First it was wire transfers, then it was prepaid debit cards, and now scammers are trying to steal money by asking for payment in the form of gift cards to the popular media service, iTunes.
School’s out for the summer and with a lot of free time on their hands, chances are your kids are playing video games. With the Internet available at your fingertips, going online to play a game or downloading an app to a mobile phone is quick and easy. But, did you know that by downloading …
Today, more and more people are turning to social networking as a way to connect with long-distance friends and family, businesses, and the media. But, is sharing always caring?
Looking for a job or internship can be tough and time-consuming. Unfortunately, scammers know this and advertise jobs where legitimate employers do — online, in a newspaper ad or via email. If you are on the hunt for a job, Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and…
For pet owners looking for a safe place to house their furry friend, locally kenneling or boarding your animal is a great option. Still, the thought of leaving your family pet with strangers can be worrisome. Before you head out on your summer vacation, Better Business Bureau serving Central…
If you live in a home, chances are you have talked to a sales representative eager to sell you cleaning supplies, cosmetics or magazine subscriptions. This summer,Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin advises you to be on guard the next time a…
Summertime is almost here, which means vacations and road trips are on the horizon for millions of Americans. Thanks to an improving economy and low gas prices, Memorial Day travel will be the busiest since 2005, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). Whether you’re hitting …
The school year is coming to an end, and summer is right around the corner. For parents, choosing a child care situation can be a difficult decision. One has to consider safety, affordability and convenience to home, work and school. Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest…
In the wake of recent flooding that has swept through Texas, BBB is urging new and used car buyers to be cautious of unscrupulous businesses and individuals who may try to sell flood-damaged cars without revealing the vehicles’ history.
Puppy love is sweet, but Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin is warning dog lovers to be cautious when searching to buy a furry friend online. In what is called a “puppy scam,” scammers—posing as breeders— use the Internet to place ads offer…
With temperatures warming up here in Texas, many residents are starting to fill their pools back up again. A home pool can be a nice addition to your home and a fun way to beat the heat – but it also requires time and maintenance, a good bit of money and the right contractor.
In Texas, severe thunderstorms and hail have left plenty of damage in their wake for residents. On April 18, Gov. Abbott declared a state of disaster advising residents to heed warnings as parts of Texas will continue to receive rain and ongoing floods. Nearly one-half of the state is still …
With an ever-shifting environment for consumers when it comes to shopping online, managing credit and protecting their identity, it’s no wonder Better Business Bureau receives thousands of consumer complaints and scam reports every year.
With spring break only a few weeks away, now is the time to finalize your vacation plans. Whether your destination promises a relaxing week on the beach or the ski slopes, Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas, and the Permian Basin advises you do your research bef…
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, an entire day devoted to showering your significant other with flowers, heart-shaped candy and grand romantic gestures. So, it’s no surprise that dating websites and apps see a surge in activity this time of the year.
It’s that time of year again. W-2 forms have been sent out and are starting to arrive at your work desk or in your mail. And while the thought of a hefty tax return could be a happy one, the consequences of filing your taxes the wrong way is not.
Super Bowl 50 is only a week away, and football fans everywhere are starting to make their predictions. The Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers will compete for the championship title on Sunday, Feb. 7, in Santa Clara, California. If you are heading to the Super Bowl game this year, Better …
For many of us, the New Year represents a clean slate and a chance to fulfill personal goals. If your New Year’s resolution is to get fit, you are not alone.
With Powerball now breaking records for the largest lottery jackpot in history, Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin is warning consumers that scammers will be taking advantage of the situation to trick people into thinking they are winners.
It’s a new year, but unfortunately scams that happen every day are not. Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin serves businesses and consumers, and is a resource for unbiased information on scams and other marketplace issues. BBB also hears fro…
Better Business Bureau is proud of our mission: to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. In order to fulfill that mission, every year BBB offers thousands of tips for consumers to help them find a business they can trust.
The busiest shopping weekend of the year is over, Christmas wish lists are marked off and consumers are wrapping up those sweet bargains and placing them under the tree. The spirit of the holiday season is about giving, and what better way to give than to give back to a local charity?
The biggest shopping weekend of the year is a week away, and retailers are promising Thanksgiving weekend specials and promotions. Thanksgiving weekend shopping starts on Thursday and ends with online deals on Cyber Monday.
As an adult, discovering that your identity has been compromised is a scary occurrence. Once identity thieves have your personal information, they can drain your bank account, run up charges on your credit cards and even file a tax refund in your name. Unfortunately, identity theft can happe…
Veterans Day is an annual holiday dedicated to honor those who have served in the U.S. military. This year, many Americans will observe this day by attending ceremonies or parades to thank our troops and veterans. However, Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and …
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness about this disease. For businesses and consumers, it is an opportunity to give or support a cause that affects those fighting the disease, family, friends, communities and survivors.
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, which recognizes the importance of cybersecurity. Because of recent cybercrime activity — including those massive data breaches that compromised millions of consumers’ personal information — it is important to know how to protect yourself a…
The fall season is officially here, bringing with it cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice lattes and football. For homeowners, fall is the perfect time to schedule home improvement projects. Whether your lawn needs maintenance or your home is in need of foundation or roof repair, Better Busine…
Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin advises all retail businesses to get new EMV chip card readers installed this month. By the end of 2015, 70 percent of credit cards and 40 percent of debit cards in the U.S. will have embedded security chi…
Texans are known for their resilience in times of natural disaster. Just a few months ago, 37 counties in the Lone Star State were declared disaster areas due to severe storms and flooding. This National Preparedness Month, taking time to make an emergency plan can minimize the impact on you…
Over the past few months, reports of charity-related scams have been frequenting news. Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance is calling charities that do not disclose requested information to BBB WGA a “critical red flag” for donors.
Fall is quickly approaching, which means consumers are in the market for football season tickets and tickets for annual events like Austin City Limits and Fun Fun Fun Fest. Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin warns consumers to watch out for…
Looking for a job or internship can be tough and time-consuming. Unfortunately, scammers know this and advertise jobs where legitimate employers do — online, in newspapers, on TV and on the radio. If you are on the hunt for a job, Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Te…
For millions of college students in the U.S., student loans are a sort of necessary evil. You dream of college for years, but the cost can be an enormous financial burden. In 2014, 70 percent of college students graduated with $33,000 in debt. The average student in Texas graduates with $25,…
Summer is nearly over, but the temperatures are just warming up. This month, Texas residents have seen temperatures reach 100 degrees and higher. It comes as no surprise that consumers have their air conditioners on full blast.
Summer is coming to an end and the start of a new school year is right around the corner. The back-to-school commercials are in full swing and parents are gearing up for annual school supply shopping.
In the wake of the massive Ashley Madison data breach, millions of people are at risk of having their personal identifying information leaked. Although the website promises anonymity for its customers, credit card numbers and real names were recovered in the company’s database.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin warns you of scammers who claim to be calling from a utility company. These scammers are known to request immediate payment or threaten to disconnect your service. They also use electric utility term…
Are you a new entrepreneur looking for a last-minute loan? Perhaps your business just needs a little extra money for a few months, or maybe you are a small business owner and a loan is just what you need to get your business up and running. If so, Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coas…
If you live in a neighborhood, chances are you have answered your door to a sales representative eager to sell you cleaning supplies, cosmetics or magazine subscriptions. This summer,Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin advises you to be on g…
Summer is a great time to take that long-overdue vacation or make much-needed home repairs. But, as the weather heats up, so do scams. Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin is warning consumers about some of the top summer scams.
In the fast-paced world we live in today, it is no surprise social media has its own day of recognition. On June 30, people around the world will celebrate the impact social media has made on society.
In the wake of the horrific shooting that killed nine people at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, BBB Wise Giving Alliance (BBB WGA) is warning about potential fundraising scams. BBB WGA urges donors to beware of the different circumstances that of…
Recently, BBB discovered an online scam targeting buyers searching for affordable housing, sometimes called “Section 8.” This scam leads potential home buyers to fake websites created by con artists in an attempt to collect fees and personal information from unsuspecting victims. The sites a…
In a hot and humid city like Austin, you’ve probably encountered a few spiders, a trail of ants or the occasional cockroach in your home. Unfortunately, the occasional “home invader” could become more frequent thanks to weeks of constant rainfall and flooding. If your home is seeing more pes…
In March 2015, a Texas realty company fell victim to a widespread wire-fraud scam targeting cash buyers. The buyers, looking to purchase a home through a real estate agent, communicated with the realtor via email. The scammers hacked the realty company’s email account, emailed the buyers and…
Last month, severe storms and flash flooding affected several areas of Central Texas. Many of those affected are now dealing with a common result of water damage: mold. Mold is a factor consumers may not immediately consider, but one that can cause serious structural damage and health proble…
As a BBB Accredited Business, you receive a variety of valuable tools to help build your business. There are several advantages of being an Accredited Business. These advantages are designed to help promote and manage your business. BBB helps you market your BBB Accredited standing by workin…
People who own timeshares often find it difficult to sell them later on, so an offer to find a buyer in exchange for an advance payment can be tempting. However, take caution. Scam artists take advantage of timeshare owners with promises to find a buyer, when in reality, no potential buyers exist.
Here in Texas, school is officially out for summer, temperatures are heating up and residents are filling their pools back up. A home pool can be a nice addition to your home, and not to mention a lot of fun – but it also requires time, a good bit of money and the right contractor.
Amidst tragedy and devastation due to recent weather conditions, residents of Texas are organizing relief efforts to help those affected by flooding events throughout the state.
