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08/19/2013
The BBB Serving Metropolitan New York is alerting consumers to an increased number of complaints filed against companies that advertise guaranteed loans, regardless of credit history or collateral. Consumers allege that these companies, which claim to be operating in the Metro New York area, made false promises to arrange for a loan in return for fees paid upfront by the loan applicant.
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07/17/2013
The New York area is in for some scorching temperatures this summer and BBB is urging consumers to take a few simple steps to avoid being burned by air conditioning inspection and repair scams. While there are many reputable air conditioning service and installation companies from which to choose, there are always a few unscrupulous companies looking to do unnecessary repair work or equipment sales.
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06/03/2013
The Better Business Bureau Serving Metropolitan New York is alerting the public to reports by consumers of work-at-home re-shipping scams claiming to be based in New York City.
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05/30/2013
Vacation rentals can be a great way to save money when traveling on a tight budget or to have a different kind of vacation experience that you may not get by staying in a traditional lodging facility. Rental properties may offer larger space and more of the comforts of home, including a kitchen and laundry room, sometimes for less money than a hotel. Rentals may be particularly appealing to large families or groups traveling together. Whether they are booking a vacation rental for cost, space or convenience, Better Business Bureau encourages vacationers to do their research to be sure they are getting the accommodations they wanted.
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05/22/2013
In the last few days, powerful thunderstorms spawned a multi-state outbreak of destructive tornadoes, including a monster twister that devastated Moore, Oklahoma. Donors are eager to help victims recover from these tornado disasters. But before making a donation to a relief charity, be sure the organization is reliable and capable of providing appropriate assistance.
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05/16/2013
May is National Moving Month, which kicks off the busiest time of year for Americans changing residencies. It also means unlicensed movers and dishonest scammers are waiting to take advantage of unwary consumers. Better Business Bureau is joining with the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) to provide important tips on how to avoid moving scams now.
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05/06/2013
New York area seniors, especially in the Hudson Valley, have reported receiving suspicious, prerecorded telemarketing calls selling a personal emergency alarm system. According to the recorded message, this system is necessary to protect against a long list of dangers, such as break-ins and medical emergencies. The recording claims that the system — worth several hundred dollars — can be installed for free, but will cost $30 a month thereafter. The consumer is prompted to press a button and speak to a live person for "verification." A telemarketer then asks for personal financial information such as a credit card or bank account number to complete the “sale.” However, victims report that callers refuse to provide even the most basic business information, such as the business address.
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04/24/2013
Within days, crowdfunding sites reportedly raised more than $2 million to support victims of the Boston Marathon bombing tragedy. While online giving provides a quick and easy mechanism for supporting those in need, donors need to ask questions and know what to expect when contributing through crowdfunding websites.
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03/25/2013
The next few weeks will bring acceptance letters for college-bound students and many are applying for scholarships and financial aid for the 2013-2014 school year. With the cost of college outpacing inflation and crimping family budgets, many students and their families are eager to find resources to help pay for higher education. The Better Business Bureau Serving Metropolitan New York advises students and their parents to be wary of websites, seminars or other schemes that promise to find scholarships, grants or financial aid packages for an upfront fee.
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02/14/2013
If you're seeking true love by using a local or online dating service, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises you to be aware of potential scams as well as the pitfalls involved with some online dating services.
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02/07/2013
Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be wary of fly-by-night “storm chasers” who may be out in force after a major snow storm. Your home may take a beating when a big winter storm hits. During the cleanup effort, choose repair contractors carefully, to avoid having your wallet take a beating too.
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01/15/2013
Phishing scams look like legitimate email, and they are getting more sophisticated every day. What these con artists are really after is your banking and financial information. And they won’t mind destroying your computer to get it.
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01/03/2013
As the new year begins, the Better Business Bureau offers ten resolutions to help you avoid becoming a victim of scams, prevent identity theft and save money in 2013. “The new year is a great time to establish some new habits to better protect yourself against scams,” said Claire Rosenzweig, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving Metropolitan New York. “Even small steps can make a big difference.”
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12/20/2012
In light of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, the Better Business Bureau cautions donors about potential red flags in fund raising efforts to help that community and to be aware of the different circumstances that often emerge in tragedy-related philanthropy.
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10/04/2012
Once upon a time, Halloween was a day for pint-sized, candy-seeking witches and goblins. Today it is one of the biggest holidays of the year for children and adults alike. Research by the National Retail Federation revealed that 71.5% of adults (the highest percentage in the survey's 10-year history) plan to celebrate Halloween or participate in Halloween activities this year. Consumer spending on Halloween merchandise is predicted to reach $8 billion in 2012, up almost 17% from 2011, with $2.87 billion projected to be spent on costumes alone (including adult, children's and pet costumes).
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