http://upstatesc.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=81&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Mon, 11 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau of the Upstate SC is warning consumers in the Upstate about a bill payment scam that is targeting utility customers. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/bbb-warning-bill-payment-scam-targets-utility-customers-40136 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:00:00 GMT The BBB advises consumers to be skeptical of weight loss plans that promise results with little or no effort. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/bbb-advises-caution-when-considering-diet-weight-loss-plans-39275 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 06:00:00 GMT Get Educated, Get Ho-Ho-Home Safely http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/avoid-common-holiday-travel-scams-38795 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 06:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to check the fine print on gift cards and make sure security seals are intact before buying them for holiday gifts. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/bbb-offers-advice-on-buying-gift-cards-38644 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 06:00:00 GMT Consumers Who “Call Now” May Get More Than They Bargained For http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/infomercial-inconveniences-38620 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 06:00:00 GMT With many shoppers switching to online shopping for holiday gifts, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is offering 10 tips for safe shopping on Cyber Monday and throughout the season. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/bbbs-10-tips-for-safe-online-shopping-on-cyber-monday-or-anytime-38483 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 05:00:00 GMT Sorting out the truth on environmental claims could be a lot easier now that the Federal Trade Commission has come out with revised “green guides” for companies, the BBB says. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/bbb-revised-green-marketing-guidelines-help-consumers-judge-environmental-claims-37548 Thu, 27 Sep 2012 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises seasonal job seekers to apply early and research potential employers for the best chance at landing a job that fits your needs. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/bbb-advises-applicants-for-seasonal-jobs-to-start-early-prepare-for-interviews-37159 Mon, 02 Jul 2012 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers to be on the lookout for scams related to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld the Affordable Care Act. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/health-care-ruling-could-spark-scams-bbb-warns-35230 Thu, 28 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT If you are cruising online vehicle ads for a new ride, the BBB warns consumers to be alert to criminals that hijack online ads to “sell” vehicles they do not own and have no intention of delivering. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/criminals-are-hijacking-online-vehicle-ads-to-trick-consumers-bbb-warns-35139 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT The BBB advises consumers to use controls available through cell phone companies to limit usage and thus avoid unexpectedly large cell phone bills. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/bbb-advises-consumers-to-use-data-limit-features-to-avoid-cell-phone-bill-surprises-35056 Thu, 21 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT The BBB has tips to help you stay cool this summer while avoiding budget-busting bills. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/bbb-has-tips-to-keep-you-cool-this-summer-without-breaking-the-bank-35013 Thu, 14 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT The BBB lists seven things to check when renting storage units. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/bbbs-7-factors-to-check-when-renting-storage-units-34900 Wed, 16 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT With most mystery shopper job offer scams, cashiers’ checks and letters arrive in the mail. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/employ-caution-with-secret-shopper-job-offers-34378 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that publicity about the NCAA Basketball Tournament is likely to breed scams involving tickets, hotels and merchandise. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/march-madness-scams-range-from-fake-ticket-offers-to-hotel-deals-to-counterfeit-merchandise-33219 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT Hate the con, love the advice! http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/love-and-hate-32520 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT Winter and spring are prime months for ocean cruises, but the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan (BBB) advises consumers to read all of the fine print before signing up for a special cruise deal. The BBB urges consumers to be especially cautious of unsolicited mail with offers of free or discounted cruises. In 2011, the BBB received more than 1,300 complaints against cruise companies. While legitimate cruise companies do offer specials periodically, there are always those sneaky few that end up leaving consumers on the hook for thousands of dollars. Many times, scammers will send numerous e-mails, postcards, and other mailings trying to get you to call them in order to claim your “free cruise.” Don’t be fooled by professional looking websites. Gather as much information as you can about the business, and ask a lot of questions before signing on the dotted line. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/dont-cruise-your-way-into-a-vacation-scam-31939 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau investigates thousands of scams every year, from the latest gimmicks to schemes as old as the hills. Our new Scam Source (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. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/top-scams-of-2011-31703 Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT To minimize the hassle of post-holiday returns, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises shoppers to ask about retailers’ return policies before making a purchase. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/got-an-unwanted-gift-bbb-advises-shoppers-to-check-return-policies-carefully-31583 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT As cyber sales go into full force around Thanksgiving, Better Business Bureau says lookout for unrealistic sales and advertisements. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/read-into-risks-and-red-flags-on-hot-electronics-31034 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT With many shoppers switching to online retailers for holiday gifts, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is offering 10 tips for safe online shopping on Cyber Monday and throughout the season. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/bbb-offers-10-tips-for-safe-online-shopping-31031 Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT Subject: Authorize.Net Late Fee Warning Notice http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/new-round-of-phishing-attacks-using-fake-authorizenet-late-fee-warning-notices-29722 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT Car Buyers and Car Sellers, Beware http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/kelley-blue-book-warns-of-fraudulent-online-car-buying-scams-masquerading-as-kbbcom-29581 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT Back-to-school sales started in mid-July, but some smart shoppers are waiting for this year’s Missouri sales tax holiday to make major purchases of clothing and school supplies. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/back-to-school-tax-holiday-is-savings-opportunity-for-consumers-who-do-homework-bbb-advises-28685 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 06:00:00 GMT If you’ve ever locked yourself out of your car or home, you know what a hassle it can be. Your first thought is to get someone to help you out of your situation. If a family member or friend can’t deliver a spare set of keys, your next call might be to a local locksmith. But before you make that call, consider this: According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, some locksmiths advertising in your local telephone book may not be local at all. They may not have professional training. What’s more, some of them may use intimidating tactics and overcharge you. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/ftc-the-keys-to-hiring-a-reputable-locksmith-4482 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Care Labeling Rule requires manufacturers and importers to attach care instructions to garments. Updates to the Rule became effective on September 1, 2000. The Rule's section requiring a "reasonable basis" for care instructions has been changed to clarify what is required, and the definitions of "hot," "warm," and "cold" water have been changed to harmonize with the definitions used by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/ftc-clothes-captioning-complying-with-the-care-labeling-rule--4379 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT These Voluntary Guidelines represent a consensus of voluntary consumer disclosure practices reached by a panel of weight management companies, weight loss professionals, and consumer protection groups. They are not binding, do not represent legal standards or interpretation of any legal requirements, and are not sponsored or issued by any government agency. Providers1 should only make these disclosures to the extent that they are permissible under applicable state and federal law. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/ftc-voluntary-guidelines-for-providers-of-weight-loss-products-or-services-4452 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) prepared this booklet to help you comply with a new FTC rule that requires labeling on alternative fueled vehicles. The Labeling Requirements for Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fueled Vehicles Rule was issued in keeping with a directive in the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The Rule requires you to provide information to potential purchasers of alternative fueled vehicles to help them compare vehicles. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/ftc-labeling-alternative-fueled-vehicles-4354 Sun, 01 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT Alaska is famous for the rugged beauty of its mountains, rivers, and coastlines, as well as for the distinctive arts and crafts produced by Alaska Native artists. If you are considering purchasing an Alaska Native-made art or craft item, it’s smart to invest a little time learning about the processes and materials Alaska Natives may use to make these unique and beautiful objects. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/ftc-alaska-native-art-4497 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT If you're refinancing your mortgage or applying for a home equity installment loan, you should know about the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994 (HOEPA). http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/ftc-high-rate-high-fee-loans-hoepasection-32-mortgages-4768 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT It’s not hard to see why ads for business opportunities that promote the benefits of being your own boss and making money quickly are appealing. But the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the government agency that monitors advertising for deception, says that some ads for business opportunities feature empty promises and false claims that potential entrepreneurs could never realize. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/ftc-ads-for-business-opportunities-how-to-detect-deception-4607 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission staff prepared this business booklet to help finance companies, retailers, and other creditors comply with the Credit Practices Rule, which went into effect March 1, 1985. This booklet tells you what the Credit Practices Rule requires, who must comply, and what transactions are covered. It also discusses liability for rule violations and how exemptions are granted. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/ftc-complying-with-the-credit-practices-rule-4420 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT For many consumers, electronic banking means 24-hour access to cash through an automated teller machine (ATM) or Direct Deposit of paychecks into checking or savings accounts. But electronic banking now involves many different types of transactions. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/ftc-electronic-banking--4646 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT Shopping for gifts can be a real dilemma. Just what do you get the person who has everything: your finicky Aunt Mary, your co-worker, or your child's babysitter? Gift cards may be the answer: one size fits all, and the recipients can get exactly what they want. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/ftc-buying-giving-and-using-gift-cards-4412 Wed, 01 Mar 2006 06:00:00 GMT Internet auction sites give buyers a “virtual” flea market with new and used merchandise from around the world; they give sellers a global storefront from which to market their goods. But the online auction business can be risky business. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants to help buyers and sellers stay safe on Internet auction websites. Among the thousands of consumer fraud complaints the FTC receives every year, those dealing with online auction fraud consistently rank near the top of the list. The complaints generally deal with late shipments, no shipments, or shipments of products that aren’t the same quality as advertised; bogus online payment or escrow services; and fraudulent dealers who lure bidders from legitimate auction sites with seemingly better deals. Most complaints involve sellers, but in some cases, the buyers are the subject. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/ftc-internet-auctions-a-guide-for-buyers-and-sellers-4516 Wed, 01 Feb 2006 06:00:00 GMT Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of turquoise and silver jewelry or the earth tone colors of Indian pottery, having some knowledge about American Indian arts and crafts can help you get the most for your money. Be aware also that because Indian arts and crafts are prized and often command higher prices, a few unscrupulous sellers misrepresent imitation arts and crafts as genuine. http://upstatesc.bbb.org/article/ftc-how-to-buy-genuine-american-indian-arts-and-crafts-4487