BBB Column

BBB: Dating scam bilks the lovelorn

Trish Powell

I can remember when online dating was strictly for sad sacks who couldn’t get a date in person. Now, millions of people search online dating sites for their perfect mate and any stigma once attached is gone. Casting a net as big as the World...... Full story

BBB: Scammers target investors through social media sites

Anonymity of social media sites makes it easy for scammers

NEWS RELEASE

PERMIAN BASIN With the rise in popularity of social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, many scammers are finding it easy to sell fraudulent investment scams to unwary investors. The Texas State Securities Board issued a release last...... Full story

BBB: Watch out for ‘Do Not Call’ phone scam

Trish Powell

A couple of decades ago, when my family and I sat down for dinner, it was almost a guarantee that the phone would ring. Nobody was allowed to answer because, without fail, the person on the other end was trying to sell us something. Telemarketers...... Full story

BBB: Prune trees without pruning budget

TRISH POWELL

A few weeks ago, I was driving down the street when I saw what looked like a new fence with a hole cut through it. The hole allowed an overgrown tree branch to pass through the fence unobstructed and continue to blossom. It seems to me that a...... Full story

BBB: Make the most of your free annual credit report

Trish Powell

The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows consumers a free annual credit report While I and scores of others having been trying to shed the holiday pounds and start the New Year off physically healthy, I have seen just as many people completely ignoring...... Full story

BBB: Internet deals sometimes lead to frustration

BY: TRISH POWELL

The BBB recommends reading the fine print on deals from sites such as Groupon and Living Social. I’ll admit it; I get suckered in by those online deal sites. I get the daily email and check the sites before trying a new restaurant or even...... Full story

BBB: How to get good customer service

BY: TRISH POWELL

I can’t even count how many times someone has assumed that because I work at Better Business Bureau, I get VIP treatment from customer service representatives. The truth is that I do tend to get what I want from companies, but I never...... Full story

BBB: Return fraud causing retailers to tighten return policies

Understand a seller’s policies to avoid a stressful return

NEWS RELEASE

PERMIAN BASIN As return fraud continues to be a concern for the retail industry, many retailers are tightening their policies to combat the growing crime. Better Business Bureau recommends consumers fully understand these policies to avoid...... Full story

BBB: Make gift returns hassle-free

Trish powell

During this season of giving, it’s almost inevitable that you will receive a gift that either doesn’t fit, is the wrong color, wrong style or that you just don’t like — although you wouldn’t admit it to the person who...... Full story

BBB: Avoid being ‘yo-yoed’ on money

BY: TRISH POWELL

Driving off the lot with a brand-new car can be an exhilarating experience, especially if you have just traded in an old clunker. But, for some people, that exhilaration melted into frustration when the dealership called asking for the car back....... Full story

BBB: Penny auctions can cost consumers hundreds

Bureau advises consumers to understand penny auction sites

NEWS RELEASE

MIDLAND With the promise of high-end items at a 95 percent reduction in price, many consumers have been lured to penny auction sites and ended up losing hundreds of dollars, Better Business Bureau reports. BBB has received more than 500...... Full story

BBB: BBB has tips to avoid holiday travel headaches

BY: TRISH POWELL

The snow last week was a great reminder that traveling can be a dangerous affair this time of year. I’m going to be traveling during for the upcoming holiday, and I want to be prepared. Better Business Bureau has a few tips to help me and my...... Full story

BBB: Ask questions and do your research before giving to a charity

Is your money going where you think it’s going?

NEWS RELEASE

MIDLAND Though philanthropists donate to charities all year long, the holiday season remains the busiest time for charitable donations. Whether donating your time, treasure or talent, Better Business Bureau reminds consumers to give wisely....... Full story

BBB: Avoid online scammers on Cyber Monday

Tips for protecting yourself from online scams this holiday season

NEWS RELEASE

LAREDO The Monday after Thanksgiving, dubbed Cyber Monday, is growing in popularity as a day to shop online. According to the National Retail Federation, seven in 10 online retailers expect their sales to grow at least 15 percent this holiday...... Full story

BBB: BBB warns on unclaimed property scams

BY: TRISH POWELL

Last week, I was going through my laundry and found a $20 bill stuffed down in the pocket of a pair of jeans. Even though I knew it was my money, I felt like I’d just won a sweepstakes. There’s been a lot of talk in the news about...... Full story