http://maine.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=27&id=a824b759-3137-43b5-aedf-a38056bcce73&debug=False 10 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau is warning renters to be on the lookout for scammers on Craigslist and other online classifieds when searching for a home. Phony ads for rental properties across the country are cropping up, and are specifically aimed at stealing money from unsuspecting renters. More than one-third, or 36 million households in the U.S. currently rent according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Many prospective renters find homes through online classifieds. Sadly, some people who think they have found the perfect home online are being set up by scammers. “Online classifieds have made finding rental properties much more convenient in recent years and millions of people have had successful transactions on sites like Craigslist,” said Paula Fleming, BBB spokesperson. “Unfortunately though, what is convenient for consumers if often just as convenient for scammers, who have also found a way to make a quick buck by taking advantage of unsuspecting, trusting renters al http://maine.bbb.org/article/bbb-warns-renters-to-beware-of-bogus-home-rentals-12309 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau warns Maine businesses and consumers of a business with a BBB F Rating. As of September 8, 2009, 3V Marketing of Portland, ME tops the most complained about list. http://maine.bbb.org/article/maine-based-business-tops-local-bbbs-most-complained-about-list-12361 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT As the economic slump continues, many people are struggling to make ends meet, and unfortunately, vehicle repossessions are now on the rise. Having a car repossessed hinders more than just a car owner’s mobility; it has a severe impact on credit scores, thereby limiting the ability to get loans or credit cards for up to seven years. Better Business Bureau advises troubled car owners on how to avoid losing their vehicle and their creditworthiness. http://maine.bbb.org/article/behind-on-car-payments-bbb-advice-on-how-to-avoid-the-repo-man-12462 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 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau has received complaints regarding chimney sweep businesses taking advantage of consumers. This scam is occurring in the area, and with the fall and winter seasons approaching and many consumers having their chimneys cleaned, it is important to know which businesses to trust and which to avoid. http://maine.bbb.org/article/looking-for-a-chimney-sweep-before-winter-hits-new-england-bbb-warns-do-your-homework-before-you-hire-12681 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 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to beware of untrustworthy locksmith businesses taking advantage of consumers in the area. http://maine.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-gives-consumers-the-keys-to-find-a-trustworthy-locksmith-12867 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 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau warns businesses and consumers of Sewing Fine Things & More, an F-Rated business in Vermont. http://maine.bbb.org/article/your-bbb-warns-of-a-vermont-f-rated-business-13208 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