http://maine.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=27&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, the H1N1 virus — the so-called “Swine Flu” — isn’t any more deadly than a seasonal flu, but it is transmitted more easily. Employers play a vital role in preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus and Better Business Bureau offers the following advice to bolster the workplace against the threat of flu this winter. http://maine.bbb.org/article/defend-your-business-against-the-h1n1-virus-this-winter-12862 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be extremely wary of pervasive online ads offering the promise of a whiter, brighter smile. BBB has received a recent onslaught of complaints from consumers who thought they were signing up for a free trial of teeth whitening products but were repeatedly billed for products and services they didn’t want. http://maine.bbb.org/article/teeth-whitening-products-sold-online-wipe-smile-off-consumers-faces-12885 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT As National Breast Cancer Awareness month celebrates 25 years of education, many national and local businesses are marketing pink ribbon products and services to support the cure. In doing so, BBB advises consumers to research pink donation claims before making a purchase. http://maine.bbb.org/article/bbb-advice-on-pink-ribbon-products-and-donations-12952 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Time is running out for first-time home buyers to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit set aside for them this year as part of the economic recovery effort. Barring a time extension, people looking to cash in must purchase a home by November 30. Considering it usually takes 30 days to close on a house, now may be the time to act and Better Business Bureau offers guidance on how to benefit from the First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit. http://maine.bbb.org/article/act-now-to-take-advantage-of-the-first-time-home-buyers-tax-credit-13123 Thu, 05 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. 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://maine.bbb.org/article/5-questions-to-ask-before-donating-to-a-charity-13387 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, Better Business Bureau offers the following guidance to consumers who might be interested in taking advantage of the program. http://maine.bbb.org/article/cash-for-appliances-is-the-new-cash-for-clunkers-13352 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT As we prepare for colder temperatures, your BBB offers advice on how to keep the cost of heating your home affordable over the winter months. http://maine.bbb.org/article/home-heating-your-bbb-offers-tips-to-save-you-money-this-winter-13599 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT Identity theft claimed 10 million victims in 2008, a 22 percent increase over 2007, according to a report from Javelin Strategy and Research. Better Business Bureau warns that the holiday season provides many new opportunities for identity thieves to ply their trade and offers the following advice on how to keep your identity safe and secure both online and off. http://maine.bbb.org/article/dont-fall-prey-to-identity-thieves-over-the-holidays-13677