Back in February, Facebook introduced an optional security setting that allows you to surf Facebook more securely: by SSL / HTTPS. Having a connection with HTTPS in the browser as opposed to HTTP helps protect your password as it moves from your computer to the website’s server that you are accessing. This is just a reminder that if you have not already changed your settings to protect yourself, do so now.
How to change your setting:
While on Facebook, look at your URL address in the browser. If you see “http:” instead of “https:” you DO NOT have a secure session. It’s easy to change. Just go to Account (upper right) and click Account Settings. Then Account Security – click Change. Check box (secure browsing), click Save.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Protect your identity — and your pocketbook.
Fighting identity theft means staying vigilant online and off. Protect your identity by taking the following steps from your Better Business Bureau:
• Monitor your financial accounts closely to more quickly detect suspicious activity.
• Make sure your computer has up-to-date antivirus software and be extremely selective when opening attachments or clicking on links in e-mails.
• Shop online through secure sites only and always confirm that the business is trustworthy before entering your credit or debit card number.
• Always shred sensitive documents - this includes personal financial information such as bank, credit card and Social Security numbers. This can be done at your BBB’s free shredding events; our next annual shredder event is:
Saturday, June 25, 2011
9:00am-2:00pm
United Center
1901 West Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60612
For more details on upcoming Shred Days in your area, visit www.chicagoshreds.com.
• Monitor your financial accounts closely to more quickly detect suspicious activity.
• Make sure your computer has up-to-date antivirus software and be extremely selective when opening attachments or clicking on links in e-mails.
• Shop online through secure sites only and always confirm that the business is trustworthy before entering your credit or debit card number.
• Always shred sensitive documents - this includes personal financial information such as bank, credit card and Social Security numbers. This can be done at your BBB’s free shredding events; our next annual shredder event is:
Saturday, June 25, 2011
9:00am-2:00pm
United Center
1901 West Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60612
For more details on upcoming Shred Days in your area, visit www.chicagoshreds.com.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Tips to Avoid Online Scammers
While it would be nice if all businesses and customers operated in a trustworthy and ethical fashion, the truth of the matter is, they don’t.
Your Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois is here to provide advice on how you can be a smart, educated consumer in the many facets of online scams and fraud – many of which share the same red flags.
• Get everything in writing and always read the fine print.
While it’s natural to want to avoid reading the fine print, it’s important that customers understand their rights. Whenever signing a contract, especially on the internet, your BBB recommends reading the fine print carefully.
• Never wire money to someone you don’t know.
Many scams bill victims by convincing them to wire money. The reasons for wiring money can vary and include mystery shopping, paying fees to win a lottery and — if the target is a small business owner—overpayment for goods or services. Scammers know it’s extremely difficult to track money sent via MoneyGram or Western Union. More troubling for victims is that it’s nearly impossible to get your money back. Even if you’ve been given a check to supposedly cover the amount you’re wiring, never send money to someone you don’t know personally.
• Know where to complain.
If you’ve been ripped off online, there are any number of organizations and government agencies that want to hear about it. You can file a complaint with:
• Your Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org
• The Federal Trade Commission and your Attorney General’s Office
• Always check businesses out with the BBB.
Research businesses you can trust at www.bbb.org and consider using the BBB’s FREE online service called eQuote to obtain estimates, proposals or general information from BBB Accredited Businesses.
Your Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois is here to provide advice on how you can be a smart, educated consumer in the many facets of online scams and fraud – many of which share the same red flags.
• Get everything in writing and always read the fine print.
While it’s natural to want to avoid reading the fine print, it’s important that customers understand their rights. Whenever signing a contract, especially on the internet, your BBB recommends reading the fine print carefully.
• Never wire money to someone you don’t know.
Many scams bill victims by convincing them to wire money. The reasons for wiring money can vary and include mystery shopping, paying fees to win a lottery and — if the target is a small business owner—overpayment for goods or services. Scammers know it’s extremely difficult to track money sent via MoneyGram or Western Union. More troubling for victims is that it’s nearly impossible to get your money back. Even if you’ve been given a check to supposedly cover the amount you’re wiring, never send money to someone you don’t know personally.
• Know where to complain.
If you’ve been ripped off online, there are any number of organizations and government agencies that want to hear about it. You can file a complaint with:
• Your Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org
• The Federal Trade Commission and your Attorney General’s Office
• Always check businesses out with the BBB.
Research businesses you can trust at www.bbb.org and consider using the BBB’s FREE online service called eQuote to obtain estimates, proposals or general information from BBB Accredited Businesses.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Walgreens to Acquire Drugstore.com
Walgreens announced that it will acquire Drugstore.com, a popular online retailer for a reported $409 million, according to TechCrunch.
Walgreens will also obtain other websites operated by Drugstore.com, including Beauty.com and SkinStore.com. The drugstore said it will maintain separate branding for each website.
Drugstore.com, which was founded in 1998, operates out of Bellevue, Washington, with more than 1,000 employees. Walgreens has promised it will maintain the corporate office after the merger. Drugstore.com registered more than $456 million in sales in 2010.
Walgreens will also obtain other websites operated by Drugstore.com, including Beauty.com and SkinStore.com. The drugstore said it will maintain separate branding for each website.
Drugstore.com, which was founded in 1998, operates out of Bellevue, Washington, with more than 1,000 employees. Walgreens has promised it will maintain the corporate office after the merger. Drugstore.com registered more than $456 million in sales in 2010.
Monday, March 14, 2011
After an Auto Collision: Informed Towing and Repair Information
Car accidents usually bring a load of stress, leaving motorists in need of immediate help. Accident victims who may not make informed decisions on their towing and repair services could face high up-front fees, improper repairs and extended lengths of time in which their vehicles were out of service while waiting for repairs.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Chicago and Northern Illinois has compiled the following tips to help drivers make informed decisions after an accident:
Towing:
• Call your insurance agent from the accident scene.
• Never give permission to a tow operator who arrives unsolicited to take your vehicle.
• Do not provide a tow truck operator with personal lien holder information.
• Ensure that the tow truck signage matches the name that you called and is identical to any documentation the tow truck operator provides.
• If the truck is not marked, ask for identification.
• If in doubt, call the company back to insure the operator is.
Repairs:
• Get recommendations. Talk to friends and family for recommendations. Ask your auto insurance agent, auto parts salesperson, or other business people you know.
• Check the repair shop's complaint records with the Consumer Protection Division and their Business Review your Better Business Bureau. The shop you select should have a good track record of resolving any complaints.
• Look for a mechanic with experience working on the same automobile model and make as yours. Seek out a mechanic with good credentials, updated knowledge and skill. Some shops display ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification, which indicates the mechanic has met basic standards in a specific technical area. You can also check for shops that participate in the AAA auto service program. But be careful. An ASE test or other certification is not an indication of ethics and integrity.
• Interview mechanics. Are they willing to answer your questions? Do they convey a positive, professional image? Ask if the technician or shop has experience working on the same model vehicle as yours.
Ask the shop for the names of customer references. Then call those references.
• Look for a shop with a clean and well maintained repair area.
• Do not pay in full until the repairs are complete.
For more information on finding auto repair companies you can trust, visit www.bbb.org
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Chicago and Northern Illinois has compiled the following tips to help drivers make informed decisions after an accident:
Towing:
• Call your insurance agent from the accident scene.
• Never give permission to a tow operator who arrives unsolicited to take your vehicle.
• Do not provide a tow truck operator with personal lien holder information.
• Ensure that the tow truck signage matches the name that you called and is identical to any documentation the tow truck operator provides.
• If the truck is not marked, ask for identification.
• If in doubt, call the company back to insure the operator is.
Repairs:
• Get recommendations. Talk to friends and family for recommendations. Ask your auto insurance agent, auto parts salesperson, or other business people you know.
• Check the repair shop's complaint records with the Consumer Protection Division and their Business Review your Better Business Bureau. The shop you select should have a good track record of resolving any complaints.
• Look for a mechanic with experience working on the same automobile model and make as yours. Seek out a mechanic with good credentials, updated knowledge and skill. Some shops display ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification, which indicates the mechanic has met basic standards in a specific technical area. You can also check for shops that participate in the AAA auto service program. But be careful. An ASE test or other certification is not an indication of ethics and integrity.
• Interview mechanics. Are they willing to answer your questions? Do they convey a positive, professional image? Ask if the technician or shop has experience working on the same model vehicle as yours.
Ask the shop for the names of customer references. Then call those references.
• Look for a shop with a clean and well maintained repair area.
• Do not pay in full until the repairs are complete.
For more information on finding auto repair companies you can trust, visit www.bbb.org
Monday, March 7, 2011
Tax Preparation Advice
Most Americans will get assistance from a professional tax preparer or tax software when filing their taxes this year. The Better Business Bureau encourages taxpayers to use caution when selecting tax preparation help or they may get hit with headaches and mounting fines and fees if the return isn’t correct or filed late.
• Ask around. Get referrals from friends and family on who they use and check the BBB Reliability Report on tax preparation services at www.bbb.org
• Look for credentials. Ideally, your tax preparer should either be a certified public accountant, a tax attorney or an enrolled agent. All three can represent you before the IRS in all matters, including an audit. Also, find out if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that holds its members to a code of ethics.
• Don’t fall for the promise of a big refund. Be wary of any tax preparation service that promises larger refunds than the competition, and avoid any tax preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the refund.
• Think about accessibility. Many tax preparation services only set up shop for the months leading up to April 18. In case the IRS finds errors, or in case of an audit, you might need to be able to contact your tax preparer throughout the year.
• Read the contract carefully. Read tax preparation service contracts closely to ensure you understand issues such as how much it is going to cost for the service, how the cost will be affected if preparation is more complicated and time consuming than expected and whether the tax preparer will represent you in case of an audit.
For more advice on finding professionals you can trust, visit www.bbb.org
• Ask around. Get referrals from friends and family on who they use and check the BBB Reliability Report on tax preparation services at www.bbb.org
• Look for credentials. Ideally, your tax preparer should either be a certified public accountant, a tax attorney or an enrolled agent. All three can represent you before the IRS in all matters, including an audit. Also, find out if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that holds its members to a code of ethics.
• Don’t fall for the promise of a big refund. Be wary of any tax preparation service that promises larger refunds than the competition, and avoid any tax preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the refund.
• Think about accessibility. Many tax preparation services only set up shop for the months leading up to April 18. In case the IRS finds errors, or in case of an audit, you might need to be able to contact your tax preparer throughout the year.
• Read the contract carefully. Read tax preparation service contracts closely to ensure you understand issues such as how much it is going to cost for the service, how the cost will be affected if preparation is more complicated and time consuming than expected and whether the tax preparer will represent you in case of an audit.
For more advice on finding professionals you can trust, visit www.bbb.org
Monday, February 21, 2011
Keep your kids safe online by teaching them the seven stop signs
Knowing where your kids are can be a full time job. Knowing where they are online—which websites they’re visiting and who they’re talking to—is even harder, but is no less important. The Better Business Bureau Children’s Advertising Review Unit encourages parents to teach their kids and tweens about unsafe online situations and recommends looking out for seven stop signs.
Sit down with your kids and let them know that they should stop and come talk to you whenever they find themselves in these seven situations online:
1. You visit a website which asks for financial information like bank, credit or debit card numbers. Some websites may try to get at your wallet through your kids. Let your kids know that it is never acceptable to give out your bank, credit or debit card numbers to anyone.
2. You visit a website that asks for personal information like your home address, first and last name, e-mail address, phone or Social Security number. Your kids may not realize that information such as their full name, address, phone number or even their e-mail address or Social Security Number can be very valuable to companies that want to market products to them and also to identity thieves or predators online.
3. A person you don’t know sends you inappropriate pictures or inappropriate language, or wants to actually meet up. Talk to your kids about what would constitute as inappropriate photos and conversations online, as well as the immense dangers of meeting up or talking to strangers.
4. You want to post a picture of yourself online. Posting pictures online can seem harmless, but can often provide important clues to predators. Approve any photos before your kid posts them online until you feel they are old enough to make the right call.
5. You are being harassed or bullied through a social networking site, e-mails or instant messages. Online bullying isn’t just a harmless prank and your kids need to know that it’s important they tell you before it goes too far.
6. You get a friend request on a social networking site from someone you don’t know. Friending someone online that you don’t know in real life is opening the door to many possible threats such as hackers and predators.
7. You want to sign up for a “free” service online or get “free” ringtones or daily joke text messages. “Free” rarely comes without a price online and supposedly, free services can result in repeated charges to your credit card or phone bill.
For more information on staying safe online, visit www.bbb.org
Sit down with your kids and let them know that they should stop and come talk to you whenever they find themselves in these seven situations online:
1. You visit a website which asks for financial information like bank, credit or debit card numbers. Some websites may try to get at your wallet through your kids. Let your kids know that it is never acceptable to give out your bank, credit or debit card numbers to anyone.
2. You visit a website that asks for personal information like your home address, first and last name, e-mail address, phone or Social Security number. Your kids may not realize that information such as their full name, address, phone number or even their e-mail address or Social Security Number can be very valuable to companies that want to market products to them and also to identity thieves or predators online.
3. A person you don’t know sends you inappropriate pictures or inappropriate language, or wants to actually meet up. Talk to your kids about what would constitute as inappropriate photos and conversations online, as well as the immense dangers of meeting up or talking to strangers.
4. You want to post a picture of yourself online. Posting pictures online can seem harmless, but can often provide important clues to predators. Approve any photos before your kid posts them online until you feel they are old enough to make the right call.
5. You are being harassed or bullied through a social networking site, e-mails or instant messages. Online bullying isn’t just a harmless prank and your kids need to know that it’s important they tell you before it goes too far.
6. You get a friend request on a social networking site from someone you don’t know. Friending someone online that you don’t know in real life is opening the door to many possible threats such as hackers and predators.
7. You want to sign up for a “free” service online or get “free” ringtones or daily joke text messages. “Free” rarely comes without a price online and supposedly, free services can result in repeated charges to your credit card or phone bill.
For more information on staying safe online, visit www.bbb.org
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