http://memphis.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=62&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 06:00:00 GMT The BBB offers its top 10 tips for safe online shopping. http://memphis.bbb.org/article/bbbs-top-10-tips-for-safe-online-shopping-23842 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT As more families struggle in the tough economy, retailers are trying to make paying for holiday gifts more flexible by offering layaway options. With layaway experiencing a comeback, your Better Business Bureau offers the following guidance on how to use this old fashioned payment plan in lieu of credit cards. http://memphis.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-on-using-layaway-for-holiday-purchases-13863 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Following the success of the Cash for Clunkers program, the federal government recently announced the creation of a similar rebate program for consumers looking to purchase new energy-efficient appliances. While many of the details of the program are still yet to be determined, the Better Business Bureau offers the following guidance to consumers who might be interested in taking advantage of the program. http://memphis.bbb.org/article/cash-for-appliances-is-the-new-cash-for-clunkers-13369 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Most charities rely heavily on the goodwill of individual donors during the holiday season to fund their activities throughout the coming year. Last year, charity contributions totaled $307.65 billion: 75 percent of this total came from individuals, according to the Giving USA Foundation. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance advises donors to research a charity prior to giving and provides five questions to ask when vetting where to contribute this holiday season. http://memphis.bbb.org/article/five-questions-to-ask-before-donating-to-a-charity-13760 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau has received more than 1,500 complaints about several dozen Web sites that are trading on the Google name to scam people who want to learn about making money from home. Because the sites often use the Google name and prominently display its iconic logo, consumers often assume they are getting a job with Google when in fact they were getting taken in by yet another work-at-home scheme. http://memphis.bbb.org/article/make-money-from-home-with-google-not-so-fast-warns-bbb-13521 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 06:00:00 GMT If you’ve ever locked yourself out of your car or home, you know what a hassle it can be. Your first thought is to get someone to help you out of your situation. If a family member or friend can’t deliver a spare set of keys, your next call might be to a local locksmith. But before you make that call, consider this: According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, some locksmiths advertising in your local telephone book may not be local at all. They may not have professional training. What’s more, some of them may use intimidating tactics and overcharge you. http://memphis.bbb.org/article/ftc-the-keys-to-hiring-a-reputable-locksmith-4482 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Care Labeling Rule requires manufacturers and importers to attach care instructions to garments. Updates to the Rule became effective on September 1, 2000. The Rule's section requiring a "reasonable basis" for care instructions has been changed to clarify what is required, and the definitions of "hot," "warm," and "cold" water have been changed to harmonize with the definitions used by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). http://memphis.bbb.org/article/ftc-clothes-captioning-complying-with-the-care-labeling-rule--4379 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT These Voluntary Guidelines represent a consensus of voluntary consumer disclosure practices reached by a panel of weight management companies, weight loss professionals, and consumer protection groups. They are not binding, do not represent legal standards or interpretation of any legal requirements, and are not sponsored or issued by any government agency. Providers1 should only make these disclosures to the extent that they are permissible under applicable state and federal law. http://memphis.bbb.org/article/ftc-voluntary-guidelines-for-providers-of-weight-loss-products-or-services-4452 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) prepared this booklet to help you comply with a new FTC rule that requires labeling on alternative fueled vehicles. The Labeling Requirements for Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fueled Vehicles Rule was issued in keeping with a directive in the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The Rule requires you to provide information to potential purchasers of alternative fueled vehicles to help them compare vehicles. http://memphis.bbb.org/article/ftc-labeling-alternative-fueled-vehicles-4354 Sun, 01 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT Alaska is famous for the rugged beauty of its mountains, rivers, and coastlines, as well as for the distinctive arts and crafts produced by Alaska Native artists. If you are considering purchasing an Alaska Native-made art or craft item, it’s smart to invest a little time learning about the processes and materials Alaska Natives may use to make these unique and beautiful objects. http://memphis.bbb.org/article/ftc-alaska-native-art-4497 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT If you're refinancing your mortgage or applying for a home equity installment loan, you should know about the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994 (HOEPA). http://memphis.bbb.org/article/ftc-high-rate-high-fee-loans-hoepasection-32-mortgages-4768 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT It’s not hard to see why ads for business opportunities that promote the benefits of being your own boss and making money quickly are appealing. But the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the government agency that monitors advertising for deception, says that some ads for business opportunities feature empty promises and false claims that potential entrepreneurs could never realize. http://memphis.bbb.org/article/ftc-ads-for-business-opportunities-how-to-detect-deception-4607 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission staff prepared this business booklet to help finance companies, retailers, and other creditors comply with the Credit Practices Rule, which went into effect March 1, 1985. This booklet tells you what the Credit Practices Rule requires, who must comply, and what transactions are covered. It also discusses liability for rule violations and how exemptions are granted. http://memphis.bbb.org/article/ftc-complying-with-the-credit-practices-rule-4420 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT For many consumers, electronic banking means 24-hour access to cash through an automated teller machine (ATM) or Direct Deposit of paychecks into checking or savings accounts. But electronic banking now involves many different types of transactions. http://memphis.bbb.org/article/ftc-electronic-banking--4646 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT Shopping for gifts can be a real dilemma. Just what do you get the person who has everything: your finicky Aunt Mary, your co-worker, or your child's babysitter? Gift cards may be the answer: one size fits all, and the recipients can get exactly what they want. http://memphis.bbb.org/article/ftc-buying-giving-and-using-gift-cards-4412 Wed, 01 Mar 2006 06:00:00 GMT Internet auction sites give buyers a “virtual” flea market with new and used merchandise from around the world; they give sellers a global storefront from which to market their goods. But the online auction business can be risky business. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants to help buyers and sellers stay safe on Internet auction websites. Among the thousands of consumer fraud complaints the FTC receives every year, those dealing with online auction fraud consistently rank near the top of the list. The complaints generally deal with late shipments, no shipments, or shipments of products that aren’t the same quality as advertised; bogus online payment or escrow services; and fraudulent dealers who lure bidders from legitimate auction sites with seemingly better deals. Most complaints involve sellers, but in some cases, the buyers are the subject. http://memphis.bbb.org/article/ftc-internet-auctions-a-guide-for-buyers-and-sellers-4516 Wed, 01 Feb 2006 06:00:00 GMT Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of turquoise and silver jewelry or the earth tone colors of Indian pottery, having some knowledge about American Indian arts and crafts can help you get the most for your money. Be aware also that because Indian arts and crafts are prized and often command higher prices, a few unscrupulous sellers misrepresent imitation arts and crafts as genuine. http://memphis.bbb.org/article/ftc-how-to-buy-genuine-american-indian-arts-and-crafts-4487