Q: Dear BBB,
I recently bought a couch from a local furniture company. The couch was to be delivered to my apartment last week, but it never arrived. I popped by the store yesterday to find out what was taking so long, and it appears that the store is out of business. I want my couch, but I'm worried I just might be out of luck?
~ Concerned Customer
A: Concerned Customer,
You are RIGHT to be worried, but there are a few things you should do before giving up hope. The first thing you can to do is try and find out if the business is just temporarily shut, moved or closed for good. Try calling directory assistance to see if there might be a new phone number or address. You might also want to ask neighboring businesses if they’ve heard anything. It's good to check with BBB, as we receive information daily on the status of local businesses (visit vi.bbb.org). If you've established that the company is out of business, look at how you paid for the product. If you made payment by credit card and a product is not delivered, you may have recourse through your credit card company. If you think the company might be bankrupt contact the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy. They can search their records to confirm bankruptcy status and can direct you to the company trustee.
---
Q: Dear BBB,
My son just moved away to university and he's been using Craig's List to look for a place to rent. He found a nice sounding place, but before approving his application, the landlord is requiring some very personal information, like his date-of-birth and SIN. If approved, the landlord wants my son to wire the first and last months rent to him. Does this sound like a scam to you?
~ Dutiful Dad
A: Dutiful Dad,
RIGHT, this does have all the red-flags of a money wiring scam. There is the possibility that this landlord is legitimate, but students applying for the apartment may be setting themselves up to become victims of identity theft. There really is no reason the landlord needs your son's birth date, SIN, or personal banking information. And it's not wise to wire money to complete strangers. I would go with your instincts and consider looking for another apartment to rent. If you think this landlord is legitimate, I would do further research. Visit the apartment and speak with other tenants or neighbours. Before giving over any money make sure both parties sign a tenancy agreement, and pay by cheque (which can be cancelled if necessary) rather than with cash.
---
Q: Dear BBB,
I booked a cruise last month on my credit card and I just noticed on my statement that I've been triple charged. I think I'm being scammed, but there is not much I can do about it, is there?
~ Feeling Foolish
A: Feeling Foolish
You’re WRONG if you think that there is nothing you can do. It’s most likely there has just been a billing error, and the first thing you should do is contact the travel agent and explain what has happened. You may need to show them your bill/receipt and credit card statement. If they can't or won't reverse the charges contact your credit card company and explain the situation. If this still doesn't work, put your concerns in writing and send them to the parent company. If this still doesn't work file a complaint with BBB.