Western Pennsylvania BBB Blog

Welcome to the blog of BBB® Serving 28 Counties in Western Pennsylvania. BBB has started this blog for businesses and consumers to share thoughts, comments, tips and the latest happenings in the world of BBB. For more information about BBB, please visit our main website at www.pittsburgh.bbb.org


If you wish to post comments to our blog, please read our Submission  Rules. 


Opinions and contributions below are provided by Amy of the Western Pennsylvania BBB.
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Stork Craft Recalls Over 2 Million Cribs
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
by Amy

This holiday season many of us will be purchasing gift cards to give to friends and loved ones. The Federal Reserve Board this


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Federal Reserve Board Announces New Rules for Gift Cards
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
by Amy

This holiday season many of us will be purchasing gift cards to give to friends and loved ones. The Federal Reserve Board this


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The Buzz on Alcoholic Energy Drinks
Monday, November 16, 2009
by Amy

The Food and Drug Administration is assessing the health risks of energy drinks that contain alcohol. In a letter issued November 13, 2009, the


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VA Warns Veterans of Telephone Prescription Scam
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
by Amy

BBB and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is warning Veterans not to give credit card numbers over the phone to callers claiming to update VA prescription information.


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Full Blown H1N1 Fraud Makes Consumers Sick
Thursday, October 29, 2009
by Amy

Con-artists are known to pounce at any opportunity to make money and exploit a situation of public concern to their benefit. The H1N1


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Phony IRS Emails May Do More than Tax Your Patience
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
by Amy

The federal income tax deadline is months away, but cyber-scam artists claiming to represent Internal Revenue Service officials are already targeting taxpayers. Working with cyber-security agencies, the IRS


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National Protect Your Identity Week – October 17 - 24
Thursday, October 15, 2009
by Amy

It's not always easy to tell if an advertisement is telling the whole truth, but there are certain clues you can look for to determine if the claims an ad is making are


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Think Pink, But Use Caution
by Amy

It's not always easy to tell if an advertisement is telling the whole truth, but there are certain clues you can look for to determine if the claims an ad is making are


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3 New Email Hoaxes
Thursday, October 08, 2009
by Amy

It's not always easy to tell if an advertisement is telling the whole truth, but there are certain clues you can look for to determine if the claims an ad is making are


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Census Update: Will your Privacy be Compromised Online?
by Amy

It's not always easy to tell if an advertisement is telling the whole truth, but there are certain clues you can look for to determine if the claims an ad is making are


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Keep Your House from Wasting Energy Dollars
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
by Amy

It's not always easy to tell if an advertisement is telling the whole truth, but there are certain clues you can look for to determine if the claims an ad is making are


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“Healthier, Safer, New and Improved, Greener, etc.”…REALLY?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
by Amy

It's not always easy to tell if an advertisement is telling the whole truth, but there are certain clues you can look for to determine if the claims an ad is making are


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$32.8+ Billion in Unclaimed Property: Could Some Belong to You?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
by Amy

Every state has unclaimed property programs designed to reunite folks with lost or forgotten assets. Common forms of unclaimed property include savings or checking accounts, stocks,


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Lest We Forget…
Friday, September 11, 2009
by Amy

Following the September 11, 2001 attacks on American soil, various charities across the country were rapidly established and subsequently raised $2.2 billion


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Choosing a College Major
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
by Amy

Time to declare your college major? Money isn’t everything, but maybe potential future income is a factor in your decision. Find out where your career field of choice will land you on the


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New Fees Could Be Taxing to Air Travelers
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
by Amy

Airlines are desperately looking for ways to offset a dip in air travel traffic. A new fee to be aware of that may affect your final fare price is “Early Bird” Check –In, which offers


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$2.3 Billion Pfizer Settlement
Friday, September 04, 2009
by Amy

State and federal government officials have reached an agreement with Pfizer, Inc. to settle civil and criminal allegations that Pfizer and its subsidiary companies paid kickbacks and improperly promoted numerous drugs that


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Top-10 Best Advice for New College Students
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
by Amy

Whether you area recent high school graduate heading to college, leaving a full-time job to return to the classroom, or are working and attending college


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Biel Watchers Beware
Friday, August 28, 2009
by Amy

Jessica Biel has become a more dangerous celebrity than Brad Pitt. So says, web-security company McAfee Inc., who announced August 25 that searches for the 27-year-old actress can lead to more vulnerability


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FTC Bans Robocalls
by Amy

Beginning Sept. 1, many of those bothersome prerecorded telemarketing calls will be a thing of the past. The Federal Trade Commission announced today that it is banning robocalls to consumers, unless the telemarketer has obtained permission


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H1N1 / Swine Flu: Round Two
Thursday, August 27, 2009
by Amy

The first wave of swine origin Influenza A (H1N1) seemed to have tapered off, but it is likely that another outbreak is on the horizon. With summer ending and kids heading back to school and college, some universities are already reporting cases of the Swine Flu / H1N1 virus. Medical


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Old Appliance Could = Rebate Check This Fall
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
by Amy

If you missed the Cash for Clunkers deadline, don’t fret; the next economic stimulus program is on the horizon: “Cash for Appliances.” This Federal Government program


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Buying Time: Prepaid Calling Card Tips
Monday, August 24, 2009
by Amy

Prepaid calling cards can be convenient and budget-friendly; just be sure you know what you’re getting for your money. The Federal Trade Commission has been bringing law enforcement actions involving deceptively marketed prepaid phone cards since the 1990s, most recently suing prepaid calling card distributors for deceiving consumers


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Mass Marketing Fraud: Not Just for Consumers Anymore
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
by Amy

From foreign lotteries to prize draws, sweepstakes to windfalls, most every consumer has been targeted by one mass marketing scheme or another. You may know these ploys are annoying, potentially costly, and illegal, but what you also need to know is not only do the fraudsters target consumers, but


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Investing in Love?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
by Amy

Despite what seems like a continually sinking economy, online dating sites are reporting that as the economy goes down, their business goes up as people strive to find companionship in tough times. A number of online dating companies had their strongest fourth quarter in years in 2008. Membership was up, and on average, fifty percent more profiles were viewed. The last time such a fourth quarter spike was experienced? After 9/11. Why?


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Better communication needed on all levels
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
by Amy

These days, we are so darn connected. We get buzzed, vibrated, rung, poked, texted, pinged and Twittered every second of the day. Communication comes in so many forms and fashions, we can really communicate quickly and efficiently. Then why the heck do people not return calls and e-mail? Most complaints we handle at the BBB involve a breakdown in communication. Nothing makes customers madder than someone at the business ignoring repeated attempts at contact.


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Tips for the Unsuspecting Student
Monday, August 10, 2009
by Amy

You are leaving the nest and excited about embarking on your college years. This should be the time of your life – as long as you keep in mind that not everyone out there is above-board and honest! Whether an offer is online, in the mail, or posted on a bulletin board around campus, be aware of some typical scams


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Consumers: How Much Can You Trust a Company Blog?
Friday, August 07, 2009
by Amy

Some tips to recognize a transparent and trustworthy blog… 1. Writing style: How a blog is written indicates how real a company can truly be Great: Blog is written in a human voice Bad: Content looks vetted by corporate communication Horrible: Rehashed press release 2. Topics: What does the blog talk about? Is it marketing


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Home Sweet Home? Beware Online Rental Ads
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
by Amy

It is a risky time for people to buy real estate. There are far less buyers in the market and far more folks out there looking to rent. This high demand for rental houses creates a perfect opportunity for con artists. The BBB and FBI is reissuing a


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Forward to Someone Who Cares…
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
by Amy

                                                        
Ever wonder what to do with all of those pesky spam/junk e-mails you get such as “You are the winner of this, that and the other”… or “I am an attorney for your late great, great uncle who has recently passed away and left you millions?”

Forward them! Not to your friends and family, but to the Federal Trade Commission. Unsolicited and scam spam can be forwarded to Spam@uce.gov.



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Be Sure, Check Your Receipt at the Store
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
by Amy

Lately in-boxes have been jammed with email reports that major retailers or cashiers in the U.S. are stealing from consumers by tacking unauthorized “cash back” transactions onto consumer purchases.

One of these emails reads: “Something happened to me this past weekend that I wanted to alert everyone I know to be on the look-out for while shopping. This trip I had


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BBB Continues to Consistently Promote Truth in Advertising
Thursday, July 23, 2009
by Amy

The purpose of the first Better Business Bureau, established in the early 1900’s, was to correct advertising abuses. In response to marketplace demand, that mission soon expanded to include monitoring of business performance and providing consumers with vital information on the activities of businesses.


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Medical Discount Cards and Plans May Make You Sick
Thursday, July 16, 2009
by Amy

In an effort to revamp the nation’s healthcare system, Congress is taking into consideration requiring people to carry health insurance just like motorists must get auto coverage now. The government plans to provide subsidies for the poor and many middle-class families and would exempt certain


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Check Scams Continue to Cash In
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
by Amy

Times are tough, money is tight. Wouldn’t it be great to receive a check in the mail for a few thousand dollars? Of course it would! Unfortunately, if a “free money” check arrives in your mailbox, be skeptical; chances are it is fraudulent. People routinely call the BBB in hopes of confirming that the pitches they received are real. When we tell them


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Consumers Should Know How Much of Their Personal Data is Out There
Thursday, July 02, 2009
by Amy

What would you think if we knew just how much of your personal information advertisers had? Every site you visit on the internet, every link you click is traceable. Not only is it traceable, but it is collected and used by businesses when creating their online advertisements. Consumers need some free way to check exactly what’s out


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Know When Your Subscriptions Expire
Monday, June 29, 2009
by Amy

BBB recently issued an alert about nationwide door to door magazine sales. This week BBB has received information from local consumers indicating that there is another issue to be aware of. It happens like this: You have a magazine that you knowingly subscribe to and enjoy. A magazine sales representative calls you to inform you that the subscription is about to expire and offers you a new renewal rate. You think, “Really? Wow. I thought I just renewed that…” But since you enjoy the publication, you agree to renew.


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Bang or Bust?: Fireworks in PA – Be safe and legal this Fourth of July
Thursday, June 25, 2009
by Amy

One favorite memory I have from childhood is running around the backyard with a sparkler on the Fourth of July. One of my more disturbing memories is when an apparently short-wicked firecracker exploded in my hand. Luckily, the deafening ringing in my ears ceased about the time I regained feeling in my fingertips.


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Celebrate Dad this Weekend!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
by Amy

Father’s Day is rapidly approaching – this Sunday, June 21st – to be exact. My Dad is a great man and I love him dearly, but every year since he retired and barely wears neckties anymore, I run into the same conundrum…”What do I give him for Father’s Day?” This year I got creative and ordered him a wood whittling kit online (yes – I DO shop online, with reputable companies, of course) Now, I hear you thinking, “A wood whittling kit? How magoo!” and I agree it is a bit Andy Griffith, but you have to understand that my Dad is from the era that enjoys that kind of stuff; and isn’t that what it is all about anyway? Giving a gift that Dad actually wants and will enjoy? If you are still wondering what to get for your dad, think about what it is he would enjoy. Here are a few places you might think of looking for those last minute gifts in your local Western PA region. Spas – Yes, some men do enjoy a professional massage or a manicure.


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The Do’s and Don’ts of “I DO” Planning
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
by Amy

Every bride and groom wants their wedding to be perfect. Although weddings are highly emotional events, they typically involve numerous business transactions as well for wedding consultants, clothes, invitations, flowers, photography, reception halls, catering, music, transportation and travel packages. Since the average wedding costs more than $15,000, BBB advises p>


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Small Business to Government Contracting
Friday, June 12, 2009
by Amy

A full page ad Friday, June 12th in a PGH newspaper advertises a workshop from an Institute that teaches small business owners, or would-be small business owners, how to successfully locate, bid on and win lucrative government contracts. Out of the kindness of the workshop promoter’s heart, the seminar is


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