehension by breaking up lengthy facts into short snippets.

Use terms that work. The key to tugging at the hearts and minds of older adults is to speak their language. Every word counts. Business owners should focus their advertising using language that implies health, well-being, and productivity.

Focus your ad photos using realistic images. According to a recent study by AARP, researchers discovered that images showing exercise that looks like too much work turns off older adults. Grimacing, sweaty,straining models won’t entice many 50-plus adults to become engaged. Make surey our business branding strategy uses images that are both realistic and fun.Baby boomers are more likely to engage with your brand if they feel accurately represented.

For more business tips you can trust, visit edmonton.bbb.org, and for more information on engaging the aging population visit International Council of Active Aging, www.icaa.cc.

BBB Highlights October Top 10 Complaints and Inquiries

11/5/2012

Posted on 11/5/2012 by

Between October 1 and 31, BBB of Central and Northern Alberta received the most complaints and inquiries about the following industries: (Ranked from highest to lowest)

	Complaints		Inquiries
1.	Furniture - Retail	1.	Home Builders
2.	Burglar Alarms & Monitoring	2.	General Contractors
3.	Auto Dealers – New Cars	3.	Plumbing Contractors
4.	Pet Supplies & Foods	4.	Auto Repair & Service
5.	Movers	5.	Roofing Contractors
6.	Home Builders	6.	Auto Dealers – New Cars
7.	Paving Contractors	7.	Movers
8.	General Contractors	8.	Heating & Air Conditioning
9.	Painting Contractors	9.	Electrical Contractors
10.	Auto Dealers – Used Cars	10	Home Improvements

The following is BBB Advice for Sticking to Your Holiday Budget

With the joy of the holidays comes the stress of overspending. Every year, many consumers overspend during the holidays, starting off the New Year in debt. But not to worry! You can make this year debt-free by creating a holiday budget and sticking to it.

Although retailers are anticipating an increase in holiday spending over last year, that doesn’t mean you have to spend more. According to Royal Bank of Canada, “The average Canadian will spend approximately $640 on holiday shopping this year.”

Whether you plan to spend more or less than that average, the key is to set a budget and stick to it. BBB has again teamed up with Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions to offer financial tips to help you manage your expenses and stay clear of debt. To get started, check out our Holiday Planner Calculator, which helps you compartmentalize your holiday budget into categories like gifts, travel and food. You set the overall budget, and adjust it depending on your needs and plans for the holiday season.

Here are some other ideas from Clearpoint for sticking to a budget:

Make a list

Jot down a list of the persons to whom you wish to give a holiday gift.

Set a Limit

Look at your budget to see what amount you can afford to spend in total and then set limits for the amounts you will spend on each person.

Do your research

Many retailers are offering holiday deals, but it’s always a good idea to comparison shop. Online prices may be better, but don’t forget to factor in shipping costs.

Plan your purchases

Decide on what items you will buy online and which items you will purchase at local retailers. Go to edmonton.bbb.org to check out their BBB Business Reviews before you shop.

Make your holidays merry and bright with a plan, a budget and the resolve to stick to it. Come January, you can start the New Year with a clean slate instead of a stack of bills.

For more consumer tips you can trust, visit edmonton.bbb.org.

ALERT: Phishing Scam Looks Like BBB Email…But It’s Not

10/24/2012

Posted on 10/24/2012 by

The BBB name and logo are being fraudulently used by criminals in an on-going phishing scam. The emails look very much like notice of a complaint from BBB, but contain links to malware that can infect your computer, steal passwords, etc. BBB is working with law enforcement, as well as with a private deactivation firm (at our own expense), to shut down as many criminal websites as possible. To date, we have shut down well over 100 sites.

If you get an email that looks like it is a BBB complaint, here is what you should do:

1. Do NOT click on any links or attachments.

2. Read the email carefully for signs that it may be fake (for example, misspellings, grammar, generic greetings such as “Dear member” instead of a name, etc.).

3. Bewary of any urgent instructions to take specified action such as “Click on the link or your account will be closed.”

4. Hover your mouse over links without clicking to see if the address is truly from bbb.org. The URL in the text should match the URL that your mouse detects. If the two do not match, it is most likely a scam.

5. Send a copy of the email to phishing@council.bbb.org (Note: This address is only for scams that use the BBB name or logo)

6. Delete the email from your computer completely (be sure to empty your “trash can” or “recycling bin,” as well).

7. Run anti-virus software updates frequently and do a full system scan.

8. Keep a close eye on your bank statements for any unexpected or unexplained transactions.

If you have a business and are not certain whether the complaint is legitimate, contact your localBBB (www.bbb.org/find).

BBB Highlights September Top 10 Complaints and Inquiries

10/15/2012

Posted on 10/15/2012 by

BBB Highlights September Top 10 Complaints and Inquiries

Edmonton, AB (October 10, 2012) – Between September1 and 30, BBB of Central and Northern Alberta received the most complaints andinquiries about the following industries: (Ranked from highest to lowest)

	Complaints		Inquiries
1.	Furniture - Retail	1.	Roofing Contractors
2.	Home Builders	2.	General Contractors
3.	Burglar Alarms & Monitoring	3.	Home Builders
4.	Auto Dealers – New Cars	4.	Plumbing Contractors
5.	Movers	5.	Movers
6.	Auto Dealers – Used Cars	6.	Auto Repair & Service
7.	Roofing Contractors	7.	Auto Dealers – New Cars
8.	General Contractors	8.	Landscape Contractors
9.	Insurance Companies	9.	Home Improvements
10.	Plumbing Contractors	10	Auto Dealers – Used Cars

Thefollowing is BBB Advice for Avoiding Automobile Repair Scams

When your vehicle needs repairs, you don't need acrash course in auto mechanics, but you should know how to find a reliable shopand mechanic. BBB recommends following a few key points to ensure yourautomobile gets fixed without a glitch.

While many auto repair shops are legitimate, there arealways those few that end up sucking thousands of unnecessary repair dollarsfrom consumers. In 2011, BBB received more than 10,500 complaints against autorepair services and fielded more than 1.4 million inquiries from consumerslooking to find a reliable business in the industry. Many of the complaintsreceived by BBB fell under billing, service, and refund and exchangeissues.

“Whenever you take your car to the shop, never try to diagnose theproblem yourself. Describe the symptoms and ensure that the work cannot beginuntil you have a written estimate and approved the go ahead,” said RonMycholuk, Spokesperson for BBB of Central and Northern Alberta.

BBB recommends considering the following advice when taking your car infor auto repair services:

Checkyour warranty. If you have a problem withyour vehicle while it is still under warranty, follow the manufacturer'sinstructions, which may require that repairs be made at an authorizeddealership.

Ask around. If you are looking for aqualified, independent shop, ask friends for recommendations, or request a listof BBB Accredited Businesses that do the type of auto repair youneed. Be sure to check with BBB about the shop's reliability at edmonton.bbb.org.Look for shops that display certification. For major work, such as brakes,transmission or engine repair, you will need to find a shop employing aspecialist.

Ask all the questions that you need.Don't be embarrassed to request explanations. Don't rush the technician intomaking an on-the-spot diagnosis of the problem. Ask to be called and told ofthe problem, course of action, and cost of work before any work begins.

Before authorizing repairs, get awritten estimate for parts and labor. Tell the shop to get your permissionbefore making additional repairs. Ensure you receive notification by having theservice manager write a request on the bottom of the repair order. Give phonenumbers where you can be reached and, before you leave, be sure to understandall shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees, and acceptable methods ofpayment.

Get everything in writing. When youpick up your vehicle, get an explanation of all work completed and get all guaranteesin writing. Ask that any major new parts that have been installed be pointedout to you. Your repair bill should be itemized so, if a problem occurs later,you can prove the item is covered by the guarantee.

For more consumertips you can trust, visit edmonton.bbb.org.

Consumer tips and media releases can alsobe found on our Homepage, Blog and News Centre. Please feel freeto subscribe to our RSS feed to receive BBBnews at your computer. We also have a Facebook Fan Page and you can followus on Twitter.

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As the leader in advancing marketplacetrust, Better Business Bureau of Central and Northern Alberta is an unbiasednon-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair andhonest business behavior. Every year, more than 65 million consumers rely onBBB Business Reviews to help them find trustworthy businesses across NorthAmerica. Visit edmonton.bbb.org for moreinformation.

* Trade-mark of theCouncil of Better Business Bureaus used under License

For media inquiries please contact:

Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager

BBB^® Serving Central and Northern Alberta

Phone: (780) 488-6632 Ext. 233 TollFree: 1 (800) 232-7298

Email: ron@edmonton.bbb.org

BBB Tips to Avoid Car Repair Scams

10/11/2012

Posted on 10/11/2012 by

BBB recommends considering the following advice when taking your car infor auto repair services:

Check your warranty. If you have a problem with your vehicle while it is still under warranty, follow the manufacturer's instructions, which may require that repairs be made at an authorized dealership.

Ask around. If you are looking for a qualified, independent shop, ask friends for recommendations, or request a list of BBB Accredited Businesses that do the type of auto repair you need. Be sure to check with BBB about the shop's reliability at edmonton.bbb.org. Look for shops that display certification. For major work, such as brakes, transmission or engine repair, you will need to find a shop employing a specialist.

Ask all the questions that you need. Don't be embarrassed to request explanations. Don't rush the technician into making an on-the-spot diagnosis of the problem. Ask to be called and told of the problem, course of action, and cost of work before any work begins.

Before authorizing repairs, get a written estimate for parts and labor. Tell the shop to get your permission before making additional repairs. Ensure you receive notification by having thes ervice manager write a request on the bottom of the repair order. Give phone numbers where you can be reached and, before you leave, be sure to understand all shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment.

Get everything in writing. When you pick up your vehicle, get an explanation of all work completed and get all guarantees in writing. Ask that any major new parts that have been installed be pointed out to you. Your repair bill should be itemized so, if a problem occurs later,you can prove the item is covered by the guarantee.

For more consumer tips you can trust, visit edmonton.bbb.org.

Edmonton Bieber fans targeted by scammers

8/8/2012

Posted on 8/8/2012 by

Scammers are targeting Bieber fans who believe they can get tickets to his sold out Edmonton show.

BBB is warning consumers to be vigilant when shopping for tickets online. Edmonton Police indicated at least one fan has been scammed out of $700.00, but more could be out there.

“The show sold out in seconds, so it’s natural for fans to look for other avenues to find tickets,” says Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager for BBB of Central and Northern Alberta. “This creates an opportunityfor scam artists to play on people’s desire to see Justin perform.”

BBB experience shows if one person’s been scammed, more have been scammed. Unfortunately, many victims are embarrassed to come forward, believing they should have known better.

But Ron Mycholuk says this isn’t the case, “These scammers are sophisticated. They know how much people want to go and prey on that never say never attitude regarding finding tickets.”

BBB advises consumers to ask questions before handing over any money. It’s no different than signing a contract; get as much information as you need to make an informed decision.

Ask who the seller is. And ask for identification if necessary.
Ask what the ticket bar code and number are. Use that information to confirm with the ticket agent and confirm the tickets are legitimate.
Plan to meet the seller in public. Tell a friend where and when you’re meeting and track any email or phone communication.

BBB also advises consumers to watch out for ticket scams surrounding the August 17 and 18 Metallica concerts in Edmonton.

For more consumer tips you can trust, visit edmonton.bbb.org.

BBB offers Back to School Shopping Tips

8/7/2012

Posted on 8/7/2012 by

Summer will be over and school will be starting again before we know it. Now’s the time to take advantage of annual back to school specials on supplies. Whether you plan to shop at your favorite retail store orlook around your home, BBB recommends sticking to a budget to avoid the common overspending on school supplies.

Many retailers offer back to school deals to entice shoppers. Coupons, deals and giveaways are nice, but make sure you actually need the items first. There’s no need to spend money on new crayons, pencils and notebooks if all it takes is organizing what you already have.

“Back to school shopping is an exciting time for children and parents,” says Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager for BBB ofCentral and Northern Alberta. “But it’s important not to get too caught up in the moment that you lose track of your financial situation.”

BBB recommends the following when back to schools hopping

Take inventory. There’s always that supply of markers, crayons and notebooks around the house. Re-using these items can save hundreds of dollars over the years. Consider re-packaging, sharpening and cleaning out older items before buying new ones.

Look for deals. Some retailer specials are available in-store or online. Also check out your local newspaper. Shop sooner rather than later to get the pieces on sale before they are sold out.

Set a budget. Decide how much you’re willing to spend per child and include a teachable moment for you children on creating that budget. Take an inventory, create a shopping list and stick to it. This should help you avoid costly impulse purchases.

Check refund and exchange policies. Be sure you can exchange or return items during back to school shopping. Keep in mind some items may be non-refundable or have re-stocking fees.

By following these tips, you should be able to get all your back to school needs while maintain financial stability.

For more consumer tips you can trust, visit edmonton.bbb.org.

Consumer tips and media releases can also be found on our Homepage, Blog and News Centre. Please feel free to subscribe to our RSS feed to receive BBB news at your computer. We also have a Facebook Fan Page and you can follow us on Twitter.

Don't get rolled over by a Paving Scam

7/19/2012

Posted on 7/19/2012 by
Summer is in full swing and paving season is humming along. It's a great time to redo your driveway or patio. But consumers are warned to be cautious when selecting a paving contractor.

Every paving season, bands of con artists travel through our region targeting unsuspecting home owners and business people. One of their main targets if often senior citizens.

Here are some warning signs for consumers when approached by paving contractors:

Selling door to door: Reputable asphalt contractors will rarely, if ever, sell their product door to door. In Alberta, they would require a Direct Seller's License and possibly a Pre-Paid Contracting License (both from Government of Alberta) if they are asking for money up front.
Claiming they have left over asphalt. Professional contractors will know how much paving material is needed to complete a job. Rarely will they have left over product.
Pushing you to make a decision. Reputable contractors will provide a written estimate that will be valid for days or weeks. If the great deal they are offering isn't available tomorrow or next week, be concerned. Never hire someone on the spot. Ask for references, take your time and check them out.
Not offering a contract. Insist on a written contract detailing the work, the price and any other details you feel are important. Ask for the total price, not the price per square foot. Chances are unless you measured the area, your price could end up being higher.
Accepting only cash. Most reputable contractors take cheques or credit cards and don't require cash transactions.
Deals that seem too good. If the quoted price seems low, chances are the quality of work will be low. In fact, prices that start lower end up costing more in the long run when you have to hire another contractor to fix or re-do the work.
Unmarked trucks. Often the trucks they travel in are unmarked or have out of province identification. A little research reveals no permanent address and a phone number that goes straight to voice mail.

Professionally done asphalt can last for many years and most trusted contractors stand behind their work. They will also know whether or not a permit is required.

Know who you are business with first and check with your BBB before paying any money or signing any contract.

FDA Issues Alert on Reumofan Plus

7/19/2012

Posted on 7/19/2012 by

Health officials in Mexico order recall based on potentially harmful pharmaceutical ingredients

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers that Reumofan Plus, marketed as a “natural” dietary supplement for pain relief and other serious conditions, contains several active pharmaceutical ingredients not listed on the label that could be harmful.

Consumers who are currently taking Reumofan Plus or who have recently stopped taking Reumofan Plus should immediately consult a health care professional. Consumers should not buy or start using the product.

Reumofan Plus is labeled in Spanish and promoted for treating arthritis, muscle pain, osteoporosis, bone cancer, and other conditions. The product is manufactured in Mexico by Riger Naturals and sold in some retail outlets, at flea markets, and on various internet sites. FDA has worked closely with the Mexican government on this matter. The Mexican Ministry of Health has issued a health warning to the public and ordered Riger Naturals to recall the product.

The FDA has received multiple reports of adverse events associated with the use of Reumofan Plus, including liver injury, sudden worsening of glucose (sugar) control, weight gain, swelling, leg cramps, and adrenal suppression (problems with kidney functioning).

An FDA laboratory analysis of Reumofan Plus found that it contains:

diclofenac sodium – a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may cause increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke, as well as serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and fatal perforation (causing a hole) of the stomach and intestines.
methocarbamol – a prescription muscle relaxant that can cause sedation, dizziness, low blood pressure, and impair mental or physical abilities to perform tasks such as driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery.

These ingredients also may interact with other medications and result in serious adverse events.

The Mexican Ministry of Health discovered that at least one lot of the product contains the corticosteroid dexamethasone, a drug that acts as an anti-inflammatory and immune system suppressant.

According to FDA adverse events reports, consumers reported symptoms suggesting that some lots of Reumofan Plus may contain corticosteroids. At least one report from a health care professional treating a patient with adverse events from using Reumofan Plus, confirmed adrenal suppression. Abrupt discontinuation of corticosteroids after long-term or high dose use can cause fatigue, nausea, low blood pressure, low blood sugar levels, fever, muscle, and joint pain, dizziness, and fainting.

Health care professionals are urged to ask their patients about use of Reumofan Plus and other products marketed as dietary supplements when patients present with unexplained symptoms that suggest NSAID toxicity, depression, or the use or abrupt discontinuation of corticosteroids.

Additionally, health care professionals should evaluate patients who have used Reumofan Plus for drug and disease interactions involving diclofenac, methocarbamol, and corticosteroids, and consider whether a corticosteroid taper regimen may be appropriate in those who have used Reumofan Plus.

Health care professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse events related to Reumofan Plus to FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

For more information and updates, visit

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm306348.htm

FDA Issues Alert on Reumofan Plus

7/19/2012

Posted on 7/19/2012 by

Health officials in Mexico order recall based on potentially harmful pharmaceutical ingredients

An FDA laboratory analysis of Reumofan Plus found that it contains:

diclofenac sodium – a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may cause increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke, as well as serious gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and fatal perforation (causing a hole) of the stomach and intestines.
methocarbamol – a prescription muscle relaxant that can cause sedation, dizziness, low blood pressure, and impair mental or physical abilities to perform tasks such as driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery.

These ingredients also may interact with other medications and result in serious adverse events.

The Mexican Ministry of Health discovered that at least one lot of the product contains the corticosteroid dexamethasone, a drug that acts as an anti-inflammatory and immune system suppressant.

Health care professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse events related to Reumofan Plus to FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

For more information and updates, visit

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm306348.htm

Consumer Tip Olympic Scams

7/6/2012

Posted on 7/6/2012 by

The London 2012 Olympics start later this month and millions of viewers will watch around the world. But consumers should also be aware of scammers using the Olympics as a tool to target people.

“Millions of people will be looking for tickets and merchandise for the Olympics,” says Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager for BBB of Central and Northern Alberta. “But consumers need to be alert and ensure they are dealing with legitimate, authorized partners of the Olympics to avoid being scammed.”

Here are some tips for scams BBB anticipates might pop up.

· Fake tickets. Tickets for the London games are only available through the official website and their appointed ticketing partners. If you receive offers from other sources, they are either selling illegally or selling fake tickets. Visit the official website for more information on Authorized Ticket sellers.

· Fake Olympic connections. If you are contacted by someone claiming to be connected to the Olympics, take steps to confirm that information. Before paying any money or providing personal information, contact the official page.

· Fake emails and websites. Scammers will send out emails and develop websites that either claim a relationship with the Olympics or look similar to the Olympic page. Be alert when providing personal or financial information. Look for the secure website icon and the name “London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Ltd.” The site should also be identified as part of london2012.com.

If you don’t see the padlock icon or the information found above, do not enter your personal or financial information. These tips should help consumers enjoy the Olympics and get involved without being scammed in the process.

For more tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org.

BBB advises consumers to check out prospective companies on edmonton.bbb.org or contact their financial institutions directly for advice. For more tips on credit counseling, visit our website or contact your BBB at (780) 482-2341.

Consumer tips and media releases can also be found on our Homepage, Blog and News Centre. Please feel free to subscribe to our RSS feed to receive BBB news at your computer. We also have a Facebook Fan Page and you can follow us on Twitter.

BBB Consumer Guide goes Online

6/29/2012

Posted on 6/29/2012 by
BBB of Central and Northern Alberta is thrilled to once again put our Consumer Guide online. The 2012 guide highlights information about BBB and our Accredited Businesses and helps consumers find companies they can trust.

Check out the 2012 BBB Consumer Guide

This is the second year our BBB has placed the guide online. As more consumers visit our website for information, we needed to offer this guide in a digital format. We also distribute the guide to over 300,000 households throughout our service area.

"The online guide gives consumers another resource to learn about us and our Accredited Businesses," says Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager for BBB of Central and Northern Alberta. "It looks great, it's interactive and you can send it to your family and friends so they can use it. We're thrilled to offer it online."

Each year, the guide contains information for consumers. This year's directory includes:

General BBB information
Contact information for your BBB
Alphabetical listing of our Accredited Businesses (Pages 5-18)
Accredited Business (Pages 19-52) - Interactive links allow to click on a display ad, email address or website to reach a business
BBB updates - Our exciting Scam Detector partnership and our new building were featured this year

To request a paper copy of the 2012 Consumer Guide, please contact us at 780.488.6632.

New Phone Scam Using BBB Name

6/26/2012

Posted on 6/26/2012 by

BBB Accredited Businesses are being contacting, by a company called Canadian Business Online (phone number: 866-358-3003).

Canadian Business Online are calling and saying that, even though our Business Reviews used to be free at one time, we have now started to charge our Accredited Businesses for them.

The sales pitch continues by saying if the Accredited Business would like to keep their Business Review active and with their current rating...They would have to pay $500.00.

Don’t be caught by this scam, and tell your colleagues, in business, that Business Reviews and ratings, at BBB, never cost money!

If you are approached, by this scam, contact the BBB of Central & Northern Alberta at (780) 482-2341.

Father’s Day Shopping

6/6/2012

Posted on 6/6/2012 by

According to the Statistics Canada, there are over 8 million fathers across the nation – that’s a whole lot of dads, and whole lot of Father’s Day gifts that could fall victim to a shopping scam.

As we look to celebrate this special day, it’s important to know how to spend money wisely on the perfect gift for Dad.

“Whether you’re looking to get Dad something traditional like a watch, or something flashier like the latest electronic gadget, check out the business first,” noted Ron Mycholuk, spokesperson for the BBB serving Central and Northern Alberta. “These gifts can get expensive. Always make sure to get refund, exchange and warranty information in writing. Don’t hesitate to ask if there is a return time limit, and get a gift receipt.”

BBB offers the following ideas and tips for Father’s Day gifts:

Gift Cards and Certificates: Check the terms and conditions of any gift card or certificate prior to purchase to ensure that the expiration date and any other conditions won’t be problematic. If you are giving a gift card to someone who will make online purchases, be sure the gift card is redeemable for Internet shopping and not just for in-store use.

Electronics: Whether you plan to give Dad a camera, GPS system, phone, music player, DVD player or other electronic device, be sure that you don't remove it from its box before wrapping it up as a gift. Many electronics stores require the original packaging in order to process returns or exchanges.

Recreational Rentals: If you’re interested in renting ATVs, campers, canoes, kayaks, motorcycles or other recreational equipment this Father’s Day, be sure that you get a written contract that includes details such as the base rental cost, daily fees, insurance and time restrictions. Also, take the time to visually inspect the rental and get written proof of any existing damage before renting the equipment.

Guides, Tours and Classes: Fishing, sightseeing, skydiving and golf lessons are a fun way to celebrate and spend time with Dad. However, it’s important to get details about these classes and adventures in writing and in advance of the trip. Be sure to clarify all of the factors listed below:

· Are reservations required and if so, by when?

· What are the total costs and features?

· What services and equipment are included?

· Are taxes or any other charges added?

· Are there any restrictions or special time requirements?

· Are there any cancellation or refund penalties or policies?

For more tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org.

Consumer tips and media releases can also be found on our Homepage, Blog and News Centre. Please feel free to subscribe to our RSS feed to receive BBB news at your computer. We also have a Facebook Fan Page and you can follow us on Twitter.

ABCs of Funeral Planning

5/15/2012

Posted on 5/15/2012 by

In our society most people avoid talking about death and making funeral arrangements. But with a little research now you can educate yourself, spend your money wisely and save a lot of grief later on. (Sort of like having the names and numbers of trustworthy locksmiths and tow companies in your wallet, rather than having to scramble after an accident.)

With this in mind, I compiled a list of ABCs for the hopefully far-distant day when you will have to plan a funeral.

Bring: A trusted friend with you, someone able to keep a clear head. This person’s logic should not be affected by their grief, as yours might be.

Burial: Read your cemetery plot contract to see if it merely gives you the right to have your loved one buried in the cemetery or if you are buying the actual deed to that land.

Caskets: Are not always on display on the sales floor. Make sure you have a look at all the options that are available before making your final decision. Some Provinces require the least expensive casket to be displayed in the funeral home. If you don’t see a casket you like or can afford ask your funeral director to see others, possibly in a catalogue.

Contracts: Be sure to review the funeral home’s purchase agreement or contract before signing it. If you don’t understand something on the contract then ask questions… don’t sign it until you get a response that satisfies you.

Internet (the): Can be used for research as well as learning about the funeral home. Most funeral homes now have web sites where you can view their price list and obtain a description of the services they offer from the privacy and comfort of your home. It’s a great place to start educating yourself.

Insurance Assignment: If you choose not to assign the assurance policy to the funeral home you will be responsible for paying taxes on the interest the policy makes until it is used. The choice is always yours to make.

Monuments: Shop around. While remains must be disposed of fairly quickly, a monument can wait. This is a step that can be taken care of after some time has passed, but should be considered while making arrangements for the funeral. Purchase something that gives you the most peace of mind.

Obituary: If you’re pre-planning for yourself, write your own obituary, and leave it with your other important papers. This will ensure that the obituary has the information in it that you would like. Most funeral homes have websites and offer the free publication of your loved one’s obituary on their site. These webs sites are connected with search engines and newspapers across North America. This free service could save you a lot of money. It’s ok to ask your funeral provider if they charge a fee to prepare and submit the obituary to the newspaper.

Package Deals: For some people, packages containing services and merchandise can be the preferred way to make funeral choices. If presented with such a package and it does not suit your needs your funeral director will be happy to provide an itemized purchase agreement or contract listing only those items that you select.

Pictures: Can be taken of everything you buy. Compare them against what you actually get. If a funeral home must substitute, by law they have to give you an item of equal or greater value to the one you paid for.

Pre-paid Plans: Every Province has different rules about how well your money is protected in a prepaid funeral plan. In most Provinces, these funds are protected by a compensation fund and are extremely well protected. You should find out from the funeral home if this is the case in your Province.

Printed Price List: In some Provinces a funeral home must give you a printed price list. Don’t start discussing arrangements until you hold one in your hands.

Realistic Pricing: You have every right to contact more than one funeral home when you are investigating a funeral and you have every right to ask for exactly what the costs are for the services you are requesting. Use the response you receive on the phone as a guide to selecting a provider that is right for you. Remember to make sure you compare like for like services. Ask important questions for example; Is this quote all inclusive? What are additional add-on fee’s not included in this quote?

Regulations: Most Provinces in Canada are governed by a Regulator who is there to be sure that Funeral Homes follow their Provincial regulations. These regulatory bodies are in charge of inspecting funeral homes and most Provinces have a policy to deal with complaints as well.

Veterans: Some veterans are entitled to a free burial in a national cemetery and a courtesy grave marker. To find out more, contact Last Post or Veteran’s Affairs Canada.

This tip provided courtesy of the Funeral Service Association of Canada

BBB Release - BBB and Scam Detector excited about partnership

5/4/2012

Posted on 5/4/2012 by

BBB and Scam Detector excited about partnership

Partnership provides resources to report fraud

Edmonton, AB (May 1, 2012) – BBB serving the Great White North and Amos Studios, developer of the world-renowned Scam Detector App are thrilled to announce their partnership. Effective immediately, the app and BBB will work together providing consumers both proactive and reactive resources for scams.

“This partnership provides us a unique opportunity,” says Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager for BBB serving the Great White North. “We can help consumers be proactive with a marquee scam prevention resource, but also provide them assistance if they’ve already been scammed.”

The Scam Detector app has received rave reviews since its launch. This free application available currently online and on iPhone highlights over 500 of the most common scams targeting consumers. After download, consumers can search through the scams by name or by category. The developer expects the Android version to be ready in the near future.

Each scam page provides information on what the scam looks like, how it’s committed and how to avoid it. But what happens if you’ve already been targeted or scammed? The app provides a resource for consumers to Report a Scam, Contact a BBB, or File a Complaint.

Why is BBB involved?

Last year in Canada, over $13 million was reported in identity fraud and this number will likely rise in 2012. Scammers are becoming increasingly adept at finding holes in consumer’s security. This partnership helps BBB reach a larger consumer base and provide them the tools they need to avoid and report suspicious activity.

What are some features of the partnership?

While linking BBB’s website with the Scam Detector app, the partnership will also highlight weekly scams. The app will feature a weekly Top 10 presented by BBB and emphasizing some of the most common scams affecting consumers.

“Scam Detector and Better Business Bureau make a perfect match. Besides being educated on how to avoid fraud, the app’s users can now report fraudulent businesses through it,” says Sorin Mihailovici, developer of the Scam Detector app.

Consumers can find information on the partnership on the BBB/Scam Detector Partnership page. BBB and Scam Detector look forward to helping many consumers avoid scams even as new ones continually pop up.

To date the app has been accessed in 92 countries and won the 2011 Alberta Consumers Champion Awards, hosted annually by the Government of Alberta.

For more tips on scam prevention and reporting, visit our edmonton.bbb.org or contact your BBB at (780) 482-2341.

Consumer tips and media releases can also be found on our Homepage, Blog and News Centre. Please feel free to subscribe to our RSS feed to receive BBB news at your computer. We also have a Facebook Fan Page and you can follow us on Twitter.

FBI: Hundreds Of Thousands May Lose Internet In July

4/23/2012

Posted on 4/23/2012 by
Source: Huffington Post

WASHINGTON (AP) — For computer users, a few mouse clicks could mean the difference between staying online and losing Internet connections this summer.

Unknown to most of them, their problem began when international hackers ran an online advertising scam to take control of infected computers around the world. In a highly unusual response, the FBI set up a safety net months ago using government computers to prevent Internet disruptions for those infected users. But that system is to be shut down.

The FBI is encouraging users to visit a website run by its security partner, http://www.dcwg.org , that will inform them whether they're infected and explain how to fix the problem. After July 9, infected users won't be able to connect to the Internet.

Most victims don't even know their computers have been infected, although the malicious software probably has slowed their web surfing and disabled their antivirus software, making their machines more vulnerable to other problems.

Last November, the FBI and other authorities were preparing to take down a hacker ring that had been running an Internet ad scam on a massive network of infected computers.

"We started to realize that we might have a little bit of a problem on our hands because ... if we just pulled the plug on their criminal infrastructure and threw everybody in jail, the victims of this were going to be without Internet service," said Tom Grasso, an FBI supervisory special agent. "The average user would open up Internet Explorer and get 'page not found' and think the Internet is broken."

On the night of the arrests, the agency brought in Paul Vixie, chairman and founder of Internet Systems Consortium, to install two Internet servers to take the place of the truckload of impounded rogue servers that infected computers were using. Federal officials planned to keep their servers online until March, giving everyone opportunity to clean their computers. But it wasn't enough time. A federal judge in New York extended the deadline until July.

Now, said Grasso, "the full court press is on to get people to address this problem." And it's up to computer users to check their PCs.

This is what happened:

Hackers infected a network of probably more than 570,000 computers worldwide. They took advantage of vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Windows operating system to install malicious software on the victim computers. This turned off antivirus updates and changed the way the computers reconcile website addresses behind the scenes on the Internet's domain name system.

The DNS system is a network of servers that translates a web address — such as www.ap.org — into the numerical addresses that computers use. Victim computers were reprogrammed to use rogue DNS servers owned by the attackers. This allowed the attackers to redirect computers to fraudulent versions of any website.

The hackers earned profits from advertisements that appeared on websites that victims were tricked into visiting. The scam netted the hackers at least $14 million, according to the FBI. It also made thousands of computers reliant on the rogue servers for their Internet browsing.

When the FBI and others arrested six Estonians last November, the agency replaced the rogue servers with Vixie's clean ones. Installing and running the two substitute servers for eight months is costing the federal government about $87,000.

The number of victims is hard to pinpoint, but the FBI believes that on the day of the arrests, at least 568,000 unique Internet addresses were using the rogue servers. Five months later, FBI estimates that the number is down to at least 360,000. The U.S. has the most, about 85,000, federal authorities said. Other countries with more than 20,000 each include Italy, India, England and Germany. Smaller numbers are online in Spain, France, Canada, China and Mexico.

Vixie said most of the victims are probably individual home users, rather than corporations that have technology staffs who routinely check the computers.

FBI officials said they organized an unusual system to avoid any appearance of government intrusion into the Internet or private computers. And while this is the first time the FBI used it, it won't be the last.

"This is the future of what we will be doing," said Eric Strom, a unit chief in the FBI's Cyber Division. "Until there is a change in legal system, both inside and outside the United States, to get up to speed with the cyber problem, we will have to go down these paths, trail-blazing if you will, on these types of investigations."

Now, he said, every time the agency gets near the end of a cyber case, "we get to the point where we say, how are we going to do this, how are we going to clean the system" without creating a bigger mess than before.

To check and clean computers: http://www.dcwg.org

Spending Your Tax Refund

4/18/2012

Posted on 4/18/2012 by

Do you spend weeks each spring eagerly anticipating your income tax refund? When the money finally comes in, is it gone tomorrow? You’re not alone. Many consumers view tax refunds as unplanned bonuses, but it makes more sense to plan for that new chunk of change so it doesn’t go to waste.

“Making smart decisions with your money is a great way to reward yourself for all the hard work you did to earn it,” said Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager for BBB serving the Great White North. “It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of unplanned or extra cash, but you’ll be glad you saved some of it for a rainy day when you need it.”

Whether or not you are in need of debt relief, a tax refund provides the opportunity to improve your financial situation. BBB recommends the following tips to tax refund recipients:

Pay down your debt. Refund checks usually arrive when many consumers are still struggling with holiday bills. Use your refund for some much needed debt relief: pay off your credit card. If you have an outstanding balance on more than one credit card, you can either try to pay off the lowest balance card first (good for motivation) or direct the funds toward the card carrying the highest interest rate (wiser from financial perspective). Or, apply your refund toward other debts, like a car loan or a home equity loan.

Consider your financial goals. Are you trying to save for a down payment on a house or car? Do you hope to contribute to your child’s college tuition one day? Consider applying your tax refund toward these goals. If you don’t yet have a set of short-term and long-term financial goals, put one together. You’ll be more conscientious about how you spend your tax refund, or any other extra money that comes your way.

Save it for a rainy day. Why not give yourself an even bigger return on your tax refund by putting the money into a savings account–or an emergency savings account or retirement fund? Your tax refund will continue to grow if you put it into savings or invest the money. Plus, it’s always helpful to have a savings account to draw from when a major car repair bill, medical emergency or other unexpected expense comes along. That way, you don’t have to borrow money and add to your debt-load.

Keep things in perspective. Working your way out of debt can seem like a daunting task. Perhaps you assume that a small tax refund check won’t make enough of a dent in your debt. Think again. Every little bit helps. Paying down debt takes time, but steadily increasing your monthly payments does have an impact. Just stay focused on the end goal. It may take years to pay off your debt, but your ultimate reward — being debt-free — will be well worth the effort.

If debt is a continuing problem, consider a credit counselor. Certified consumer credit counseling agencies can assist people who are facing financial challenges and are looking for debt relief. BBB has information on more than 2,000 Credit & Debt Counseling firms, including hundreds of Accredited Businesses. BBB Business Reviews are available for free at edmonton.bbb.org

For more tips on for financial piece of mind, visit our edmonton.bbb.org or contact your BBB at (780) 482-2341.

Consumer tips and media releases can also be found on our Homepage, Blog and News Centre. Please feel free to subscribe to our RSS feed to receive BBB news at your computer. We also have a Facebook Fan Page and you can follow us on Twitter.

Accused of defrauding consumers, Sherwood Park businessman settles with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission

2/27/2012

Posted on 2/27/2012 by
By Ryan Cormier, edmontonjournal.com February 23, 2012

EDMONTON - An Alberta-based Internet salesman accused of defrauding consumers of millions of dollars has agreed to a massive settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Jesse Willms, 24, based out of Sherwood Park, agreed to a $359-million judgment that will be suspended upon Willms’s surrender of bank account funds and proceeds from the sale of his house, personal property and corporate assets, including a Cadillac Escalade, fur coat and artwork, according to a trade commission press release.

The trade commission press release notes that the settlement does not equal an admission on Willms part of illegal activity.

The order also imposes a permanent ban on Willms and his companies from what the trade commission calls “negative-option” marketing, which interprets consumers’ inaction as permission to charge them.

It’s alleged that as early as 2007, Willms used various Internet sales schemes to lure customers with free or risk-free trials and offers for products such as weight-loss supplements, colon cleansers and teeth whiteners.

After customers signed up using their credit or debit card information, they were typically charged for the free trial in addition to recurring monthly fees, usually $79.95, unless they opted out, according to the commission.

“The fact that almost four million consumers fell prey to the lure of these free trial offers is a stark reminder that ‘free’ offers can come at a huge price,” said David Vladeck, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC has stopped about $1 billion in online marketing fraud during the past two years by shutting down operations. But consumers still need to beware because scam artists are constantly coming up with new ways to deceive people online.”

Willms commented on the settlement on his blog Thursday.

“Today, in co-operation with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, we are announcing an agreement that helps us put past issues behind us,” he wrote. “We have resolved issues relating to past marketing practices for products that our company no longer sells. Through this process, we also have assured that our current business practices are in full compliance with the law.”

The commission filed a complaint in May alleging Willms used Internet-based marketing schemes to defraud consumers in Canada, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

The U.S. agency claimed about $450 million was gained through fraudulent practices. None of the allegations have been proved in court.

rcormier@edmontonjournal.com

Consumer Tip - Credit Counseling

2/16/2012

Posted on 2/16/2012 by

The holidays are over, the gifts are unwrapped and the bills are rolling in. Millions of consumers who made purchases in December are now stressed about that spending and looking for ways to reduce their debt quickly. BBB advises consumers to conduct their research when choosing a solution for debt relief.

“Many consumers find credit counseling services a lifesaver,” says Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager for BBB serving the Great White North. “And they’re right, but the wrong credit counseling advice can cost you more money, more time and more aggravation in the long run.”

The right counselor can advise you how to use credit wisely, establish a budget, keep track of your bills, manage your money and if appropriate, how to arrange a payment plan with your creditors. In short, a trained specialist can place you back on track to financial success.

Selecting a Credit Counselor

If you decide to work with a credit counseling agency, spend some time researching your options and ensure the company you choose is the right fit for your financial needs. Your goal should be to find a reputable agency, with satisfied clients offering personalized service.

Here are some signs that the company may not be what you are looking for.

· Charges upfront fees. In Alberta, a debt repayment agency may not charge any fees until they have negotiated a settlement that is acceptable to you.

· Demands you provide account numbers before discussing services. Reputable agencies are happy to provide fee information about their services to convince you to choose them for your business.

· Boasts it can “lower your rates by 30-50%” or “Get you out of debt easily.” These bold statement are rarely, if ever, true. Avoid counselors who make outlandish claims and who promise quick, easy solutions to complex financial problems.

· Claims it can remove negative information from your credit report. It is illegal to make such claims if the information is a true representation of your credit history. Accurate information cannot be removed from your report.

· Requires “voluntary” contributions.” Required “voluntary” contributions are not voluntary.

· Insists you take immediate action. Reputable companies permit you time to evaluate their offer, shop around and make the best choice for your situation. However, remember that delaying too long can cause further damage to your financial circumstances.

Consumer tips and media releases can also be found on our Homepage, Blog and News Centre. Please feel free to subscribe to our RSS feed to receive BBB news at your computer. We also have a Facebook Fan Page and you can follow us on Twitter.

Intuit Fake Email: Tax Information Needed within 30 days

2/6/2012

Posted on 2/6/2012 by

Customers have reported receiving spam. Below is a copy of the fake email.

Hello,

In our continuing effort to guarantee that correct information is being sustained on our systems, and to be able to grant you better quality of service; INTUIT INC. has participated in the Internal Revenue Service [IRS] Name and TIN Matching Program.

We have found out, that your name and/or Employer Identification Number, that we have on your account is different from the information provided by the SSA.

In order to review the information on your account, please enter the site.

Best regards,

INTUIT INC.

Corporate Headquarters

2632 Marine Way

Mountain View, CA 94043

This is the end of the fake email.

Visit security.intuit.com to get the most up to date information about phishing.

We provide you with the following information:

Steps to take now
What you can do to protect yourself from a phishing attack
The 3 common methods that phishers use in their emails

Forward suspicious emails to spoof@intuit.com.

BBB Media Release - Multiple Scams Targets Edmonton Businesses

1/25/2012

Posted on 1/25/2012 by

BBB is advising businesses to be on the lookout for the return of an old scam. The Yellow Page scam uses similar marketing to the actual Yellow Pages to dupe consumers into paying for advertising they never ordered.

The invoices sport a variation of the walking fingers logo to convince businesses they are dealing with a reputable company. This scam appears in one of two forms.

· Advertise with us. The company asks businesses to advertise with who they think is the legitimate Yellow Pages. Only after receiving the final invoice do businesses discover they have been charged by an entirely different company.

· Update your information and renew your advertising. Businesses are asked to update their company profile and renew their subscription for the upcoming year. Once again, the invoice from a different company tips off businesses they’ve been scammed.

“Businesses should review every invoice they receive,” says Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager for BBB serving the Great White North. “Be sure who are you dealing with before providing any information, sending any money or purchasing any advertising.”

Here are some tips to help business avoid being scammed.

· Check out the company. Before providing any information or payment, businesses should ensure a full name, address and telephone number are providing on the invoice. Using that information, confirm with BBB that the company is who they say they are.

· Contact Yellow Pages. Call the actual company and check to see if they have sent out invoices. If you advertise with company, choose a more secure method of receiving invoices.

· Study the logo. These scam artists use a variation on the walking fingers logo. Compare your invoice with your current yellow pages directory or view it online. If the logo is different, you are likely being targeted.

BBB urges consumers to check out companies at edmonton.bbb.org or contact your BBB at (780) 482-2341 for more information about current scams.

Consumer tips and media releases can also be found on our Homepage, Blog and News Centre. Please feel free to subscribe to our RSS feed to receive BBB news at your computer. We also have a Facebook Fan Page and you can follow us on Twitter.

- 30 -

As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau serving the Great White North is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 65 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews to help them find trustworthy businesses across North America. Visit edmonton.bbb.org for more information.

For media inquiries please contact:

Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager
BBB^® serving the Great White North
Phone: (780) 488-6632 Ext. 233 Toll Free: 1 (800) 232-7298
Email:ron@edmontonbbb.org

Finding A Fitness Club After Making New Year's Resolutions

1/16/2012

Posted on 1/16/2012 by

Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions after enjoying tasty holiday treats. If you’re pledging to lose pounds this year by joining a gym, BBB recommends asking some questions before signing on the dotted line.

Each January, millions of consumers crowd into gyms armed with willpower and personal goals looking towards a healthier, active lifestyle. While it’s exciting to gear up towards a goal, consumers should treat this like any major purchases. BBB received over 7,000 complaints about health clubs across North America last year.

“Working out and getting healthy are fantastic goals regardless of the time of year,” says Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager for BBB of Central and Northern Alberta. “But consumers who ask the right questions can expect success inside and outside the workout room.”

Five questions to ask the gym:

What are the terms of any introductory offers? Gyms often use special introductory offers to lure in new members. Make sure you understand the terms and what price the service will be once the introductory period is over.

Will my membership renew automatically? Many times people join a gym, but don’t consider what happens when the original contract runs out. Some gym contracts renew automatically unless they are cancel.

How can I get out of my contract? Getting out of any contract isn’t always as easy as getting into one. Make sure you understand what steps are necessary to cancel your contract.

What happens if I move? Gyms have any number of policies for what happens if you move. It might depend on how far away you’re moving and if they have affiliate gyms you could attend.

What happens if they go out of business? Ask the gym to explain what will happen to your money if they go out of business.

Five questions to ask yourself when looking at a prospective gym

What are my fitness goals? Determining your fitness goals in advance will help you select the most appropriate facility for your needs. If you have a serious medical condition, consult a medical professional when setting your fitness goals.

Is this location convenient? If the gym is across town, you’ll be less likely to work out. Choose a fitness club that is convenient for you from work and home.

Can I really afford this? Monthly gym fees add up and after any introductory periods are over, the price could jump higher than your budget can handle. Do the math before you join and make sure you can afford the gym membership.

Am I feeling pressured to join? Do not give into high-pressure sales tactics to join right away. A reputable gym will give you enough time to read the contract thoroughly, tour the facility and make an informed decision.

Did I get everything in writing? Read the contract carefully and make sure that all verbal promises made by the salesperson are in writing. What matters is the document you sign, not what you heard.

To find related BBB Accredited Businesses, look in the BBB of Central and Northern Alberta, Accredited Business Directory for Fitness Centers.

Consumer tips and media releases can also be found on our Homepage, Blog and News Centre. Please feel free to subscribe to our RSS feed to receive BBB news at your computer. We also have a Facebook Fan Page and you can follow us on Twitter.

Your BBB Is Moving

1/12/2012

Posted on 1/12/2012 by

On January 18, BBB serving the Great White North is moving. Our new address will be:

16102 100 Ave.
Edmonton AB T5P 0L3

Phone Numbers & Fax Will Remain The Same

Phone, fax and e-mail service for the BBB Serving the Great White North will be suspended from 8:00 am Jan. 17^th to 4:00 pm Jan. 18^th, 2012 to complete an office move and system upgrades that will ensure the most reliable service possible for our customers. If you contact us during this period, we may not receive your message. Thank you for your understanding.

BBB Names Top Scams of 2011

1/4/2012

Posted on 1/4/2012 by

Better Business Bureau investigates thousands of scams every year, from the latest gimmicks to schemes as old as the hills. Our new ScamSource (www.bbb.org/scam) is a comprehensive resource on scam investigations from BBBs around the country, with tips from BBB, law enforcement and others. You can sign up to receive our Scam Alerts by email, and you can also be a scam detective yourself by reporting scams you’ve discovered.

We’ve divided scams up into nine major categories and picked the top scam in each, plus our Scam of the Year.

Top Job Scam

BBB sees lots of secret shopper schemes, work-from-home scams, and other phony job offers, but the worst job-related scam can dash your hopes and steal your identity. Emails, websites and online applications all look very professional,and the candidate is even interviewed for the job (usually over the phone) and then receives an offer. In order to start the job, however, the candidate has to fill out a “credit report” or provide bank information for direct deposit of their “paychecks.” The online forms are nothing more than a way to capture sensitive personal data – Social Security number, bank accounts, etc. – that can easily be used for identity theft. And, of course, there is no job, either.

Top Sweepstakes and Lottery Scam

Sweepstakes and lottery scams come in all shapes and sizes, but the bottom line is almost always this: You’ve won a whole lot of money, and in order to claim it you have to send us a smaller amount of money. Oh, and keep this confidential until we’re ready to announce your big winnings. This year’s top sweepstakes scam was undoubtedly the email claiming to be from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announcing that the recipient was the winner of $1 million from the popular social networking site. These kinds of scams often use celebrities or other famous names to make their offer seem more genuine. If you aren’t sure, don’t click on the link but instead go directly to the homepage of the company mentioned. If they are really giving away $1 million, there will be some kind of announcement on their website. But don’t waste too much time looking.

Top Social Media/Online Dating Scam

On the Internet, it’s easy to pretend to be someone you are not. Are you really friends with all of your “Friends” on Facebook? Do you have a lot of personalinformation on a dating site? With so much information about us online, a scammer can sound like they know you. There are tons of ways to use social media for scams, but one this year really stands out because it appeals to our natural curiosity…and it sounds like it’s coming from a friend. Viral videos claiming to show everything from grisly footage of Osama bin Laden’s death to the latest celebrity hijinks have shown up on social media sites, often looking as if they have been shared by a friend. When you click on the link, you are prompted to “upgrade your Flash player,” but the file you end up downloading contains a worm that logs into your social media account, sends similar messages to your friends, and searches for your personal data. The next time you see a sensational headline for the latest viral video, resist the urge to peek.

Top Home Improvement Scam

Always near the top of BBB complaint data are home improvement contractors who often leave your home worse than they found it. They usually knock on your door with a story or a deal – the roofer who can spot some missing shingles on your roof, the paver with some leftover asphalt who can give you a great deal on driveway resealing. Itinerant contractors move around, keeping a step ahead of the law…and angry consumers. The worst are those who move in after a natural disaster, taking advantage of desperate homeowners who need immediate help and may not be as suspicious as they would be under normal circumstances. A large percentage of BBB’s Accredited Businesses are home contractors who want to make sure you know they are legitimate, trustworthy anddependable. Find one in our Accredited Business Directory.

Top Check Cashing Scam

Two legitimate companies – Craig’s List and Western Union – are used for an inordinate amount of scamming these days, and especially check cashing scams. Here’s how it works: Someone contacts you via a Craig’s List posting, maybe for a legitimate reason like buying your old couch or perhaps through a scam like hiring you as a secret shopper. Either way, they send you a check for more than the amount they owe you, and they ask you to deposit it into your bank account and then send them the difference via Western Union. A deposited check takes a couple of days to clear, whereas wired money is gone instantly. When the original check bounces, you are out whatever money you wired…and you’re still stuck with the old couch.

Top Phishing Scam

“Phishing” is when you receive a suspicious phone call asking for personal information or an email that puts a virus on your computer to hunt for your data. It’s almost impossible to avoid them if you have a telephone or an email account. But the most pernicious phishing scam this year disguised itself as official communication from NACHA – the National Automated Clearing House Association –which facilitates the secure transfer of billions of electronic transactions every year. The email claims one of your transactions did not go through, and it hopes you react quickly and click on the link before thinking it through. It may take you to a fake banking site “verify” you account information, or it may download malware to infiltrate your computer.

Top Identity Theft Scam

There are a million ways to steal someone’s identity. This one has gotten so prevalent that many hotels are posting warnings in their lobby. Here’s how it works: You get a call in your hotel room in the middle of the night. It’s the front desk clerk, very apologetic, saying their computer has crashed and they need to get your credit card number again, or they must have gotten the number wrong because the transaction won’t go through, and could you please read the number back so they can fix the problem? Scammers are counting on you being too sleepy to catch on that the call isn’t from the hotel at all, but from someone outside who knows the direct-dial numbers for the guest rooms. By the time morning rolls around and you are clear-headed, your credit card has been on a major shopping spree.

Top Financial Scam

In challenging economic times, many people are looking for help getting out of debt or hanging on to their home, and almost as many scammers appear to take advantage of desperate situations. Because the federal government announced or expanded several mortgage relief programs this year, all kinds of sound-alike websites have popped up to try to fool consumers into parting with their money.Some sound like a government agency, or even part of BBB or other non-profit consumer organization. Most ask for an upfront fee to help you deal with your mortgage company or the government (services you could easily do yourself for free), and almost all leave you in more debt than when you started.

Top Sales Scam

Sales scams are as old ashumanity, but the Internet has introduced a whole new way to rip people off.Penny auctions are very popular because it seems like you can get somethinguseful – cameras, computers, etc. – for way below retail. But you pay a smallfee for each bid (usually 50₵ to $1.00) and if you aren’t thewinner, you lose that bid money. Winners often are not even the top bidder,just the last bidder when time runs out. Although not all penny auction sitesare scams, some are being investigated as online gambling. BBB recommends youtreat them the same way you would legal gambling in a casino – know exactly howthe bidding works, set a limit for yourself, and be prepared to walk awaybefore you go over that limit.

Scam of the Year

Yep,it’s us – the BBB phishing scam. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of people have gotten emails that very much look like an official notice from BBB.The subject line says something like “Complaint Against Your Business,” and the instructions tell the recipient to either click on a link or open an attachment to get the details. If the recipient does either, a malicious virus is launched on their computer…a virus that can steal banking information, passwords and other critical pieces of information needed for cyber-theft. BBB is working with security consultants and federal law enforcement to track down the sourceof these emails, and has already shut down dozens of hijacked websites. Anyone who has opened an attachment or clicked on a link should run a complete system scan using reputable anti-virus software. If your computer is networked with others, all machines on the network should be scanned, as well.

For more information on these and other scams, go to BBB ScamSource (www.bbb.org/scam). Sign up for our Scam Alerts and learn about new scams as soon as we do.

For more information about BBB Serving the Great White North, in Edmonton, visit our website at www.edmonton.bbb.org (or regional URLs for Red Deer, Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray), where you can view our 2011 Top 10 complaints and inquiries, as well monthly Top 10 reports.Consumers and businesses can also visit our Blog, join our Facebook Fan Page and follow our Twitter postings.

BBB of Central and Northern Alberta - Holiday Season Hours

12/21/2011

Posted on 12/21/2011 by

Beginning Friday December 21, 2012 BBB of Central and Northern Alberta, in Edmonton, will be closed and regular hours will resume Wednesday January 2, 2013. During the holiday season or anytime during the year, if you need to:

find a BBB Accredited Business go to edmonton.bbb.org and click on Find A BBB Accredited Business, where you can use our Accredited Business Directory.
find out if a business is Accredited or not and see if they are trustworthy, click on Check Out A Business
get prices or information form a BBB Accredited Business; use our free Request-a-Quote program.
file a complaint online click here.
find Consumer Tips online.
find out how your business can apply to be a BBB Accredited Business.
need to leave a phone message, fax or write a letter or send an e-mail click on our Contact Information

You can also get the latest news, tips and alerts, from BBB and other related organizations, by going to our blog.

BBB of Central and Northern Alberta
wishes everyone a safe, happy holiday season!

BBB Holiday Gift Return Tips

12/6/2011

Posted on 12/6/2011 by

This year, Canadians will spend millions trying to find the perfect gift for their loved ones. But sometimes gifts might not be exactly what the person is looking for. Businesses may not be required to either have or list a refund policy, so BBB reminds consumers to ask before they buy.

Businesses may not be required to either have or display their refund or exchange policy. Consumers should be aware of all refund/exchange policies.

“Every year, people stress about what to buy and for whom,” says Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager for BBB serving the Great White North. “Sometimes problems arise if something doesn’t fit or isn’t just right. Consumers should understand beforehand what to do if gifts need to be returned or exchanged.”

BBB wants consumers to remember these tips when doing their holiday shopping.

Ask the store about its return policy.

Find out if the business accepts returns and if they do, ask for details. Consumers should ask the following questions:

· Is there a return time frame?

· Is the return a refund, an exchange or store credit?

· Are there specifications on the condition of the products? (wear on clothes, in original packaging)

· Are sale or clearance items eligible for return?

· Are there re-stocking fees?

Manage your receipts.

Businesses often include return information on your receipts. Whether you are the gift giver or the gift receiver, keep your receipts and know what return guidelines are.

Search for online return policies.

More Canadians are shopping online each year, so it’s important to read the terms and conditions of any offer when purchasing online. If you can’t find a return policy, contact the business and ask before being stuck with something you don’t want or can’t use.

Doing a little research before making your purchases can go a long way to reducing your holiday stress before and after the gifts are unwrapped.

BBB urges consumers to check out companies at edmonton.bbb.org or contact your BBB at (780) 482-2341 for more information about refunds and exchanges.

Check out our BBB Trust Tip for Holiday Returns.

Consumer tips and media releases can also be found on our Homepage, Blog and News Centre. Please feel free to subscribe to our RSS feed to receive BBB news at your computer. We also have a Facebook Fan Page and you can follow us on Twitter.

Update (04/05/12) BBB is still NOT sending this Email!

11/23/2011

Posted on 11/23/2011 by

Thursday April 5 - The latest of the spam email appears to be an SBQ (Standard Business Questionaire, from BBB with a subject line similar to "Subject: BBB SBQ Form #721137448(Ref#04-721137448-0-4)".
As previous warning:

Do not click on any links or reply to the message,

Completely delete the message from your inbox, and
Run a full virus scan on your computer if you did click on any links.

Thursday March 29 - Better Business Bureau is warning businesses to beware of a malicious e-mail that remains in circulation. The e-mail pretends to be from BBB about a complaint filed against the company. The e-mail first came to BBB’s attention on November 21, 2011 and since then has had various incarnations.

Since November, the BBB has been flooded by calls from local businesses and many across the US have reported receiving a suspicious e-mail from the address alert@bbb.org, services@bbb.org, riskmanager@bbb.org or manager@bbb.org with the subject line “BBB Complaint Case #” followed by a nine-digit number. Both BBB Accredited and non-accredited businesses have been targeted.

However, now the subject line reads "The Better Business Bureau needs your immediate response" or "Unathorized bank transfers to your company account", but is from a non-BBB email address.

The body of the e-mail claims that a business has received several complaints through our online complaint centre concerning fraudulent bank transactions.

BBB is NOT sending this Email!

If you are receiving this email, do nothing! This is a scam designed to target your personal and financial information.

Because the message is fraudulent, BBB advises any business that receives this e-mail to take the following steps:

Do not click on any links or reply to the message,
Completely delete the message from your inbox, and
Run a full virus scan on your computer if you did click on any links.

If you receive an e-mail from Better Business Bureau about a complaint filed against your business and need assistance in determining whether or not it is legitimate, contact your local BBB directly at www.edmonton.bbb.org or 800-232-7298.

For more advice on how to protect your business from malicious online attacks and data breaches visit www.bbb.org/data-security/

A copy of the actual e-mail follows:

Valued business owner, we have obtained severalcomplaints via the Better Business Bureau online complaint center concerningseveral unauthorized transfers from a number of private bank accounts to yourcorporate account. You can access the reports in our online complaint centerusing the following link:

Use the following data to log in:

Complaint ID: #removed

Password: 10097:

The Better Business Bureau acts as an intermediarybetween US and Canadian consumers and business, and assists in mitigatingconsumer-related issues as an impartial third-party service. In special casesThe Better Business Bureau has the right to initiate a formal investigation ofa business involved in feedback.

Sincerely,

Dispute Resolution Officer. Holmes Guerrero

BBB Tip Scams Targeting Veterans

11/8/2011

Posted on 11/8/2011 by

This Remembrance Day, as we honor our soldiers, the BBB warns veterans and their families that scammers may be targeting them.

“Scams targeting military families continue to be a concern,” says Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager for BBB serving the Great White North. “These men, women and their families are being targeted specifically because of their service and should be prepared to research companies before doing business with them.”

Bogus charities often use names that reference the Armed Forces, military branches, units or simply include the word “veteran” in their name. While there are legitimate charities assisting veterans, donors should check out who they’re dealing with before making any donation.

BBB advises veterans and their families to be wary of unsolicited mail or email seeking personal information such as banking information, Social Insurance numbers, military identification and dates of birth. This information can be used maliciously and cause incredible financial and emotional stress.

Veteran scams take many forms, but here are few of the most common:

· Firms target veterans and charge them for products or services they can receive free or at a lower cost elsewhere, such as military records and forms.
· Scammers contact military families asking them to update their credit card and other information. The scammers then use that information to commit identity theft.
· Bogus charities referencing the Armed Forces seeking donations.
· Individuals pretending to be veterans advocates who convince veterans for a fee they can get them more benefits.

BBB urges veterans to check out companies at edmonton.bbb.org or contact your BBB at (780) 482-2341 before signing any contract or providing any information.

Consumer tips and media releases can also be found on our Homepage, Blog and News Centre. Please feel free to subscribe to our RSS feed to receive BBB news at your computer. We also have a Facebook Fan Page and you can follow us on Twitter.

BBB wins Myers Award for Operational Excellence

10/12/2011

Posted on 10/12/2011 by

October 11, 2011 (Edmonton, AB) – BBB serving Central and Northern Alberta is the winner of the 2011 “Myers Memorial Award” from the Council of Better Business Bureaus. The award was announced during the 2011 Annual Assembly in Seattle, Washington.

This top award, named for BBB professionals Jerry and John Myers, recognizes exceptional examples of BBB operational work. The submissions included advertising review, investigations, trade practice initiatives and educational projects designed to help consumers make knowledgeable marketplace decisions.

The Edmonton BBB highlighted its two-year investigation into the online marketing practices of Jesse Willms. BBB staff worked closely with the United States Federal Trade Commission and various other agencies to help consumers receive refunds from what consumers felt were misleading sales tactics. Through our assistance, FTC filed an action that stopped this individual from performing online marketing.

“Our BBB is honoured to receive this award,” says Ron Mycholuk, Public Relations Manager of BBB serving Central and Northern Alberta. “The results of the investigation speak to the dedication and hard-work of our operations staff.”

This investigation helped BBB reach out to the public and provide tips to consumers on smart online shopping. As online shopping increases, it’s vital for consumers to be aware of the signs of deceptive marketing and have the knowledge to take their business elsewhere.

BBB serving Central and Northern Alberta is the first Canadian BBB to win a major award from the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

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Consumer tips, scam alerts and media releases, from BBB of Central and Northern Alberta, can also be found on our Blog and News Centre. Please feel free to subscribe to our RSS feed to receive BBB news at your computer. We also have a Facebook Page and you can follow us on Twitter.

For media inquiries please contact:

Ron Mycholuk, Community Consultant

BBB^® Serving Central and Northern Alberta

Phone: (780) 488-6632 Ext. 232 Toll Free: 1 (800) 232-7298

Email:ron@edmontonbbb.org

CRTC improves complaints resolution process for Internet traffic management practices

9/30/2011

Posted on 9/30/2011 by The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunicatio

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, September 22, 2011 — Today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) issued guidelines on how it will deal with complaints about Internet service providers (ISPs) slowing down certain types of traffic. The CRTC takes all complaints seriously and has established strict timelines to ensure their timely resolution.

Under a 2009 CRTC policy, ISPs are encouraged to expand and upgrade their networks to address increases in traffic. Should other measures be required to manage traffic, ISPs can apply Internet traffic management practices. These practices, whether economic or technical, manage traffic to prevent or respond to network congestion. In either case, an ISP must be transparent about its use of traffic management practices.

“The policy sets out clear ground rules, which we expect all ISPs to follow,” said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC. “The guidelines we issued today will help Canadians understand which practices are permitted and how to make a complaint. We will require ISPs that are not following the rules to take corrective action as quickly as possible.”

Upon the receipt of a complaint regarding a traffic management practice, CRTC staff will forward the complaint to the ISP in question and request a response. If the ISP fails to respond or bring itself into compliance, the CRTC will take further action to enforce its policy. This can include meeting with the ISP to discuss a complaint in more detail, requesting an on-site inspection or independent third-party audit, or calling the ISP to a public hearing.

Should the CRTC find that an ISP is not in compliance with the policy, it will publish the company’s name and the nature of the complaint. In addition, the CRTC will publish, four times a year, a summary of the number and types of complaints it has received, including the number that have been resolved and those that are still under investigation.

For more information, please see How to make a complaint about your Internet service.

Telecom Information Bulletin CRTC 2011-609

The CRTC

The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.

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Don't Get Hooked by a Scam: Use BBB Scam Source

9/27/2011

Posted on 9/27/2011 by BBB of Central & Northern Alberta

Better Business Bureau introduces its newest online way to avoid fraud: Scam Source. BBB of Central and Northern Alberta helps consumers and businesses proactively stay away from swindlers.

Review schemes from multiple online news sources using BBB's scam aggregator.
Read national news updates with BBB's email alerts.
Report a scam.

Are You Really Buying Taber Corn?

9/19/2011

Posted on 9/19/2011 by BBB of Central & Northern Alberta

Every late summer and fall, in Alberta, “Taber Corn” is sold from roadside stands. The question often arises...are you buying taber corn. BBB of Central and Northern Alberta offers these tips.

This has been an ongoing problem and has happened for years in Alberta. As reported in Flavours Magazine (June 2, 2009); Dave Jensen, a Taber corn grower and president of the Alberta Corn Growers Association, stated: “There are a lot of bad roadside stands. The safest is one that the producer owns himself. Roadside shopping simply requires consumer awareness and self-policing. Stands must be able to provide provenance if they claim their corn is from Taber, where the dwindling number of Taber corn growers all produce a certificate of authenticity that includes the farm’s name and phone number.”

The Corn Growers Association owns the Taber corn label, and people who are members can use that logo. Jensen Farms, uses a corporate seal stamp to emboss seal on their certificate.

Jensen further suggested that “…shoppers deal directly with the farmer where possible, as it’s easy for some wholesalers to buy B.C. or Washington corn, and claim it’s from Taber.”

Are You Really Buying Taber Corn?

9/19/2011

Posted on 9/19/2011 by

Every late summer and fall, in Alberta, “Taber Corn” is sold from roadside stands. The question often arises...are you buying taber corn. BBB of Central and Northern Alberta offers these tips.

The Corn Growers Association owns the Taber corn label, and people who are members can use that logo. Jensen Farms, uses a corporate seal stamp to emboss seal on their certificate.

Jensen further suggested that “…shoppers deal directly with the farmer where possible, as it’s easy for some wholesalers to buy B.C. or Washington corn, and claim it’s from Taber.”

BBB Media Release - US judge freezes Alberta marketer’s assets

9/14/2011

Posted on 9/14/2011 by BBB of Central & Northern Alberta

US judge freezes Alberta marketer’s assets

BBB offers tips to help consumers avoid online scams

Edmonton, AB (Sept 14, 2011): A United States judge has frozen the assets of Edmonton-area internet marketer, Jesse Willms and ordered him to change the way he does business. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleges that Jesse Willms and his companies made over $450 million from thousands of consumers using deceptive marketing tactics and negative option billing.

The FTC action claims that consumers were lured by risk-free and trial offers for a variety of products including health, beauty and penny auctions. After signing up consumers received monthly credit card bills or high lump sum charges. Consumers were also required to follow a complicated cancellation process to stop future charges.

“Since 2008, BBB has received over 4,000 complaints about this individual and his companies,” said Ron Mycholuk, Community Consultant for BBB serving Central and Northern Alberta. “When a pattern of complaints is identified, BBB may contact the appropriate agencies, including the FTC and the Competition Bureau.”

Negative option billing occurs when consumers are required to opt-out of something instead of opting-in. When consumers fail to opt-out, they often receive recurring charges. Consumers are often unaware of these charges and risk reaching their credit card limits or being unable to pay other bills.

To help future consumers avoid being scammed by online offers, BBB offers the following tips:

· Read all terms and conditions. Review the information to determine exactly what you’re paying for and how much it will cost. Also, confirm any return, exchange and cancellation policies prior to purchase.

· Read your credit card statements. This helps consumers address unknown or unauthorized charges right away.

· Research the company you’re buying from. Visit edmonton.bbb.org or search online to see what others are saying about the company, its products and its services.

Jesse Willms is scheduled for trial in the U.S. in July 2012.

For more tips on purchasing online, visit edmonton.bbb.org or contact your BBB at (780) 482-2341.

Consumer tips and media releases, from BBB of Central and Northern Alberta, can also be found on our Homepage, Blog and News Centre. Please feel free to subscribe to our RSS feed to receive BBB news at your computer. We also have a Facebook Fan Page and you can follow us on Twitter.

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For media inquiries please contact:

Ron Mycholuk, Community Consultant
BBB^® Serving Central and Northern Alberta
Phone: (780) 488-6632 Ext. 232 Toll Free: 1 (800) 232-7298
Email: ron@edmontonbbb.org

Help Your Children Learn to be Smart Consumers - Watch this Biz Kid$ Better Business Bureau Segment

9/7/2011

Posted on 9/7/2011 by BBB of Central & Northern Alberta

The American Public Broadcasting System (PBS), though its Biz Kid$ program, has produced an excellent video clip, about BBB!

For more information about BBB, as well as consumer tips, scam alerts and media releases, visit the website for BBB of Central and Northern Alberta. More BBB news can also be found on our Blog and News Centre. Please feel free to subscribe to our RSS feed to receive BBB news at your computer. We also have a Facebook Page and you can follow us on Twitter.

Biz Kid$ is an American, national financial education initiative based on an Emmy Award-winning public television series about kids, money, and business. The series includes 65 episodes and reaches over one million viewers per episode.

Using a clever blend of entertainment and education, each Biz Kid$ episode shows kids how to make and manage money by introducing concepts of financial literacy and entrepreneurship. To keep young viewers engaged, the series includes a fast-paced mix of direct education delivered by young actors, sketch comedies, animation, and stories featuring real life young entrepreneurs. The show is complemented by a resource rich website, lesson plans, outreach activities, and a monthly electronic newsletter.

BBB of Central & Northern Alberta - Monthly Top 10 Complaints & Inquiries (August 2011)

9/7/2011

Posted on 9/7/2011 by BBB of Central & Northern Alberta

Between August 1 and 31, 2011 BBB of Central and Northern Alberta received the following complaints and inquiries about businesses in the following industries: (Ranked from highest to the lowest)

Complaints	Inquiries
1. Furniture-Retail	1. Roofing Contractors
2. Auto Dealers-New Cars	2. Contractors-General
3. Home Builders	3. Home Builders
4. Roofing Contractors	4. Landscape Contractors
5. Legal Forms	5. Plumbing Contractors
6. Auto Repair & Service	6. Auto Repair & Service
7. Movers	7. Auto Dealers-New Cars
8. Plumbing Contractors	8. Movers
9. Contractors-General	9. Home Improvements
10. Department, Discount, Outlet Stores	10. Home Improvements

*Click the highlighted titles, above, to file a complaint or inquire about a business. To search for BBB Accredited businesses, by categories of goods and services or location, visit our Accredited Business Directory.

Help Your Children Learn to be Smart Consumers - Watch this Biz Kid$ Better Business Bureau Segment

9/6/2011

Posted on 9/6/2011 by BBB of Central & Northern Alberta

The American Public Broadcasting System (PBS), though its Biz Kid$ program, has produced an excellent video clip, about BBB!

BBB of Central & Northern Alberta July 2011 Renewed Accredited Businesses

8/30/2011

Posted on 8/30/2011 by BBB of Central & Northern Alberta

During the month of July, 2011 the following businesses (listed alphabetically by their city/town where they are located) renewed their Accreditation with BBB of Central and Northern Alberta and their commitment to trust and reliability in business. Click on the highlighted city titles, for the related BBB website.

BBB wishes to thank these businesses and urges all consumers and businesses to support these and other BBB Accredited Businesses, listed by their type of business categories, in our Accredited Business Directory area of our website. Using our Request a Quote system, consumers and purchasers can also request prices and information from BBB Accredited Businesses.

Barrhead, Calahoo, Onoway, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain

Freedom Manufacturing Ltd, Kelsey Paving Ltd, J-Cam Contracting Ltd, Kiwi Nurseries Ltd, Progress Glass Co Ltd, Integra Tire and Auto Centre, Summers Drilling Ltd

Blackfalds, Innisfail, Ponoka, Rimbey

Granden Auto, Freeman Insurance Agencies Ltd, Paradise Homes Corp, Wagner's Automotive Service Center Ltd, Street Wise Driving School Ltd

Bonnyville, Cold Lake

Horizon Mechanical Ltd, Val Appraisals, Fleetwood Construction, M & T Exteriors, Prime Exteriors Ltd

Camrose, Leduc, Nisku

Timberline Roofing Inc, Leduc Moving & Storage, Makloc Buildings Inc

Edmonton

911 Homes , A Designs Inc , AAA Kangaroo Garage Doors , Active Cleaning Services Ltd , Adrenalin Audio Inc , Advanced Roofing Systems Ltd , Affordable Roofing & Siding , Alberta Church Organs Ltd , Alberta Hardwood Flooring Ltd , Alf's Roofing Ltd , All-Lock-Rescue Ltd , Amcor Roofing Specialists , April Glass & Mirror Ltd , Arclare Building Products Ltd , Audrey's Therapeutic And Relaxation Massage , Auto Imports , B J Electric Supplies Ltd , Bestway Concrete Ltd , Big T Roofing Inc , Blanchett Neon Ltd , Bolt Security Systems Ltd , Bruni-Bossio Goldsmith Ltd , Burton's Auto Body Ltd , Campbell College Ltd , CBI Home Health , Ceiling Centre Corporation , Columbia Roofing Ltd , Congdon's Aids To Daily Living Ltd , Continental Cartage Inc , Cosmo's Autobody & Repair , Craftsman Floors Ltd , Crossroads HVAC Systems Ltd , D W Contracting , Dawson Motors Ltd , Delton Cabinet Manufacturing Ltd , Derrick Dodge (1980) Ltd , Diagold Designs Ltd , Diamond Contracting , Diogo's Concrete Works Ltd , Diosi Plumbing and Gasfitting Service , Ecoline Windows , Edmonton Auto Group , Electrical Controls Manufacturing , Electronic Analyst , Elite Flooring Ltd , Emcee Construction & Management Ltd , Energized Electric Ltd , European Roofing & Contracting Ltd , Excel Heating & Cooling , Falcons Scaffold Installation Ltd , Fero Corporation , Field Law , Fort Road Appliances Ltd , GDT Trading Ltd , Global Wealth Builders Ltd , Green Drop Lawns Ltd , Groat Estates Pain Management Centre , Harmcor Plumbing & Heating Ltd , Homes Maid Beautiful , Houseworks Renovation & Construction Inc , Hub Cap Warehouse New & Used , Hyundai (West Edmonton Hyundai) , In-Line Mudjacking , Instabox Alberta Inc. , Insulation Police Ltd , Integrated Property Services Ltd , JK Custom Woodwork Ltd , Katch Kan Ltd , Kingsway Shoe Comfort , Kwan's Auto Service , L & M Tirecraft , LA Brayer Industries Ltd , Lana Exteriors Inc , LawDepot TM , Lee Valley Tools Ltd , Lincolnberg Homes Ltd , M C M Contract Installations Ltd , MC Dispatch , McGregor-Sharp Filtering Equipment (1979) Ltd , Michener Allen Auctioneering Ltd , Millennium Satellite Inc , Mind Alive Inc , Mutual Propane Ltd , Mymacdealer , N H Diesel Services Ltd , Neumann Plumbing (1979) Ltd , New Tech Auto Inc , Norellco Contractors Ltd , North Edmonton Landscaping Supplies Ltd , On Side Restoration , Pacesetter Homes Ltd , PJ Faucet Plumbing & Heating , Preet Janitorial Services Ltd , Progress Glass Co Ltd , Quality Sign Service , Randall Riemer Holdings Ltd , Raptor Tattoo Ltd , RBR Limo Service , RCL , Reflex Manufacturing Ltd , Reliance Protectron , RJ Acoustics Ltd , Royal Food Products , Royal Rubber Stamp Co Ltd , Safetech Consulting Group Ltd , Sagoo Homes Ltd , Shaw & Company , Sinclair Electric , Snap Fitness South East , Southtown Hyundai , Star City Painting , Steinbring Agencies Ltd , Terrina Interiors Ltd , The Flooring People , The Tire Warehouse , Thrifty Car Rental (Gateway Blvd ) , Titan Construction (1989) Ltd , Topline Autobody Repair & Painting , Triple Eight Diesel Parts Inc. , True Home Cinema Xperience , Two Brothers Team , Western Hangers & Supplies Inc , Wilmax Construction Ltd

Fort McMurray

Bartan Machine & Welding Company Ltd, Fort McMurray Plumbing & Heating Ltd, Stratford Contracting Ltd

Fort Saskatchewan,Morinville, Sturgeon County

Oakwood Management Ltd, Champion Petfoods LP, Marco Antonio Homes

Grande Prairie

Advantage Valve Maintenance Ltd, Smash & Sons Contracting Ltd, Weldon Home Improvements

Hinton

D C Electrical Services Ltd

Irma, Killam, Lloydminster

Gratton Coulee Agri Parts Ltd, Qwest Haven Relocation Services Inc, Liquid Metal Custom Fabrication & Welding Inc

Red Deer

Central Alberta Tile One, Cooper Roofing, Gearhead Automotive Services Ltd, Ing & McKee Insurance Ltd, Oriel Windows & Doors, Recycle-Logic Inc, Red Deer Discount Golf Centre Ltd, Reddemann Yard Care, Sim's Furniture Ltd, Red Deer Power Sports

Sherwood Park

All Season Tree Service, Budget Blinds, Candor Landscaping, Channel Eavestroughing Inc, Davies & Company, Dynamic Landscape Innovations Ltd, Executive Cleaning Inc, Park Muffler & Radiator, Suncoast Enclosures

St. Albert

1-800-Got-Junk, A-1 Heating, Alfresco Contractors Inc, Edmonton Pump Service Ltd, Sturgeon Auto Body Shop Ltd, Sturgeon Denture Clinic, Sturgeon Valley Golf & Country Club

Wembley

Caliber Mudjacking Ltd

You can also find Regional Information Pages, about BBB services for consumers and how businesses can become a BBB Accredited Business in Alberta Capital Region, central Alberta, Yellowhead east Alberta, Yellowhead west Alberta, northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories, as well northwestern Alberta and northeastern British Columbia (Peace Country).

BBB of Central & Northern Alberta July 2011 New Accredited Businesses

8/30/2011

Posted on 8/30/2011 by BBB of Central & Northern Alberta

We proudly welcome new Accredited Businesses that have pledged to abide by BBB Principles for Trust in an effort to protect and promote the free enterprise system through self-regulation.

The following is a list of new BBB Accredited Businesses whose applications have been approved by our Board of Directors from July 1 to 31, 2011.

To find out more about these new BBB Accredited Businesses and the goods and services they provide, "click" on their business name and view their online Business Review, from our search engine optimized Accredited Businesss Directory. Each Business Review also provides contact information.

Solarwyse Ltd - Beaverlodge
B. B. Moving & Storage - Edmonton
Brett's Bobcat Services - Edmonton
C K R Hotshot & Pilot Truck Service Ltd - Edmonton
Carmax Consulting Inc - Edmonton
Cherish Planning Inc - Edmonton
Electric Power Generating Equipment Inc - Edmonton
Frost & Associates Appraisal Consultants - Edmonton
Glenora Cat Clinic Ltd - Edmonton
Hobby Alley (North) - Edmonton
Hobby Alley (West) - Edmonton
IWG Soil Products - Edmonton
JB Renovations - Edmonton
K4 Industries Inc - Edmonton
Knight Bobcat and Excavating Services Inc - Edmonton
Laser Sheer Downtown - Edmonton
Mile High Roofing - Edmonton
Nu-line Construction Ltd - Edmonton
Redline Diesel Ltd - Edmonton
Reno Twins Inc - Edmonton
Sky-High Support Services - Edmonton
STP Electric Ltd - Edmonton
Tesc Construction Inc - Edmonton
Allan Vinni Law Office - Fort McMurray
Cassandra Slade- Realtor - Fort McMurray
Donna Chmielewski - Associate Broker - Fort McMurray
McMurray Steam - Fort McMurray
Sean McFatridge Realtor - Fort McMurray
CJM Trucking Ltd - Fort Saskatchewan
Victoray Transmission Rebuilders Ltd - Fort Saskatchewan
Apex Auto Body Ltd - Hinton
Tru-kare Tank & Meter Service Ltd - Lacombe
Homes By Sher-Bilt Inc - Leduc
Aaron Enterprises - Nisku
Jorgenson Homes Ltd - Ponoka
Crozier Developments - Red Deer
Mustang Bills Skid Steer Service Ltd - Red Deer
R/T Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd - Red Deer
Trampoline World Ltd - Red Deer
Corey Cooper Realtor - Sherwood Park
Jordan Homes Ltd - Sherwood Park
S & P Home Makeovers Inc - Sherwood Park
Don's Home Renovations - St. Albert

You can also click here, to search for BBB Accredited Businesses and the services they provide, or check out any businesses and services, in our online search.

If you own a business in the service area of BBB of Central and Northern Alberta and are interested in the benefits of becoming a BBB Accredited Business, click here for information

Media Release - BBB Remindes Canadians to Donate Carefully

8/29/2011

Posted on 8/29/2011 by BBB of Central & Northern Alberta

In the wake of natural disasters, fraudulent charities may appear to try and scam donations from generous Canadians. Canadians need to ensure that not only do their donations go to reputable relief organizations, but also avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Canadians being asked for donations (either over the phone, through email or in person) should follow these simple tips to decide where and how to direct their donations.

Donate to established organizations.

These organizations generally have the experience and infrastructure to help your donations reach the affected areas faster.

Avoid charities that have sprung up in response to a disaster.

Be wary of charities that spring up after a disaster. They may be looking to take advantage of your good intentions. Also, look out for imitation charities. Some phony charities use names that sound or look familiar to respected, legitimate organizations.

Find out if the charity has an on-the-ground presence in the disaster area.

Unless the charity already has staff in the areas, it may be difficult to quickly get workers to the affected areas. See how the charity describes what they can do to address immediate needs.

Be cautious when giving online.

Proceed with caution when giving online especially in response to spam message and emails that claim a link to a relief organization.

Read the fine print before donating by text message.

It’s quick and easy, but be sure to read the fine print before donating. In Canada, a charity must include the details of their text campaign on their website. Research how the funds are being directed.

Be wary of claims that say 100 per cent of donations will assist relief victims.

Charities incur fundraising and administrative expenses. Even a credit card donation will involve processing fees.

Caution should be used in responding to any unsolicited requests for donations. To learn more about donating to charities, visit your BBB at edmonton.bbb.org.

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BBB of Central and Northern Alberta - Career Opportunity - Business Accreditation Specialist

8/25/2011

Posted on 8/25/2011 by BBB of Central & Northern Alberta

Job Title: Business Accreditation Specialist

Department: Sales

Reports To: Business Accreditation Coordinator

Summary: A Business Accreditation Specialist main goal is to find, educate, inform and invite qualified business’s to become accredited with the Better Business Bureau

Compensation

Salary: $2500.00 per month or commission plus bonuses, whichever is greater

Benefits: All employer contributions with respect to EI and CPP will be made immediately.

Vacation: Vacation Days as per the Personnel Policy.

Hours: Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Term: This contract can be terminated by either party, with two weeks notice, in writing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Extend an invitation to qualified businesses to become accredited with the Better Business Bureau.

· Learn all features and benefits associated with the Better Business Bureau

· Search and develop own lead base of businesses for possible accreditation with the Better Business Bureau

· Analyze and create lead base from BBB database of available companies in our market area

· Achieve minimum sales quota each month

· Promote and maintain a positive personal image at all times as part of BBB employment

· Participate in weekly meetings and training seminars

Competencies

· Organizational Knowledge:

Keeps contact notes, callback times and database in a concise manner

· Oral Communication:

Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations. Listens and gets clarification. Responds well to questions.

· Diversity:

Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences.

· Organizational Support:

Always follows policies and procedures as outlined.

· Planning/Organizing:

Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently.

· Attendance/Punctuality:

Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.

· Dependability:

Follows instructions, responds to management direction.

· Initiative:

Undertakes self-development activities, looks for and takes advantage of opportunities. Asks for and offers help when needed.

Qualifications:

· Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Language Skills

Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees.

· Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.

· Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have good telephone and inter-personal skills as well as be comfortable with computers and fax machines. Knowledge of Microsoft word is necessary

· Sales Skills

Comfortable in a commission based environment. Ability to cold call businesses.

BBB of Central and Northern Alberta - Career Opportunity - Receptionist

8/24/2011

Posted on 8/24/2011 by BBB of Central & Northern Alberta

Job Title: Receptionist

Department: Operations

Reports To: Operations Manager

Summary: The Receptionist is responsible for general office support duties, which include: data base management, mail functions, answering and directing phone inquiries, scanning and photocopying of documents, and greeting visitors.

Compensation

Salary: $28,000 per annum.

Benefits: All employer contributions with respect to EI and CPP will be made immediately.

Vacation: Vacation Days as per the Personnel Policy.

Hours: Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Term: This contract can be terminated by either party, with two weeks notice, in writing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Answers incoming telephone calls, determines purpose of callers, and forwards calls to appropriate personnel or department; reads inquiry reports to callers as necessary.

· Takes and delivers messages or transfers calls to voice mail when appropriate personnel are unavailable; retrieves messages from general voice mail and forwards to appropriate personnel.

· Answers questions about organization and provides callers with address, directions, and other information.

· Welcomes on-site visitors, determines nature of business, and announces visitors to appropriate personnel.

· Receives, sorts, and routes mail, and generates daily deposit slips. Applies postage on all outgoing mail and delivers to mailbox.

· Updates database, including Standard Business Questionnaires (SBQ), Out of Business (OOB) checks, Sales Leads and creation of new BIDs for reports.

· Creates and prints fax cover sheets, memos, correspondence, reports, and other documents when necessary.

· Produces Accredited Businesses Kits, including ID cards, inserts, insertion in envelopes and mailing.

· Performs other clerical duties as needed, such as filing, photocopying, scanning and collating.

Competencies

· Organizational Knowledge:

Demonstrates understanding of principles, methods, practices and theories of organization. Demonstrates understanding of reliability report content, consumer protection and dispute resolution as provided by the organization.

· Customer Service:

Manages difficult or emotional customer situations.

· Oral Communication:

Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations. Listens and gets clarification. Responds well to questions.

· Diversity:

Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences.

· Organizational Support:

Follows policies and procedures. Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time.

· Planning/Organizing:

Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently.

· Attendance/Punctuality:

Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.

· Dependability:

Follows instructions, responds to management direction.

· Initiative:

Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities. Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities. Asks for and offers help when needed.

Qualifications:

· Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Language Skills

· Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

· Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Access, Excel Spreadsheet and Microsoft Office Word Processing software.

Please send a covering letter and resume to:

BBB of Central and Northern Alberta
888 9707 110 Street
Edmonton AB T5K 2L9

Fax: (780) 482-1150
Email: info@edmontonbbb.org

Build Your Buying Skills

8/22/2011

Posted on 8/22/2011 by Canada’s Office of Consumer Affairs

Building your buying skills is an important step to becoming a well-informed and knowledgeable consumer. The information below provides helpful basic buying tips you can use and apply today.

You can also contact Your Provincial or Territorial Consumer Affairs Office for further information on any of these and other consumer topics, as they may have information that is more specific to the area where you live.

Read the entire article from the Consumer Measures Committee.

Facebook Releases Official Security Guide

8/22/2011

Posted on 8/22/2011 by BBB of Central & Northern Alberta

Facebook has released its first official security guide, a long overdue handbook to help the social media giant's half-billion fans understand, recognize and avoid the multitude of scams they face every day.

With headers such as "Avoiding malicious script scam," "Avoiding Facebook account thieves," and "Avoiding gaming scams," the 14-page "Own Your Space" guide is full of not just suggestions, but detailed directions on how best to navigate Facebook without falling through any number of dangerous holes — or getting hit by its speeding cars.

"Just as a city paints sidewalks, and pedestrians look both ways before crossing the street, security on Facebook is a responsibility shared between Facebook and the people who use its platform," the guide, "Own Your Space" reads.

If the street-crossing reference seems childish, don't be fooled: "Own Your Space," although it may ostensibly be for young adults, parents and teachers, is for anyone with a Facebook account.

The instructions, including what strong passwords and fake login screens look like, how to identify and avoid clickjacking scams, how to use social authentication and how to report and block impostors, are advice everyone needs to heed, especially as Facebook criminals look for new and more devious ways to carry out their misdeeds.

"Own Your Space" is written in easy-to-understand, nontechnical language, and will hopefully stem the flow of scams that, unfortunately, continue to trick Facebookers every day into unintentionally giving attackers access to their accounts.

Source: SecurityNews Daily (click to read original aritcle)

Facebook Releases Official Security Guide

8/22/2011

Posted on 8/22/2011 by BBB of Central & Northern Alberta

If the street-crossing reference seems childish, don't be fooled: "Own Your Space," although it may ostensibly be for young adults, parents and teachers, is for anyone with a Facebook account.

Source: SecurityNews Daily (click to read original aritcle)

BBB Google™ Priority Placement Program

8/17/2011

Posted on 8/17/2011 by BBB of Central & Northern Alberta
With BBB of Central and Northern Alberta's Priority Placement Program, you can have your business listed in the top of the Google™ search page, above the regular listings.

Avoid Unexpected Cell Phone Charges when Travelling

7/28/2011

Posted on 7/28/2011 by BBB of Central & Northern Alberta

Nowadays, cell phone users are surfing the web, receiving emails and watching movies all on their smartphone with the click of a button from just about anywhere. However, when traveling abroad, many consumers fail to recognize that their data plan is constantly in use even when they think their phone isn’t. Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to either turn off their phone or make the necessary data arrangements with their cell phone provider to avoid thousands of dollars’ worth of data charges while traveling abroad.

Last year alone, BBB received more than 27,000 complaints against the cell phone industry, some of which were from customers who were unaware that their data was still in use as they traveled outside of their coverage area or outside of Canada. One particular customer was charged more than $17,000 in roaming charges during a trip overseas.

“Roaming” is the term that describes a wireless phone’s ability to make and receive calls outside the home calling area under your service plan. When your phone is roaming, an indicator light on your phone may display the word “roam.” On occasion, your handset will not display a roaming indicator, even though it is in a roaming area. Before traveling abroad or out of your coverage area, it’s important for consumers to be proactive and contact their provider for specific details regarding their individual data and roaming plan.

“While the international roaming charges may vary from provider to provider, many of the fees can come as a surprise to travelers,” said Stephen A. Cox, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “To prevent the unexpected roaming charges, contact your cell phone provider to clarify where you are covered and the data plans that can be purchased when traveling abroad.”

BBB advises consumers to do the following with their cell phone and cell phone provider in preparation for a trip abroad this summer:

Turn off your phone. If you don’t need your phone and don’t plan on using it while traveling abroad, turn it off. Some travelers opt for renting or buying international cell phones. Many rental plans offer services that work in several countries and may provide free incoming calls.

Contact your cell phone provider. Many cell phone users know not to make calls or send text messages while out of their coverage area or abroad, but many fail to realize that their data is in use even when they don’t think it is. For the occasional traveler, who doesn’t talk on the phone that frequently, it may be worth looking into an international add-on plan. Your cell phone carrier can provide specific tips that cater to the roaming needs of your individual cell phone and data plan.

Invest in a prepaid SIM card. For the frequent, chatty travelers, or long-term travelers, investing in a prepaid SIM card may be the best way to cut costs. With access to a local phone number, you’ll be able to make phone calls at the country’s local rate. Always check with BBB before choosing an international service provider. Many companies offer SIM cards that can be purchased and can include free incoming calls originating from anywhere in the world.

For more travel tips you can trust, visit our website. We also have a Blog, where we post BBB tips, news, monthly top 10 complaints and inquiries, monthly new and renewed Accredited Businesses, as well as scam alerts for BBB Accredited Businesses and the public. You can also read our alerts, news and tips by subscribing to our RSS news feed.

For social networking, join our BBB Serving Central and Northern Alberta, Facebook Fan Page and follow our Twitter postings.

Media Release - Don’t fall for door to door security sales deception

7/12/2011

Posted on 7/12/2011 by BBB of Central & Northern Alberta

Edmonton, AB (July 12, 2011): Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be careful when answering the door to traveling alarm system salespeople. Every summer, BBB receives complaints from homeowners alleging high pressure sales tactics and promises that were never fulfilled.

“Consumers are often told they must act now,” said Ron Mycholuk, Community Consultant for BBB serving Central and Northern Alberta. “But it’s important to take a little time and do some research before purchasing any product or service.”

While many consumers search out home security companies, summer weather provides businesses the opportunity to go door to door to find their own customers. In addition, some consumers state sales claims never made it into the final contract. Consumers should be aware of their rights before making any purchases.

BBB offers the following tips for consumers purchasing a security system

·Deal with reputable firms. Do some further research and check out the company’s Business Review on edmonton.bbb.org

·Know your rights. Consumers have 10 days to cancel any door to door contract and even longer depending on whether service was provided.

·Study the contract carefully. Confirm information such as installation price, monthly price, installation time, length of contract, refund policy and cancellation procedures.

·Ask about a moving clause. What happens if you move? Can the system come with you? Is there a fee to move the system? Ask before you buy.

·Document problem dates. If you are having any problems with your alarm system, document the date, time, who you dealt with, what the problem was and what was fixed.

·Check out the monitoring company. The company making the sale may not be the company providing monitoring. Check out any company you would be dealing with before making a purchase.

·Compare similar systems. BBB recommends consumers get three quotes before making any purchase. But when gathering quotes, make sure you are comparing similar equipment and monitoring plans.

·Check the company’s licensing. In Alberta, companies require a Direct Seller’s license to perform door to door sales. Salespeople must also clearly display this license and photo id confirming the company they work for.

·Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each system. Ask for the procedures in writing before making a purchase.

O Does the monitoring call you or the police first when the alarm goes off?

O Does the company have a security patrol car they send out?

O How soon after the alarm sounds will you be notified?

O What happens if the company can’t reach you? Is the alarm reset? Are the police called? Are your alternate numbers called?

A home security system is a great way to keep your home and your loved ones safe. Asking the right questions and doing a little research helps consumers get the best security system for their needs.

For more information on keeping your home safe, visit edmonton.bbb.org or contact BBB at (780) 482-2341.

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For media inquiries please contact:

Ron Mycholuk, Community Consultant

BBB^® Serving Central and Northern Alberta

Phone: (780) 488-6632 Ext. 232 Toll Free: 1 (800) 232-7298

Email: ron@edmontonbbb.org

Don’t fall for door to door security sales deception

7/21/2011

Posted on 7/21/2011 by
Edmonton, AB (July 19, 2012): Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be careful when answering the door to traveling alarm system salespeople. Every summer, BBB receives complaints from homeowners alleging high pressure sales tactics and promises that were never fulfilled.