Mail-In Rebates

Once the excitement of the holidays wears off, people turn to the promised rewards of mail-in rebates. However, the Better Business Bureau advises that it’s more important than ever to read the fine print when filing for a rebate because retailers and manufacturers are changing the way they issue rebates.

“Rebates are a great way to get a deal, but they can also be a great source of frustration for consumers,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “By acting quickly to redeem the rebate and reading the mail-in instructions carefully, consumers can significantly reduce any disappointment associated with redeeming rebates.”

The BBB offers the following advice to shoppers on how to make the process of redeeming rebates as painless as possible:

Don’t wait. Some rebates have a time window in which they can be redeemed or must be redeemed within a certain amount of time following purchase. Waiting also increases your chances of misplacing necessary receipts or packaging.

Read the instructions carefully. The guidelines for redeeming a rebate can be extensive and missing steps may delay the process or result in loss of the rebate. Be sure to indicate how you want to receive the rebate—such as if a gift card is the default option—and include all the necessary paperwork and proof of purchase. Also make a point to thoroughly read the fine print details that are included when you receive your rebate card or check in the mail.
Keep the packaging. Rebates often require UPC bar codes or other parts of the packaging to be included with the paperwork for processing, so don’t throw boxes away until you’re sure you don’t need them.

Make copies of everything. Keep a copy of all the paperwork you mailed back to the retailer or manufacturer for the rebate. It’s the only record you’ll have of the transaction if anything goes missing.

Contact the business if the rebate doesn’t arrive. Some retailers and manufacturers use third-party fulfillment companies for processing rebates so keep in mind that you might be dealing with a different business when it comes to tracking down your rebate.

Help is available if you need it. If the rebate never arrives or is significantly late, file a complaint with the BBB, the Federal Trade Commission or your state Attorney General.

For more advice on being a savvy consumer this holiday season, visit www.bbb.org

Phony Calls Claim to Be from BBB Asking if Businesses Are Moving

Businesses across the country are getting phony calls claiming to be from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), asking if the businesses are planning to move. The calls are not from the BBB, and the source and purpose of the calls are unknown. BBB advises businesses to proceed cautiously with any unknown callers.

If your company received a phone call from the Better Business Bureau seeking to update records, particularly if your company is moving, be cautious. Furthermore, the caller ID on the calls displays all zeros.
The BBB wants businesses to know that the BBB does not call to ask if businesses are moving, and any calls from the BBB are clearly identified. Businesses can check with their local BBBs to verify any calls claiming to be from the Better Business Bureau, or to report any questionable calls.

Businesses can be targeted by a number of different schemes, including wire transfer scams, directory schemes, office supply schemes, and more. For BBB tips on schemes against business visit http://www.bbb.org/

Winter Weather Preparation Tips

With winter weather upon Chicagoland, the Better Business Bureau has some tips on keeping your family safe as snow storms and subfreezing temperatures reach the area.


Get a Kit

• Get an emergency supply kit which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. Add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather:

o Rock salt to melt ice on walkways

o Sand to improve traction

o Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

o Also include adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

Make a Plan

• Make a family emergency plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.

• Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.

Be Informed

• Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and windowsills to keep the warm air inside.

• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.

• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).

• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.

• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.

Fighting Cold and Flu Season in the Workplace

Cold and flu season is setting in and the close quarters of the workplace allow coworkers to easily trade germs. The Better Business Bureau recommends that business owners take a few simple steps to prevent illnesses from spreading and promote productivity throughout the workplace.


“Fighting germs around the office is about keeping your employees safe and maintaining productivity throughout the peak cold and flu seasons,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “Encouraging proper hygiene and a liberal leave policy will help maintain a happier, healthier workplace.”

The BBB recommends taking the following steps to protect employees during cold and flu season:

Build up an arsenal to fight germs. Facial tissue, hand sanitizer, and products for cleaning work spaces are three basic purchases employers can make for fighting germs around the office. Also consider investing in no-touch trashcans.

Encourage people to stay home. Sick employees may think they’re being dedicated workers when they still come into work but, however, they may spread germs to other employees and cut down on the overall productivity of the business. Encourage employees to stay home when they are sick at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or severe symptoms. Consider instituting a flexible leave policy—and appropriate technology—that allows employees to work from home if they or their kids are sick.

Promote good hygiene around the office – Remind everyone of the importance of hand washing and covering your mouth if you sneeze or cough. Encourage employees to regularly clean shared equipment such as phones and computers and wipe down common areas. Post friendly reminders around the workplace in languages that all employees can easily understand.

Encourage flu shots – Contact your local hospital to see if they provide on-site flu shots or consider reimbursing some or all of the cost for employees to get a shot on their own time.

Hold a health fair – Contact your local hospital to see if they provide health fairs for larger offices. You can also contract the coordination of an on-site health fair with a company specializing in the service.

Set a good example. Now that you’ve asked everyone to wash their hands regularly and stay home if they’re sick, it’s important as the business owner that you follow your own advice. When you’re the boss it can seem like an impossible task to take a sick day, but stay home and keep your germs out of the workplace.

For more advice on providing a safe and healthy workplace, visit www.bbb.org

Possible Misinformation Regarding Cook County Assessor's Refund

The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois has been informed that there are accusations that the Cook County Assessor's Office has over charged all taxpayers in Cook County from 2006 through 2009.  The party or parties involved in making such claims are stating that owners of single family residences or condominium during this period are entitled to a refund. 

After contacting the Cook County Assessor's office directly recently, the Chicago BBB was informed that the Cook County Assessor has made no error in tax levies for this time period and that the info contained in the claim did not in any way originate from the Assessor's office.  The Cook County Assessor claims that if they determine such errors to have occurred they would have communicated this directly to each individual home owner via mail. 

FTC Warns Consumers About Online Dating Scams

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, warns that scammers sometimes use online dating and social networking sites to try to convince people to send money in the name of love. In a typical scenario, the scam artist creates a fake profile, gains the trust of an online love interest, and then asks that person to wire money—usually to a location outside the United States.




Below are some red flags associated with online dating sights:

• They may begin by telling you they are a business man or woman and are either currently doing contract work in an African country or they are in Europe.

• The request for money, typically sent via Western Union, may take one of four forms:

1. A medical emergency

2. Victim of a crime.

3. Visa money and flight money to come to be with you.

4. A business deal is slipping through their fingers.

Starting in 2011, FTC Will Require EnergyGuide Labels for Televisions

Televisions manufactured after May 10, 2011 must display EnergyGuide labels so consumers shopping for TVs will have more information about different models and how much energy they use.


A recent amendment to the Federal Trade Commission's Appliance Labeling Rule will require the familiar yellow-and-black labels on new TVs. The labels, which have long appeared on home appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators, will provide useful information for TVs, such as estimated yearly energy cost and the cost range compared to other similar models

Lifetime Warranties Can Deceive

If you have a “lifetime” warranty on your windows, roof, auto parts, or any product you might want to dig out your paperwork and read the fine print.




The meaning of “lifetime” – when pertaining to warranties – does not always mean forever.



The manufacturers of products offering this warranty must disclose their definition of “lifetime”. The length of time will vary from company to company, and product to product.



For more information on warranties and finding businesses you can trust, visit www.bbb.org/chicago

Have a Profitable Hobby? You May Need a Permit.

When times are tough, savvy individuals find ways to make extra money by turning their hobbies into side jobs by selling their homemade products or services.


Whether selling arts and crafts online or doing freelance work, entrepreneurs who have earning money from their hobbies need a local city, or county business license.

In Chicago, the Department of Business Affairs and Licensing processes license applications and once complete, the City Clerk issues business licenses.

If providing certain services from one’s home or offering goods, check with the city's zoning and selling requirements as well.

For more information on starting your own business or to become a BBB Accredited Business, visit www.bbb.org

Don't wait until retirement to create a business succession plan

While it’s not fun for a business owner to think about the impact their death or a disability would have on the company, it is nevertheless important to create a succession plan sooner rather than later. The Better Business Bureau outlines five steps to create a solid succession plan and ensure the stability of the business if something unexpected should happen.




A business succession plan is extremely vital to ensure the stability of the business and avoid paying to many taxes or damaging the family finances, but many small business owners lack one. According to a 2008 PNC Bank survey of business owners, 77 percent had a will but only 33 percent had a succession plan for their business.



“While your retirement may seem far off, you should plan for the unexpected by taking the time to create a thorough succession plan,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “Waiting until retirement to think about the next generation of the business puts both your family finances and the future success of the company at risk.”



The BBB recommends taking the following steps to create a cohesive and comprehensive succession plan:



Have the tough conversations with family and partners.

When beginning the planning process, get the thoughts and opinions of family members and business partners on their future involvement with the company. This will give you a better idea who really wants to take on the challenges of the company and who might prefer a different path from the family business while perhaps maintaining an equity stake. Also, circle back around and make sure all interested parties understand the succession plan after it is finalized.



Get professional help. A succession plan isn’t just about naming an heir; it’s also a matter of navigating tax laws and minimizing the financial burden on family members. The financial aspect of a succession plan can be very complex. An attorney and/or financial planner can walk you through the process, make sure you’ve tied up all loose ends and help you ease the potential financial strain on family and the business.



Think about the staff. A succession plan isn’t just about tending to finances and ownership. It is also about management and making sure the company can run smoothly in your absence. Make sure that your staff is trained to carry on without you—this includes the high-level strategic plan and the day to day basics of making the business work. Consider creating basic succession management plans for key staff to ensure continuity in service and productivity should someone else depart.



Think about the customers. Customer loyalty for a small business often rests heavily on the owner. Customers might head off to the competition if they think that the company can’t carry on without you. Consider how you can make the transition seamless for customers and not lose the trust they have built in your company should you leave. Encourage relationships between customers and other staff so that they know that the business is more than just you.



Update the plan every few years. Revisit and revise the plan every few years. Make sure it continues to reflect the current status of the business as well as your family situation.



For more trustworthy small business advice, visit www.bbb.org

When to Shut the Door on a Traveling Salesman

When salespeople knock on your door, they could represent any number of different legitimate products and services such as magazines, cleaning supplies and even frozen meat and poultry. They might also be itinerant workers who are offering a low-ball estimate to fix your roof or repave your driveway. Regardless of what they are selling, protect your home and your wallet by confirming their credentials.


The BBB recommends being cautious of a door to door salesperson or itinerant worker if they:

Use high pressure sales tactics. A reputable salesman will give you time to think through the deal and make an appointment to return at a later date and provide written information. Watch out if you’re asked to sign up immediately before you do your research. Do not give in to high-pressure sales tactics—even if the deal supposedly won’t last long or the salesperson is aggressive—it’s worth it to stop and think it over first.

Offer a deal that sounds too good to be true. Some salesmen might offer an extremely good price for their products or services. The adage holds true that you get what you pay for and many people have been quickly disappointed when the products didn’t live up to the hype or the company did a shoddy job.

Fail to follow federal law. Federal law requires that if you purchase more than $25 in goods, the salesperson must inform you of your rights to cancel within three business days. Called the “cooling off” rule, these rights are typically included with the company’s contact information on the receipt or contract. Each community, village, city or other body politic requires permits for door to door sales according to their own ordinances. Ask the salesperson to show his or her permit.

Work for a company with a poor rating from your BBB. Before you break out your checkbook, always check the company out with your BBB first to see their rating and if they have any complaints they’ve received in addition to BBB’s overall rating at www.bbb.org

Pay with a check or credit card—rather than cash—in order to take advantage of the consumer protections provided.

Shop only Accredited Businesses. For more information visit www.bbb.org/chicago

Tips When Donating to Charities

The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to give, but give wisely to charities.




Your BBB offers the following tips when donating to charities:

• Do not give cash; always make contributions by check or credit card and make your check payable to the charity, not to the individual collecting the donation.

• Never donated to a charity you know nothing about. Check out the organization with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org

• Don’t be fooled by names that look impressive or that closely resemble the name of a well-known organization.

• Don’t feel pressured into giving a donation and don’t be afraid to request additional information from the charity regarding its finances or programs.

• Keep records of your donations (receipts, canceled checks, and bank statements) so you can document your charitable giving at tax time. Although the value of your time as a volunteer is not deductible, out-of-pocket expenses (including transportation costs) directly related to your volunteer service to a charity are deductible.

• Be aware of claims that state “every penny will go to the charity.” All charities incur expenses. Make sure you know where you donation is going and who is benefiting from it; BBB/Wise Giving Alliance charity standards state that at least sixty-five percent of the organization’s total expenses should be spent on program activities. To see all twenty charity standards visit http://chicago.bbb.org/Charity-Standards/

Beware: The Truth About Wire Transfers

Money transfers can be convenient when you want to send funds to someone you know, like a trusted friend or relative. But money transfers are extremely risky when you’re dealing with a stranger or an unfamiliar business. Money transfers happen to be the preferred payment method of scammers. Why? Simply because wiring money is fast, irreversible and virtually untraceable.


A person may not be aware for days, sometimes even weeks that they have become victims of a scam. However, money sent by wire can be in the scammer’s hands in a matter of minutes and can’t be recalled. Typically, there’s no way to reverse a wire transfer once the money has been picked up and tracing where the money goes is nearly impossible. The receiver is not always required to show identification or even provide a verifiable mailing address or contact information. Scammers know they can pick up the money at virtually any location in the country so it’s just about impossible to pinpoint exactly where the scammers are operating in time to stop the transaction.

For more information on wire transfers, visit www.bbb.org/chicago

Auto repair and service

If you’re having car trouble or just looking for a business to perform routine maintenance, your BBB offers tips to find a reputable auto repair shop:


• Shop around before you need a mechanic to avoid being rushed into a last-minute decision.

• Ask friends, family, and other people you trust for recommendations.

• Get a free Reliability Report from your BBB on a specific business or request a list of all BBB Accredited auto repair businesses in the area.

• Check with Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office or the Department of Consumer Services to see if the business has a record of complaints.

• Shop around by telephone for the best deal, and compare warranty policies on repairs.

• Ask to see current licenses.

• Make sure the shop will honor your vehicle’s warranty.

• Look for shops that display various certifications - like an Automotive Service Excellence seal. Certification indicates that some or all of the technicians meet basic standards of knowledge and competence in specific technical areas. Make sure the certifications are current, but remember that certification alone is no guarantee of good or honest work.

• Ask if the technician or shop has experience working on the same model vehicle as yours.

When considering parts to be repaired or replaced, it’s important to understand parts’ classification:

• New: Parts are made to the original manufacturer’s specifications, either by the vehicle manufacturer or an independent company.

• Remanufactured, rebuilt and reconditioned: These terms generally mean the same thing - parts have been restored to a sound working condition. Many manufacturers offer a warranty covering replacement parts, but not the labor to install them.

• Salvage: These are used parts taken from another vehicle without alteration. Salvage parts may be the only source for certain items, but their reliability is seldom guaranteed.

For additional information you can trust, start with http://www.bbb.org/

Shred It and Forget It

Free Shredding Services Saturday, September 11 at the West Suburban Bank in Downers Grove

Each year more than 8 million Americans fall victim to identity theft, according to a Javelin survey, losing over $40 billion. But now there's a free way you can protect yourself from ID thieves. You can "Shred It and Forget It."


To an identity thief, one person's trash can literally become another person's stolen treasure. By going through garbage cans and diving through dumpsters, thieves dig out documents with valuable information from names and social security numbers to bank and credit card information.

"If you're putting your personal or business information in the trash, there's a chance that somebody's going to get a hold of that and use it for purposes you don't intend," Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois President & CEO Steve J. Bernas said. "One of the most popular schemes among these low-tech identity thieves is finding pre-approved credit card offers in the trash."

A free shredding event will be held on Saturday, September 11 from 9AM-2PM at the West Suburban Bank, 2800 Finley Road in Downers Grove.

Hosts of the annual event include the Better Business Bureau along with the West Suburban Bank, Federal Trade Commission and United States Postal Inspection Service.

This shredding service is FREE. The Better Business Bureau and its partners are hosting Shred It and Forget It – up to ten boxes of papers shredded per person.

For more information go to chicagoshreds.com

Tips - Franchising Fraud

Franchising has become one of the most popular ways for individuals to start their own businesses. However, without carefully investigating a business before you purchase it, you may make an expensive mistake. While the majority of franchisors are legitimate, a number of them operate under false pretenses. In these cases, the victim may be subjected to fast-paced, high-pressure sales tactics and is often given fictitious sales projections, testimonials, and slick promotional brochures. He or she is urged to act immediately to take advantage of a "ground floor" opportunity. When the sale is completed and money collected, a number of incidents may happen: the scam artist may disappear with the investment; the franchisor may go out of business; products or services may turn out to be inferior, overpriced, or unmarketable; or specialized training promised by the franchisor may be insufficient. By the time victims realize they have been scammed, it's usually too late.


The Better Business Bureau suggests using caution as the best defense. Before you enter into a business arrangement, be sure you fully understand the responsibilities of all parties. Under the Federal Trade Commission rule, the seller is required to provide a detailed disclosure document at least ten business days before you pay any money or legally commit yourself to a purchase. This information includes identifying information about the seller, background information on the business and its officers, and substantial details on how the franchise agreement works, along with restrictions on such things as geographical boundaries or conditions on the right to sell or transfer ownership.

Listen carefully to the sales presentation. Some sales tactics should signal caution. For example, if you are pressured to sign immediately "because prices will go up tomorrow," or "another buyer wants this deal," you should slow down, not accelerate, your purchase decision. A seller with a good offer does not have to use this sort of pressure.

If promises are made by a salesperson, be sure they're written into the contract before you sign. If the salesperson says one thing and your contract says nothing about the promise or says something different, your contract is what counts. If the seller balks at putting verbal promises in writing, you should be alert to potential problems. You might want to look for another business.

Unless you've had considerable business experience, you may want to get an attorney, accountant or a business advisor to read the disclosure document and proposed contract to counsel you and help you get the best deal.

Before doing business with any company, use the Better Business Bureau to search for a reliability report at http://www.bbb.org/

Choosing the Right Career Training School

Do you need to update your job skills or acquire new skills to get the job you desire? Career training schools, both public and private, can offer valuable preparation for those seeking entry-level job skills, a career change or upgraded training in a specific field.


A career training school also known as a vocational, trade, or technical school, should be investigated as carefully as any other service. Whether the training program is in automobile mechanics, computer programming, practical nursing, locksmithing or any other vocational career area, it is important to make an informed choice.

The Better Business Bureau suggests the following tips when considering a career training school:

• Obtain catalogs or bulletins from several schools, both public and private, that offer the training you are seeking. Is the school accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education? Is it licensed by your state Department of Education?

• Compare the courses, rates of completion, and job placement percentages with those being offered in your community by public schools, community colleges, nonprofit and for-profit schools.

• Talk to employers in your field of interest. Tell them your objectives and ask them if training in a career school would qualify you for a job.

• Visit the school and inspect its facilities. Are the facilities and equipment the same as described in the school's printed materials?

• Find out about the instructor's qualifications. What is the teacher-to-student ratio and the teacher turnover rate?

• Determine the costs for tuition, books, materials, lab equipment, financial assistance, residence and meals before signing a contract. Ask for details on the cancellation and refund policy.

• Know the requirements for and terms of the financial aid program. Get the facts about the institution backing loans, grants, or work study programs; how and when funds are dispersed; and how loans are repaid.

• Be wary if a school guarantees you job placement or makes promises about how much money you will make. An accredited school recognized by the U.S. Department of Education cannot legally make such guarantees. They can, however, provide you with written statistics on past graduates, their jobs and their employers.

• Contact the Better Business Bureau for a reliability report on the school.

Work at Home Scams Arrive to Take Advantage of the Unemployed

Work-at-home scams rise and fall along with the economy. Unfortunately, with many people out of work, this type of activity is widespread and may take advantage of those least able to afford any loss of money. The Better Business Bureau offers those looking for new employment opportunities some tips so that they don’t get burned in the job hunting process.

 

“Frustrated people anxious to earn some money must be carful about being taken advantage of by deceitful scam artists,” warns Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “This type scam exists because it preys on the desperation of people, making it even more despicable.”

 

Complaints to the BBB about work-at-home scams are averaging more than ten a month with an increase of 14% over last year.

 

Libna Perez, a complainant from Elgin, Ill. states, “I saw the ad and it looked like it was perfect for me. I have two kids and no one to watch them if I work. My husband’s business closes down during part of the winter and money is tight. I sent in a check for $30 or $35 and was supposed to get a kit with envelopes and paperwork to stuff in the envelope. They said that this would be my own business and that each envelope that they sent me would have $5 inside. It was supposed to take ten days to get the kit after my check cleared and I complained to the Better Business Bureau after it took three weeks. They company had not been returning my calls. The president actually called and yelled at me after I filed a second complaint with the Better Business Bureau but they sent me my refund…”

To avoid falling victim of work-at-home scams, the BBB recommends the following warning signs:

• Overstated claims of product effectiveness;
• Exaggerated claims of potential earnings, profits, or part-time earnings;
• Claims of "inside" information;
• Requirements of money for instructions or products before telling you how the plan works;
• Claims of "no experience necessary."

 

The BBB also notes that when most people respond to an advertisement for working at home, such as stuffing envelopes, they will generally receive - for a fee - instructions as to how to place similar ads in other publications, also offering work at home opportunities. Allegedly, they will get paid for each response you receive and send back to the original company.

Many work-at-home schemes have been put out of business by the postal authorities. In addition, the U.S. Postal Service advises that envelope stuffing is a highly mechanized process, virtually eliminating any possibility of working at home.

“Other work at home promotions may involve assembling crafts or pillows,” Bernas explained. “Be aware that advance fees for the necessary materials are often required, that the crafts may take longer to assemble than represented, and that the company will pay only for finished products it deems acceptable.”

For more information on this and other scams, visit www.bbb.org

 

Shred It and Forget It

Free Shredding Services August 21 at U.S. Cellular Field and September 11 at the West Suburban Bank in Downers Grove

Each year more than 8 million Americans fall victim to identity theft, according to a Javelin survey, losing over $40 billion. But now there's a free way you can protect yourself from ID thieves. You can "Shred It and Forget It."

To an identity thief, one person's trash can literally become another person's stolen treasure. By going through garbage cans and diving through dumpsters, thieves dig out documents with valuable information from names and social security numbers to bank and credit card information.

"If you're putting your personal or business information in the trash, there's a chance that somebody's going to get a hold of that and use it for purposes you don't intend," Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois President & CEO Steve J. Bernas said. "One of the most popular schemes among these low-tech identity thieves is finding pre-approved credit card offers in the trash."

The first shredding event is on Saturday, August 21 from 9AM-2PM at U.S. Cellular Field, Lot A, on the west side of Wentworth between 33rd and 35th streets, in Chicago.

The second shredding event is on Saturday, September 11 from 9AM-2PM at the West Suburban Bank, 2800 Finley Road in Downers Grove.

Hosts of the annual event include the Better Business Bureau along with the City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, Cook County State's Attorney's Office, Federal Trade Commission, United States Postal Inspection Service, Chicago Police, Illinois Attorney General's Office, and the Cook County Department of Environmental Control.

This shredding service is FREE. The Better Business Bureau and its partners are hosting Shred It and Forget It – up to ten boxes of papers shredded per person.

10 Ways to Spot Work at Home Scams

Beware of “jobs” or “business opportunities” that seem to offer high pay for work you can do at home. Often these programs are bogus.

Common scams involve package forwarding, Internet searches or advertising, envelope stuffing, medical billing, discount or coupon programs, rebate processing, distributorships, sales, or the purchase of special equipment or software to start businesses.

Many people lose large sums of money through work at home scams. Some versions of these scams - like package forwarding – might also involve the victim in crimes such as identity theft and handling of stolen merchandise.

Here are 10 tip-offs that the “opportunity” could be a scam:

1. Big bucks for simple tasks. Watch out if they promise to pay you a lot of money for jobs that don’t seem to require much effort or skill. Sound too good to be true? It might be a scam.

2. Job offers out of nowhere from strangers. If they offer you a job without getting an application from you first, meeting you, or doing an interview, it’s probably a scam. Don’t hand your personal employment information to such folk (especially your Social Security number!). That could lead to identity theft.

3. Requests for up-front payments. If someone wants you to make an advance payment to “get in” on the ground floor of a new business opportunity - especially if it’s a big investment, or you don’t have much information about the deal - this is a big red flag. Don’t do it. “Advance fee scams” are very common and they come in many varieties.

4. They ask you to wire the money. If you wire a payment to somebody, it’s gone forever. Wire transfers of money are a convenient and perfectly legitimate service. But scam artists often ask you to wire payments that they are requesting (especially to destinations in other countries!) because they know you won’t be able to get your money back.

5. High pressure to do it now. Don’t be in a hurry to accept an unsolicited offer of work, or to make a business investment, particularly if the other party is asking you to spend your money on the deal. Take your time. If somebody tries to convince you that this is a “limited time” offer and you have to act now, just tell them to forget it. Ignore anybody who pushes you to agree. High pressure is a big sign that something’s wrong.

6. Refusal to give you full details in writing. Ask for complete information in writing. Request proof of any claims. Look carefully at any documentation they might provide to make sure it answers all your questions. If they won’t give details, or don’t respond to questions, don’t do business with them.

7. References are missing or a bit suspicious. A real business should be able to give you many professional references – not just a few. Be sure to ask for references and check them yourself. Don’t be swayed by a few written testimonials that sound fabulous. Even if the references seem good, don’t make your decision based on references alone. Do a careful background check. For starters: try a web search on the company name and see what comes up.

8. Contact information is missing or doesn’t make sense. Be very cautious if a company is trying to get you to accept a job or do business, but seems to lack any established physical location with a real street address. A cell phone number and website address are not enough contact information. If there’s no street address, look out! (P.O. boxes are not comforting – scammers often rent them, and move on quickly.) If there is an address, it’s worth taking a moment to check it on the Internet. It’s common for phony operations to claim they are at an address that is not their true location. Nowadays we have online tools like Google Street View photos of address locations and “whois” website owner lookups that may be helpful.

9. They want you to buy a bunch of expensive stuff. If they expect you to make a major purchase of equipment, software, inventory, or information in order to get started in business, be very careful. Often these are the most persuasive kinds of scams. It seems like it might be a real business opportunity – but it’s not. Here’s what happens: the buyer makes the purchase and never receives the things needed to set up the business. You can avoid this situation! Check the business out completely before you send a dime.

10. It’s got a bad rating with the BBB! Victims do complain to the BBB about work at home scams. It only takes minutes to check a company’s record with us at www.bbb.org. Do the search. Or call the BBB if you want help figuring out whether you are looking at a scam. It could save you a fortune. If you’ve been victimized, file a complaint with BBB! Other organizations can help too: your city government’s department of consumer affairs; your state attorney general’s office; and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Online Auction Tips

Looking for a special item, a hot collectible or simply a good deal? An online auction may provide one means. But before you place that cyber-bid, consider how online auction houses work.


Online auction houses facilitate communications between would-be buyers and sellers. Sellers list their goods, and auctions are conducted using e-mail to send and receive bids. If you're the highest bidder, the seller will contact you via e-mail to arrange for payment and delivery.

Most sellers accept credit cards, or use a third-party escrow agent to collect your payment, the product you're buying and process delivery of each. But be cautious if the seller asks you to pay by check or money order. Some online sellers have put items up for auction, taken the highest bidder's money and never delivered the merchandise. What's more, consumers who paid by certified check or money order have had little recourse when it came to getting their money back.

The Better Business Bureau, along with the Federal Trade Commission, advises consumers who plan to bid in an online auction, to take the following precautions:

• Try to pay by credit card. If you don't get the merchandise, you can challenge the charges with your credit card issuer.

• Ask about using an escrow agent, or paying by COD. Most escrow services charge a fee, so you may want to consider this option only for larger purchases.

• Verify the seller's identity and check on their reputation. If you can't, consider this a red flag and avoid doing business with the seller. Some sellers may use a forged e-mail header, making it impossible to contact them if you need to.

• Ask how you'll get follow-up service, if you need it. Many sellers don't have the expertise or facilities to provide service for the goods they sell. Is this important to you?

• Avoid impulse bids and purchases. Online auctions may be enticing, but are you really getting the best price? Do some research on the product before bidding.

• Ask about return policies. Returning merchandise to an online seller may be difficult.

For more information about online auctions, visit http://www.bbb.org/.

Warning: Free Subway Gift Card Scam on Facebook

There is a scam floating around the web offering a free Subway gift card for just clicking on a 'Like' Facebook button. We just verified with Subway that is is in deed a scam and is not affiliated with Subway by any means. The URL for the fake site is: http://www.footlongspromotion.com/


Do not click on these buttons as it's likely the scammer would get your Facebook password. If you have clicked on these links, change your password right away!

Some tips for using eBay!

Our sister BBB in Fort Wayne put together an excellent article with tips and tricks for avoiding scams and other shady offers on eBay. Follow the link to check it out! It's a great read for anyone who uses the eBay marketplace.

eBay…A great tool for buying or selling (click to read article)

With great pagerank comes great responsibility.

Often times we are asked to delineate the benefits of BBB Accreditation. There are benefits that have always been true, but in the Internet age, there are some new and exciting strengths that the BBB is able to offer.


One of those is our strength in Google rankings. With a higher pagerank, people performing Google searches are more likely to find a relevant BBB Report as a highly placed result. This is something that benefits both business and consumer alike!

Our fellow BBB in South-East Texas has an excellent article they have written explaining and summarizing this benefit and how it works:

What do American Idol, Craigslist, ESPN, iTunes and MSN have in common with BBB?

They're some of the Web sites with a Google PageRank of 8 (out of 10).

Let us explain how great this is for you as a BBB Accredited Business.

Google's Web site states: "PageRank reflects our view of the importance of web pages by considering more than 500 million variables and 2 billion terms. Pages that we believe are important pages receive a higher PageRank and are more likely to appear at the top of the search results."

Read the full article here: http://southeasttexas.bbb.org/article/the-power-of-bbborg-19079

Have you considered BBB Accreditation?

Are you a company doing business in the Chicagoland area? If so, You should consider BBB Accreditation!

BBB Accreditation confirms your commitment to honest, ethical business practices!

Consumers prefer to do business with Companies They Can Trust!

To learn more about BBB Accreditation, or to apply for Accreditation, please complete the questionnaire at the following link: http://www.bbb.org/chicago/join

A Business Relations Representative will be in touch with you soon!

Free Business Seminar for Small Businesses

ENTREPRENEURS to connect with small business loans and important business RESOURCES, Thursday March 11

Today, the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced the first in a series of four free business seminars offered throughout the year geared towards providing entrepreneurs with access to resources and financing.

The first seminar will be offered on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Olive Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave. at 5:30 p.m.

At the event, entrepreneurs can connect with nearly 30 government and non-profit agencies that assist small businesses. They can also connect with small business loan resources, financial incentives, learn about licensing or tax requirements and more. Three workshops will also be offered on how to write a business plan, how to financing your business, and business marketing.

“Anyone interested in starting a business today needs to know how to gain access to capital and put together a business plan," said Commissioner of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, Norma I. Reyes. "Taking advantage of the resources that are available today is so critical, especially in this economy. These seminars connect people with agencies and programs that provide lending opportunities, assistance with business planning and information that will help a business owner get on the right track."

A local Chicago business owner will be the evenings keynote speaker, Mr. Joseph Caldwell of Tailorite Cleaners, who will share his business success story. Caldwell was the first African American contracted to clean the White Sox uniforms which he still services that contract. He currently owns 3 plants and has just turned all his equipment green, making him a “green business.” Caldwell is a staple in the community and is an advocate for small businesses; he serves as Chairman for Chatham Business Association, and serves as a member of the board of Seaway National Bank.

At the event, 15 entrepreneurs will graduate from the "Business Start –Up" program and presented with certificates. The Business Start -Up Certificate program, offered by BACP and City Colleges of Chicago, is a free program for entrepreneurs that offers a curriculum of classes that cover all the basics of starting or growing a business.

To encourage business growth and support entrepreneurs BACP offers business educational classes twice a week that are free and open to the public. The Business Workshop calendar and information on the Business Start-Up Certificate program is available online at www.cityofchicago.org/bacp

Business Works Seminars will be offered throughout the year:
Thursdays, 5:30 pm -9:00 pm

March 11, 2010
Olive Harvey College
10001 S. Woodlawn

June 17, 2010
Wright College
4300 N. Narragansett

August 19, 2010
West Side Technical Institute
2800 S. Western Ave

November 18, 2010
Malcolm X College
1900 W. Van Buren St.

Your BBB, a great place to find Trusted local businesses!

Many people who use the BBB think that our only, or primary service is to receive and work with consumer complaints.

However, did you know that the BBB is a great place to find a trustworthy business? At any given moment, the Chicago BBB offers extensive Rosters of BBB Accredited businesses. Each of these businesses has made a commitment to following the highest ethical marketplace standards, and each has passed a rigorous review process by The BBB, prior to being accepted into Accreditation. Furthermore, each business must maintain our standards in order to remain Accredited.

What this means to the consumer is an up to date list of trustworthy businesses, searchable in a number of ways, perfect for the discerning consumer looking to do their research prior to doing business with a company.

Looking for a reputable used car dealer? Start with Trust by clicking here!

Need a new furnace installed? Find a BBB Accredited HVAC company in your area!

Locked out of your home or car, and need to check a locksmith? You can even search for a reputable business on your mobile device at http://m.bbb.org

You can even narrow the results to find businesses nearest to you by zip code.

So remember, if you are looking for a business you can Trust, Start with Trust here, at your Chicago BBB!

BBB Advises Watch for Haitian Relief Scammers And Give Wisely

"A major security software company, Symantec Corp., said it spotted a suspicious e-mail with the subject line "Make Your Donations Now," claiming to be from the British Red Cross Society. The e-mail, which has several spelling errors, asks for donations on behalf of Haiti. It also asks people to wire the money through a Western Union money transfer. The British Red Cross Society has confirmed that they never sent out such an e-mail."

We have a release coming out soon with more info on this scam, but for now this is just a reminder to always be wary with tragedies such as the earthquake in Haiti. Scammers always seek to capitalize on people's generosity during such times, and consumers must remain vigilant and ensure the organization with whom they choose to donate is legitimate.

For in depth advice and some information on safe giving, please visit a special page our National site has up for just this purpose - http://www.bbb.org/us/haiti

As always, please remember to check with us first!

Our Top 10 Scams of 2009

Scammers in 2009 followed the financial woes of individuals as they preyed on people's difficult economic conditions and concerns about the general economy, according to the Better Business Bureau's summary of dishonest business dealings for the past year.

"We've seen scammers follow the money trail and target the desperate emotions of people," said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. "This year the Top 3 scams were directly related to personal finances. Almost two-thirds of all scams for 2009, in terms of the number of web searches and inquiries were: #1 Work-At-Home schemes, #2 Credit Repair scams, and #3 Grant Locating and Government Job-Finding offers."

See the list and read more at our News Center, here:
http://chicago.bbb.org/article/personal-finances-scams-lead-09-top-ten-14360