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Updating Your Business Website

2/9/2012

Posted on 2/9/2012 by Rosalind Scott
Your website is a very important tool to communicate to your customers about your business. Smart phones and tablets, provide consumers with instant access to information. The websites that show up most often on Google’s top 10 search page are ones in which the content is updated often, accurate and written well. These sites also have strategically considered key words for the purposes of search engine optimization (SEO).

How often you should update your website really depends the type and size of your business. At a minimum be sure your website has up-to-date accurate information such as your current phone number, address and price lists.

Frequently updating useful information on your website, gives your customers a reason to continue to return to your website. It also helps to increase your ranking in search engines.

Some common elements of a web site that should be updated regularly include:

News items: Celebrate and share your companies achievements, changes in staff or management, or share something special about your customers or suppliers.
Social media: Be sure to use your website to promote and post links and feeds to your social media sites (such as Twitter and Facebook).
Blog: A regular blog on your website, that focuses on specific, interesting content related to your area of expertise gives consumers a reason to stay connected.
Images, video and other weblinks: Be sure to keep your all images, videos and web links updated and current.

Updating your website can take as much or as little time as you are willing to commit! Be sure you understand the primary purpose of your website and update information accordingly.

Don’t Let an “Authorization Hold” Hold You Hostage

2/9/2012

Posted on 2/9/2012 by Rosalind Scott

Credit is a convenience; it allows you to charge a meal on your credit card, pay for an appliance with an installment plan, or take out a loan to buy a house. With credit you can make a purchase when you lack ready cash, and you can enjoy the purchase while you are paying for it.

However, when dining out at a fancy restaurant or spending the night away in a hotel, it’s important to take notice of what the banking industry calls an “authorization hold.”

The issue was first identified by BBB of Southern Arizona when a customer complained that a restaurant had put through a charge equal to his bill plus 20%, even though he had left the server’s tip in cash. Upon investigation, Dispute Resolution Specialist Micaela Clubb discovered that it’s a common practice.

Here’s how it works: Let’s say your restaurant bill comes to $100 and you give the server your credit card. When they run it through, they put an authorization hold on your account for $120, assuming you’re going to add a nice tip to the bill. But you leave the tip in cash on the table instead. Still, your bank or credit card company “holds” that $120 for a couple of days until the actual amount of your charge is processed…and that means you don’t have access to that $20. If you are close to your credit limit, it could mean a purchase is declined. If you used a debit card, it could mean a bounced check and overdrafts fees.

Now imagine it’s a hotel stay. You’ve checked in and given a credit card at the front desk. They put an authorization hold on your card for what they think your total bill will be (room charge, taxes, incidentals). If you are staying for several nights, this could amount to a lot of money that you no longer have access to; and when you are traveling, that can be a huge problem.

Credit card processors discourage vendors from doing these kinds of holds, but they are perfectly legitimate as long as the vendor notifies customers of the practice. BBB advises consumers to keep tabs on their credit and bank accounts online, especially when traveling, and read the fine print on hotel agreements. When dining, pay for your check and tip together with either credit or cash, but not both. And whenever possible, keep a “cushion” of available funds on credit cards by paying off the balance regularly.

How to Handle a Customer's Complaint

2/9/2012

Posted on 2/9/2012 by Rosalind Scott

A customer with a problem may be angry or irrational. Don’t take it personally. Take control and be professional in all dealings with the public. Follow these steps to keep customers happy and keep them coming back!

Respond Professionally
In short, this sentence means one thing - Solve the Problem. Apologize for the inconvenience and get on your way to resolving the problem. What matters to the customer is that you are willing and able to handle the problem presented to you. Don’t make the company look bad. Make everyone look great by being productive and proactive. If a situation warrants further investigation or action, that is another matter, don’t bring the customer into it.

Sympathize
A customer with a complaint may be angry and can expect resistance. By sympathizing you can defuse the situation. Statements such as “I understand how you feel,” or “I can see how you are upset by this” are often great phrases. Acknowledge the customer’s feelings without agreeing with their position. A friendly, open, non-defensive attitude lets the customer know how important they are to you.

Apologize
Be sincere in expressing regrets that the customer has been inconvenienced or disappointed. Now state the company position. Ask questions to find out if the customer understands company policy. If adjustments are in order, make them quickly, and cheerfully. If no adjustment is due, explain the company policy to the customer. If the company is at fault, admit it quickly and show your willingness to correct the error. If the error is the customer’s, allow him to save face. Remember, the purpose is to bring them back!

Reassure
The customer has expected resistance and is afraid you’ll do nothing about the problem. Fear must be eliminated before they can speak reasonably with you. “Mr. Customer, I am sure we can fix this for you,” or “Mr. Customer, we’ll do all we can.”

Get the Facts
People with complaints often generalize. They may start o saying that everything was bad, when in fact; only part of the transaction may have caused the problem. Ask questions, listen without interruption or argument, restate your understanding by paraphrasing what you just heard. See the customer’s point of view.

Rebuild Your Reputation
After apology, remind the customer that our company successfully deals with hundreds (thousands) of customers every year. Remind them that we have built a good reputation based on service and dedication to our customers. Let them know we appreciate them and are able to correct the problem.

Thank the Customer
Make the customer feel good. By now they’re a little embarrassed that they’ve created such a fuss. If they go away feeling that they’ve made a mountain out of a molehill, they may never come back. Be sure that you take the opportunity to thank them for the constructive criticism and allow them to save face.

Most importantly Be Sincere and Smile!

Don’t Get a Broken Heart Purchasing eBooks for Your Valentine

2/2/2012

Posted on 2/2/2012 by
BBB Warning: Some eBooks Violate Copyright; Others Are Useless

Electronic book sales skyrocketed in 2011 resulting in more eBooks being sold than paperback books. This Valentines many people will be buying their sweetheart an eBook. The BBB warns consumers, however, that the growing popularity of electronic books for devices like the Amazon Kindle, Kobo and other devices has inspired scams by unrelated firms that target readers, authors and authorized book publishers.

“Readers love the convenience of e-readers, which allow them to carry several books around in a compact format,” said Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “But consumers need to be careful when making e-book purchases for themselves and their loved ones. You must know where it is safe to shop and where it is not if you want quality reading materials without unwanted advertising or malware. You also may want to avoid buying plagiarized or worthless books.”

Some scams target consumers, offering worthless material at a low price that inspires impulse purchasing. Others target authors or authorized publishers by pirating books published legitimately elsewhere. Common scams include:

• E-books filled with useless and often badly written information sold for a couple of dollars. Malware is sometimes attached in order to obtain your credit card information.

• A single book is given different editorial spins and then sold under different titles or authors’ names.

• Material is plagiarized from websites and blogs, then packaged into an e-book and sold.

• Writing competitions that offer to publish winners’ work digitally. Although the contests include entry fees, the cost to publish digitally is minimal.

• E-readers spammed with ad-laden works and hotlinks to both commercial and malware sites that load viruses onto your machine.

• E-book purchases and sales used to build up credentials for bogus sellers and buyers on auction sites.

To avoid e-book scams, the BBB advises:
• Take a good look at the website that offers the item. Does it have a BBB logo? If it does, click on it to see if it’s legitimate. A BBB dynamic seal will take you to the company’s BBB Business Review.

• Make sure that the site is secure when you place the order: Look for https:// at the beginning of the site’s URL (website address) on the page where you enter payment information.

• Stick with authors you already know or those who have an established reputation.

• If you decide to buy from an unfamiliar author, see if you can download a free sample first to test the quality. Some sites allow you to preview a book before you buy it.

• Don't be taken in by great reviews that accompany cheap e-books. They may be genuine or the writers may have been paid to produce them.

• Do a search on the book name or author to see what other people say or how many other books the author claims to have written.

• Don't click on links inside an e-book unless it's by an established, reputable author and sold through a legitimate website. Even then, it’s advisable to visit the author’s website using your Internet browser rather than using the link.

If you believe you've been scammed, seek a refund. You should also register your complaint with the seller's customer service department. And, if all else fails, do other readers a favor by writing an honest review of the book.

Check a company’s BBB Business Review before you make a purchase by going to www.vi.bbb.org.

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BBB is celebrating its 50th Anniversary locally and it’s 100th Anniversary internationally. For more information on the celebration, events, programs and activities taking place during the anniversary year visit visit www.vi.bbb.org.

Foreign Lottery Scam Targets Vancouver Island

1/30/2012

Posted on 1/30/2012 by

BBB of Vancouver Island has recently started to receive reports from local consumers who are getting phone calls from people with heavy accents claiming the consumer has won a foreign lottery.

In this scam, victims are told they have won a substantial lottery prize (often millions of dollars) from a foreign country. Often additional prizes, such as a car are included with the prize winnings. Victims are typically asked to wire money or send a cheque to "release the winnings" or "to cover the taxes" on the prize, prior to receiving them. In some instances, cheques are even sent to the victims from the foreign lottery, and "fees" of a few thousand dollars are asked to be returned upon receipt of the cheque.

Tips to identify lottery prize scams:

1) You did not enter the lottery or purchase a lottery ticket;

2) The representative of the lottery is aggressive, or persistent;

3) You are asked to pay some sort of fee in order to receive your winnings.

BBB warns consumers that it is illegal to play and win a foreign lottery. Legitimate lotteries will be provincial or national in scope only. It is also illegal for an agency to require the winner of a prize to pay a fee to retrieve any prize winnings.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true...it probably is.

Scammers Pick Up the Phone in New Twist on BBB Phishing Scam

1/30/2012

Posted on 1/30/2012 by

Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a new twist in the ongoing BBB phishing scam. Consumers now are reporting receiving phone calls – in addition to emails – from scammers claiming to be from BBB.

In the scam, callers offer help removing a virus from the recipient’s computer. They claim the computer was infected when the owner downloaded a virus from an email scam using the BBB name. Consumers reported scammers calling from 858-102-3252.

BBB is cautioning consumers not to give out any personal information to callers or to install or download any software they recommend.

Since late November, many consumers and business owners nationwide have received phishing emails appearing to be from a BBB.org email address. These emails inform the recipient of a non-existent BBB complaint against their business and encourage them to respond. In a newer take on the scam, emails urge the recipient to update their information with BBB by completing an online form. All emails either contain an attachment or a link to a third-party website, both of which download a virus on to the recipient’s computer.

Should you receive a suspicious email, don't click on any links. You can test the links by using your mouse to hover over them. The destination of the links will appear in a small pop-up box next to the link or at the bottom of the screen. See the screenshot below for an example. If the email is a scam, the website shown will not be a BBB.org URL.

Look Out for Super Bowl Scams

1/26/2012

Posted on 1/26/2012 by

With the Super Bowl just around the corner, Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be on the alert for knock-off team jerseys, counterfeit memorabilia and phony game tickets.

“There are three good reasons not to buy counterfeit goods: theft, quality and security,” notes Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of the BBB of Vancouver Island. “Counterfeit items are stolen goods. If you love your team, don’t buy a hat or jersey from someone who has stolen the team’s name and logo for their own profit. And counterfeit items are almost always more cheaply made, which means they won’t last as long as the real thing.”

But you may have an even bigger problem if you try to buy counterfeit memorabilia online. Several BBBs across North America have reported websites that don’t even have any merchandise to sell you…they just want your credit card number and personal information in order to steal your identity or drain your bank account. The best way to ensure you are getting official sports gear is to buy directly from the team or league websites, or from official vendors at the stadium.

Beware of Ticket Scams

Tickets for the big game can be an even bigger rip-off. There are thousands of Super Bowl tickets currently listed on Craig’s List, but the site offers no guarantees of any kind and does not require identification of its listers. Buying in person isn’t always an improvement, as it’s gotten easier and easier for scammers to make fake tickets that look real.

So where can you turn? Sites such as Stub Hub (www.stubhub.com) guarantee your tickets’ authenticity. There were 2,800 tickets available as of yesterday, starting at $2,450 a piece. Ticketmaster (www.ticketexchangebyticketmaster.com) handles ticket exchanges for the NFL, and had over 800 tickets available as of yesterday, starting at $2,864.

In general, avoid scams by being skeptical of:

Offers that sound “too good to be true”
Pushy sales tactics
Poor quality of merchandise
Offers that require wire transfer of funds

And always check out a business first at www.bbb.org/search.

For more consumer tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org/news. To sign up to receive our Scam Alerts, visit BBB Scam Source at www.bbb.org/scam.

SCAM ALERT - Ongoing BBB Phishing Scam (UPDATE)

1/22/2012

Posted on 1/22/2012 by

Businesses and consumers have been aggressively targeted by phishing scammers using the BBB's good name to lure victim's into downloading malicious content onto their computers.

(For more details on this phishing scam visit http://vi.bbb.org/article/scam-alert---ongoing-bbb-phishing-scam-32080)

The Council of Better Business Bureaus has engaged a phishing deactivation service to shut down websites that are hosting malware. To date, we have shut down or disabled approximately 50 sites that were involved in this wide-spread phishing scam. Deactivating the websites set up by the scam artists ensure that recipients who click on the link in the scam emails won’t have a virus loaded onto their computers. It does not, however, prevent the emails from going out in the first place.

Protect Yourself

Anyone who received the fake BBB email and clicked on one of the links prior to the deactivations, and who didn’t have adequate antivirus protection, was likely infected. The particular virus at play is known as “Zeuss” or “Zbot” and is a “Trojan Horse” or spyware virus that downloads onto a recipient’s computer and harvests confidential and personal data without detection. According to the FBI, one criminal organization used Zeuss to collect $70 million from victims. It is imperative that anyone who believes their computer may have been infected do a security analysis and have the malware eradicated.

This particular malware first surfaced back in 2007. Symantec, published an antivirus signature in 2010. A link to the Symantec description of the virus is provided below. Please ensure that your antivirus protection services cover Zeuss/Zbot.

From Symantec’s website (aka Norton Anti-Virus): http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2010-011016-3514-99

From the FBI’s Internet Crimes Complaint Center. Council has reported the BBB phishing scam to IC3 and they have included our scam in the following alert: http://www.ic3.gov/media/2010/corporateaccounttakeover.pdf

Protect Your Business Networks
We have consulted with cyber security experts who have informed us that even when an organization has antivirus protection in place, there is still potential on occasion for the virus to infiltrate a network. This can happen under the following circumstances:

• The antivirus is disabled or misconfigured by the end user
• The antivirus definitions are not updated
• The network layer spam filter and web filter are not present or not updated

Our cyber security experts have provided us with the following recommendations that your business should also implement as appropriate:

• Implement a spam filter appliance that processes all email before reaching the internal mail server.

• Make sure the spam filter has the ability to scan for malware.

• Implement a web proxy filter that inspects all Internet traffic before leaving the local network.

• Implement a centralized antivirus solution that:

1. forces daily updates to the client systems including both antivirus version updates and antivirus signature updates, and;

2. prevents users from disabling or modifying settings for the AV service;

• Implement workstation access privilege policies whereby end users do not have administrative level access to their local system. Malware is generally limited in what damage it can cause to a system when the local user does not have administrative level access.

SCAM ALERT - Ongoing BBB Phishing Scam

1/22/2012

Posted on 1/22/2012 by
Beware of fake complaint or request for information email claiming to be from bbb.org. If you receive an e-mail from a bbb.org address, DON’T OPEN IT!

The Better Business Bureau is warning businesses to beware of a malicious email that pretends to be from the BBB about a complaint, or seeking accreditation information from the company.

The phishing email is sent from the multiple email addresses with the subject line “Complaint #” followed by a nine-digit number, or referencing an SBQ From. BBB Accredited and non-Accredited Businesses have been targeted and some consumers have received the Email.

The body of the email claims that the company has received a complaint, or that the BBB needs more information, and asks them to respond by directing them to click through to what is actually is disguised link to a third party website.

Because the message is fraudulent, the BBB advises any business that
receives this email to take the following steps:

Do not click on any links or reply to the message,
Completely delete the message from your inbox, and
Run a full virus scan on your computer if you did click on any links.

If you receive an email from the Better Business Bureau and need assistance in determining whether or not it is legitimate, contact the BBB of Vancouver Island at 250.386.6348.

For more advice on how to protect your business from malicious online attacks and data breaches visit www.bbb.org/data-security.

Beware eBook Scams & Rip Offs

1/22/2012

Posted on 1/22/2012 by

BBB Warning: eBook Scams Rip Off Readers, Authors & Publishers
Some Books Violate Copyright; Others Are Useless

The growing popularity of electronic books for devices like the Amazon Kindle, the Barnes & Noble Nook and other devices has inspired scams by unrelated firms that target readers, authors and authorized book publishers, the BBB warns.

“Readers love the convenience of e-readers, which allow them to carry several books around in a compact format,” said Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “But consumers need to be careful when making e-book purchases if they want quality reading materials without unwanted advertising or malware. They also may want to avoid buying plagiarized or worthless books.”

Some scams target consumers, offering worthless material at a low price that inspires impulse purchasing. Others target authors or authorized publishers by pirating books published legitimately elsewhere. Common scams include:

E-books filled with useless and often badly written information sold for a couple of dollars. Malware is sometimes attached in order to obtain your credit card information.
A single book is given different editorial spins and then sold under different titles or authors’ names.
Material is plagiarized from websites and blogs, then packaged into an e-book and sold.
Writing competitions that offer to publish winners’ work digitally. Although the contests include entry fees, the cost to publish digitally is minimal.
E-readers spammed with ad-laden works and hotlinks to both commercial and malware sites that load viruses onto your machine.
E-book purchases and sales used to build up credentials for bogus sellers and buyers on auction sites.

To avoid e-book scams, the BBB advises:

Take a good look at the website that offers the item. Does it have a BBB logo? If it does, click on it to see if it’s legitimate. A BBB dynamic seal will take you to the company’s BBB Business Review.
Make sure that the site is secure when you place the order: Look for https:// at the beginning of the site’s URL (website address) on the page where you enter payment information.
Stick with authors you already know or those who have an established reputation.
If you decide to buy from an unfamiliar author, see if you can download a free sample first to test the quality. Some sites allow you to preview a book before you buy it.
Don't be taken in by great reviews that accompany cheap e-books. They may be genuine or the writers may have been paid to produce them.
Do a search on the book name or author to see what other people say or how many other books the author claims to have written.
Don't click on links inside an e-book unless it's by an established, reputable author and sold through a legitimate website. Even then, it’s advisable to visit the author’s website using your Internet browser rather than using the link.

If you believe you've been scammed, seek a refund. You should also register your complaint with the seller's customer service department. And, if all else fails, do other readers a favor by writing an honest review of the book.

Check a company’s BBB Business Review before you make a purchase by going to www.bbb.org.

BBB’s TOP 10 SCAMS OF 2011

1/10/2012

Posted on 1/10/2012 by

BBB’s TOP 10 SCAMS OF 2011:

Protect Yourself From Becoming a Victim in 2012

VICTORIA, BC – Each year the Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island compiles a list of the scams and complaints that have most significantly impacted consumers in our region. To highlight the BBB’s 100^th Anniversary internationally and 50^th Anniversary locally, the theme of this year’s Top 10 Scams list is “What’s Old is New Again.”

“When it comes to scams, we really haven’t seen anything all that new, in many, many years,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “While many scams of today are cloaked in modern technology, the basic elements or principles of every scam have been the same for the past 50 to 100 years. Scammers make a living taking advantage of peoples’ desire for fame or fortune, using false pretenses, posing as credible businesses and organizations, and luring people into giving out private, personal and financial information.”

The following is a brief summary of the top scams (in no specific order) from the past calendar year and simple tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud in 2012.

1) Brand Spoofing

Brand spoofing (aka phishing) is a general term for fraudulent email, text messages and websites designed to look like they come from well-known and trusted businesses, organizations, financial institutions or government agencies. Using the identity of a trusted brand, scammers typically lure victims into giving out personal or financial information, or downloading viruses or spyware onto their computers or mobile devices.

CONSUMER TIP: The best way to protect yourself is to be aware of the basic components of phishing spoofs. In most cases they will be generically worded, and require you to update or provide personal information such as account numbers, PINs, passwords, birthdates or Social Insurance Numbers – information that is unnecessary or should already be on file. They often require you to click on a hyperlink to an outside web page or to download a suspicious attachment. If you receive these messages just delete them and do not click on any links. If you are a victim of ID theft, call your financial institutions to have them cancel your cards and re-issue new ones. Contact your local police and Canada’s main credit reporting agencies: TransUnion Canada at tuc.ca (1-800-663-9980) and Equifax Canada at equifax.ca (1-800-465-7166).

2) Gold Buying Schemes

When the BBB was created in 1912 the average price of gold was $18.93 per ounce (and it had been so for about 100 years before). In 2011 the price of gold soared, rapidly fluctuating and averaging over $1735 per ounce. Similar to gold rushes of the past, a strained economy and high demand for gold resulted in many consumers selling, trading and receiving unfair returns when cashing in their gold and jewellery.

CONSUMER TIP: Before cashing in on the gold rush it is important to do your research. When choosing an appraiser, find someone locally whom you know and trust. Know that the true price of gold is not what you will be paid for every ounce of gold you own. Get multiple appraisals and compare prices before selling. Be sure that jewellery of differing karats is weighed and priced separately. Have jewels such as diamonds priced separately from the gold they are contained in.

3) Computer Virus Fixing Scam

In this scam a person fraudulently claiming to be a representative of a reputable business such as Microsoft, Windows or Online PC Care contacts homeowners via phone. The aggressive caller claims the home computer has been infected with a virus and that if the problem is not solved the computer will become unusable. In order to “fix” the problem, the victim is directed to a website, asked to provide their credit card information as payment, and told to download an anti-virus program. The catch: there isn’t anything wrong with the computer, the caller is a fraud, and the victim has downloaded damaging malware and spyware to their computer, as well as given out their credit card information.

CONSUMER TIP: Treat all unsolicited phone calls with skepticism. Check with the organization directly that the caller is claiming to be from, using the contact numbers found on their website. Do not provide any personal information to avoid identity theft. Never provide credit or debit card information for payment. Report any fraudulent activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 (888) 495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre.ca.

4) Power Saving Claims

The switch to Smart Meters in B.C. fostered a rise in false claims and deceptive ads by some scammers selling energy conservation devices. Consumers reported purchasing a number of power saving devices they claim did not work and that did not meet electrical safety standards.

CONSUMER TIP: BBB was created 100 years ago to put a stop to deceptive claims and unethical advertising. The BBB Ad Review program seeks to help consumers and businesses identify untrue, deceptive, fraudulent and insincere statements. Protect yourself from deceptive advertising by doing your research before making a purchase. Always checking out a company's BBB Business Review first (visit bbb.org) and report deceptive advertising and business claims to your local BBB. If it sounds too good to be true, remember that it probably is.

5) Door-to-Door Sales

Each year a variety of unscrupulous door-to-door salespeople use high-pressure sales tactics to frighten people into purchasing expensive, substandard - often unneeded products and services. On Vancouver Island in the 1960’s the high-pressure sales tactics of subscription salesmen was a significant concern. Today there are aggressive sales people selling everything from alarm systems to vacuums and air purifiers, as well as roofing, paving, window washing, painting, plumbing, heating, repair and landscaping services.

CONSUMER TIP: Don’t give in to high-pressure sales tactics. If you feel threatened by an aggressive salesperson ask them to leave your property. If they refuse, call the police. Before making any purchases take the time to do your due diligence. Get the name and location of the company and ensure all details and verbal promises are included in your contract. Suspicious door-to-door sales should be reported to Consumer Protection BC at 1 (888) 564-9963 or www.consumerprotectionbc.ca

6) Financial Elder Abuse

Financial elder abuse occurs when seniors' pocketbooks are exploited by scammers who take advantage of a person’s vulnerabilities associated with age - like hearing loss, loneliness, physical limitations and impaired mental capacity. Common financial elder abuse frauds include tricking seniors into giving out private banking information; encouraging unnecessary home repair work; telemarketing and mail fraud; and swindles by family or friends that result in seniors giving up money, property, personal information and decision making capacity.

CONSUMER TIP: Most elder abuse happens to a senior by someone they know, such as a family member, friend or caregiver. Many victims do not even realize they have been taken advantage of. Signs a senior is being financially abused include: missing belongings, unusual activity in bank accounts, suspicious stories; sudden changes in Power of Attorney or Wills; bounced cheques and numerous unpaid bills. Report all incidents of financial elder abuse to your local police.

7) Group Coupon Buying

The popularity of online group coupon buying dramatically increased in 2011. Most sites offer anywhere from 50-90% in product and service discounts. While most of the group coupon buying sites themselves are legitimate, customers reported a number of scams and problems such as: the inability to order a product or book a service purchased in a timely fashion; poor quality products and services; businesses unable to manage an increase in demand; unclear coupon terms; businesses unable to honour coupons; raised prices for coupon holders; counterfeit products and misleading and aggressive salespeople.

CONSUMER TIP: The concept of group buying clubs has been around for many years. The Internet has simply provided a simple way for many businesses to offer group discounts. As with buying clubs do your research about both the group coupon buying site and the businesses offering deals. Before signing up or making a purchase look up the company’s BBB Business Review (vi.bbb.org). Comparison shop to make sure the deal being offered is actually reasonable. Be wary of requests for personal and financial information. Before purchasing a coupon contact the business in advance to see when you might receive a product or service. Always carefully read the fine print and terms of the coupon. Legitimate coupons will have bar codes and expiration dates.

8) Reverse Mortgages

A reverse mortgage is a special, legal type of loan that allows homeowners to convert the equity in their home into cash, without incurring monthly penalties. There are two common scams related to reverse mortgages (a legitimate loan product) specifically targeting vulnerable, uninformed seniors. In the first scam current and potential reverse mortgage borrowers are duped into paying fees (which are normally free) to fraudsters for information and the submission of documents related to the mortgage/loan product. In the second scam, fraudsters work with an extensive team of con artists to artificially inflate the value of a home, assist a senior in acquiring a reverse mortgage, and dupe them into transferring away the title of the property.

CONSUMER TIP:

Reverse mortgages are not available, nor ideal, for everyone. To acquire a reverse mortgage you must be 62 years of age or older, have a small mortgage balance and the property must be your primary residence. The loan will be repaid, and whatever equity is left paid out when the home is sold or homeowner passes away. To avoid becoming a victim of scams related to reverse mortgages ensure you carefully research and understand how such a loan product works. Seek out your own reverse mortgage specialist and be sure you are speaking to qualified professionals.

9) Toll Fraud

Toll fraud is the unauthorized use of long distance phone services. Toll fraud significantly impacts businesses with multiple phone lines. Scammers essentially hack into a business’ telephone system and quickly rack up thousands of dollars in long distance charges. Businesses are ultimately responsible for all long distance charges incurred on their telephone systems.

CONSUMER TIP:

The installation of passwords, firewalls, system monitoring and regular updating and maintenance of multi-line phone systems are the best methods of protection for your business from toll fraud. Limiting and restricting international long distance phone calls, as well as call forwarding and call transferring features may also reduce you chances of finding your phone system hacked. You should also be sure your company disables all unused phones and voice mailboxes.

10) Credit & Debit Card Fraud

Identity theft related to credit and debit card fraud continues to be an ongoing problem. Consumers continually report discovering unrecognized charges on their credit and debit card accounts that are most often the result of identity theft. Thieves obtain account information through card reading devices, cameras, false PIN pads, card theft, phishing and phone scams.

CONSUMER TIP: Never let your debit or credit card out of sight when conducting a transaction. Keep your PIN information private and protected from prying eyes. Regularly check your monthly statements and account information. Never give credit card or personal information out over the phone or Internet unless you have initiated the transaction and have verified that you are using a reputable merchant. Credit and debit cards with chip technology are more difficult for unauthorized users to copy and access, but your account information can still be stolen through more traditional methods. Report all suspicious transactions on your account to your financial institution immediately.

Media Kit: How Can We Help You?

1/10/2012

Posted on 1/10/2012 by

START WITH TRUST:

For 100 Years BBB Helps Consumers Find Businesses They Can Trust

VICTORIA, BC – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behaviours. For nearly 100 years, BBB has helped consumers make smarter buying decisions, and we are constantly evolving to meet fast changing marketplace needs.

As an international organization BBB sets the standards for ethical business behavior and monitors compliance. Over 400,000 Accredited Businesses meet our high standards. Corporate sponsorships and Accredited Business membership fees fund BBB operations. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior.

We also work to help consumers to identify reliable businesses and those that are not through more than four million BBB Business Reviews. BBB’s consumer services are offered free to everyone and are available locally, nationally, online and in person.

How can we help you?
Have a question, looking for some information?
BBB is here to answer any questions you might have about scams and frauds impacting our region, consumer and business complaints and ethical business practices.

Rosalind Scott the Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island is our organization’s primary spokesperson. Please feel free to contact Ros via phone at 250.386.6348 ext. 106 or via email at rosalindscott@vi.bbb.org.

Looking for a story idea?
BBB is active on a number of different social media sites. For daily and weekly information on scam alerts, consumer tips and business information check us out at the following locations:

• Visit our website at vi.bbb.org. Check out the News Centre for potential story ideas, scam alerts and hot topics of interest.

• Become a friend on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Better-Business-Bureau-of-Vancouver-Island/105810759471433

• Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/VIBBB/

• Check out the Executive Director’s Blog http://vi.bbb.org/blog/

Mark Your Calendar
Each year BBB embarks on a number of activities that typically generate media and public interest. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

January 2012: BBB Announces 100 Year International Anniversary and 50 Year Local Anniversary

January 2012: Top 10 Scams of 2011 Released

February 2012: Accredited Business Directory Distributed to 160,000 doorsteps across Vancouver Island

March 2012: Fraud Prevention Month

May 25, 2012: BBB Torch Awards Centennial Celebration

May 2012: New Board of Directors Announced

Fall 2012: BBB Business Event / Community Event

BBB Celebrates 100-Year International Anniversary & 50-Year Local Anniversary

1/10/2012

Posted on 1/10/2012 by
Victoria, B.C. - BBB celebrates 100 years of service internationally and 50 years of service locally in 2012.

Throughout the last 100 years the Better Business Bureau has grown from one small organization in the United States to 116 local BBB’s across the U.S. and Canada. Since 1962 the BBB of Vancouver Island has been helping businesses and consumers work together to build a stronger, trustworthy marketplace. Over 87 million times a year, BBB helps consumers find trustworthy businesses. Over 400,000 businesses across North America meet the BBB’s high standards for Accreditation.

“This anniversary year is a very exciting time for us,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of the BBB of Vancouver Island. “We are among an elite group of businesses and organizations, companies such as Coca-Cola, Ford Motor Company and IBM – that have thrived in the international marketplace for a century or more. Locally we are part of a small group of businesses and organizations that are the foundation of the Vancouver Island marketplace.”

BBB helps people make smarter buying decisions through innovative programs and services such as BBB Business Reviews and ratings, BBB Accredited Businesses, advertising review services, investigations, dispute resolution and the online scam portal, Scam Tracker.

“Without question, the way people buy, sell and communicate has changed tremendously over the last century,” says Scott. “The need for an ethical marketplace has not. BBB is constantly evolving to meet the fast changing needs of the marketplace while remaining true to our mission – to help consumers find trustworthy businesses.”

During the Centennial and Golden Jubilee anniversary year, BBB will be launching several new initiatives; hosting local, national and international events and conducting innovative research that will help guide marketplace trust for the next 100 years. BBB has partnered with leading academic institutions, international research powerhouses and business leaders. BBB is leading the charge to define “trust” in a way that hasn’t been done before, to explore and share best practices in self-regulation, and to create cutting-edge products and programs.

“2012 promises to be an exciting year for BBB. Our programs and initiatives will be groundbreaking, not only for us, but for the local marketplace,” says Scott. “We’ll be sharing news and information with you throughout the year, and I hope you’ll take the time to participate in the celebrations with us. After all, it is about Advancing Trust Together!”

For more information on anniversary events visit www.vi.bbb.org

Business Disaster Planning

1/5/2012

Posted on 1/5/2012 by Rosalind Scott
Set up a Disaster Plan for Your Business and Employees

Reacting to a natural disaster or emergency not only means ensuring the immediate safety of employees, but also planning how the business will continue to function in the aftermath. Even if your business is not located in an area that is a likely target for a natural or manmade disaster, you need to be prepared for the unexpected with a comprehensive business continuation plan.

Creating a disaster plan for your business is a great way to start the new year. According to the Insurance Institute for Home and Business Safety, one in four small businesses forced to close because of a disaster never reopens. Business that have a business continuity plan in place – and use it during and after disaster strikes – typically experience less damage, loss and downtime than businesses without a plan.

A solid emergency plan can give you a lot of peace of mind and a greater sense of security.

Consider the following tips when creating or updating your business disaster plan:

Don’t be caught off guard. Consider the different types of disasters—fire, flood, earthquake, etc.—that can occur and how your business would respond differently to being displaced for a week, a month, or longer.

Know your surroundings. Determine alternate locations for your business to operate if you are displaced from your current building. This could mean enabling employees to work from home or finding an alternate location for your office or store.

Prepare your staff. Identify essential staff who are core to the operations of the business and keep a list of their phone numbers (home, work, pager, cell) and e-mail addresses that can be accessed by employees from several locations (home, Internet, etc.).

Communicate, communicate, communicate. Devise an emergency communications plan that outlines how your business will communicate with employees, customers, vendors and other key external contacts in the days following a disaster. Contact vendors and suppliers to confirm their emergency response plan procedures. Be prepared to use alternate vendors for essential supplies and equipment. Have your back-up equipment kept in good working condition.

Have an up-to-date inventory of your assets. Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have adequate coverage for items you cannot afford to lose. A standard policy may not cover business interruption losses.

Store your documents safely and efficiently. Keep duplicates of personnel, payroll, payables and receivables and other essential records at an off-site location. Regularly make back-up copies of important computer files.

Establish a succession of management for the company. Determine who will manage the company if key leaders are unavailable.

BBB Offers 10 Resolutions For A Safe, Scam-Free New Year

1/2/2012

Posted on 1/2/2012 by

The new year is a great time to resolve to be a smarter, safer consumer. BBB has 10 resolutions that can help you fight scammers, prevent identity theft and save money in 2012.

“Consumers can save themselves time, trouble and money by creating a budget, researching businesses before they buy and learning to recognize the red flags of common scams,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “BBB Business Reviews offer verified information on companies and charities, and they’re available 24/7 on the BBB website (vi.bbb.org) or by calling 250.386.6348.”

The following resolutions can help consumers have a scam-free 2012:

Always check a business out with the BBB before you buy. Nearly 400,000 businesses meet BBB standards and are qualified to use an Accredited Business seal on their websites and at business locations. Visit www.bbb.org to find BBB Business Reviews for nearly 4 million businesses across North America.
Be skeptical of “job offers” that promise easy money. With high unemployment and long job searches common, scammers are targeting people desperate to find jobs. Beware of any job offer, work-at-home scheme or business opportunity that promises big money for little work and no experience.
Always read the fine print—especially with “free” trial offers. Thousands of consumers complained to the BBB this year after signing up for a “free” trial offer online that resulted in repeated charges to their credit or debit cards, sometimes amounting to hundreds of dollars every month. Read the terms and conditions of any “free” trial offer before handing over credit or debit card numbers.
Keep your computer safe. If you haven’t already done so, install anti-virus software on your computer and check regularly for software and operating system updates and patches. Don’t open attachments or click on links in emails unless you can confirm the email came from someone you trust.
Never wire money to someone you don’t know. Many scams require that the victim wire money back to the scammers. Scammers know that tracking money sent via MoneyGram or Western Union is extremely difficult. Once you’ve wired the money, it’s nearly impossible to get it back.
Fight identity theft. Shred paper documents that include sensitive financial data and dispose of computers, cell phones and digital data safely. The BBB offers tips and checklists on what to shred, and hosts annual consumer and business events with loads of information on what you can do to protect yourself.
Ask the BBB for help. File a complaint with your BBB if you have a disagreement with a business or have been ripped off by a scammer.
Create a budget and stick to it. Setting a budget can help you stay afloat in 2011. The BBB has advice on how to create a budget to help you get out of debt and stay out of debt at www.bbb.org.
Fight fake check fraud. Thanks to advances in printing technology, scammers have the ability to create professional-looking phony checks. Educate yourself on the common types of check fraud and be extremely wary of checks that come with claims that you’ve won the lottery, are eligible for a government grant or have landed a job as a secret shopper. These are almost always scams.
Get everything in writing. Don’t just take a company’s word for it. Get every verbal agreement in writing to limit miscommunication and misunderstandings between what you expect and what the business delivers.

Beware Canada Post Secret Shopper Scam

12/21/2011

Posted on 12/21/2011 by
Canada Post is warning Canadians about a scam using the organizations name and logo. Scammers are sending out letters inviting people to secretly pose as customers sending funds via Western Union or MoneyGram. The purpose of the secret shopper is to the assess and report on the performance level of money wiring services at Canada Post and Shoppers Drug Mart outlets.

In this case secret shoppers are issued a cheque and performance evaluation sheet. Secret shoppers are asked to cash the cheque and use a portion of the funds to pay for a money wire to a specific location.The remaining funds are to be used as payment for their secret shopping services. In scams such as this the cheque being issued is a fake. Secret shoppers end up cashing the cheque, wiring money to a non-traceable person, then find out from their bank that the cheque was a fraud. The secret shoppers are responsible for returning the money to the bank, and are out of pocket the money that was wired.

Please note that this letters is NOT from Canada Post, and no real secret shopper opportunity exists with Canada Post.

To view a sample of the this scam click here: Canada Post Secret Shopper Scam

For more information about this and other scams related to the Canadian postal system visit www.canadapost.ca/postalsecurity.

Celebrating 100 Years!

12/7/2011

Posted on 12/7/2011 by Rosalind Scott
It is almost here! 2012 will mark the 100th anniversary of the BBB as an international organization, AND the 50th anniversary of the BBB of Vancouver Island.

Next year will be a milestone to be celebrated and as you can expect many exciting things are planned both locally and internationally.

During the centennial year, we'll be launching several new initiatives, hosting events, and conducting innovative research. We've partnered internationally with leading academic institutions, research powerhouses and business leaders. We're leading the charge to define "trust" in a way that hasn't been done before, to explore and share best practices in self-regulation and to create cutting edge products and programs.

Whether you are a consumer, business or organization there will be multiple opportunities for you to get involved in the Anniversary celebration. If you are not a BBB program sponsor, this is the year to come on board. Our media, business and community profile outreach will be extensive this year, as to will be the opportunity to cost-effectively align your business with an organization based on values of ethics and trust.

Presentations, discussions, events and activities will be taking place across North America. If you are interested in hosting or being involved in any of these please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss.

After all, this celebration is about Advancing Trust Together. Finding solutions to the marketplace's most critical challenges will require the insight and determination of businesses, consumers and policy makers.

Monthly Tip: Handling Holiday Gift Returns

12/7/2011

Posted on 12/7/2011 by Rosalind Scott
While most retailers love the holidays and the increased sales of the last quarter of each year, no one looks forward to the dreaded post-holiday gift returns. Make sure your return policies are simple and solid before tackling customer gift returns this holiday season.

Most consumers are happy with return policies. According to the National Retail Federation’s, 2010 Holiday Returns Survey, nearly nine out of 10 Americans (88.4 percent) say they find stores’ return policies to be fair.

It’s important for retailers to keep their customers in mind when it comes to their return policy. While it’s important that your return policy doesn’t hurt your business, it’s critical that it doesn’t completely discourage and penalize the customer.

Consider the following when creating, solidifying or simplifying your return policy:

Make sure the customer is aware of your policy. Display you policies at the checkout counter and on your website.

Provide gift receipts. Six out of ten shoppers say they include a gift receipt when giving a gift, so be sure to offer one at the time of purchase.

Encourage customers to return the merchandise unused, unworn or unwrapped. Everyone likes getting merchandise in its original package and by encouraging customers to return goods this way, you better your chances that the product can be resold.

Make online returns easy. Lay out the return rules clearly. Explain who pays for the return shipping, where the customer sends the return, and any forms or mailing labels you want them to use.

Stay calm and helpful. The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone and making returns is usually not high on the customer’s list of fun things to do. When working with a customer, always go into a return with a smile. If their experience is good, you may win over a new customer.

Happy Holidays

12/7/2011

Posted on 12/7/2011 by Rosalind Scott
Wishing You and Your Staff a Happy Holiday Season.

On behalf of the staff and board of directors of BBB Vancouver Island I wish you, your employees and your families the Happiest of Holidays this year.

2011 has been a very busy year at the BBB of Vancouver Island. We’ve been working hard to update and revise a number of our programs to better service our accredited businesses and the customers that use our services. We’ve continued to improve your BBB Business Reviews (you can now get custom broadcast quality commercial videos produced and linked to your company’s Business Review); we’ve created a free iPhone App to allow you to check out businesses from your mobile device; we’ve implemented a formal advertising review program to help businesses ensure their advertising is ethical and meets BBB standards; we’ve advanced our investigations program to better follow up on unscrupulous businesses impacting customers in your community; and we’ve created a new online scam portal, Scam Tracker, to better keep you informed of scams and how to protect yourselves from them.

2012 promises to be an even more exciting year. 2012 marks an important milestone in BBB history – the 100th anniversary of the international organization of BBB’s and the 50th anniversary of BBB Vancouver Island! During our centennial year we’ll continue to launch new programs and services. Our programs and initiatives will be groundbreaking, not only for us, but for the marketplace. We’ll be sharing news and information with you throughout the year, and I hope you’ll take time to participate in the centennial commemoration with us. (And whatever you do, DON’T miss the 2012 Torch Awards! This year we are changing it up and it will be a festive event you will be talking about for years to come!)

Happy Holidays from all of us at BBB!

Sincerely,
Rosalind Scott, Executive Director
BBB Vancouver Island

Don't Get Stuck with IT! - Read the Return Policy

12/7/2011

Posted on 12/7/2011 by

Knowing what to buy someone can be a tricky undertaking when doing your holiday shopping. And sometimes you don’t always get the right thing. But surprisingly, a BBB survey conducted by Kelton Research found nearly one-third of adult consumers don’t carefully read return and exchange policies when making a purchase in a store or retail outlet. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 2010 holiday shopping returns were $44.39 billion leading to added policies and stipulations regarding returns.

“It is unfortunate that many don’t take a few minutes to read return and exchange policies before buying,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “People too often assume they can return purchases when in reality they cannot. Not every retailer has the same policy and some even implement separate policies around special sales and holidays.”

“We encourage shoppers to carefully read and make sure they understand any and all policies that come with their purchase. Just a minute or two can save them a lot of time, hassle and money.”

While reading the return policy is one of the most important things a savvy holiday shopper can do, BBB has additional advice to help make gift returns as easy as possible:

• Most stores have a return policy, but the policies often vary in one way or another. Some offer full refunds; others offer only store credit, or exchanges and it’s important to understand the specific policy for the store.

• Always ask for a gift receipt and enclose it with the present. At the very least, make sure you leave the price tag on with the price cut off.

• Understand what the return policies are for on-sale and clearance items, which may be different than merchandise sold at full price.

• Don’t remove electronics or similar products from their boxes before wrapping as the original packaging may be required for a return. Many merchants charge as much as a 15 percent restocking or "open box" fee for returns of electronics products or large-ticket items.

• Some retailers have different return policies depending on whether you shopped online or in a store, so look for return policies when buying online or from catalogs. Sometimes merchandise can be returned to a store; otherwise, you may be charged a shipping fee to return or exchange an item.

• Health regulations, which can prohibit the return of hats and intimate apparel, may apply.

• You don’t have to brave the crowds the day after opening gifts, but don’t wait too long to return the item. Many stores now have a limited time frame from the date of purchase in which you can make a return.

• If you are a regular customer, or have a store credit account, mention that fact as you discuss your return options. Merchants are usually willing to accommodate loyal customers.

Don't Bite on BBB Phishing Emails

12/7/2011

Posted on 12/7/2011 by

Better Business Bureau is issuing an urgent SCAM alert cautioning businesses and consumers about an email that looks like it is from BBB, with the subject line “Complaint from your customers.” This e-mail is fraudulent; ignore its contents and delete it immediately. If you have already clicked on a link in the e-mail, run a full virus scan of your computer.

The return e-mail address is riskmanager@bbb.org (an address BBB does not use) and it is signed with the address of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, the national office of the BBB system. The e-mail contains a link to a non-BBB web site. Do NOT click on the link.

Should you receive such an email do the following:

Disregard its message.
Report the email by forwarding it to phishing@council.bbb.org
Delete the email after forwarding.

If you have clicked on the link in the email, close the window and immediately do a virus scan.

Better Business Bureau is working together with law enforcement to track down the origin of these emails and plans to shutdown these fake websites.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sample of email phishing scam:

Avoiding a Holiday Travel Headache

12/1/2011

Posted on 12/1/2011 by
The holidays are a time of cheer, but they can also be a time for battling traffic and bad weather on the road. Staying safe should be a top priority for all travelers so Better Business Bureau recommends taking a few precautions when hitting the road this holiday.

“Before hitting the roads, give your car the attention that it needs,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of the BBB of Vancouver Island. “Make sure you are well-equipped and know where to turn should the unexpected happen.”

BBB recommends taking the following steps for safe driving this holiday season:

Create a car safety kit. Holiday driving often includes the threat of dangerous winter weather. Snow and ice lead to accidents, car troubles, long delays and road closures. You can prepare for bad weather by creating your own safety kit. Basics for the kit include blankets, flashlight with extra batteries, radio, first aid kit, jumper cables, non-perishable foods like granola bars and nuts, bottled water, an ice scraper and warm gloves.

Take the car in for a checkup. Breaking down on the side of the road can definitely put a damper on the holiday spirit. If your car is due for a check up, take it in before making that long haul. At the very least, check the car’s fluid levels, wipers and tire pressure. Check the condition of your tires and, if you plan on driving through serious winter weather, consider getting snow tires.

Take BBB with you. When you’re away from home or in the midst of an emergency, it’s hard to know which businesses—such as tow trucks and locksmiths—you can trust. The good news is you can now rely on BBB’s mobilized website or the BBB iPhone App. for finding businesses you can trust when you’re away from your computer.

Start early and slow down. The best way to fight holiday traffic is to give yourself some extra time to make the trip, and don’t speed. Speeding leads to accidents, which slow traffic and cause bottlenecks. Also, if you’re caught speeding by law enforcement, that adds travel time and puts a dent in your holiday spending.

Drop the distractions. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers who use hand-held devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. When you’re behind the wheel, don’t text and drive, use a hands free headset when talking on the phone, and get someone else to fumble with the GPS.

XBox Live Phishing Scam Pops Up on Microsoft Users

11/30/2011

Posted on 11/30/2011 by
Microsoft Xbox Live members are the newest group being targeted by a sophisticated phishing attack. Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island urges gamers to exercise caution when "leveling up" to new unsolicited emails.

Reports indicate that Xbox Live members are receiving emails directing them to fraudulent look-alike websites where they are instructed to enter their account information to allegedly collect "free" Microsoft points. However, once the personal information is entered, scammers have access to credit card details linked to members' accounts. Perpetrators then proceed to draw small amounts from accounts over several weeks to remain undetected. Details reveal that thousands of gamers lost roughly $150 each before the scam was discovered.

BBB recommends the following tips for gaming safely:

Look out for "free." Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Microsoft rarely gives away points for free.

Password strength is key. Utilize complex passwords that combine letters, numbers and symbols. Never use common passwords like "password;" and avoid simple number sequences like "1122."

Login information is private. Legitimate companies—including Microsoft—will not make unsolicited requests for account information via email or phone; only log in using dependable browsers and gaming consoles.

Understand "trusted" sites. Only utilize official gaming websites for account management tools; make sure to navigate to legitimate company websites through reliable channels.

Study the bill. Examine monthly billing statements carefully and look for any inaccuracies or mysterious charges. Report strange fees to the bank or credit issuer and company responsible.

Microsoft insists that Xbox Live has not been hacked, but confirms that many of its members have been victims of this scam and advises customers to visit xbox.com/security to report compromised accounts.

For other online consumer tips, visit bbb.org.

Black Friday Shopping Tips from Your BBB

11/23/2011

Posted on 11/23/2011 by

Millions of shoppers are flooding stores on foot and online this Black Friday to find deals on gifts and services. But Grinch-like scammers will prey on your holiday cheer to take joy from all who are near. All deals are not created equal and the fine print is often the most important thing. Before you head out the door for a block buster and get caught up in the frenzy, the BBB offers the following tip sheet to help you save time and money.

Tip 1 – Know before You Go.
In the coming weeks many retailers will release their Black Friday deals online, in social media and other publications. Research where the sales are and make a list of your gift priorities to compare prices and plan your day of deals. Since many advertisements will begin before the actual sale, build up a coupon collection as soon as possible. Remember to bring ads with you on Black Friday just in case the price is not what you expected.

Tip 2 – Don’t Fall for False Advertising.
Despite BBBs effort to advance trust in the marketplace, some companies will resort to advertisements that are untrue, misleading, deceptive, or plain fraudulent. Black Friday advertising will be abundant and BBB urges consumers to watch for red flags.

Many consumers have experienced frustration and lost money they can’t afford to lose after being lured by prices too good to be true, bait and switch ads designed to bring you in but push you toward more expensive items, fine print return policies, final sales, and deals that end before the day is done. To protect you on Black Friday, BBB advises consumers not to believe all they see or hear without doing their own research to confirm the claims being made. For details and help to decipher truth in adverting, consumers can review BBB's code of advertising.

Tip 3 – Maximize Advance Alerts.
Do you have favorite retailers? Now is a good time to sign up for their email alerts and “like” their Facebook page. BBB Accredited Businesses and other stores are working to reward your loyalty and you may get a jump on special offers.

Tip 4 – Set up Your Reward Cards.
Have you ever stood in line with out your store rewards card? You either missed out or the clerk may have handed one over. Black Friday deals may have strict restrictions with no sharing allowed. Make sure you have reward cards with your favorite stores and keep them with you. Check your credit card rewards program as well for special points that could add up on Black Friday.

Tip 5 – Shop with Trust.
If you find a deal – don’t just jump at the first chance to get it. The BBB recommends doing your research on the business – know how long they’ve been in business, look into their customer service track record, check them out at bbb.org. If you have concerns about the type of gift or the right fit – make sure you ask about their return policy too.

Tip 6 – Comparative Shop Online.
There are dozens of Black Friday websites that claim to capture the best deals around and they can really help you do your comparative shopping online. Before you pick your favorite site, the BBB recommends that consumers find a reputable site that’s not a fly-by-night operation by checking them out at bbb.org and see what others say about the site through an online search.

If you decide to buy online there are a host of security measures to abide by, among them to Start with Trust and know you are dealing with an experienced, reputable retailer; confirm that the site is secure and be certain you have a phone number and physical address should problems arise with your order.

Tip 7 – Look for QR Codes.
They’re square, black-and-white and funny looking – but they can take you straight to a deal. QR stands for Quick Response codes and they’re popping up in many ads and print materials. Several BBB Accredited Businesses use them to help you Start with Trust and they can bring you directly to a special offer or a BBB Business Review. Before you can scan one and view the offer - you’ll have to install a QR app reader. Most newer smart phones are equipped to scan QR codes and if you’re a mobile shopper you could really have some fun.

Tip 8 - Shop Small.
Save your gas money and your time when you stay close to home. The Better Business Bureau is encouraging consumers to support small businesses in their community on Small Business Saturday, the day after Black Friday. Check your neighborhood retailers for their weekend deals and gain some goodwill by knowing you’ve done your part to help them thrive during the holidays. Although a price match may not be applicable for some items - your neighborhood store may be able to guarantee a price for you – even if you decide to buy later.

Tip 9 - Check Return and Exchange Policies.
All bets can change for Black Friday deals which means the store policies can change too. Make sure you know what the return and exchange policy is for your Black Friday special and that a return is even possible – especially if you’re buying online. Final sales, a very short return window (like before December 25th) or in-store or online only credit could leave you with deal gone wrong.

Tip 10 – Shop Safely.
While getting a deal is important, there are ways to shop safely without putting yourself or your wallet in jeopardy. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to take their time and plan ahead for the best rewards.
• Make a list and prioritize where you should go and when.
• Bring friends into the mix to help sort through your options, two cars can go in two directions making it easier to get limited quantities and some pals will even wait in line as you trade off shopping in the stores.
• Remember to get gift receipts and keep them organized for those moments when the thought wasn’t quite enough.

ALERT: Scam Email Claims It’s from BBB

11/23/2011

Posted on 11/23/2011 by

Better Business Bureau is issuing an urgent SCAM alert cautioning businesses and consumers about an email that is purporting to be from a bbb.org email address about a recently filed complaint. The email contains a dangerous attachment regarding a complaint and appears to direct recipients to the BBB website. This is a scam - BBB does not send complaints as attachments via email.

The email appears to come from a fake BBB employee claiming that the recipient needs to review this matter and advise the BBB of their position. From there, the email appears to direct the recipient to the BBB website, but actually directs them to an outside link. This email is fraudulent and does not originate from BBB. The email attachment and link are malicious and we are strongly advising to not open or click them.

Should you receive such an email, please disregard its message, and report any information received to BBB’s Scam Source, and then delete it. If you have clicked on the link, immediately do a virus scan.

Give Wisely This Holiday Season

11/21/2011

Posted on 11/21/2011 by
Because of technology and the creativity of charities, there are many different ways that donors can give to a worthy cause. Whether you’re giving money, canned goods, used items or your time, BBB reminds donors that how you give is just as important as what you give.

With a tight budget this holiday season, it will be important for donors to be creative when giving back and supporting those who are less fortunate. When looking to make a contribution, it’s important to take the time to do your research.

BBB offers the following five common ways that people donate to charities over the holidays and a few things to consider:

Give items. Many organizations solicit for donations over the holidays including coats, toys, and canned goods. Whatever you’re donating, make sure the items are of good condition and that the recipient charity is accepting such items to help further its cause.

Give when you or your customers shop. Many charities have had great success partnering with businesses that agree to donate some amount of the purchase price from sales of items to a worthy cause. This type of cause-related marketing means that people can help others while they shop. Be sure the promotion identifies the actual or anticipated amount of the purchase price the charity will receive. Also some businesses, like grocery stores, ask if you want to donate to a charity and have that amount added to your receipt (also called embedded giving). Be sure the embedded promotion states which specific charity will receive the collected funds.

Give online. Giving online with a credit or debit card is among the most efficient ways to support a charity. Before you enter in your numbers, give the website a thorough review, look for the organization’s privacy policy, and verify if the organization has appropriate security measures in place to protect such transactions.

Give through text messaging. The option to give via text message took off in the wake of the disastrous earthquake in Haiti. After texting a message to a number, the donation is tacked on to your cell phone bill. While donating via text is fast and easy for the donor, the actual money can take 60 – 90 days to reach the charity since the funds are forwarded after you pay the donation charge on your next monthly cell phone bill. During disaster giving periods like Haiti, however, cell phone carriers work to forward funds faster. Of course, charities welcome donations at any time during the year.

Give your time or donate your staff’s time. In today’s tight economy, you may not have money, but you can always give a little bit of your time to help support a worthy cause. In addition to volunteering around the holidays, you can also be a vocal supporter of a charity and help raise awareness among staff, co-workers, friends and family and on your Facebook page or blog.

Crooks Typically Step Up Job Scams Over Holiday Season

11/21/2011

Posted on 11/21/2011 by

As we enter the holiday season, retailers are adding hundreds of thousands of temporary jobs. There's a double-edged sword, however, to this good news for people desperate to find a job, even a temporary one. First, given high unemployment, the competition for these jobs will be fierce. Second, crooks follow the headlines and have already been perpetrating new and creative scams on the unemployed. They may step up their efforts during the holidays.

The Better Business Bureau recommends a few simple steps to increase your chance of landing a legitimate seasonal job.

Start your research earlier rather than later. Figure out what job suits you best and then identify companies you would like to work for. Many companies direct applicants to their website to apply for a job, so make sure to apply there instead of through a third party Internet site.

Be suspicious of "too good to be true" job offers. Many consumers use online classifieds to search for local job openings. Unfortunately, scammers flock to these sites, posting phony jobs in order to steal the money or the identities of job seekers. Never pay for a background check, a job application or for anything else before you are hired. Don't assume that a job posted on a well-known website like Careerbuilder.com or Monster.com is legitimate.

Work where you shop. Employers want applicants who know their products well. If you shop at certain stores frequently, chances are you know a lot about the company and the merchandise they sell. This will make you an attractive choice because they won't have to spend as much time and money training you.

Be available and flexible. Holiday hiring managers are drawn to candidates who will be available and have a flexible schedule. Seasonal employees will likely find themselves working long, sometimes inconvenient hours and even holidays.

Put your best foot forward. Job hunters need to dress their best and be prepared for the interview. This includes being familiar with the company's brand and its products. Retail job hunters in particular need to focus on impressing potential employers with their customer service skill set, including their ability to deal with stressed-out shoppers, long checkout lines and day-after-Christmas returns.

If your long-term goal is to find full-time, permanent employment, don't discount a part-time, seasonal job as a way to get there. Some employers end up asking their best seasonal workers to stay on after the holidays.

Reprinted with permission from The Commercial Appeal.

BBB Celebrates Significant Historical Achievements

11/16/2011

Posted on 11/16/2011 by

BBB Celebrates Significant Historical Achievements

2012 marks an important milestone in BBB history – our 100th anniversary! We are among an elite group of organizations – companies such as Coca-Cola, Ford Motor Company and IBM – that have thrived in the marketplace for 100 years or more.

In the last century, our organization has grown from one small organization to 116 local BBBs across the U.S. and Canada, our torch has become an internationally recognized symbol for trust, and our programs and services have expanded greatly.

In the last 50 years the BBB has played a significant role in helping businesses and consumers in the local community work together to resolve complaints and improve trust in the marketplace.

2012 promises to be an exciting year for BBB and our Accredited Businesses. Our programs and initiatives will be groundbreaking, not only for us, but for the marketplace. We’ll be sharing news and information with you throughout the year.

Our 2012 Torch Award celebration will be an event like no other! If you think you’ve seen it all before, you will be very surprised at the changes we have in store. This year’s event will be an awards celebration you won’t want to miss.

Stay tuned for details in 2012. We hope you’ll take time to participate in this commemorative year with us. After all, it’s about Advancing Trust Together.

IMPORTANT! Message for BBB Accredited Businesses

11/16/2011

Posted on 11/16/2011 by

As a result of internal audits and a review of Accredited Business files at the Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island by the international Council of Better Business Bureaus, we have been asked to have all Accredited Businesses review and sign our Accreditation Agreement. This Agreement outlines the Standards of Trust that every Accredited Business agrees to abide by on receiving BBB accreditation.

While the Standards of Trust are summarized in the Application for Accreditation, it is important that every Accredited Business reviews, understands, agrees to and signs the Accreditation Agreement. In addition as we work with Accredited Businesses to resolve complaints filed with the BBB, it is clear that the information historically provided with accreditation has not always been sufficient.

The objectives of revisiting this Agreement include the following:

1. To improve the understanding and clarity that our Accredited Business supporters have about the Standards of Trust.

2. To comply with the requirements of the Council of Better Business Bureaus as identified in its Audit processes.

To ensure our files are current and compliant with Council requirements, we are asking all existing Accredited Businesses to print the Accreditation Agreement attached to this message and review it completely.Click here to download)

Presuming that you, as an Accredited Business, continue to hold the values implicit in the BBB Brand and the Standards of Trust detailed in the Agreement, we ask that you sign the Accreditation Agreement on behalf of your business, and return a copy to the BBB by scanning and emailing, fax, or regular mail.

We are seeking your cooperation in making the process efficient. We will be tracking responses and following up with you in a few weeks time in our effort to complete the process.

We want to thank you for your continuing support of the operations and initiatives of the Better Business Bureau in fostering and promoting an ethical marketplace in our region. We look forward to receiving your signed Accreditation Agreement at your earliest convenience.

Click here to download and print the Accreditation Agreement/BBB Code of Business Practices

Sincerely,

Rosalind Scott

Executive Director

BBB Vancouver Island

Please return your signed Accreditation Agreement to:

Fax: 250.386.2367

Email: wendy@vi.bbb.org

Address: #220-1175 Cook Street; Victoria B.C.; V8V 4A1

Protect Yourself from Unscrupulous Door-to-Door Vacuum and Air Purifier Sales

11/7/2011

Posted on 11/7/2011 by
Victoria B.C. - BBB has received numerous complaints this year regarding some unscrupulous door-to-door salespeople using unethical tactics to sell vacuums and air purifiers to homeowners.

Many of the complaints BBB has received contain the same elements:

Aggressive high-pressure sales tactics were used by some salespeople;
Some salespeople took advantage of the consumer’s age and vulnerable state of mind;
Problems were reported with some of the vacuum cleaners and air purifiers that were purchased;
Consumers allege that they had difficulty canceling their direct sales contracts.

To protect yourself from becoming a victim of unscrupulous door-to-door vacuum and air purifier sales people BBB encourages you to consider the following tips:

If a salesperson comes to your door

If you are not interested in hearing a sales presentation or purchasing an item request that the sales person leave your property and record your address on their “do not solicit” list. If the salesperson refuses to leave your property, call the police immediately.
If you are interested in the product or sales presentation ask the salesperson if they have a solicitor’s license and identification. Ask them for the full company name, location and phone number. Ask them to leave a copy of the direct sales contract and any other product or warranty information for you to review carefully on your own. Check out the company’s BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org before purchasing anything or signing a contract.

Know Your Rights 
Under Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act consumers have a number of rights in regards to direct sales contracts.

You have the right to cancel a contract within 10 days for any reason;
You can cancel the contract if the contract does not contains specific information required under the law;
You have the right to a refund from the supplier within 15 days if the contract is cancelled;
You must receive a copy of the contract at the time of signing or the contract is not binding; and 
You should never have to provide a deposit that is more than $100.

Keep in mind that you should always cancel a contract in writing (by hand, email, fax or registered mail).

For more information about your rights visit the Consumer Protection BC website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.

For more information on frauds and scams or consumer tips visit www.vi.bbb.org.

Check Privacy Policy on "Dear Santa" Websites

11/2/2011

Posted on 11/2/2011 by

More than 60 domain names have been registered in the name of Santa Claus, offering children a wide range of opportunities to email St. Nick. Sadly, some of the websites aren’t always so trustworthy and can potentially be a dangerous way to share personal information. Better Business Bureau is advising parents to do their homework before letting their child write to Santa this holiday season.

Writing to Santa has been a long lasting tradition, and while it seems innocent and fun, it is very important for adults to carefully review the site to determine who is seeking the information, how it will be used and whether it will be shared with third parties.

According to the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU), all websites directed to children – or websites designed with a special children’s section – should have a privacy policy that explains the site’s information collection practices. The privacy policy should include the name of the company and the company’s complete contact information.

It should also state whether the company shares information with third parties, including advertisers, and whether the company publically discloses the information or retains the information for any future purpose.

CARU offers the following ‘Dear Santa’ site review tips:

Check to see what they want you to hand over. Websites directed to children should not ask a child to disclose more information than is reasonably necessary to participate in the activity – a first name and email address, for instance.

Limit the personal information children share with Santa and omit physical addresses. In many cases, there really shouldn’t be a need to share this information. Especially since Santa already knows where all the children live.

Check websites for unwelcome content. Some sites are geared toward adults and may contain language or advertising adults may not want children to see.

Check the links. Since hyperlinks can allow children to move seamlessly from one site to another, investigate the hyperlinks to assure children don’t access inappropriate content.

For more information on website safety and children, please visit CARU at www.CARU.org and for more information you can trust, visit www.bbb.org.

Selecting A Merchant Processing Service

11/2/2011

Posted on 11/2/2011 by Rosalind Scott

Whether you’re looking to make a switch or picking one for the first time, choosing a merchant processor is a very important decision and can be vital to the overall success of your business.

One of the most important ways to make your business thrive is to please your customers and, many times, that means offering a variety of payment methods. According to one estimate, businesses forfeit up to 80 percent of consumer impulse buys if they don't accept credit cards. But, before making the switch, or picking one for the first time, business owners need to select their merchant processing service with care. To date, in 2011, BBB has received more than 1,700 complaints against credit card merchant and processing services.

Accepting credit cards gives customers options, whether it’s to charge a purchase and pay it off over time, or to use a debit card rather than write a check. By offering your customer options, you are opening the doors for increased revenue. However, before selecting your merchant processing service, it’s imperative that you do your research to avoid putting your business and its success at risk.

Consider the following when selecting a merchant processing service:

Ask around. Like with any important business decision, always make sure to get at least three estimates and check the BBB Business Review® of the merchant processing service. It may also be worth asking other fellow business leaders what service they use to get a feel for its track record.

Know where to turn. Make sure the merchant processing service has a solid support team. Can you contact them 24 hours a day? This is very important to business owners who are trying to process a card outside of the typical business hours. In any case, technical support is a must and it’s vital to your business’ success to make sure that the merchant processing service you choose has it.

Try them out. Don’t settle without a trial period. By making sure that the merchant processing service you choose has a 100 percent money-back guarantee before selecting them, you can save yourself a lifetime of hassle. See how the service tries out. Do they keep every promise that they made to you?

Make sure every penny you spend is necessary. If you have a question regarding a fee that you were charged, ask! Staying competitive with other merchant services is the name of the game for theses processors so they will want to keep you happy.

For more business information you can trust, visit www.bbb.org/us/bbb-news.

BBB Shred It! Secure Your ID Day A Great Success

10/26/2011

Posted on 10/26/2011 by
VICTORIA – The BBB in partnership with Access Records & Media Management would like to thank all the small business and individuals that took part in the first ever Shed It! Secure Your ID Day community event held on October 14, 2011 in the Tillicum Centre Parking Lot.

Over 10,000 pounds of paper were shredded – the equivalent of 400+ full file boxes of confidential documents. The event also raised $1688.50 through individual donations and the sale of hot dogs, which will be donated to local charities through the Rotary Club of Victoria.

“The purpose of the Shred It! Secure Your ID Day event was to raise awareness about people’s vulnerability to identity theft and to encourage people to get into the routine of responsibly shredding confidential information,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “We cannot thank the small business, individuals and media that took part in this event enough. Shredding confidential information is a very simple thing that everyone can do to significantly reduce their chances, and the chances of businesses and customers becoming victims of identity theft.”

The BBB would also like to thank all the sponsors that contributed to this event. Without the generous support of a number of sponsors the BBB would not have been able to make this a FREE community event for everyone to take advantage of.

BBB iPhone App Now Available

10/24/2011

Posted on 10/24/2011 by

ARLINGTON, VA — Last year, consumers turned to the Better Business Bureau 87 million times to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities. Now they can have that information in the palm of their hand with the release of the official BBB Search app, a convenient, mobile BBB solution available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. The app was approved by the Apple Store and is available for download as of today.

“For 100 years, BBB has been the trusted source for unbiased information on businesses and charities,” said Stephen A. Cox, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “We have data on more than 4 million businesses in the United States and Canada – an amazing wealth of information to help consumers find trustworthy businesses…and to help them avoid those that are not. We are excited to offer this information to consumers on the go.”

BBB Search features include:

Search for local businesses by name, phone, URL, or category type
Search via current location or specified city, province or postal code
Display search results in list or map views
Access previous searches through the history menu
View the BBB Business Review for every business listing, complete with BBB Rating, contact info, BBB Accreditation status, consumer complaint history, and more
Save a listed business's info to Favorites or iOS contacts
Share a business's BBB Business Review URL via email, Twitter, or Facebook
Find a local BBB near you
Read the latest BBB Consumer News

Today’s launch follows a successful soft launch in June, with additional enhancements and fixes:

BBB Consumer News now includes a "pull down to update" feature.
BBB Business Reviews display a mobile-optimized interface within the app.
The ZIP/Postal code keyboard now supports letters for Canadian postal codes.
If a Postal code was set in the Search Options, that Postal code is also used as the default location for the Find a BBB search field.
Tapping on Find a BBB automatically displays the closest BBB location based on current Postal code setting.
When adding a selected business to iOS contacts, the business's phone number is now always included.
Improved error handling with more descriptive and user-friendly messages.
Several minor bug fixes have been implemented and a reported crash bug on iOS 3.x devices is now fixed.

BBB Search 1.1 is available as a free app download on Apple's iOS App Store for devices running iOS 3.1 or higher. An Internet connection is required.

App Store: Find BBB Search app in the app store.

For more information, please visit: http://www.bbb.org/iphone/

About BBB
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau® is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visit http://www.bbb.org for more information.

BBB iPhone app screenshots for press use only:

Build Trust, Build Your Business

10/11/2011

Posted on 10/11/2011 by

Build Trust, Build Your Business

Trust in your business is measurable. Trust matters, it can affect the quality and productivity of your business. You can affect the trust factors in your business. And whether you affect them in a positive or negative manner, consumers respond.

When consumers don’t trust a business, they’re more likely to cut back on purchases, drive up service costs by reporting numerous problems, switch to the competition, share negative word of mouth, and demoralize employees.

When consumers do trust a business, they’re more likely to spend more, repurchase from the business, buy additional products and refer the business to others. A 2007 Nielsen Survey reveals that 78 percent of people’s trust in a business forms from word of mouth advertising. And an Edelman Trust Barometer Index found that 76 percent of people surveyed recommended a company they trust to a friend or colleague while 72 percent criticized a company they don’t trust to a friend to colleague.

What impacts consumers’ trust in a business? The Gallup Trust in Business Index found that “the company’s reputation for being both dependable and reliable,” “the company’s reputation for providing good value for money,” and “the company’s reputation for honesty and fairness” were the most common influencers. The same Gallup research found that 86 percent of consumers said it would be very or somewhat helpful to have an outside, third-party assess business performance.

So what steps can you take to build customers’ trust in your business?

· Advertise Honestly
Adhere to established standards of advertising and selling.

· Tell the Truth
Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms.

· Be Transparent
Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business, and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees and procedures that bear on a customer’s decision to buy.

· Honor Promises
Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations.

· Be Responsive
Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in good faith.

· Safeguard Privacy
Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of consumers regarding the use of their information.

· Embody Integrity
Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions and commitments with integrity.

Once you’ve adopted and implemented these Standards for Trust, tell your customers! For more information on BBB Accreditation and BBB’s Standards for Trust, start with http://vi.bbb.org.

Scam Alert: 9 Scams Targeting Small Businesses

10/11/2011

Posted on 10/11/2011 by

Scam Alert: 9 Scams Targeting Small Businesses

Being vigilant against fraud not only protects a business’ bottom line, it also strengthens customer trust in the business. Becoming a victim of fraud can negatively impact a business’ finances and reputation.

Each year, BBB receives thousands of complaints from small business owners who fell for an invoicing scam or were misled into paying for products and services they didn’t want. Scammers aren’t always trying to steal money from a business; sometimes they are after a business’ financial or customer data and will use numerous high and low-tech methods for getting it.

Because small businesses often don’t have the resources to fight fraud, your BBB warns of nine scams that commonly target small businesses:

Directory Scams – A problem that has plagued businesses for decades involves deceptive sales for directories. Commonly the scammer calls the business claiming they just want to update their entry in an online directory or the scammer might lie about being with the Yellow Pages. The business is later billed hundreds of dollars for listing services they didn’t agree to or for ads which they thought would be in the Yellow Pages.
Office Supply Scams – Some scammers prey on small business owners hoping that they won’t notice a bill for office supplies like toner or paper that the business never ordered. Every year BBB receives thousands of complaints from small business owners who were deceived by office supply companies and billed for products they didn’t want.
Overpayment Scams – Be extremely cautious if a customer overpays using a check or credit card and then asks you to wire the extra money back to them or to a third party. Overpayment scams target any number of different companies including catering businesses, manufacturers, wholesalers and even sellers on sites like eBay, Craigslist and Etsy.
Data Breaches – No matter how vigilant your business is a data breach can still happen. Whether it’s the result of hackers, negligence or a disgruntled employee, a data breach can have a severe impact on the level of trust customers have in your business. You can learn how to defend your business from a data breach for free with BBB’s Data Security – Made Simpler at www.bbb.org/data-security.
Vanity Awards – While it’s flattering to be recognized for your hard work, some awards are just moneymaking schemes and have no actual merit. If you are approached about receiving a business or leadership award, research the opportunity carefully and be wary if you’re asked to pay money to receive the award (though some legitimate award programs require an entry fee, paid before receiving the award).
Stolen Identity – Scammers will often pretend to be a legitimate business for the purposes of ripping off consumers. When it comes to stolen identity, the business doesn’t necessarily lose money, but their reputation is potentially tarnished as angry customers who were ripped off by the scammers think the real business is responsible.
Phishing E-mails – Some phishing e-mails specifically target small business owners with the goal of hacking into their computer or network. Common examples include e-mails pretending to be from the bank; or the CRA claiming the business is being audited; or phony e-mails from the BBB saying the business has received a complaint. If you receive a suspicious e-mail from a government agency or the BBB, don’t click on any links or open any attachments. Contact the agency or BBB directly to confirm the legitimacy of the e-mail.
Smishing Scams – A relatively new type of scam involves text messaging. Consumers receive text messages supposedly from well-known businesses saying that they’ve won a gift card or prize money. When the consumer calls the phone number in the text to “claim their prize,” they are calling a phone line set up by scammers to capture sensitive information like bank account numbers, PINs, or social security numbers. Again, the spoofed business doesn’t necessarily lose money, but their reputation is potentially tarnished as angry customers who were ripped off by the scammers think the real business is responsible.
Vishing Scams - Scammers leave an automated message saying a credit card or bank account has been compromised, depleted or closed. The message includes instructions to call a number to get more information about this alleged compromise but instead individuals are asked for sensitive information.

For more advice on how to manage your business effectively, visit http://vi.bbb.org/business.

Why Business Owners Should Secure Their Online Banking

10/10/2011

Posted on 10/10/2011 by Rosalind Scott

Online banking is a great tool to help small businesses quickly and conveniently track financial information, as well as pay their bills and employees. However, data thieves are now targeting small business owners — and their employees — to get access to their online banking credentials and accounts so that they can make unauthorized money transfers. A small business can protect itself against increased liability on its financial transactions by using strong procedures to secure the credentials they use to access their bank accounts.

In this day and age when practically everything is done on the Internet, it’s extremely important to take the necessary precautions. Not only are your business’ financials at risk when you don’t secure your banking, but your employees records could be compromised, too.

Consider the following guidelines to help you protect the computers you use to access your bank accounts and your online access credentials.

Initiate a "dual control" payment process with your bank and employees. Ensure that all payments are initiated from your bank accounts only after the authorization of two employees. One employee will authorize the creation of the payment file and a second employee will be responsible for authorizing the release of the file. This process should be in place regardless of the type of payment being initiated-including checks, wire transfers, fund transfers, payroll files, ACH payments, etc.

Have dedicated workstations. Restrict the use of certain workstations and laptops to be utilized solely for online banking and payments, if possible. For example, a workstation or laptop used for online banking should not be used for web browsing or social networking.

Use robust authentication methods and vendors. Make sure your financial service providers allow for "multi-factor authentication." This means that you need more than just a username and password to access your account.

Update virus protection and security software. Ensure that all anti-spyware, anti-malware, and security software and mechanisms are robust and up-to-date for all computer workstations and laptops used for online banking and payments. Implement a process to periodically confirm they remain up-to-date. Security patches are often available via automatic updates.

Reconcile accounts daily. Monitor and reconcile accounts daily against expected credits and withdrawals. If you see any kind of unexpected activity on your account, notify your financial institution immediately.

For more tips on data security, visit www.bbb.org/data-security.

Identity Thieves Continue To Target Vancouver Island

10/6/2011

Posted on 10/6/2011 by

VICTORIA - Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Vancouver Island warns consumers and small businesses to be alert to a wide range of identity theft frauds targeting our region.

Identity theft is on the rise. Every day the Better Business Bureau receives calls from people who have been targeted by identity thieves. In 2010 the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received reports from 18,146 victims of identity theft, totaling $9,436,996.92 in losses. Schemes to steal your identity take on many forms. Whether it begins with a stolen purse or wallet, mail fraud, dumpster/recycle bin diving, mass marketing schemes, telephone/fax solicitations, fake prize winnings, emergency calls or email and text message ploys; identity theft is a growing problem.

“It is impossible to completely eliminate the chances of having your identity stolen,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “But there are many simple things people can do to significantly reduce their chances of becoming a victim. Educating yourself on the variety of different identity theft scams out there is important. Never give out private or personal information, especially if the request for the information comes unsolicited. And get into the routine of responsibly shredding confidential information.”

BBB is reminding individuals and small businesses of the importance of properly shredding sensitive documents in order to avoid ID theft. Every year thousands of Canadians become victims of preventable ID theft. ID theft often occurs when the thief has direct contact with the victim’s personal information such as through a stolen or lost wallet, or by rifling through the victim’s mailbox or trash.

“When people think of ID theft they almost immediately focus on hackers and online security,” says Scott. “But one of the most common ways ID theft happens is when people have failed to secure or properly destroy important financial information including paper documents, ID, and credit cards.”

Properly destroying sensitive personal and financial documents is a key step in ID theft prevention. To help you protect your identity, the BBB in partnership with Access Records & Media Management is hosting Shred It! Secure Your ID Day – a FREE document-shredding event. All individuals and small business are invited to bring a maximum of 5 bags or boxes to the Tillicum Centre parking lot on Friday October 14, 2011 (from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.).

BBB also offers the following guide on when to shred confidential documents:

Cancelled cheques

Cancelled cheques with no long-term significance for tax or other purposes can be destroyed after one year. However, cancelled cheques and other receipts that support tax returns, such as charitable contributions or tax payments, should be held for at least seven years – long enough to cover the six-year retention period. BBB advises that consumers should not shred cancelled cheques and related receipts or documents for a home purchase or sale, renovations or other improvements to owned property, and non-deductible contributions to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). For information on how long to keep your records, visit the Canada Revenue Agency

Deposit, ATM, credit card and debit card receipts

Consumers should save credit, debit, and ATM receipts until the transaction appears on their statement and they have verified that the information is accurate.

Credit card and bank account statements

Credit card and bank account statements with no tax or other long-term significance can be discarded after a year; remaining statements should be kept for up to seven years. If a consumer receives a detailed annual statement, they should keep it and shred the corresponding monthly statements.

Credit card contracts and other loan agreements

Credit card contracts and loan agreements should be kept for as long as the account is active in case the consumer has a dispute with their lender over the terms of the contract. When a new credit card is received, keep the new contract with updated terms and conditions.

Documentation of a purchase or sale of stocks, bonds and other investments

Investors should retain documentation of a purchase or sale for as long as they own the investment and then seven years beyond that time. Monthly retirement and monthly investment account statements can be shredded annually after being reconciled with the year-end statement.

Paycheque Stubs

Paycheque stubs can be shredded yearly after the income has been reconciled with a T-4 or other tax forms.

Utility or monthly bills

Monthly bills should be shredded the year after being received by the consumer. This way, if it’s a power bill, for example, consumers can compare this month’s bill to last year’s bill for any major changes before shredding it.

Protect Your Identity: Don’t just toss it, shred it!

Don’t Fall Victim to Misleading Claims About Energy Conservation Products

9/28/2011

Posted on 9/28/2011 by
VICTORIA BC – BBB of Vancouver Island has recently received an influx of calls from consumers reporting deceptive and misleading sales practices related to a device known as a “power saver device.”

Consumers report receiving unsolicited telephone calls from aggressive sales people claiming they are selling energy conservation products that will substantially reduce your Hydro bill. The caller typically misleads consumers into thinking they are a representative of a local or provincial power company. The caller then claims that the power saver device will reduce the currents on power supplies and appliances in the consumer’s household, resulting in Hydro savings of 25% to 50%. The device is being sold for around $150.00 with payments being made by cheque, money order or credit card. Numerous consumers allege that some power saver devices do not work.

“With the recent switch to Smart Meters there has also been a recent rise in the number of companies being reported that are selling energy conservation products,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Some of these companies are claiming that you can reduce your energy bill by plugging in a device to your Smart Meter. While there may be some companies selling legitimate products capable of helping you to reduce your energy consumption, it is important for consumers to be aware that there are also companies selling power saving devices that are reported as not working, and which do not meet The Electrical Safety Authorities Canadian Safety Standards.”

BBB recommends consumers consider the following tips before purchasing any energy conservation product:

• Before purchasing an energy conservation product be sure to do some research to make sure you understand exactly how the product works, as well as what the benefits, costs and risks are.

• Always check a company’s BBB Business Review out at vi.bbb.org (locally) or bbb.org (internationally) before making any purchase.

• Never feel pressured into making a purchase. If a sales person is being aggressive, simply hang up the phone, close the door, or walk away.

• Know that while some power saving devices are reported not to work, there are many legitimate energy saving devices that do work. For example current-sensing power bars can help reduce the energy output of your desktop computer, during non-working hours.

For tips on reducing your energy consumption visit BC Hydro’s web page Green Your Home at:

www.bchydro.com/guides_tips/green-your-home.html

If you or someone you know has been a victim of this type of fraud, report it to the BBB of Vancouver Island (250) 386-6438.

And be sure to report it to the Competition Bureau of Canada, using their online complaint form at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca
or call 1-800-348-5358 for more information.

For more consumer tips on how to protect yourself from this and other frauds visit vi.bbb.org

Business Directory Advertising Scam

9/21/2011

Posted on 9/21/2011 by Rosalind Scott

As many business on Vancouver Island are well aware there has been an ongoing business directory scam by a company that is deceptively using the Yellow Pages logo and similar name to dupe businesses into paying exorbitant fees for for online directory advertising.

The following information was released on September 14, 2011 by the Competition Bureau

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Note to Businesses Regarding Cheques Sent to Yellow Business Marketing Ltd. or Yellow page Marketing B.V.

On July 28, 2011, the Competition Bureau took action against five companies and three individuals to stop deceptive marketing activities targeting small and medium-sized businesses.

On August 10, 2011, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice issued an order that requires mail addressed to either Yellow Business Marketing Ltd. (at 69 Yonge Street, P.O. Box 17071, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1Y2) or to Yellow Page Marketing B.V. (at One Dundas Street West, Suite 2500, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1Z3) to be held until the court hears an application brought by the Commissioner of Competition, which alleges that these companies have engaged in false or misleading representations.

Businesses that have had any dealings with Yellow Business Marketing Ltd. or Yellow Page Marketing B.V. are encouraged to contact the Competition Bureau.

For additional information regarding the Competition Bureau’s investigation, please see the News Release and Backgrounder on www.competitionbureau.gc.ca.

The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.

Shred It! Secure Your ID Day Free Community Event

9/17/2011

Posted on 9/17/2011 by

VICTORIA BC – BBB of Vancouver Island in partnership with Access Records & Media Management announced today the plan to host Victoria’s first ever Shred It! Secure Your ID Day community event.

All individuals and small business are invited to bring confidential or private paper documents (up to a maximum of 5 boxes or bags) to be safely and securely shredded onsite – for no charge. The Shred It! Secure Your ID Day free event will take place on Friday October 14, 2011 at Tillicum Centre (in the parking lot outside Old Navy) from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

“We are excited to be hosting this wonderful community event designed to help people protect their identity by getting them out and actively shredding their confidential documents,” said Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Most identity theft crimes occur when something containing your personal or financial information is lost or stolen. By responsibly shredding such documents you can significantly reduce your chances of subjecting yourself to becoming a victim of ID theft.”

BBB staff will be at the event to answer any questions people have about identity theft and how best to protect themselves. The Rotary Club of Victoria will also be onsite selling hot dogs. All food sales proceeds will be donated to local charities.

“We are inviting everyone in the community out to Shred It! with us,” said Scott. “Access Records & Media Management will have their new mobile shredding truck available onsite. This is your chance to empty out your filing cabinets, your wallets, your recycling bins or wherever you keep your receipts, bank or credit card statements, pay stubs and investment information – and get it shredded! Shredding services are free of charge, however, people are invited to make a small donation to the Rotary Club of Victoria in support of local charity.”

For more information about the Shred It! Secure Your ID Day event, what documents you should regularly be shredding and for details on what materials can be shredded www.vi.bbb.org/bbb-business-events.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

BBB Warns: Mass Marketing Anti-Virus Scam Continues to Impact Islanders

9/14/2011

Posted on 9/14/2011 by
VICTORIA BC – BBB of Vancouver Island is again receiving an influx of customer calls about a recurring mass marketing anti-virus scam targeting Vancouver Island.

Unscrupulous, aggressive scammers are fraudulently soliciting Vancouver Island residents by phone offering anti-virus computer software. In this scheme, marketers cold call individuals stating that the household computer is running slow or has been infected with a virus. Using fear tactics and threats, the caller demands the consumer repair their computer immediately, over the Internet. This can involve the installation of software or the computer owner allowing the caller remote access to their personal computer. Payment for the software or repair service is handled via credit card.

The callers fraudulently claim to be representatives from companies such as “Microsoft,” “Windows,” “Jars Support” or “Online PC Care,” as well as numerous other companies. Credit card charges for the supposed software installation or repair service have ranged from $35.00 to $469.00 and are being debited by banks in Germany, Latvia, Russia, Ukraine, Mauritius, United States and Iceland.

“People should think twice when giving out any information – even if the name sounds legitimate,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Scammers often use familiar or well-established names in order to gain trust, which poses a real danger to the public.”

The following are some common features of the scam as reported by consumers:

Unsolicited call representing computer repair-company.
Caller requesting access to your computer.
Urgent solicitation regarding a threat to your computer.
Victims report credit card charges ranging from $35.00 to $469.00.
Credit card charges are from foreign banks.

To protect yourself from becoming a victim of this scam and many others consider the following tips:

Treat all unsolicited phone calls with skepticism. Check with the organization directly that the caller is claiming to be from, using the contact numbers found on their website.

Do not provide any personal information. Many of these scam calls are an attempt to steal your identity, not just your money. Don’t provide personal information over the telephone.

Never provide credit or debit card information for payment. You may be able to reverse charges made through your credit card, but you’ve given enough information for fraudsters to use your account for other transactions. And debit purchases are difficult to reverse.

Report any fraudulent activity, especially if you’ve been a victim. Consumers should report any fraudulent activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 (888) 495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre.ca.

Carefully Manage Your Business' Credit

9/7/2011

Posted on 9/7/2011 by Rosalind Scott
Whether you’re in the beginning stages of starting up your own business or looking to manage your current business’ credit more efficiently, it’s always important to stay on top of your finances.

As your business starts to grow, it’s important to build a good credit record for your business that is separate from your personal credit record. Getting credit in your business’ name can help you qualify for lower rates on loans and leases, and can help protect your personal credit record — which could suffer if you have too much business debt.

It’s never too early to start to establish a separate credit record for your business, even if your business is still in the very early stages. Keeping your business cards separate helps with record-keeping and many card companies provide special spending reports that can tie in with your business book-keeping software and make it easier to keep track of your business expenses at tax time.

Consider the following tips:

Establish a consistent identity. Always use the same business name, address and phone number from the beginning, so it will be easy for the credit reporting agencies to keep your records in one file. Consider incorporating to legally establish a business identity that is separate from your personal identity.

Open your first accounts. Get a separate checking account for your business. Also open an account with an office supply firm or other supplier that reports the transactions to business credit reporting agencies. Make small charges and pay them immediately — before the invoice even arrives (unlike personal credit scores, you’ll get extra credit for paying before the due date).

Provide key documentation. Lenders will generally ask for your business’ tax records and earnings statements for the past few years so they can see how much you have earned in the past. And they may also ask for a business plan so they can assess your potential for future earnings. They are often interested in looking at your cash flow in relation to expenses and your total debt in relation to your earnings. Provide all of this documentation along with explanations to present the strongest case, especially if you have irregular earnings throughout the year, to prove to lenders that you expect to earn enough money to pay your bills in the future.

Apply for a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet, one of the major business credit reporting agencies (go to www.dnb.ca). It usually takes 30 days to establish a DUNS number, or you can pay extra for an expedited account. Then make sure that the companies where you have trade accounts are reporting the information about your on-time payments to Dun & Bradstreet. It’s also a good idea to provide extra information about your business for your credit file. This is where potential lenders and others will find out about your business and the likelihood that you’ll make on-time payments for your loans, equipment leases and office leases, which will affect the terms and rates. After you have a DUNS number, open a few more trade accounts with other companies that send information to the credit-reporting agencies, make small charges, and pay those bills early, too. Check your account for errors and to make sure you’re getting credit for your early payments.

Check your business’ credit score. Similar to a credit score for individuals, a PAYDEX score distills the information in your Dun & Bradstreet credit report into one number, which shows potential lenders the likelihood that you’ll make your payments on time. These scores range from a low of 0 to a high of 100. A score of 80 to 100 generally means that you pay your bills before the due date; 50 to 79 means a medium risk of late payment (averages 30 days or less beyond the loan’s terms); and a score of 0 to 49 means a high risk of late payment.

For more business tips you cantrust, visit www.bbb.org/credit-management/small-business-credit/.

Secure Your Electronics This School Year

9/6/2011

Posted on 9/6/2011 by

Securing Sensitive Data

8/23/2011

Posted on 8/23/2011 by Rosalind Scott
Getting Started
First, determine what makes sense for your type of business. This will be based on the type of data that you collect and store, and the kind of resources you have managing that data.

If your small business keeps information about customers in several formats (e.g., on paper, on computers, and online), you should sit down with a team of your employees — an IT person, office manager, etc. — and discuss these issues together to make sure you consider all viewpoints.

1) Inventory the TYPES of data you collect, store and/or transmit.

2) Inventory HOW you store your data.

3) Inventory WHERE you store your data for each type and format of customer information.

4) Inventory HOW DATA IS MOVED and WHO HAS ACCESS to it. Take into consideration your type of business, the stationary and portable tools your employees use to do their jobs. This is a very important part of the inventory process, as it will help you begin to identify the potential ways that sensitive data could be inadvertently disclosed. If you think you need outside help to identify potential leak points, consider consulting with a data forensics team or the bank or processor that provides your merchant account services.

5) Inventory the DATA CONTROLS YOU HAVE IN PLACE... or not.

6) Evaluate COSTS vs BENEFITS of different security methods. Brainstorm different types of security procedures and think about whether they make sense for the type of information you maintain, the format in which it is maintained, the likelihood that someone might try to obtain the information, and the harm that would result if the information was improperly obtained.

7) Write it Down. Type up the checklists you’ve just created, the security measures you are taking, and an explanation on why these security measures make sense.  

Congratulations — you've just created the foundation of your written security policy! Now be sure to provide this information to all your employees and customers so they know and understand your policies.

For more tips on protecting your business and customers from fraud visit vi.bbb.org.

Tips for College-Bound Students to Prevent Identity Theft

8/23/2011

Posted on 8/23/2011 by

BBB encourages college students to be smart and protect their identities

College students often have many responsibilities to manage when it comes to school, work and their social lives, which means identity theft and credit ratings often take a back seat to other priorities. Better Business Bureau warns that young adults are particularly vulnerable to identity theft and related crimes.

More than 250,000 people fell victim to identity theft in 2010, according to the Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book. Of those, 24 percent were between the agesof 20 and 29. Another 8 percent were 19 years old and younger, meaning college-aged students account for as much as one quarter of all identity theft victims.

Young adults are especially susceptible to friendly fraud — fraud perpetrated by people known to the victim, such as a relative or roommate. Such crimes grew 7 percent overall last year, according to a report released by Javelin Strategy and Research.

Because college students are such common victims of identity theft, BBB recommends taking a few simple steps to protect your identity:

Secure your mail. Campus mailboxes are often easily accessed in a dorm or apartment. Have sensitive mail sent to a permanent address such as your parents’ home or invest in a secure post office box.

Don't share too much on social networks. Identity fraud was twice as common for people who have been on social networking sites for five years or more. Javelin research found those not using privacy settings on their networks were at a higher risk of exposing crucial information to fraudsters.

Important documents should be securely stored. This includes your social security card, passport and bank and credit card statements. Shred all paper documents that contain sensitive financial information and any credit card offers that come in the mail.

Never loan your credit or debit card to anyone. If you feel the need to pay for a friend’s meal or a tank of gas, go with them instead. Avoid co-signing for a loan or other financing.

Make sure your computer software is up to date. Many public Wi-Fi systems can be susceptible to hackers, especially those that are not password-protected. Download updates to your antivirus and spyware software on a regular basis to keep your personal documents and information safe. Never use a shared computer workstation to pay bills or shop online.

Check your credit and debit card statements frequently. Look for any suspicious activity or purchases. The sooner you identify potential fraud, the sooner any fraudulent charges can be refunded to you.

Start with trust. When shopping on unfamiliar websites, always check for the BBB Accredited Business seal and click to confirm it is legitimate. If there’s no seal, check the company’s BBB Business Review at bbb.org.

Check your credit report at least once a year. Experian, Equifax and TransUnion each offer a freecredit report once a year. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to request areport and look for any suspicious activity or inaccuracies.

Council of Better Business Bureaus Integration of U.S. and Canadian Operations

8/18/2011

Posted on 8/18/2011 by

Council of Better Business Bureaus

Integration of U.S. and Canadian Operations

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Better Business Bureau do?

For nearly 100 years, BBB has helped consumers make smarter buying decisions. More than 400,000 businesses meet BBB’s rigorous standards and are Accredited by BBB. In addition, BBB maintains business reviews on more than 4 million businesses.

Every year, we help millions of consumers through free business reviews, consumer tips, fraud alerts, dispute resolution, and consumer advocacy. 1.1 million complaints to BBB were resolved in 2010.

What is the Council of Better Business Bureaus?

The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the international headquarters for the BBB system. CBBB is dedicated to fostering honest and responsive relationships between businesses and consumers, instilling consumer confidence, and contributing to a trustworthy marketplace for all. CBBB, a non-profit organization, partners with local BBBs, international companies and national charities to further this mission. We provide self regulation, dispute resolution, and ethics programs that are considered the “gold standard” for businesses. The Council also has approximately 200 corporate partners, including many Fortune 500 companies, multi-national businesses, and other leaders in their fields. Through the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, we review and evaluate hundreds of national and local charities.

How are the local BBBs connected to CBBB?

The Council licenses local BBBs and provides support services to increase their effectiveness. We have 23 standards that local organizations must meet in order to use the BBB name and logo, and to receive services from CBBB. There are currently 116 local, independent BBBs across the U.S. and Canada.

What is the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus?

The Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus (CCBBB) is the advisory body for BBBs in Canada. Local BBBs in Canada have been an integral part of the BBB system for over 40 years, and CCBBB insures a national presence as well as coordinated efforts between the two countries, which share the world’s largest trading partnership.

Why are you integrating the two BBB systems?

With advances in technology, the boards of the CBBB and the CCBBB have agreed that it no longer makes sense to maintain two separate entities. It will be more efficient for businesses and for consumers in Canada if we integrate the two systems, reflecting the realities of a truly North American marketplace in which we all function. While the two systems are being integrated operationally, the Canadian Council of BBBs continues in an advisory capacity and will advise the CBBB board on issues of importance to Canadian business and consumers. This will increase our efficiencies while enabling the CCBBB to concentrate on building and growing Canadian operations, including recruiting more national companies to join us.

When does the integration take place?

On August 2, 2011, the CBBB board of directors voted on the final plan for integration and, as of August 16, 2011, the two systems have been integrated. The Canadian BBBs that are part of the integration are signing membership agreements effective August 16 and will be licensed directly by the CBBB. A new, streamlined, unified membership agreement is being developed that will eventually be executed by all BBBs.

Is this part of a bigger plan?

CBBB receives numerous inquiries from governments and business entities around the world. Integration of U.S. and Canadian BBB operations is the first step toward refining an international strategy that could potentially expand the BBB philosophy to businesses and consumers across the globe.

So what are the issues?

Four BBBs in Canada have not met the high standards required to be licensed as a BBB. After careful analysis and consideration, the CBBB board voted to close the operations of these bureaus. The boundaries have been realigned so that other Canadian BBBs can serve those communities. We are working hard to prevent interruption of service to BBB Accredited Businesses and consumers in those jurisdictions.

In the province of Ontario, the territory currently covered by BBB Hamilton has been reassigned to BBB Kitchener, and the territory currently covered by BBB Windsor has been reassigned to BBB London. The territory currently covered by BBB St. John’s (Newfoundland) has been reassigned to BBB Halifax (Nova Scotia).

BBB Montreal, which comprises almost all of Quebec Province, will unfortunately be unserved for the immediate future. At this time, no BBB is able to provide full service in this area, although the Ottawa BBB is providing service to the National Accredited Businesses based in Quebec Province. As part of the integration process, the CCBBB will be reviewing possible solutions to the BBB Montreal issue and will make a recommendation to the CBBB board as soon as possible.

Watch Out for False Emails Requesting a BBB Rating Verification

8/18/2011

Posted on 8/18/2011 by Rosalind Scott
BBB is cautioning businesses and consumers about an email that is purporting to come from BBB. The email appears to come from a fake BBB address (BBBupdate@post.com) in the Atlanta, Georgia metro area and falsely requests verification and validation of BBB Ratings.

The email message reads, “Our data shows a pending rating or review about you or your business. Derogatory/Negative reviews or ratings can impact you business profile and become permanently visible to customers, clients, vendors, and agencies. CONTACT OUR NOTIFICATION DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY FOR VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION OF THIS ALERT.”

BBB wishes to remind all businesses and consumers that we are not conducting a verification request nor are we issuing emails in response to a pending rating or review about you or your business. Should you receive such an email, please disregard its message, and report any information received to BBB’s Scam Portal www.bbb.org/scam/report-a-scam/. The Council of Better Business Bureau's Legal Department is working to find out who is behind this and will take all appropriate action to protect its trademark.

Do your homework when back-to-school shopping

8/18/2011

Posted on 8/18/2011 by
BBB advises to do your homework when back-to-school shopping

The summer is winding down and soon students will be returning to class. Chances are you’ve seen the back-to-school shopping ads on television and splashed across newspaper pages. Before you start your shopping, the Better Business Bureau has some back-to-school basics.

“Whether shopping for new clothes, pens and pencils, or electronic items it’s important to be prepared and have a plan,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “It will keep you on budget, save you money, and avoid getting stuck with an item you don’t want.”

BBB has these tips to help you be a savvy back-to-school shopper:

Plan ahead. Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Make a list of the items you need to purchase to avoid buying on impulse. Be sure to check with your child’s school for a list of required supplies and recommended suppliers to avoid return trips.

Ask about returns and refunds. Shopping for new clothes, accessories, and electronics is one of the highlights of going back to school. Ask the store about their return policy and always keep the receipts. In B.C., stores are not legally required to exchange an item or give a refund.

Ask about restocking fees. Some merchants charge a restocking or “open box” fee—sometimes as high as 20 per cent of the original cost—for returns of electronics products or large-ticket items. Ask if that is the policy so that you know before you buy.

Shop smart online. Find out the physical location and phone number of the merchant. Read the refund and return policy, have in writing any warranty or guarantee details, be familiar with delivery/shipping costs and time schedules, feel comfortable that the merchant is reliable and not the subject of consumer complaints, and be able to trust that any information you submit to complete the sale transaction (credit card number, etc.) will be treated with the proper care.

Know the true cost of what you are purchasing. You might be moving out for the first time and buying new furniture. If you are buying an item on credit, make sure you are aware of not only the interest rate being charged, but any additional fees and costs associated with purchasing on credit. Also read the fine print on your obligations regarding interest payments and any penalties for late payments.

If your child is in the market for a computer, BBB recommends doing your research:

· Decide what your child’s needs will be. What is the computer going to be used for? word processing, graphic/web design, gaming?

· Determine what type of hardware and software that will be required.

· Find out what you have to do if the computer breaks down.

· Check out the warranty on the computer.

· Call your school or university and ask what other students in the class use.

· Compare prices and check out the companies with the BBB at www.bbb.org.

If you are thinking about allowing your college-bound student to sign up for a credit card, do your homework:

· Shop around for the plan that best fits your student’s needs. There are often special offers for students.

· Compare terms and fees before you agree to open a credit card for your student.

· Find out the interest rate on the card: are there introductory rates, and if so, how long do they apply?

· Are there annual fees?

· Check into the transaction fees and any other charges that could be incurred.

· Consider getting a joint account so that you can track transactions, payments, and due dates?after all, it’s never too late for a lesson in finance.

Better Business Bureau Integrates U.S. and Canadian Operations

8/17/2011

Posted on 8/17/2011 by
(Arlington VA) – The Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) has integrated operations in the United States and Canada, marking the way for an improved customer experience for those who purchase goods and services across the border. The CBBB Board of Directors voted earlier this month on the integration plan, which became effective today. The CBBB is the international headquarters of the BBB system and the governing body that licenses local BBBs and provides support services to increase their effectiveness.

“The U.S. and Canada remain each other’s largest trading partners,” noted Stephen A. Cox, President and CEO of CBBB. “We share the world’s longest undefended border, and our citizens cross the border 200 million times a year. Every day more than $1 billion in goods, services and investments are exchanged between our two nations. We are really one North American marketplace, and the BBB system now reflects that. Not only will it be easier for consumers to check out businesses in either country, it will be simpler for them to file a complaint or resolve a dispute.”

“Given the advances in technology and the globalization of services, it no longer makes sense to maintain two separate systems,” said M. Jean Lemyre, chair of the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus (CCBBB). “The vast majority of consumers initially contact BBB through the Internet. Aligning BBB services into one integrated system will be more efficient for businesses in Canada, and will ensure that consumers continue to receive the high quality of services they’ve come to expect from BBB.”

For nearly 100 years, BBB has helped consumers make smarter buying decisions. More than 400,000 businesses meet the organization’s rigorous standards and are BBB Accredited. In addition, BBB maintains information on more than 4 million businesses, and every year helps millions of consumers through free business reviews, consumer tips, fraud alerts, dispute resolution, and consumer advocacy. 1.1 million complaints to BBB were resolved in 2010.

There are 23 standards that local organizations must meet in order to use the BBB name and logo, and to receive services from CBBB. As part of the integration, boundaries were realigned in four Canadian service areas to combine some operations, reducing the total number of local BBBs from 120 to 116 (10 in Canada, 106 in the U.S.)

# # #

About BBB
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports^® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visit www.bbb.org for more information.

Contact
Contact: Katherine Hutt
571-422-3584
mediahotline@bbb.org

Hijackers Use False Protection Claims to Lure Online Shoppers

8/15/2011

Posted on 8/15/2011 by
prepared by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The FBI has issued a national press release warning online vehicle shoppers about certain fraudulent vehicle sales and false claims of vehicle protection programs (VPP).

In fraudulent vehicle sales, criminals attempt to sell vehicles they do not own. They create an attractive deal by advertising vehicles for sale at prices below book value. Often the sellers purport they need to sell the vehicle because they are moving for work, to include military deployments.

Because of the alleged pending move, criminals refuse to meet the victim in person or allow a vehicle inspection, and they often attempt to rush the sale. To make the deal appear legitimate, the criminal instructs the victim to send full or partial payment to a third-party agent via a wire transfer payment service and to fax the payment receipt to the seller as proof of payment.

The criminal pockets the payment but does not deliver the vehicle. Criminals also attempt to make their scams appear valid by misusing the names of reputable companies and programs. These criminals have no association with these companies, and their schemes give buyers instructions that do not adhere to the rules and restrictions of any legitimate program. For example, eBay Motors’ VPP is a legitimate program whose name is commonly misused by these criminals.

The VPP is not applicable to transactions that originate outside of eBay Motors, and it prohibits wire-transfer payments. Nevertheless, criminals often promise eBay Motors VPP coverage for non-eBay Motors purchases and instruct victims to pay via Western Union or MoneyGram.

In a new twist, criminals use a live-chat feature in e-mail correspondence and electronic invoices. As live-chat assistants, the criminals answer victims’ questions and assure them the deals are safe, claiming that safeguards are in place to reimburse buyers for any loss. The criminals falsely assert that their sales are protected by liability insurance coverage up to $50,000.

Automotive shoppers should exercise due diligence before engaging in transactions to purchase vehicles advertised online. In particular, shoppers should be cautious of the following situations:

Sellers who want to move the transaction from one platform to another (for example, from Craigslist to eBay Motors).
Sellers who claim that a buyer protection program offered by a major Internet company covers an auto transaction conducted outside that company’s site.
Sellers who push for speedy completion of the transaction and request payments via quick wire transfer payment systems.
Sellers who refuse to meet in person, or refuse to allow the buyer to physically inspect the vehicle before the purchase.
Transactions in which the seller and vehicle are in different locations. Criminals often claim to have been transferred for work reasons, deployed by the military, or moved because of a family circumstance, and could not take the vehicle with them.
Vehicles advertised at well below their market value. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

If you have witnessed this behavior or fallen victim to this type of scam, please file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, www.ic3.gov.

Referring Customer’s Directly To Your Business

8/12/2011

Posted on 8/12/2011 by

The BBB’s eQuote Program lets consumers and business owners get quotes and information for goods and services from trustworthy BBB Accredited Businesses.

It’s easy to do. Customers simply go to vi.bbb.org and click the “eQuote – Request free quotes from BBB Accredited Businesses” link in the “BBB for Consumers” box on the homepage. (Visit http://vi.app.bbb.org/accredited-business-directory/get-a-quote to see the eQuote form) Consumers then provide a brief but detailed description of the product or service that they need, all relevant contact information in which they can be reached at, and then select the the business category and/or company for which they are looking to receive a quote from. This information and request for a quote is then sent via email to the appropriate Accredited Businesses.

To make sure the BBB eQuote Program is properly set up to drive customers to your business it is important that all Accredited Businesses regularly check their online Business Reviews. Doing so will ensure that we have the correct address, location, business category and email address on file for your business. To review your company’s BBB Business Review visit http://vi.bbb.org/Find-Business-Reviews/ and search for your company. If you experience any difficulties or wish to update your company information contact Wendy Bardon at 250.386.6348 ext 109 or wendy@vi.bbb.org.

BBB Warns: Use Caution When Selling Jewellery

8/10/2011

Posted on 8/10/2011 by
VICTORIA BC – With the price of gold soaring BBB warns consumers to use caution and make smart decisions before selling or trading jewellery.

As stock markets plunge in the wake of the U.S. credit rating downgrade, gold prices continue to soar. This new high and increasing demand for the precious metal makes it very tempting for consumers to trade their unwanted jewellery for cash. Options to sell gold online, at in-home 'gold parties', or through local jewelers continue to gain in popularity, but the BBB would like consumers to think before they try to cash in on the gold rush.

"Selling old or unwanted gold is a growing trend for consumers during these uncertain economic times," says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. "Whether you do it through a gold party, over the Internet, or through a local jeweler, consumers need to get informed before they sell their jewellery."  

BBB suggests consumers consider the following before selling any gold: 

Find a trustworthy appraiser. For an appraisal, if possible, go to someone locally whom you know and trust. Check with the Better Business Bureau at www.vi.bbb.org. The BBB suggests obtaining two or three appraisals to compare prices, prior to any sale.

The true price of gold may not be what you receive. If gold is worth $1,700 per ounce, you aren't going to be paid $1,700 for every ounce of gold you have.

Ask what you will be paid (if an online company, make sure you ask for specifics and give details on items you'll be sending). Understand that the ounce quote is for pure gold only. For instance, 14-karat gold is composed of just 58.5 per cent gold.

Ask how much the company's going rate is for each ounce of each karat you are sending. The lower the karat, the less the gold.

Don't let jewellery of different karat value be weighed together. Some dealers will weigh all jewellery together and pay you for the lowest karat value. Separate your jewellery by karat value before attending a gold party.

Don't let anyone steal your diamonds from gold pieces. Single gold stud earrings might be worth $5 or $10, yet diamonds in the earrings can be saved. Some are too small, and the labor to remove them might exceed their value, but engagement ring diamonds, for example, should be given a value separate from the gold.

Know the terms and conditions when sending items by post. Make sure your items are insured when being shipped, so if they are lost you can recover the value.

Obtain appraisals prior to mailing items, so if they are lost you have proof of their value.

Check the company's policy as to what they will reimburse if they lose your product. Many limit their liability.

Make a list of the items included in the package, keep a copy for yourself, and put a copy in the envelope.

Take a picture of the items you are sending, including any identifying marks.

Ask about the company's guarantee if you are not satisfied with the price offered. Can you get your product back if you return the cheque? Many companies melt down the items in 10-14 days. If you send the cheque back send it "return receipt requested," so you have proof when it arrived at the company.

Competition Bureau Sues to Shut Down Business Directory Scam

8/8/2011

Posted on 8/8/2011 by

BBB has reported numerous times on a business directory scam impacting local businesses. Today the following News Release was issued by Competition Bureau Canada in regards to this fraud. http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/03393.html

OTTAWA, July 28, 2011 — The Competition Bureau announced today that it has taken action against five companies and three individuals to ban a deceptive marketing scheme targeting businesses across Canada. The Bureau is seeking an injunction to put an immediate end to the deceptive marketing representations, freeze corporate assets for future restitution to victims, and stop the deceptive conduct.

The Bureau's action comes after an international investigation uncovered a business directory scheme targeting Canadian and international businesses, in violation of the false or misleading and deceptive practices provisions of the Competition Act. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is undertaking a simultaneous court action against U.S. targets involved in this case.

The investigation found that the individuals and companies sent faxed forms to targets displaying symbols that closely resemble the well-known trademark of the Yellow Pages Group (YPG), thus deceiving businesses into believing the forms came from the YPG. Businesses were led to believe that the forms were intended only to update contact information for an online business directory listing but, buried in the fine print, was a stipulation that by returning the form, the businesses were committing to a two-year contract for the listing, at an annual cost of $1,428.

The Bureau's action filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice seeks, among other things, that the targets:

pay administrative monetary penalties totalling $11,550,000;
publish corrective notices; and
pay restitution to the victims of this scam.

"This scam has targeted thousands of businesses in Canada and around the world, forcing them to pay for a directory listing of little or no value," said Melanie Aitken, Commissioner of Competition. "We are committed to cracking down on fraud that victimizes consumers and businesses. Significantly, the action we are taking today underscores the importance of working with our international partners to frustrate these types of multi-jurisdictional scams."

The Bureau has been working closely with the FTC throughout this investigation. "We are committed to collaborating with our international partners in combating fraud that preys on consumers and businesses," said David Vladeck, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection for the FTC. "We applaud our colleagues in Canada for leading this international effort and also for providing support in our investigation."

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) and its counter fraud partners in the UK support the action being taken by the Competition Bureau against Yellow Page Marketing B.V. The NFIB is also taking action to eliminate the harm caused by deceptive use of virtual offices in the UK. "Robust action is necessary to disrupt the fraudulent use of organizations that often unknowingly provide logistical support to these types of scams," said Richard Waight, Deputy Director of the NFIB.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recently undertook a court action against two of the companies sued by the Bureau—Yellow Page Marketing B.V. and Yellow Publishing Limited—that resulted, among other things, in penalties of $2.7 million. "It is essential to ensure scammers cannot use borders to evade detection and enforcement action," said Peter Kell, Deputy Chairman for the ACCC.

For additional information regarding the Bureau's investigation, please see the Backgrounder.

The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Gabrielle Tassé
Senior Communications Officer
Public Affairs Branch
819-953-7734

For general enquiries, please contact:
Information Centre
Competition Bureau
819-997-4282
Toll free: 1-800-348-5358
TTY (hearing impaired): 1-800-642-3844
www.competitionbureau.gc.ca
Enquiries/Complaints

Social media opens up new opportunities for scammers

8/8/2011

Posted on 8/8/2011 by Rosalind Scott
Seniors are often the target of scam artists. Scams perpetrated against seniors range from phony lotteries to prize offers to business opportunities.

One old scam, has taken on an alarming new twist. The so-called Grandparent Scam generally works like this―the grandparent receives a distressed phone call from someone they believe is their grandchild. The supposed grandchild typically explains that they are travelling abroad and have been arrested or involved in an auto accident, and need the grandparent to wire money to post bail or pay for damages―usually amounting to a few thousand dollars.

The scammers’ basic tactic is to pose as a grandchild and let the unsuspecting grandparent fill in the blanks. For example, the scam caller might say, “It’s me, your favourite grandchild,” to which the grandparent will guess the name of the grandchild it sounds the most like, and then the call proceeds from there.

In the updated scam, callers identify themselves by the name of a particular family member. They say they are being held in jail in Mexico and they need bail money wired immediately. They lace their conversation with correct references by name to other family members, increasing their credibility. One caller even knew that the real person being impersonated had a twin who was born two minutes later.

There are a lot of ways that scammers can get this kind of detailed information. One is through social media, where people update their status on Facebook or send a message on Twitter announcing details of their travel plans. A quick Google search on the user can yield a lot of information for scammers to take advantage of: name, hometown, employment, even relatives.

To protect yourself from this nefarious scam, and other scams that may use a distressed loved-one tactic, remain calm and confirm the status of the caller. Get their phone number so you can call them back directly, or verify the story with other family members before taking any further action. Even developing a secret code that is known only within the family can save lots of heartache and distress.

Also limit the amount of personal information that you and your family share on social media sites, and only “friend” people that you personally know.

Watch Out for False Promises from OnlineBuinessScams.com

8/8/2011

Posted on 8/8/2011 by

BBB cautions consumers to watch out for a business that is deceptively charging fees to use BBB complaint resolution services.

OnlineBusinessScams.com is contacting consumers who were victims of work-at-home or business opportunity offers. The company claims they can help the consumer recover the money they lost. Consumers from at least 20 states have reported to BBB they were charged an upfront fee ranging from $1,500 to $18,000 – usually a percentage of the lost funds - for assistance.

Consumers have informed BBB that, after paying the fee, they are instructed to send OnlineBusinessScams.com a letter of complaint about the work-at-home or business opportunity that victimized them. OnlineBusinessScams.com then returns the complaint back to the consumer with an envelope addressed to BBB which they are to mail.

BBB has no information that this company has assisted consumers in recovering lost funds other than providing them with an envelope addressed to BBB.

OnlineBusinessScams.com website was created in January, 2011.

BBB wishes to remind all consumers that our services are free. Consumers never have to pay a third party in order to receive help from BBB.

Complaints to the BBB can be filed online at vi.bbb.org or mailed to BBB Vancouver Island.

What’s so great about a blog?

8/4/2011

Posted on 8/4/2011 by Rosalind Scott
Between Facebook posts and Twitter tweets, it seems like there are a thousand and one ways to communicate virtually these days. Blogging however is probably the simplest, most cost-effective way for business owners to heighten their business’ visibility on the web.

A blog dedicated to the thoughts of a business’ president or CEO or a business’ mission can serve as a meaningful way to attract potential customers – and allow business owners to establish themselves as a thought leader in their respective market(s). Business blogs can be linked from the business’ website, Facebook page and Twitter account and are a great way of sharing the longer, more thought provoking messages.

A blog gives a president or CEO the chance to communicate in more of a dialogue-like setting with their constituents. Limited characters and space can confine a message in some settings. A blog allows for a full message to be shared and can even be catered towards targeted audiences.

Consider the following when implementing a blog for your business:

Heightened visibility is always a plus. When you blog, you get more eyes on your business and increase your search engine optimization (SEO).

Voicing your passion gets your customers noticing. Letting your customers see how and why your business came about and sharing what it is you love about doing what you do is a great way to make a connection with your audience. With (almost) no length limits, a blog is a great platform to share exactly what it is that makes your business different from the rest.

According to a recent survey by HubSpot, 57% of companies using blogs reported that they acquired customers from leads generated directly from their blog. They go on to find that businesses are now in the minority if they do not blog. From 2009 to 2011 the percentage of businesses with a blog grew from 48% to 65%.

A blog can serve as a great networking tool. A blog is a great place to inspire your constituents and build a subscriber base. By giving your voice a platform and reaching out to other fellow business bloggers, you have the ability to establish a solid business-to-business network.

Don’t Fall Victim to Unexpected Cell Phone Charges

8/4/2011

Posted on 8/4/2011 by
Nowadays, cell phone users are surfing the web, receiving emails and watching movies all on their smartphone with just the click of a button from just about anywhere.

However, when traveling abroad, many consumers fail to recognize that their data plan is constantly in use even when they think their phone isn’t. Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to either turn off their phone or make the necessary data arrangements with their cell phone provider to avoid thousands of dollars worth of data charges while traveling abroad this summer.

Last year alone, BBB received more than 27,000 complaints against the cell phone industry, some of which were from customers who were unaware that their data was still in use as they traveled outside of their coverage area or country. One particular customer was charged more than $1,200 when his cell phone auto received his emails daily during a one week stay in Jamaica.

"Roaming” is the term that describes a wireless phone’s ability to make and receive calls outside the home calling area under your service plan. When your phone is roaming, an indicator light on your phone may display the word “roam.” On occasion, your handset will not display a roaming indicator, even though it is in a roaming area. Before traveling abroad or out of your coverage area, it’s important for consumers to be proactive and contact their provider for specific details regarding their individual data and roaming plan.

“While the international roaming charges may vary from provider to provider, many of the fees can come as a surprise to travelers,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “To prevent unexpected roaming charges, contact your cell phone provider to clarify where you are covered and the data plans that can be purchased when traveling abroad.”

BBB advises consumers to do the following with their cell phone and cell phone provider in preparation for a trip abroad this summer:

Turn off your phone. If you don’t need your phone and don’t plan on using it while traveling abroad, turn it off. Some travelers opt for renting or buying international cell phones. Many rental plans offer services that work in several countries and may provide free incoming calls.

Contact your cell phone provider. Many cell phone users know not to make calls or send text messages while out of their coverage area or abroad, but many fail to realize that their data is in use even when they don’t think it is. For the occasional traveler, who doesn’t talk on the phone that frequently, it may be worth looking into an international add-on plan. Your cell phone carrier can provide specific tips that cater to the roaming needs of your individual cell phone and data plan.

Invest in a prepaid SIM card. For the frequent, chatty travelers, or long-term travelers, investing in a prepaid SIM card may be the best way to cut costs. With access to a local phone number, you’ll be able to make phone calls at the country’s local rate. Always check with BBB (bbb.org) before choosing an international service provider. Many companies offer SIM cards that can be purchased and can include free incoming calls originating from anywhere in the world.

Consumers report 2 possible phone scams in our region.

7/28/2011

Posted on 7/28/2011 by Rosalind Scott
We have received calls from two different consumers on two different possible phone scams.

Phone scam #1: Collections Court Action
In this instance the consumer received a threatening phone call from a man that claimed the consumer had a court action filed against him. The caller gave a legitimate sounding file number for the court action as proof. The caller claimed that the matter was in regards to a loan of $4000 in the consumer’s name that had not been paid. The caller told the consumer, in a rather aggressive tone, that he would be arrested if he did not pay the loan promptly as per the court action. The caller then proceeded to make a claim that for $250 and the consumers Social Insurance Number, that he could stop the warrant for arrest.

Protect Yourself: If you receive a similar call to this one please contact the BBB of Vancouver Island with additional information about the content of the call (250.386.6348) If you legitimately had a court action filed against you in regards to an unpaid loan, you would likely have been informed, prior to this phone call, about the matter. They key red flags that this is a scam include the aggressive approach of the caller, the threat that a warrant for arrest could be stopped with a payment, and the request for a Social Insurance Number.

If you are concerned for some reason that there is an unpaid loan out there in your name, it would be wise to check your credit report (with Equifax or TransUnion) to see if there are any unknown loans on your file. Besides informing the BBB it would also be wise for you to inform your local police and to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1 (888) 495-8501) to report a call such as this.

Phone scam #2: BBB Business to Consumer Complaint
Consumer received a phone call with very broken up reception from a person claiming to be a representative of the BBB. The supposed BBB representative stated that BC Hydro was filing a business to consumer complaint, against the consumer because they did not accept and pay for the delivery of a BC Hydro energy savings device that was ordered. The consumers had no recollection of every ordering such a product and had not denied the delivery of such a product. The caller was aggressive and persistent and eventually hung up after the consumer began asking for further information.

Protect Yourself: If you receive a similar call to this one please contact the BBB of Vancouver Island with additional information about the content of the call (250.386.6348). Note that the BBB does not process complaints from businesses against consumers. If a company has a problem with the delivery of a product and payment of a customer, the business will most likely take the matter to a debt collection agency or to court.

Is Your Home Secure?

7/28/2011

Posted on 7/28/2011 by
Summer Months Bring Highest Rates of Burglaries – Is Your Home Secure?

The summer months are the perfect time for a vacation getaway. Unfortunately, they are also the perfect time for a home robbery. The summer months of July and August have the highest rates of burglaries. Better Business Bureau is advising homeowners, who are looking to secure their property this summer, to do their research when picking a home security system.

According to an Academic Study of Home and Business Security by Temple University, the Electronic Security Association (ESA) says that homes without security systems are about 3 times more likely to be broken into than homes with security systems. (Actual statistic ranges from 2.2 times to 3.1 times, depending on the value of the home.) Losses due to burglary average $400 less in residences with security systems than homes without alarm systems.

Although no system makes your home completely burglar-proof, a home security system can reduce your chances of being burglarized and give you some peace of mind. In 2010, BBB received nearly 25,000 inquiries from customers asking about burglar alarm systems.

“It’s important to investigate the purchase of a home security system with the same care you would any major purchase,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “There are too many door-to-door salespeople selling home security systems out there that don’t always have your best interest at heart.”

BBB advises consumers to do the following when looking to invest in a home security system:

Choose a professional installer. The best home security system will accommodate your lifestyle and specific valuables you want protected.

Carefully consider your security requirements and budget. You may also get recommendation from the insurance company that covers your home. Deal only with reputable firms and check out the company with BBB first.

Contact at least three companies before selecting an installer. Find out if they are properly licensed in your state and if they screen employees before hiring.

Ask about all charges up front. Prices for home security systems will vary, based on the level of protection and type of technology used, so be sure to compare apples-to-apples bids on similar systems. Do not forget to factor in the initial installation charge, as well as monthly monitoring charges. Also, talk to your insurance agent; some systems may qualify you for a discount on homeowner's premiums.

Know the ins and outs of your contract. If your alarm system will be monitored, either by your installing company or by a third-party monitoring center, find out the length of the contract. Typically, monitoring contracts are between two to five years in length. What is your recourse if you are not satisfied with the services provided? Can you cancel the contract? What are your rights if your monitoring company is purchased or acquired by another alarm company? These are the types of questions you need to consider before you obligate yourself to a long-term contract.

Insist that the installer "walk" you through your system until you fully understand how it works. This will prevent the most common problem: false alarms. False alarms are an indicator of the quality of the alarm installation and user education. Ask for a complete inspection of your property and an itemized written estimate. Review the sales contract closely to ensure you understand exactly what equipment and protection you will be provided.

Beware Private Investment Opportunities

7/13/2011

Posted on 7/13/2011 by Rosalind Scott

When it comes to investing money people need to use extreme caution, and really know what they are getting themselves into, especially if it involves investing in private companies. Scam artists plague the investment and securities world and many people are taking risks they cannot afford.

The BC Securities Commission recently issued this warning to would be investors:

"The BC Securities Commission urges people to be very wary about
investing in private companies because these types of investments are
high risk (meaning you could lose all of your investment). As well,
people should understand that it is difficult to get their money out
until the company is either sold or goes public. Even when resale is
possible, investors may not find any market for the shares they acquired when the company is private. Unlike public companies which file a prospectus with a securities regulator and provide ongoing information about their operations, private companies are not required to provide the same amount of information nor do they have the same level of regulatory scrutiny.

This market is an important source of venture capital financing in our
province. But investing in private companies is not for everyone. We
recommend that seniors and unsophisticated investors be particularly
careful when considering such an investment. Get a second opinion first
and do your homework."

~ Patricia Bowles (Director of Communications & Education; BCSC)

When it comes to investing you need to do your homework. For information on how to choose an investment advisor and to see if an advisor is registered or has been disciplined visit the InvestRight website at http://www.investright.org/

Building a Marketplace Based on Trust

7/11/2011

Posted on 7/11/2011 by Rosalind Scott
One of the great services BBB provides both consumers and businesses is free dispute resolution.

What makes it great? Well, a complaint is often the result of a misunderstanding, one that often times becomes emotionally charged. At BBB we don't see always see complaints in a negative light. In fact we see conflicts as an opportunity for a business to turn a dissatisfied customer into a lifelong customer. And we make it our job at the BBB to try to help with this process.

So how does the BBB help? First off we try to help businesses and consumers avoid getting to a place of conflict in the first place.

How do we do that? We educate, educate, educate. We educate consumers to choose the right business the first time – choose a BBB Accredited Business. We teach businesses to rise above the mediocrity in our marketplace – provide excellent customer satisfaction.

The lessons we try to impart: Business owners and managers need to hire people who genuinely like people and are genuinely liked by people. And consumers need to choose a business not for their prices alone, but because they like the people and are treated with respect.

Second, when a conflict escalates to a formal BBB complaint, our Dispute Resolution staff are here to facilitate both sides in negotiating a reasonable resolution. Sometimes it takes a little give and take by both parties involved. Often the help of an independent third party to provide some additional perspective is what helps a business to regain the trust of it's customer.

Maintaining and building trust in the marketplace is a joint venture between businesses, their customers and the BBB.

BBB of Vancouver Island Welcomes New Board of Directors

7/11/2011

Posted on 7/11/2011 by
The Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island (BBB) welcomes the newly elected Board of Directors for 2011/2012.

BBB VANCOUVER ISLAND 2011/2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Board
President – Vern Fischer (Fischer and Deeton Financial Services)
Past President – Loretta Copley (Hendry, Swinton, McKenzie Insurances Services)
Vice President – Marty Schubert (Help Fill A Dream)
Treasurer – Miles Fournier (Investor’s Group Financial Services)
Secretary – Mike Regimbal (Westshore Hearing Solutions)
Member at Large – Gary Eisenstien (Falcon Software)
Executive Director – Rosalind Scott (Better Business Bureau Vancouver Island)
Independent Legal Counsel – Sharon Cartmill-Lane

Directors
Kyara Kahakauwila (LA Limousines)
Sandy Rozon (Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce)
Marsha Mara (Paul Mara Jewellers)
Detective Rick Anthony (Victoria Police Department)
Dave Whitman (Times Colonist)
Colin Moorman (Duttons & Co.)

Honorary Directors
Jack Hawthorne (Honorary Life Director)
Paul Chow (Honorary Director)

Keep Your Business Savvy and Up to Speed with QR Codes

7/7/2011

Posted on 7/7/2011 by
Quick Response codes, or QR codes for short, are popping up everywhere these days. From magazine ads to store windows, QR codes are the fastest way to get your tech-savvy customer to your business’ website. BBB offers some “quick” tips for businesses considering implementing Quick Response (QR) codes for their business.

So what is a QR code, exactly? These 2 dimensional barcodes, which originate back to circa 1994, aren’t exactly new, but are now being used in fun, innovative, business savvy ways that are luring in customers from around the globe.

By simply downloading a QR reader app for free, a QR code can be read quickly by your smartphone. Think of a barcode that can store much more data than you can imagine. Now think of all the places you can put such a small branding – the possibilities are (almost) endless. A business can use a QR code to show information such as directions to their business, their company’s BBB Business Review or even a URL that the viewer can click to receive a coupon. You can even put a QR on your business card with a link in the QR that takes the recipient directly to your website. Or add a QR that contains your contact information making it easy to add that info to a cell phone.

“QR codes are a fun way to attract customers to your business’ website or promotion,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “You can get creative by placing the QR code in your email signature, allowing the viewer to go directly to your website. Or you can even have the code contain contact information, making it easy for the viewer to add it to his or her own cell phone.”

So what are other ways to use the code? And are there any risks? BBB offers the following “quick” tips to businesses who are considering a QR code:

Where to display? Many businesses are turning to the windows of their store, paper advertisements, business cards, email signatures, shirts, mugs, ties and other products to display their businesses’ QR code. Some businesses are even using the codes for promotional contests allowing for a creative way to reveal the customer’s prize.

How do you generate your own QR code for free? Many sites offer a free QR generator that spits out an easily copied code that can be used as a template for all of your QR code needs.

Are there risks? Just like with any other website, you should never use a QR code that will link to a website that you don’t trust. Make sure that the website is reputable and that the QR code is found in a trustworthy place. Like any other malicious website, QR codes can potentially direct you to a harmful website that can ultimately lead to a virus infiltration on your smartphone.

Monthly Business Tip: Encourage Positive Reviews

7/7/2011

Posted on 7/7/2011 by Rosalind Scott
Encouraging positive customer reviews is an excellent way to spread the word about your business. While disgruntled customers (a minority group for most companies) are the ones to most often rant and rave publically about your business, satisfied customers often forget to publically spread their feedback and positive comments.

Encouraging your satisfied customers to post positive comments about your business on business review websites and on social media sites, will go along way in enticing future customers. And don’t forget to encourage satisfied customers to recognize your contributions by nominating your business for a BBB Torch Award!

Sidney RCMP issues Fraud Alert for Businesses

7/7/2011

Posted on 7/7/2011 by Rosalind Scott
Sidney RCMP is warning Peninsula businesses to be aware of a fraudster possibly operating in the area. A Caucasian male described as, approximately 40 years of age, 5’10” with a slim build, balding on top, with bushy eye brows and a distinctive loping walk; has been targeting local businesses usually near closing time. The male is very convincing and enters the store in a frantic state. He then informs the employee that he has been in a car accident and that he needs money for a tow truck.

As far as the Sidney North Saanich RCMP is away, no offences have been committed locally, but they have received information that this person may be trying this fraud in the area. If this male does enter your store, call 911 and provide a description of the male and his last direction of travel

What to Do During the Postal Stoppage

6/29/2011

Posted on 6/29/2011 by

Canada Post has suspended operations this week resulting in an indefinite stoppage ofmail delivery. While the federal government is planning back to work legislation, delivery resumption could still be days, or even weeks, away.

Whether you’re a business or a consumer, here are some things to be aware of during a postal strike and some actions you can take to protect yourself:

Businesses

The last thing businesses want is to have their bottom line impacted by mail delivery interruption.

To keep customers happy and ensure payments are received, BBB recommends:

Businesses be proactive and reach out to their clients to provide them with alternative payment arrangements, including online banking. Update your website or send email notices.
To make sure your deliveries remain on time, consider using a local delivery service.
Notify customers if there is a delay. If couriering items is not financially feasible, businesses should contact their customers to alert them of any potential delays.

Consumers

Many consumers rely on receiving regular statements for credit cards, utility bills,and other invoices by mail.

To stay on top of bills and avoid extra charges during a postal stoppage, BBB advises that consumers:

Consider switching to paperless billing. Use telephone or online banking services, or checking a company's website for other payment methods during the strike. A word of caution: Always protect your privacy by only doing online banking through a secured network.
Make a list of bills that you receive each month to identify when you would normally receive them.
If you can’t visit your local bank or credit union branch, use the telephone or online banking services to find out the amount that you owe on credit cards or loans and the due dates of your payments.
For utilities and other bills, contact the business for information about your bill and how you can pay.
If you feel you are being charged interest or late fees unfairly, contact the financial institution or biller that has added the charge to ask if they will waive that amount. Otherwise, you can contact the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) at 1-866-461-3222 if you feel your financial institution has unfairly charged a late fee.

Do you have a complaint filed with BBB?

For consumers that have filed a complaint,be advised that there may be a delay in resolution as a result of the Canada Post lockout. If you have not done so already, we encourage you to contact your Dispute Resolution counsellor to provide your email address for all future correspondence.

For businesses working with BBB to resolve a dispute, we also direct you to contact your Dispute Resolution counsellor to provide alternative contact information, either email or fax. If you have any questions, you can reach your counsellor directly, or call (250) 386.6348

You can keep update on the Canada Post work stoppage at www.infopost.ca.

BBB Advice on Choosing a Driving School That’s Right for You

6/29/2011

Posted on 6/29/2011 by
While a scary but exciting time, having your eagerly-awaiting teenager soon to be behind the wheel is one that comes with lots of necessary preparation. When choosing a driving school for your soon-to-be driver, Better Business Bureau urges both parents and students to make smart, informed decisions.

A driver education course is designed to teach new drivers fundamental skills and basic knowledge about driving a motor vehicle. However, in the last two years, BBB has received more than 700 complaints against driving instruction with complaints ranging from no shows to customer service and sales practices.

“Consumers need to do their research before choosing a driving school,” said Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Parents and students alike should check with the Department of Motor Vehicles to learn more about all of the necessary requirements and to verify the driving school instructor’s license status.”

BBB recommends the following when choosing a driving school in your area:

Check it out. For information on driving schools in your area, start your search at vi.bbb.org for a free BBB Business Review that will help you make informed decisions.

Ask around. Call several schools to find out about the course schedules, fees and registration procedures that they offer. Neighbors and friends can be a great resource, as well. Ask for references from previous students of the school. Remember, price is not the sole factor in choosing a driving school. You must compare instructional quality, class size and behind-the-wheel lessons.

Visit the driving school. Ask to see classrooms and if you could observe part of a course. Ask to see the course book. Is the text up to date? Are there enough textbooks for all students? The ideal course integrates behind the wheel and classroom training. Do not assume that the fastest course is the way to go.

Check the details. Find out if the school has a policy on make-up classes and refunds. Know how to file a complaint against the school and check to see how the school resolves its complaints.

Hotel Scam Could Be Headed Our Way

6/29/2011

Posted on 6/29/2011 by Rosalind Scott
The BBB serving east Texas has alerted us of a scam that is plaguing local hotels and their guests, and while we haven’t received any local reports, we wanted to apprise you of the situation. Scammers are obtaining credit card information from hotel guests over the phone.

The calls are typically made in the middle of the night. The caller indicates they are a hotel employee, and the hotel computer system has crashed. In order to complete the hotel audit, they must have your credit card number. Many times, the caller also offers a discount on the room for the inconvenience. These callers are very convincing, and many hotel guests fall for this scam.

Whether the scam artist is actually a guest in the hotel or whether the calls are coming from outside the hotel and has obtained the direct number to each room has not yet been determined.

If you own or work at a hotel, please alert your hotel guests of this scam, and if you are a hotel guest, remember not to provide credit card information over the phone during your stay. If there is ever a problem with billing, the hotel staff will handle it at the front desk and not over the phone.

2011 Torch Award Success

6/15/2011

Posted on 6/15/2011 by Rosalind Scott
The 2011 Torch Awards held at the Westin, Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa on May 6th, were a wonderful success. Thank you to everyone that made the evening a night to remember. From the nominees, to the winners, to the sponsors, to the guests, to the staff and volunteers - Thank You for your participation.

Anyone interested in viewing or purchasing photos taken during the evening can do so by visiting http://deankalyan.com/viewing/?slideshowID=177459.

Thanks to Dean Kalyan for the photos.

Also thanks to Animax Design Group for producing the 70’s Tribute Video that ran during the Torch Awards dinner. If you wish to purchase a copy of the video you can do so by contacting Steve Noble at 250.818.6370.

Find a roofer you can trust

6/15/2011

Posted on 6/15/2011 by

The summer season can lead to unscrupulous and unqualified contractors peddling dubious deals. The Better Business Bureau recommends doing your research to avoid getting ripped off by an untrustworthy roofer.

“Repairing or replacing your roof can cost thousands of dollars,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “When you’re spending that kind of money, it’s worth it to take your time and find a roofer you can trust.”

Every year, homeowners research the trustworthiness of roofing contractors with BBB. Complaints about roofers to the BBB concern high-pressure sales tactics, confusion over contract terms, poor workmanship, incomplete job performance, disputes over warranties and overcharging on the agreed upon price.

To avoid these scenarios and find a roofer you can count on, BBB recommends that homeowners always:

Start with trust. Check out the company first with BBB at www.vi.bbb.org to make sure you are choosing a trustworthy company. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations.

Check the qualifications. Verify the business meets all requirements including being licensed, insured, and bonded, and has registered with WorkSafeBC. Also ask the business for references from recent jobs.

Know your rights. Some contractors will solicit door-to-door. Be aware that you have 10 days to cancel a contract signed in your home with a direct seller. If you have doubts after signing, do not permit the work to start until after the 10 day cancellation period has expired. Contact Consumer Protection BC at 1-888-564-9963 for information on direct sales contracts.

Get at least three bids. Don’t always go for the lowest bid. Beware of lowball estimates that may potentially balloon over time or foreshadow shoddy work to come. If estimates for the same work vary widely, find out why. Sometimes unscrupulous operators may use sub-standard materials or take longer to finish the job.

Recognize the red flags. Beware of any contractor that uses high pressure sales tactics or requires full payment upfront. Also avoid contractors that require you to get the necessary permits.

Make sure everything is in writing. The full scope of the work should be explained in the contract. All verbal agreements need to be included in the written agreement. Pay close attention to the payment terms, estimated price of materials and labour, and any warranties or guarantees. Confirm whether or notthe roofer will be subcontracting the job or relying on his or her own employees.

Know what to pay and when. Some contractors may require a deposit, but never pay the full amount upfront or pay with cash. Only pay in full, minus a holdback, upon satisfactory completion of the work. You can withhold 10 per cent of the total cost upon completion of the work for 55 days. This will protect you should liens be placed against your home. Check with the Land Title Office for liens before paying the remaining 10 per cent.

What Does The BBB Do?

6/13/2011

Posted on 6/13/2011 by
Promoting Trust, Identifying the Bad, Rewarding the Good and Educating the Public

BBB Exists to be Leader in Advancing Marketplace Trust
Your BBB helps the people you care about most – your employees, customers, friends and loved ones –by supplying pre-purchase information about businesses and charities and by providing dispute resolution services.

BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behaviours. We provide objective advice, complaint management, free Business Reviews and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. We help businesses who care about existing in a ethical marketplace become better at servicing their customers, employees, suppliers and their community.

Our process and programs help to:

Resolve complaints without litigation;
Inform businesses about existing or potential customer service problems;
Provide educational information on a wide range of topics;
Alert individuals and companies to scams that could affect them;
Educate businesses and consumers about responsible advertising and e commerce practices;
Promote self-regulation.

Promoting Trust: BBB Accreditation
At BBB we believe that companies who are committed to always operating in an ethical manner, have every right to stand out from the crowd. We help trustworthy businesses to stand out by offering them the opportunity to become a BBB Accredited Business.

Not just any business can become BBB accredited. Before a business can become accredited they must meet a number of BBB criteria called Standards of Trust, agree to operate under the BBB Codes of Business Practices and be approved/screened by an accreditation committee. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation pay an annual membership fee and contractually agree to adhere to our organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior.

Identifying the Bad: Scams & Complaints
While the BBB does not have any official regulatory powers such as that of government, we are so well connected in the community that we are often the first to hear about scams, frauds and bad business. We also often are the first to alert or aid enforcement agencies in seeking out the “bad.” Our comprehensive complaint intake process, investigative procedures and advertising review services help us to effectively monitor what is going on in your community.

To help keep consumers informed we maintain an extensive database of complaint history and business information. We post this information online (visit vi.bbb.org) as it pertains to each company we have on record (for both Accredited and non-accredited businesses) in what we call a BBB Business Review. Before you make any purchases we recommend you check out a company’s BBB Business Review so you can make an informed shopping decision.

We also provide regular updates online via our News Centre on scams and frauds impacting both consumers and businesses. Each year we summarize the top 10 scams that had the greatest impact in our region. Sometimes these scams contain information about obvious frauds, other times they contain information about ongoing unethical business practices by some businesses operating within a specific industry. The purpose of these Scam Alerts is not to paint all businesses in one industry with the same tainted brush, but to identify unethical business practices occurring by some businesses. By “identifying the bad” the BBB is better able to emphasize to consumers the importance of doing business with reliable, reputable, trustworthy Accredited Businesses.

Rewarding the Good: Torch Awards
To help consumers acknowledge businesses that have gone above and beyond in their commitment to ethical business practices and customer service excellence, the BBB has created the Torch Awards. Each year the BBB recognizes and celebrates regional businesses that have been nominated by their customers for demonstrating marketplace ethics. Both BBB Accredited and non-accredited business are nominated and both are eligible to win this prestigious award.

Educating the Public: Consumer & Business Tips
Every year the BBB receives hundreds of thousands of inquiries from consumers seeking information about businesses operating in our region. These inquiries range from information about a business’ reliability and complaint history, to questions about scams and frauds, to businesses seeking advice, to dispute resolution assistance, to tips on best practices as they relate to business and consumer relations.

The BBB also attends numerous seminars, presentations, workshops, and events each year. We publish articles in local publications, online in the News Centre of our website (vi.bbb.org) and post updates on our blog, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Our goal is to provide essential educational information to consumers and businesses on how to maintain a trustworthy marketplace, while helping you protect the people you care about from scams and frauds.

At the BBB we are here to help you find TRUST in the marketplace.

Avoid Wedding Scams this Spring

6/7/2011

Posted on 6/7/2011 by
This season, love is in the air as many soon-to-be brides prepare for their long-awaited wedding day. With excitement and nervousness every bride deserves to have their big day go off without a hitch. When preparing for the day of your dreams, BBB advises brides to proceed with caution when it comes to buying a wedding dress online, choosing a photographer and selecting a wedding planner.

Doing your research and asking for referrals can make all the difference in helping your special day go as smoothly as possible. Last year alone, BBB's across North America received more than 970 complaints against wedding related services. Services like wedding planners, bridal shops, car or limousine rentals, DJs, wedding photographers, florists, and jewelers all topped the list. Many of the common complaints were centered on the company’s unwillingness to honor cancellation and refund policies after a deposit had been paid.

From choosing a florist to picking out the perfect wedding gown, more and more soon-to-be brides are opting for online retailers. While most venues have the brides’ best interest at heart, it’s important to recognize the red flags before shelling out the cash.

“With today’s wedding averaging around more than $28,000, there’s not a penny left to gamble on unreliable venders,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Before securing your wedding services and paying any upfront fees it’s important for all newlyweds to do their research.”

BBB recommends that newlyweds consider the following when planning for their special day:

Research all online vendors. When choosing to go with an online retailer for your wedding services or products start with a trusted site rather than shopping with a search engine. Search results can often lead you to unscrupulous websites or phishing scams. Also, look for the BBB seal and other widely-recognized “trustmarks” on retail websites. Click on the seals to confirm they’re valid. Confirm that your online purchase is secure. Look for the “s” after “http” in the URL or the lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. Be sure to check the company out with BBB before doing business with them.

Review all terms and conditions. Whether you’re dealing with a company online or in-person, review all terms and conditions carefully. What is the company’s refund and exchange policy? What is their cancellation policy? What happens if the company can’t hold up their end of the bargain? Who will perform the service on your special day? Be sure you understand your rights as a consumer before doing business with the company.

Keep documentation of your order. For online orders, save a copy of the confirmation page or e-mails confirming the order until you receive the item or service and are satisfied. If you’re dealing with a company face-to-face, be sure to get all details in writing, including specific dates, products, prices, cancellation and deposit policies and signatures from both parties.

Pay with a credit card. Credit cards offer consumers the added protection of disputing any charge over $50 within 60 days of the purchase. Most established businesses accept major credit cards, so use them whenever possible, including payment for deposits Shoppers also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on the card, and many card issuers have “zero liability” policies if someone steals your card number and uses it. Never wire money.

Consider purchasing wedding insurance. Wedding insurance can cover a range of prospective problems including vendor no-shows, cancellations, inclement weather, military deployment, medical emergencies, travel delays and more. Many policies start at $200 and can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

Monthly Business Tip: Put It In Writing

6/6/2011

Posted on 6/6/2011 by Rosalind Scott
Save your business the hassle of he-said-she-said by putting everything of relevance to your bottom line in writing. Whether it be your refund and exchanges policies, receipts, contracts, warranties, terms and conditions or your privacy policy…by putting it in writing you protect your business and keep your consumer informed.

New Training Program Available to Help Small Business

5/26/2011

Posted on 5/26/2011 by Rosalind Scott
The BC Ministry of Jobs Tourism and Innovation and the Office of the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development announced on May 19, 2011 that the new $3-million Targeted Skills Shortage Pilot Program will help local businesses and non-profit organizations train current staff to better meet the demands of a changing labour market.

The pilot program is designed to help low-skilled employees who lack post-secondary training toward a degree or other credentials, gain new skills to improve productivity, take on new responsibilities and advance their careers.

Through the program, which will be administered by the non-profit Association of Service Providers for Employability and Career Training (ASPECT), local service providers will help businesses and non-profit organizations identify eligible employees, develop training plans and access funding for training.

To find out more about this program visit http://www.aspect.bc.ca/tssp

BBB Advice for Storm Disaster Relief

5/26/2011

Posted on 5/26/2011 by
Thousands of people have lost their homes and all their belonging as tornadoes wreaking havoc in the United States. It is times such as these that many strive to do whatever they can to help.

To make sure that your donation helps the tornado victims as intended, follow these simple tips:

Find out if the charity has an on-the-ground presence in the impacted areas. Unless the charity already has staff in the affected areas, it may be difficult to bring in new aid workers to provide assistance quickly. See if the charity’s website clearly describes what the charity can do to address immediate needs.

Find out if the charity is providing direct aid or is raising money for other relief groups. Some charities raise money to pass along to relief organizations. If so, consider avoiding the middleman and instead give directly to organizations actually helping in the area.

Reconsider gifts of clothing, food or other in-kind donations. In-kind drives for food and clothing, while well intentioned, are usually not the quickest or most efficient way to help those in need. Ask charities or organizations collecting in-kind donations about its transportation and distribution plans. Be wary of those who are not experienced in disaster relief assistance.

Be cautious when giving online. At times like this, scam artists don’t think twice about tricking you into giving to phony charities. If you want to give to a charity involved in relief efforts, go directly to the charity’s website.

Be wary of claims that 100 percent of donations will assist relief victims. Charitable organizations have expenses they must cover, including those for fund raising and administrative costs – a even your credit card donation will involve, at a minimum, a processing fee.

Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity. Visit bbb.org/charity to research charities and relief organizations in the U.S. and to verify that they are accredited by the BBB and meet the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Beware of phony invoices, warns BBB

5/19/2011

Posted on 5/19/2011 by

Unauthorized invoices and unordered merchandise continue to show up at places of business across British Columbia due to some misleading telemarketing tactics. Better Business Bureau would like to advise businesses that they need a trained and prepared staff for handling these slick sellers.

The most common schemes involve copier paper, toner and maintenance supplies, or classified advertising. If you don’t have adequate purchasing controls then your company could easily become a victim.

“Small business owners are particularly vulnerable to scams,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Often their staff are part-time or handle multiple roles, a vulnerability that scam artists are all too happy to try to exploit.”

Telemarketers commonly contacts companies knowing what office products are commonly purchased by businesses in hopes that a busy staff will pay or a new person will sign and agree to the charge without question.

In what is called the “pretender Scam,” the caller may pretend to be the business’ regular or previous supplier, a replacement, or an "authorized" supplier. This tactic is to give the person legitimacy.

BBB tips for avoiding business supply scams:

Train your staff. Advise employees who are not authorized to order supplies and services to refer any such sales people to the purchasing department.

Require sales pitches in writing. The purchasing department should be instructed to not respond verbally to unsolicited phone offers for office supplies.

Institute strict purchasing and accounting controls. Every purchase should be documented by issuing a purchase order to the supplier with an authorized signature and a purchase order number. The handling of invoices should be centralized and authorization closely checked.

Don't deal with unknown sellers. First check the business' BBB Business Review at bbb.org.

Keep a list of regularly used vendors. This will help protect your business against schemers who claim your business previously used their services.

Know your rights. If you receive supplies or bills for services you didn't order, don't pay. According to Canadian law, it is illegal for a seller to send bills or ask you to return unordered merchandise. For unordered merchandise, consider it a gift. Send a letter to the company to notify that you will be keeping their product as a gift unless the company agrees to pick up their products at their own cost.

Businesses who failed to respond in April 2011

5/10/2011

Posted on 5/10/2011 by
These businesses were contacted by the BBBVI concerning complaints registered in our office. None of these non-responding businesses are BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB Accredited Businesses agree to respond to all complaints.
We encourage all businesses to deal with complaints in a timely fashion.Click here to view businesses who failed to respond in April 2011.

BBB Welcomes New Accredited Businesses

5/9/2011

Posted on 5/9/2011 by
Please join us in welcoming our newest Accredited Businesses.
These companies have joined a group of elite organizations that let consumers know, "You can trust us before you know us".
Please thank and support them with your business for making a commitment to trust.
Click here to view the businesses whose applications for accreditation were approved by our Board of Directors this month.

2011 Torch Awards: And the Winners Are...

5/8/2011

Posted on 5/8/2011 by
BBB Announces 2011 Torch Award Winners

VICTORIA, BC – The Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island (BBB) wishes to congratulate the 13 businesses who were announced as the 2011 Torch Award Winners Friday night (May 6) during the gala presentation at the Westin, Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa.

The Torch Awards recognize businesses that have made an exemplary commitment to honest and ethical business practices and consumer service excellence. Local businesses are nominated by customers for their commitment to providing fair, honest, reliable and respectful customer service. Both BBB Accredited Businesses and non-accredited businesses are eligible to win a prestigious Torch Award.

And the Winners are…

Installation, Service & Repairs
4 Seasons Heating & Cooling (Victoria)

Automotive Sales & Service
Victoria Transmission & Auto Care (Victoria)

Retail Sales & Service
Gala Fabrics Ltd. (Victoria)

Professional Services
T Joseph Simpson (Barrister & Solicitor) (Duncan)

Cleaning Services
Above All Cleaning (Courtenay)

General Contractors, Home Building & Renovation
Top Coat Painting (Victoria)

Moving & Storage
Provincial Moving & Storage Ltd. (Victoria)

Roofers
Oceanside Roofing Ltd. (Parksville)

Bathroom & Kitchen
Bath Fitter (Victoria)

Cement & Custom Stonework
Liquid Stone Studios (Ladysmith)

Outstanding Customer Service
Premiere Van Lines (Victoria)

Hospitality, Tourism & Event Services
Two Eagle’s Lodge (Union Bay)

Community Service
LA Limousines (Victoria)

BBB would like to thank our Corporate Sponsors, Torch Award Sponsors, Gala Partners, Torch Award Nominees and the customers who took the time to recognize and nominate local, hardworking, ethical businesses for making this years awards celebration an unforgettable event.

For more information about the Torch Awards or to nominate a business visit www.vi.bbb.org/torch_awards

BBB Warns That Scammers May Be Chasing Your Wallet In Light Of Recent Storms

5/5/2011

Posted on 5/5/2011 by
Your home and wallet may take a serious beating when a big storm hits and with several recent storms and tornadoes, Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be wary of fly-by-night “storm chasers,” as well as fraudulent charities promising to provide relief.

Storm chasers and other door-to-door salespeople often peddle dubious deals that may cost homeowners thousands of dollars and create serious headaches. BBB recommends doing your research to avoid getting taken advantage of by untrustworthy home contractors and the like.

For those who seek to aid in relief, BBB urges donors to check trustworthy charities before making any donations. Not only do North Americans need to be concerned about avoiding fraud, they also need to make sure their money goes to competent relief organizations that are equipped and experienced to handle the unique challenges of providing assistance.

“Not only do North Americans need to be concerned about avoiding fraud, they need to know that their home contractors and charity relief efforts are legitimate and honorable,” said Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “It’s imperative to find a home contractor and charity that you can trust.”

When looking for a contractor you can trust and when seeking to aid to relief efforts, BBB recommends that homeowners and donors do the following:

Start Your Search with BBB. In addition to offering Business Reviews on tens of thousands of contractors—good and bad—across North America, you can also rely on BBB’s Accredited Business Locator to find trustworthy contractors in your area. BBB accreditation standards require that accredited businesses make a good faith effort to resolve disputes.

Find trustworthy charities when aiding to relief. BBB urges donors to make sure their donations will go to legitimate and reputable charities and relief efforts that have the capability to help those in need. Be cautious when relying on third-party recommendations such as bloggers or other Web sites, as they might not have fully researched the listed relief organizations. Interested donors should visit www.bbb.org/charity to research charities and relief organizations to verify that they are accredited by the BBB and meet the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. Donors may also wish to visit the Canada Revenue Agency Charity Directorate at www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charities for a list of registered charities in Canada.

Recognize the red flags. Beware of any contractor who uses high pressure sales tactics or requires full payment upfront. Also avoid contractors who require you to get the necessary permits. When looking to make a donation, be cautious about online giving, especially in response to spam messages and emails that claim to link to a relief organization. In response to the previous natural disasters, there were concerns raised about many Web sites and new organizations that were created overnight allegedly to help victims.

Vet the contractor carefully. Verify the business meets all state and local requirements including being licensed, insured and bonded. Also ask the business for references from recent jobs. Confirm whether or not the contractor will be subcontracting the job or relying on their own employees.

Beware of storm chasers. In the wake of a storm, fly-by-night repair businesses will solicit work, often door-to-door, in unmarked trucks. They might require advance payment and make big promises on which they won’t be able to deliver.

Seek at least three bids. Beware of low-ball estimates that may potentially balloon over time or foreshadow shoddy work to come.

Make sure everything is in writing. Make sure that the full scope of the work is explained in the contract including cleanup and disposal of waste. All verbal agreements need to be included in the written agreement. Pay close attention to the payment terms, estimated price of materials and labor and any warranties or guarantees.

BBB Warns of Online Scams in the Wake of Osama’s Death

5/5/2011

Posted on 5/5/2011 by
In the aftermath of the death of Osama bin Laden this past weekend, Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to watch out for a slew of cyber-scams that have popped up in the past few days.

According to Kaspersky Labs, an Internet security firm, malicious websites and links have been proliferating on Google Images searches, Facebook, and other social media sites.

On Facebook, a fake video purporting to show the death of Bin Laden prompts users to input a malicious URL into their browsers, which could infect their computer with a virus. Kaspersky also reports that other Facebook scams lure victims to malicious Facebook Pages with promises of free airplane tickets, and other “free” offers to “celebrate Osama’s death.”

Consumers and businesses should also be very wary of scams similar to the Nigerian Letter Scam circling around Osama’s death. Although each letter may contain a slightly different appeal, BBB is reporting that the latest letter has stated a "soldier" asking for assistance in transferring millions of dollars of excess money to a trustworthy U.S. citizen. To participate in the deal, the person must contact the soldier to solidify the partnership and arrange pickup of the millions.

Usually with this type of scam the victim is asked to provide their bank account number and the name, address, phone and fax numbers of their bank. Using the provided information, the con artists can then plunder the victim's bank account. Or they may try to get money directly by requesting exorbitant payments to cover transfer fees, travel expenses, taxes, or necessary bribes before the transaction can occur. Needless to say, no one has ever received the promised funds, and losses from participating in illegal foreign business deals are nearly impossible to recover.

BBB advises consumers to do the following if they feel they have fallen victim to a cyber-scam:

Think before you click. Be mindful about clicking on links that purport to show information that’s not widely available from respected news sources. In the case of Bin Laden, no photos or videos related to his death have been released. Be extremely skeptical of links that say otherwise.

Don’t fall for the not-so-free “free” offer. Be wary of free offers “celebrating” any sort of occasion, especially if the offer comes from a company or website you haven’t heard of before. Often times all it takes for a scammer to infect your computer with a virus is clicking on one bad link.

Spread the word. Discuss such scams with all the members of your family who have access to the Internet. Young people are very computer savvy, but may not be scam savvy, and older adults are specifically targeted by scammers because they are often very trusting.

Know the red flags. Watch out for grammatical mistakes in emails, letters and on websites. Poor grammar or misspelled words are red flags that the email or website is probably a scam. Most importantly, never wire money based on instructions. Scammers prey on those who think they need to wire money to have a situation resolved.

Check with BBB. BBB advises anyone receiving such a letter not to respond. Instead, send the letter to your local BBB or to the U.S. Secret Service, which is currently investigating the scam.

For more information on how consumers can protect themselves against scams, or to find reputable businesses they can visit www.bbb.org.

Win 1 of 2 Kobo eReaders

5/3/2011

Posted on 5/3/2011 by
Johnson Inc. is running an exclusive contest for BBB Accredited Businesses. Request a home insurance quote and you will be entered for a chance to win 1 of 2 Kobo eReaders. Contest ends June 30, 2011. For more information visit www.johnson.ca/bbbvi.

BBB publishes local Statistics for April

5/3/2011

Posted on 5/3/2011 by
Click Here to view BBB Vancouver Island's April statistics on the public's usage of BBB's services.
View statistics from previous months by clicking here.

Monthly Business Tip: Importance of Customer Service

4/30/2011

Posted on 4/30/2011 by Rosalind Scott
Providing good customer service creates a loyal customer. A loyal customer can drive and sustain a business’ growth. They are less resistant to price increases and less likely to be lured by a competitor. The bonus factor is they become an ambassador who will promote and defend your company both online and off... for free.

Choosing a credit card for your business

4/30/2011

Posted on 4/30/2011 by
If expense reports are piling up and you’re tired of hearing your employees complain about not getting reimbursements, it might be time to consider a business credit card. The Better Business Bureau offers advice to business owners on choosing the right credit card for your business.

It is easy to understand why small business credit cards represent a growing, competitive marketplace, and many banks and credit card companies are actively pursuing small business owners as a rich source of new partners and clients.

For small business owners, now is actually a good time to research how a business credit card can benefit operations, or to re-evaluate existing business credit card plans to take advantage of best rates and current offers in the marketplace.

“There are many ways that a business credit card can make life easier for an owner and their employees,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “It can build credit history for your company, provide you with short-term loans, offer discounts with vendors, and make expense reports a thing of the past.”

Basically, there are two options for business credit cards - small business and corporate credit cards. The decision on which option to choose is based in large part on the size of the business and who is responsible for the debt.

As the names imply, a corporate credit card is for large businesses and corporations and the burden of debt typically falls on the corporation. A business credit card is intended for smaller businesses with sole-proprietors and the burden of debt is on the owner.

A business credit card is very similar to a personal credit card and carries a credit limit and minimum monthly payments. Business owners and any employee who will use the card will typically undergo a credit check.

BBB offers tips for choosing and implementing a new business credit card approach:

Do your research. Many banks and credit card companies are making various offers, with some attractive perks that may fit nicely with your business needs. But offers run the gamut, so be choosy. You’ll want to find out about offers from both your local banks and national credit card companies.

Don’t get burned by special offers. As noted, there are many offers and plans available for small business owners, but pay specific attention to business credit card plans with introductory offers for 0% APR. While this may be a good option for an immediate, high-end purchase to support your business, you need to find out what the conditions for the APR are – under what conditions will it rise, and what are your options if it does rise. Beware of getting stuck with a high APR after the introductory period.

Consider the rewards. Many cards will offer perks for both you and your employees including discounts with preferred vendors and airlines, as well as rewards points.

Lay the ground rules. Make sure your employees know exactly what can and cannot be charged on the credit card. Some cards will let you adjust the credit limit on individual employee cards, as well as limit where the cards can be used.

CIRA Phishing Scam

4/30/2011

Posted on 4/30/2011 by Rosalind Scott
The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) has received reports of a phishing scam, using images from the CIRA website, which is designed to collect personal information, including credit card numbers.

This is a targeted phishing attack. CIRA wishes to advise you that CIRA does not ask for credit card information, as all registrations are performed through .CA certified Registrars. If you have provided your credit card information to this site, CIRA strongly advise that you contact your credit card company or bank immediately.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Registration Support at info@cira.ca or by telephone at 1-877-860-1411.

Torch Award Tickets on Sale Now!

4/20/2011

Posted on 4/20/2011 by Rosalind Scott
Join Us for the Awards Celebration of the Year!
This year the 2011 Torch Award celebration is a “Fab 70’s Glitz & Glam” themed red-carpet gala event that you don't want to miss! Experience the paparazzis, the red-carpet entrance, a special Kamikaze martini, amuse bouche, a gourmet four-course dinner, live entertainment, dancing, professional photography, videography, limo service and discounted hotel room rates and golf packages.

When: 6 p.m., May 6, 2011
Where: The Ballroom at the Westin; Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa  

Tickets are on sale now. $125 + HST. 6 p.m. Reception. Reserved Seating. (Price includes a seated four-course gourmet dinner and the awards gala presentation)   

Call 250.386.6348 ext. 109 to book your seat. Space is limited, so call now!

Phone Scams Target B.C. residents, warns BBB

4/20/2011

Posted on 4/20/2011 by

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning of phone calls that are fraudulently claiming to be from legitimate businesses, but are in fact scams meant to steal credit card numbers and other sensitive personal information.

“People should think twice when giving out any information over the phone – even if the name sounds legitimate,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Scammers often use familiar or well-established names in order to gain trust, which poses a real danger to the public.”

BBB has received reports fromthe public recently about unsolicited phone calls from companies such as Safeway, Air Miles, Microsoft and West Jet. Most of these fraudulent phone calls begin the same way: an automated or live caller contacts the person, referencing membership points and a prize―including bonus points, extra miles or a vacation. The caller then asks the person to provide their credit card information for verification. These companies have advised that they do not make unsolicited calls in which they request personal or financial information.

In the case of the alleged caller from Microsoft, they claim to be phoning about a serious problem with the person’s computer. The caller warns that if the problem is not solved, the computer will become unusable. In order to “fix” it, the computer owner is directed to a website and told to download a program, plus pay a fee for a subscription to this preventative service.

The catch: there was never anything wrong with the computer, the caller is not working for Microsoft, and the owner has downloaded to their computer damaging malware and spyware.

BBB advises the public that these phony phone calls are common, and people should:

Treat all unsolicited phone calls with skepticism. Check with the organization directly that the caller is claiming to be from, using the contact numbers found on their website.

Do not provide any personal information. Many of these scam calls are an attempt to steal your identity, not just your money. Don’t provide personal information over the telephone.

Report any fraudulent activity, especially if you’ve been a victim. Consumers should report any fraudulent activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 (888) 495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre.ca.

Businesses who failed to respond in March 2011

4/19/2011

Posted on 4/19/2011 by
These businesses were contacted by the BBBVI concerning complaints registered in our office. None of these non-responding businesses are BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB Accredited Buinesses agree to respond to all complaints.
We encourage all businesses to deal with complaints in a timely fashion.
Click here to view businesses who failed to respond in March 2011.

BBB Welcomes New Accredited Businesses

4/13/2011

Posted on 4/13/2011 by

Tectrax Network Technologies Victoria
Studio DB3 North Saanich
G. Martin Custom Builders Ltd.Nanaimo
V Force Inc. Victoria
The Island IT Victoria
M.J. Barry Construction Victoria
Accurate Air Duncan
Apex Landscaping and Irrigation Duncan
Sooke Moving & Storage Sooke
ASI Contracting Victoria
Home Again Seniors Transition Services Sooke
Lewis Modern Home Renovations Nanaimo
Cowichan Collision Ltd. Duncan
Reg Midgley Motors Ltd. Victoria
Busix Computer Services Ltd. Victoria

Click here to view the businesses whose applications for accreditation were approved by our Board of Directors this month.

Illegal Door-to-Door Sales Practices

4/12/2011

Posted on 4/12/2011 by Rosalind Scott
Consumer Protection BC has ordered Factory Save Exteriors (including Factory Save Windows and Factory Save Management) to bring their sales contracts into compliance with the requirements under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act and repay a $3,000 deposit paid by a BC consumer.

For more information about the specifics of this enforcement action visit the Consumer Protection BC website at: http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/news/corporate/932-warningagainstillegaldoortodoorsalestactics?catid=284%3Aall-industries

At BBB we regularly receive calls from consumers that have become victim of high pressure door-to-door sales contracts. At the BBB we advise consumers to consider the following tips in regards to all door-to-door sales opportunities:

Don’t fall victim to high-pressure sales tactics. If you are uncomfortable with a sales person ask them to leave your home and call the police if they do not leave immediately.

Before signing a contract or making a payment, ask the sales person for copies of a sample contract, warranty details and their contact information. Tell them you will research their offer and get back to them if you are interested.

Visit vi.bbb.org and look up the company's Business Review before finalizing any sale.

BBB warns consumers to watch out for Canucks’ playoff tickets scams

4/12/2011

Posted on 4/12/2011 by

Stanley Cup fever is taking over Vancouver as the Canucks head back to the playoffs, however, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises fans to be on the lookout for scams when searching for those elusive playoff tickets.

The internet has become a boon for the secondary ticket market for sporting and entertainment events, which includes tickets bought and sold by professional brokers, speculators and season ticket holders. According to StubHub.com (a fan-to-fan ticket selling website), online sales account for one-third of transactions and the market is growing 15 to 20 per cent a year. That many dollars being exchanged has attracted unethical ticket brokers and resellers.

BBB recommends looking for reputable ticket firms that provide buyer protections, including money back guarantees on the legitimacy of tickets. For example, some brokers take possession of tickets and verify them in-house before listing the tickets for resale; others require that sellers provide credit-card numbers as a protection to buyers. If the seller’s ticketsare fake, the seller’s credit card gets charged for the cost of replacement tickets.

Whether you’re buying from a ticket broker or a private seller, BBB offers this advice for ticket shopping this playoff season:

Check with BBB first. Find out the ticket broker’s credibility and reputation, such as time in the business and how they respond to complaints.

Look for an address. Some brokers advertising online through Craigslist and other classified sites may not be legitimate. Check to see if they have a storefront address where you can follow up with them should anything go wrong with your purchase.

Shop securely. Before you buy online, check the broker’s privacy policy. Look for the padlock and “https:” in the browser address to ensure your transaction is secure.

Read the fine print. Read through the terms and conditions and be sure to verify the ticket delivery dates. Find out what guarantees are offered with the purchase.

Never pay the seller by cash,cashier’s check or wire transfer. You will have no way to get your money back if the tickets do not arrive or are counterfeit. Pay with a credit card or through PayPal, both of which offer some protection to the buyer.

Buy tickets from authorized sources. Find out from the event organizer who authorized dealers are and when tickets are being released. For instance, the Vancouver Canucks have a Twitter feed announcing the release of new tickets and how to purchase them.

Check the history. If you buy tickets through eBay,choose a seller with a long history of satisfied customers. Scammers can hijackold accounts, so make sure the seller has recently sold other tickets. You should also click on the item number to view what was sold. It should send up a red flag if the seller has sold 500 items and has never sold tickets before.

Make sure they’rereal. If you're buying from a private party, verify that the tickets are authentic. Ask to see a receipt or paperwork showing where the tickets came from.

Tax Tips

4/7/2011

Posted on 4/7/2011 by
BBB recommends following the ten tips this tax season:

1. Start gathering your records: Round up any documents or forms you’ll need when filing your taxes: receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support income or deductions you’re claiming on your return.

2. Be on the lookout: All your relevant tax forms (T4's, T5's etc) should have arrived by now in order for you to file your tax return. If they have not, contact the appropriate business/organization and request they mail you the appropriate forms.

3. Check out online tax filing software: There are a number of brand-name tax software or online fillable forms available to help you with filing your taxes. Everyone can find an option to prepare their tax return and e-file it, sometimes for free or a small charge.

4. Try e-filing: e-filing is a safe, easy and common way to file a tax return. If you owe taxes, you have payment options to file immediately and pay by the tax deadline. Best of all, combine e-file with direct deposit and you get your refund returned very quickly.

5. Consider other filing options: There are many different options for filing your tax return. You can prepare it yourself or go to a tax preparer. Give yourself time to weigh all the different options and find the one that best suits your needs.

6. Consider Direct Deposit: If you elect to have your refund directly deposited into your bank account, you’ll receive it faster than waiting for a paper check.

7. Visit the CRA website again and again. The official CRA website is a great place to find everything you’ll need to file your tax return: forms, publications, tips, answers to frequently asked questions and updates on tax law changes.

8. Check out tax credits, deductions and benefits. There are a number of ways for individuals, families, seniors persons with disabilities, homeowners, students and the self-employed to reduce their taxes.

9. Review! Review! Review! Don’t rush. Be sure to double-check all the Social Insurance Numbers, dates and math calculations on your return as these are the most common errors made by taxpayers.

10. Don’t panic! If you run into a problem, remember the CRA is here to help. Try www.cra-arc.gc.ca or call toll-free at 1.800.959.8281.

Remember, when seeking the assistance of a tax preparer, always get referrals from friends and family on who they use and check the BBB Business Review on tax preparation services at vi.bbb.org.

For more advice on finding professionals you can trust and for filing your taxes accurately, visit www.bbb.org and www.irs.gov.

Monthly Business Tip: All About You

4/6/2011

Posted on 4/6/2011 by Rosalind Scott
Sometimes it has to be all "About" you.  Many businesses painstakingly tweak their website's home page, but often it's the  little-noticed "About Us" page that helps to close a sale. Keep Your “About” page honest. Stick with  the facts. Make it to the point. And think about your customer’s needs.

Email Provider Affected by Huge Security Breach

4/7/2011

Posted on 4/7/2011 by Rosalind Scott

The world's largest permission-based email marketing service, Epsilon, reported a breach in its security this past Friday, according to Mashable.

So far it looks like users have had their email addresses exposed in the breach. The list keeps growing of companies affected and so far includes:

TiVo
Kroger
JPMorgan Chase
Capital One
Citi
Walgreens
LL Bean

Let us know if you were you affected?

Read more: http://mashable.com/2011/04/03/epsilon-hacked/

BBB Warns of Phishing Email Received from Epsilon Data Breach

4/7/2011

Posted on 4/7/2011 by
Just days after millions of customers' email addresses were stolen in one of the largest data breaches in U.S. history, the Better Business Bureau is seeing one of the first Epsilon data breach phishing scams.

Phishing, a popular emailing scam, is a term coined by computer hackers who use email to fish the Internet hoping to hook you into giving them your logins, passwords and/or credit card information. If you are a customer of one of the companies that had email data stolen, BBB is warning you to be on the lookout for phishing emails.

Typical phishing scammers pose as reputable companies to fraudulently obtain your personal information. In this case, the BBB is now seeing emails being sent from a fake 'Chase Bank,' one of the companies whose data was compromised. Following suit, the email warns that ‘your account’ will be deactivated or deleted if you do not update your profile immediately. The email instructs you to update your account by clicking on the link provided.

“These hackers are looking for you to respond with vital information that can ultimately lead to identity theft,” said Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Consumers need to know the red flags in order to keep their identity protected.”

BBB advises consumers that there could be other phishing emails shooting through cyberspace and to do the following if they suspect they have fallen victim to a phishing scam.

Never reply to the email. If the message includes a link within it, never click it. Many schemers use this as way to spread a viral attack on your computer.

Do not give personal or financial information to anyone who contacts you via email. Even if they claim they are from your bank, the IRS or a law enforcement agency, these businesses will not contact you via email; they will send you a letter.

Spread the word. Discuss phishing scams with all the members of your family who have email addresses. Young people are very computer savvy, but may not be scam savvy, and older adults are specifically targeted by scammers because they are often very trusting.

Transmitted information should be encrypted. When sending personal information like addresses, credit card numbers and Social Security numbers over the Internet, make sure the website is fully encrypted and the network is secure. Look for https (the “s” stands for secure) at the beginning of the URL address to confirm its security.

Know the red flags. Watch out for grammatical mistakes in emails. Poor grammar or misspelled words are red flags that the email is probably a scam. Most importantly, never wire money based on instructions in one of these suspicious emails. Scammers prey on those who think they need to wire money to have a situation resolved.

Protect your computer. Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date and run it regularly.

Torch Awards are Here!

3/30/2011

Posted on 3/30/2011 by Rosalind Scott
It's that time of year again, where we celebrate businesses that have gone above and beyond in their commitment to ethics in the marketplace. The 2011 Torch Awards are fast approaching.

On May 6, 2011 businesses from across Vancouver Island will come together to celebrate the achievements of one another at the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa.

This week the BBB announced the 99 businesses that were recognized by their customers for being fair, honest and reliable. These businesses are what define the Torch Awards. To see the list of businesses that were nominated check out: http://vi.bbb.org/article/bbb-announces-2011-torch-award-nominees-26310.

This week we also announced the 56 businesses who's customer nominations really made them stand out from the crowd in their commitment to ethics and customer service. These are the businesses that will be in the running to win a Torch Award on May 6.To see the list of Torch Award finalists visit:http://vi.bbb.org/article/bbb-announces-2011-torch-award-finalists-26311

If you wish to join us at the 2011 Torch Awards it is a gala event that you don't want to miss. I can guarantee that no other awards show on Vancouver Island will be like it! Tickets are on sale now. $125 + HST per seat. To reserve your space call Wendy at 250.386.6348 ext 109 or email wendy@vi.bbb.org.

BBB Announces 2011 Torch Award Finalists

3/27/2011

Posted on 3/27/2011 by

AND THE FINALISTS ARE…

BBB Announces 2011 Torch Award Finalists

VICTORIA, BC – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Vancouver Island announced the 2011 Torch Award finalists today.

“The following 56 business are in the running to win a 2011 Torch Award for ethical practices in the marketplace,” says said Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Of the 99 businesses nominated by consumers for being fair, honest and reliable these companies really stood out from the crowd. Every nominee should be proud of themselves for their outstanding customer service and every finalist deserves to win a Torch Award. Only 12 businesses however, will receive a prestigious Torch Award.

And the finalists are:

Automotive Sales & Service

Boyd Autobody & Glass (Victoria)

Tires Unlimited (Victoria)
Old Style Repairs (Victoria)

Victoria Transmission & Auto Care (Victoria)

Westshore Transmissions Ltd. (Victoria)

Bathroom & Kitchen

Bath Fitter (Victoria)

The Bathtub Doctor (Victoria)

BC Tub Liners (Victoria)

IAB Island Acrylic Bath Systems(Victoria)

Precision Marble (Victoria)

Cement & Custom Stoneworks

Bedrock Paving (Victoria)

D R Faust Finishing & Stoneworks (Comox)

Liquid Stone Studios (Ladysmith)

Mud Dog Concrete (Victoria)

Cleaning Services

Above All Cleaning (Courtenay)

Aquamist Carpet Care Ltd.(Victoria)

Clean Sweep Chimney Service (Victoria)

Sani-Tech Services Ltd. (Victoria)

Victoria Window Cleaning (Victoria)

General Contractors, Home Building & Renovations

Eagleye Home Restoration Services Ltd. (Victoria)

G E Miller Builder & Contractor (Victoria)

Hire-A-Husband (Victoria)

R.A. Spencer Contracting (Courtenay)

Top Coat Painting (Victoria)

Hospitality, Tourism & Event Services

Evedar's Bistro (Victoria)

Fat Phege's Fudge Factory (Victoria)

LA Limousines (Victoria)

Spice of Life Catering (Lantzville)

Two Eagles Lodge (Union Bay)

Installation, Service & Repairs

4 Seasons Heating & Cooling (Victoria)

Current Millwork & Design (Parksville)

Glenn's Gas Fireplace Service &

Repair (Victoria)

Van Isle Windows Ltd. (Victoria)

Moving & Storage

Bekins Moving & Storage Canada Ltd. (Victoria)

Foster's Moving & Storage (Victoria)

Greaves Moving & Storage Ltd. (Victoria)

Provincial Moving & Storage Ltd. (Victoria)

Outstanding Customer Service

Dave Wheaton Chevrolet

Buick Cadillac GMC (Victoria)

Premiere Van Lines(Victoria)

Old Style Repair (Victoria)

Thermal King Glass (Victoria)

Professional Services

Dr. Robin Richardson - Funeral

Planner (Victoria)

Enabled Financial Solutions Ltd.(Victoria)

Pacific Companion Service Ltd. (Victoria)

Priority 1 Computer Service Ltd. (Victoria)

T. J. Simpson (Barrister & Solicitor) (Duncan)

Retail Sales & Service
Gala Fabrics Ltd. (Victoria)
Hill Billy Golf Canada (Victoria)

Kritters & Fins (Victoria)

Lugaro Jewellers (Victoria)

The Resume Hut ®(Victoria)

Roofers

Admirals Roofing (Victoria)

Oceanside Roofing Ltd. (Parksville)

Parker Johnston Industries Ltd.(Victoria)

Soare Contracting Inc.(Victoria)

Vintage Roofing Ltd. (Victoria)

Winners of the 2011 Torch Awards will be announced at the gala event on May 6, 2011 in the Westin Ball Room at the Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa.

Tickets are on sale now. Price per seat is $125 + HST. Price includes a four-course gourmet dinner, awards gala presentation and entertainment. Space is limited. Call now to reserve your seat 250.386.6348 ext. 109.

For more information visit vi.bbb.org/torch_awards.

and our 2011 Torch Award Gala Partners:

Arthur Murray Dance Studio
LA Limousines
Insite Display
Sharp’s Audio Visual
Animax Design
Dean Kalyan Photography

Huff N Puff

BBB Announces 2011 Torch Award Nominees

3/27/2011

Posted on 3/27/2011 by

AND THE NOMINEES ARE…

BBB Announces 2011 Torch Award Nominees

VICTORIA, BC – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Vancouver Island announced the 2011 Torch Award Nominees today.

“The 2011 Torch Awards promise to be an exciting event this year,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “We received a record breaking number of nominations for different businesses. This year 99 different businesses were recognized by their customers for having gone above and beyond in their commitment to being fair, honest and reliable.”

And the nominees are:

Automotive Sales & Service

Boyd Autobody & Glass (Victoria)

Bullfrog Transmission (Victoria)

C B Autotech Collision &

Auto Body Repair (Victoria)
Old Style Repair (Victoria)

Pennzoil 10 Minute Oil Change (Victoria)

Progressive Auto Repair &

Maintenance (Victoria)

Six Mile Tire (Victoria)

Sound Solutions (Victoria)

Tires Unlimited (Victoria)

Victoria BMW (Victoria)

Victoria Transmission & Auto Care (Victoria)

Westshore Transmissions Ltd. (Victoria)

Bathroom & Kitchen

Bath Fitter (Victoria)

The Bathtub Doctor (Victoria)

BC Tub Liners (Victoria)

Handyman Connection (Victoria)

IAB Island Acrylic Bath Systems (Victoria)

Precision Marble (Victoria)

Cement & Custom Stoneworks

Bedrock Paving (Victoria)

D R Faust Finishing &

Stoneworks (Comox)

Liquid Stone Studios (Ladysmith)

Mud Dog Concrete (Victoria)

Cleaning Services

Above All Cleaning (Courtenay)

Aquamist Carpet Care Ltd. (Victoria)

Avalon Drycleaners Laundry (Victoria)

Clean Sweep Chimney Service (Victoria)

Sani-Tech Services Ltd. (Victoria)

The Moss Man Home Maintenance (Victoria)

Victoria Window Cleaning (Victoria)

General Contractors, Home Building & Renovations

Eagleye Restoration Services Ltd. (Victoria)

G E Miller Builder & Contractor (Victoria)

Hire-A-Husband (Victoria)

JWD Home Renovations (Victoria)

R.A. Spencer Contracting (Courtenay)

Stellar Developments Ltd. (Victoria)

Top Coat Painting (Victoria)

The Travelling Toolbox (Victoria)

Hospitality, Tourism & Event Services

Evedar's Bistro (Victoria)

Fat Phege's Fudge Factory (Victoria)

Kenmar Flower Farm (Victoria)

LA Limousines (Victoria)

Spice of Life Catering (Lantzville)

Two Eagles Lodge (Union Bay)

Van Houtte Coffee Services (Victoria)

Installation, Service & Repairs

4 Seasons Heating & Cooling (Victoria)

Brighton Drain Services (Victoria)

Built Right Fencing (Victoria)

Current Millwork & Design (Parksville)

D B Cabinets (Victoria)

Deckadence (Victoria)

Eagleye Restoration Services Ltd. (Victoria)

First Response Glass (Victoria)

Glenn's Gas Fireplace Service &

Repair (Victoria)

Good Neighbours Fencing (Victoria)

Island Basement Systems (Victoria)

M. Weflen Contracting (Nanaimo)

Marson Hardwood Floors (Victoria)

Phantom Screens (Comox)

Royal Rooter Plumbing &

Drain Cleaning (Victoria)
Thermal King Glass (Victoria)

Van Isle Windows Ltd. (Victoria)

Victoria Tank Service Ltd. (Victoria)

Moving & Storage

Bekins Moving & Storage Canada Ltd. (Victoria)

Foster's Moving & Storage (Victoria)

Greaves Moving & Storage Ltd. (Victoria)

Provincial Moving & Storage Ltd. (Victoria)

Outstanding Customer Service

Dave Wheaton Chevrolet

Buick Cadillac GMC (Victoria)

Premiere Van Lines (Victoria)

UK Sailmakers Northwest (Victoria)

Old Style Repair (Victoria)

Thermal King Glass (Victoria)

Professional Services

Beltone Hearing Care Centre (Victoria)

Bill Hartley Insurance Services (Victoria)

Dr. Robin Richardson Independant - Funeral

Planner (Victoria)

Enabled Financial Solutions (Victoria)

GICdirect.com Financial Services Ltd. (Victoria)

Pacific Companion Service (Victoria)

Priority 1 Computer Service Ltd. (Victoria)

T. Joseph Simpson (Barrister & Solicitor) (Duncan)

Tesseract 2.0 Computing (Victoria)

The Island I.T. (Victoria)

Retail Sales & Service

Armeni Jewellers (Victoria)

Barclay's Fine Custom Jewellers Ltd. (Victoria)

Gala Fabrics Ltd. (Victoria)

Hill Billy Golf Canada (Victoria)

Kritters & Fins (Victoria)

London Drugs (Store #054) (Victoria)

Lugaro Jewellers (Victoria)

The Resume Hut ® (Victoria)

Vision 2000 (Victoria)

Roofers

Admirals Roofing (Victoria)

Aerial Roofing (Victoria)

Oceanside Roofing Ltd. (Parksville)

Parker Johnston Industries Ltd. (Victoria)

Proline Roofing Ltd. (Victoria)

Sam the Roofer (Victoria)

Soare Contracting Inc. (Victoria)

Victoria Roofing & Insulation Co. (Victoria)

Vintage Roofing Ltd. (Victoria)

2011 Torch Award Finalists for each category will be announced on Wednesday March 30, 2011.

Winners of the 2011 Torch Awards will be announced at the gala event on May 6, 2011 in the Westin Ball Room at the Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa.

Tickets are on sale now. Price per seat is $125 + HST. Price includes a four-course gourmet dinner, awards gala presentation and entertainment. Space is limited. Call now to reserve your seat 250.386.6348 ext. 109.

For more information visit vi.bbb.org/torch_awards .

...and to our 2011 Torch Award Gala Partners:

Arthur Murray Dance Studio

LA Limousines

Insite Display

Sharp’s Audio Visual

Animax Design

Dean Kalyan

DIRECTORY ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY MISLEADING ISLAND BUSINESSES

3/24/2011

Posted on 3/24/2011 by
Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns Vancouver Island businesses to be wary of fax and email solicitations currently targeting local companies encouraging them to advertise in a business directory with a similar name to another reputable business directory.

BBB has recently received numerous calls from local businesses stating that they are receiving unsolicited online directory advertising order forms from a company that at first glance could be misconstrued to represent the Yellow Pages. The company issuing the order form claims to be updating business directory information for YellowPage-BritishColumbia.com on behalf of Yellow Publishing Ltd. The order form includes logo very similar to the traditional Yellow Pages logo (an image of walking index fingers).

Businesses should be warned that this directory advertising opportunity has no affiliation with the Yellow Pages Group or with YellowPages.ca online. It also has no affiliation with YellowPages.com or the AT+T Real Yellow Pages.

If you fill out, sign and return the order form your business may be held legally responsible to fulfill a two-year contract payable one year in advance with 14-day payment terms to the Yellow Publishing Ltd. One local business reports being billed over $1400 for advertising they did not realize they were purchasing.

“Businesses just like consumers really need to pay attention to the details, fine print and to do their home work before filling out any forms and signing any documents,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Businesses may find that this other directory advertising opportunity, or even other similar ones, are something they are interested in participating in and are of value to their company. However, there are many business directory opportunities that mislead businesses into believing they are getting something that they are in fact not getting. In this particular case, at first glance the order forms appears to be for an online Yellow Pages ad when in fact it is for something very different.”

Both businesses locally and across Canada were the target of this mass mail out misleading directory advertising opportunity at approximately the same time last year.

To protect your business from unknowingly signing up for advertising consider the following tips:

• Stay informed on current scams and suspicious activities targeting businesses. Visit vi.bbb.org for regular updates;

• Educate your staff about this advertising ploy and other scams targeting businesses;

• Do not give out private business information without carefully confirming who you are giving it to;

• Before doing business with any company check them out locally at vi.bbb.org and internationally at bbb.org;

• Make a list of specific directories that you wish to advertise in each year and only advertise and make payments to those specific companies (watch for fake order forms and invoices!);

• If you think you’re the target of a business scam inform the BBB.

Beware Fraudulent Charities

3/17/2011

Posted on 3/17/2011 by Rosalind Scott
It really couldn't be more timely. March is Fraud Prevention Month and right in the middle of BBB and Victoria Police Department spreading tips on protecting yourself from scams, we hear about the influx of frauds as a result of the Japan Earthquake/Tsumani disaster.

Consider the following tips before donating your money to charity:

Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity. Go to www.bbb.org/charity to research charities and relief organizations to verify that they are accredited by the BBB and meet the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.  

Be cautious when giving online, especially in response to spam messages and emails that claim to link to a relief organization.

Find out if the charity has an on-the-ground presence in the disaster impact areas. Unless the charity already has staff in the affected areas, it may be difficult to get new aid workers to quickly provide assistance.

Find out if the charity is providing direct aid or raising money for other groups. Check out the ultimate recipients of your donations to ensure the organizations are equipped to effectively provide aid.

Be wary of claims that 100 percent of donations will assist relief victims. If a charity claims that 100 percent of collected funds will be assisting earthquake victims, the truth is that the organization is still probably incurring fund raising and administrative expenses.

Gifts of clothing, food or other in-kind donations. In-kind drives for food and clothing—while well intentioned— may not necessarily be the quickest way to help those in need - unless the organization has the staff and infrastructure to be able to properly distribute such aid.

Look for details when texting a donation. Beginning with the earthquake in Haiti, it’s become common to send a text to make a donation. Make sure you understand the amount to be donated, and whether there will be any service fees charged to your account. Be sure the offer clearly identifies which charity will receive the donation, then check out the charity.

Protecting Yourself from Online Classified Ad and Auction Scams

3/17/2011

Posted on 3/17/2011 by
Online classified ads and auctions are a great way to find good deals on a variety of products and services. It’s important to note however that the Internet is a playground for cyber criminals looking for opportunities to take advantage of unsuspecting victims.

“Time and time again we hear reports from people using online classified advertising sites such as Craigslist or Used Victoria, or online auction sites who have become victims of a scam,” says Detective Rick Anthony of the Victoria Police. “In some instances the victim may have unsuspectingly purchased stolen property, in other cases the victim is the person selling an item to a scam artist.”

“Most of the complaints we receive from consumers pertaining to online classified ads or auction sites are for big ticket items such as cars, vacation rentals, electronics, tickets and novelty products,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “We hear about these scams more commonly because they have a bigger financial impact on the victims. I suspect however that similar frauds are occurring for smaller priced items as well. Before engaging in any transaction it is vital that you have confidence and trust in the business, website or person that you will be giving your money to.”

The following are some common online classified ad and auction scams to target Victoria and Vancouver Island residents:

1) Stolen Property: Scammers have been known to steal property and sell it online in hopes of making some quick cash. Stolen bikes and electronics are often sold this way. If the police discover that you purchased a stolen product you will likely have to return it to its rightful owner and in many circumstances you will not be reimbursed for your purchase.

Recognizing the Patterns of Fraud:
• People selling stolen items are often looking to sell it “quickly.”
• Be wary of people selling multiples of similar items.
• Watch for suspicious back-stories about an item’s history or reason for being sold.

Tips to Protect Yourself:
• Always ask for proof of purchase and/or service records when buying an item online. This not only reduces the chances that the item was stolen, but will help you to better understand or research the quality of the product you are purchasing, as well as information to related to warranties.

2) Money Wiring: Both buyers and sellers have become victims of frauds via money wiring requests. Scam artists using wire serve payments (i.e. Western Union or MoneyGram) often require payment be made this way because they are out of the country, require some fake confirmation code, or don’t have access to a bank.

Recognizing the Patterns of Fraud:
• Be wary of buyers and sellers (or any stranger) that is in a urgent, complicated, or emotional need of payment via a money wiring service. Once wired money has been received on the other end it is untraceable.

Tips to Protect Yourself:
• When paying for a product always pay by credit card and use a secure online payment system such as PayPal (etc.). Both the credit card company and the secure online payment system should have security features in place to protect you should your purchase not be delivered.

3) Overpayment Scams: In this scam the buyer will overpay (usually with a fake money order or cheque) for a product and request that you send back a refund for the difference in price. Often the scammer will request that the refund be sent to a third party. Once you have cashed the fake money order or cheque you are responsible for the funds. Victims often report having just mailed out the product and refunded the overpayment amount to the scammer upon being notified by the bank that the money order or cheque was a fake. Victims are then out both the product and the money.

Recognizing the Patterns of Fraud:
• Know that almost all overpayments are part of a scam.
• Overpayment scams typically require money to be wired or the product to be paid for by money order or cheque.

Tips to Protect Yourself:
• Do not participate in overpayment schemes. If you find yourself part of one contact your local police.
• If you must accept payment from a stranger via money order or cheque be sure to hold the money in your account for an acceptable amount of time before spending it, so that the banks can clear the money order or cheque (typically 3 weeks or more).

4) Phishing Scams: This is a very common scam that takes a number of forms. In this scam victims receive emails that appear to come from an official site administrator (i.e. eBay, Paypal etc.). These emails will at all appearances look official and typically require you to click on a link to sign into your account or update your account information (often and ironically claiming to be for security purposes). One you click on the link and enter your information you have just given the scammer access to your personal and account information from which they can now operate. Often in the cases of eBay the scammer will then “purchase” products using your financial information, but have the items shipped directly to themselves.

Recognizing the Patterns of Fraud:
• Phishing emails often have spelling mistakes and grammatical errors in them.
• Be wary of unsolicited contact via email from company’s, organizations, banks etc. asking you to update or enter your account information.

Tips to Protect Yourself:
• Always check the specifics of who an email is “from” before opening it or clicking on any links. Check the “from” email address against other normal email correspondence you may have received from the company/organization.
• If you receive an email requesting that you update or enter your account information do not click on the link. Instead go directly to the website yourself, typing in the address or using your bookmark, rather than following a link from another source.
• Don’t be lured away from secure sites. Always check the URL to ensure it is legitimate before entering personal information in a website.

For more information on Fraud Prevention Month or for updates on fraud related topics this month visit www.vi.bbb.org/fraud-prevention-month or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.phonebusters.com

For more information about the BBB visit www.vi.bbb.org.For more information about the Victoria Police Department visit www.vicpd.ca.

Be Wary of Get-Rich-Quick Business Schemes

3/17/2011

Posted on 3/17/2011 by
Each year residents of Vancouver Island receive invitations to attend presentations and business seminars that promise opportunities to "get-rich-quick." In most circumstances the seminars are mass mailed to targeted cities and promise to deliver hidden secrets on how to access instant wealth, investment and real estate opportunities or tips on how to avoid paying taxes.

Both the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Victoria Police Department want to remind people that while the information presented at these seminars may sound very enticing, the reality is that very few people actually ever “get-rich-quick” and many opportunities that promise easy or instant wealth are scams.

“When most people sign up for free seminars they don’t realize that what they are going to is typically a high pressure sales pitch of some sort,” says Rosalind Scott, BBB Executive Director. "No one can afford to be taken advantage of financially. Now more than ever people really need to use common sense and to know that if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.”

“While the person delivering the seminar may not be a scam artist per se, they are often a highly trained sales professional, pitching a chance to improve your financial situation by investing in materials, programs or services," says Detective Rick Anthony of the Victoria Police Department.

"Get-rich-quick" schemes often employ the same tactics to entice people to get involved. You can avoid becoming a victim of these schemes by learning to identify the patterns of fraud often associated with them.

Recognizing the Patterns of Fraud:

1) Be skeptical of advertising claims that promise instant wealth.
Tip to Protect Yourself: Ask the presenter for written substantiation of all their claims, as well statistics on their success and failure rates. Before you buy anything be sure you understand whether it is actually of value and that the value equals the price you will pay or investment you will make.

2) Be very wary of any sales pitches that use vague claims that lack concrete explanations.
Tip to Protect Yourself: Before putting any money down, or signing anything ask to see a written contract specifying the details of the agreement. Carefully read the fine print and be sure you understand the refund policy or any qualifying requirements. Do your research. Contact BBB (vi.bbb.org) and research online to find out all that you can about the company offering you the “get-rich-quick” opportunity.

3) Watch for high pressure sales tactics and limited time opportunities.
Tip to Protect Yourself: Don’t be pressured into purchasing a product or investing money immediately upon receiving information about it. Take the time to do some research and investigation. If an investment opportunity is being presented contact the BC Securities Commission to check it out. If it’s a business opportunity you are interested in contact a lawyer to review it with you, if it’s real estate, contact an independent real estate agent. If you are considering a tax sheltering opportunity contact your accountant or the Canada Revenue Agency to make sure it is legal and legitimate.

By using common sense and taking a precautionary approach to all “get-rich-quick” opportunities you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of fraud.

For more information on Fraud Prevention Month or for updates on fraud related topics this month visit www.vi.bbb.org/fraud-prevention-month or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.phonebusters.com

For more information about the BBB visit www.vi.bbb.org.For more information about the Victoria Police Department visit www.vicpd.ca.

Becoming a Better Business: Music, Your Business & SOCAN

3/14/2011

Posted on 3/14/2011 by

(Operating an ethical business means ensuring you meet all the licensing, certification and registration requirements for your industry. The following information has been provided to the BBB by the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN))

Music is one of the truly universal things that make people feel good all over the world. It also sells - ideas, services, products. The value of music to business owners is obvious and, in some cases, integral to their success. Imagine a dance club or an aerobics program without music. In restaurants, music helps create the desired atmosphere. At hockey games and other sporting events, songs are used to pump up the crowd and the home team. When music is performed or communicated to the public, the people who write and publish these songs must be compensated for it. In Canada, the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), is the organization that makes sure customers acquire the correct licence when music is publicly performed.

“We, at ABLE BC, appreciate the willingness of SOCAN to work with our association as a partner. This positive relationship has resulted in SOCAN keeping us better informed, proactively communicating with our members and having profile at industry events; a partnership that, like the music they license and we all enjoy, benefits everyone.” (Kim Haakstad, Executive Director, Alliance of Beverage Licensees of BC)

SOCAN provides music users, or customers, with a “one-stop-shop.” For the applicable licence fee, we offer access to virtually the world’s entire repertoire of copyright-protected music. We also support many associations across Canada through education outreach initiatives, attending trade shows, sponsorships and holding memberships. As well, SOCAN is a not-for-profit organization, and more than 80% of all monies collected from SOCAN customers are distributed back to the writers and publishers who are entitled to it.

"Many people don't realize that SOCAN is a not-for-profit organization owned and controlled by the actual songwriters and publishers. We receive money when our songs are played during live performances, on the radio and TV, but I know people also enjoy dancing and listening to music while eating and socializing so collecting money for that is equally as important. We love to be able to make music for a living and part of that is continuing to write great songs. SOCAN actually gets us paid for working! Now who doesn't want that and think it's fair?!" (Jacob Hoggard, lead singer, Hedley)

SOCAN helps music creators – songwriters, composers, lyricists and their publishers, as well as members of affiliated international performing rights organizations – by selling access to their music based on licence fees set out by the Copyright Board of Canada in tariffs published in the Canada Gazette. By paying their licence fees, SOCAN customers also have a hand in the success of SOCAN members.

“I am attached to SOCAN for survival. No matter what goes wrong within the industry, SOCAN is right there every 3 months with my performing rights cheque. For many years, the March SOCAN cheque was how I paid my income tax. The assistance they've given me over the years has been invaluable. SOCAN is there for the new up-and-coming writer as well as the established ones. I am proud to be a member of SOCAN.” (Randy Bachman, founder of the Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive)

In the end, not only does music bring value to business, but securing a licence is the right thing to do… so, if it feels good, do it! Obtain the appropriate SOCAN licence(s) for your business and know you play a part in supporting the music creators of the world.

For full details on SOCAN and our tariffs, visit www.socan.caor give us a call at our toll free numbers. For new customers, please call 1-866-944-6210, and for existing customer queries, please call 1-866-944-6223.

Tips to Improve the Security of Your Mobile Device

3/14/2011

Posted on 3/14/2011 by

Ever misplaced your iPhone or Blackberry? Today's mobile devices contain a vast array of private information that if put in the wrong hands has the potential to impact you and your business. If you haven't already BBB strongly suggests you consider the following tips to improving the security of your mobile device:

1) Activate your mobile device's password lock. Be sure when your phone is not in use that it is locked down, only to be unlocked via the entering of a private password. Be sure to set the length of time your phone will stay unlocked before automatically locking itself. Five minutes of non use is often recommended

2) The longer and more creative your password - the better. On many mobile devices and smartphones you can set the number of characters that your password must contain, as well as the number of password entry attempts that are allowable before it erases itself.

3) There are a number of apps out there that allow you to use GPS to track and trace the location of your phone, as well as alert others that your phone is lost, or backup sensitive data that you typically store on your phone.

4) Do not use the web browser features on your smartphone that allow you to remember usernames and passwords when logging on and off various online accounts. And while at times it is convenient you probably also want to turn off the auto-fill text feature as well.

5) Securely store your passwords. If your smartphone does not already have a built-in password organizer in place, consider downloading an app that will help you in organizing and remembering all your other passwords so that you don't have to store them directly on you phone.

For more information and specific tips and instructions on setting up the security features on your mobile device contact your system provider or check out:Upgrade Your Life: Simple security for your cell phone

Donor Alert: Giving to Pacific Tsunami and Japanese Earthquake Victims

3/14/2011

Posted on 3/14/2011 by

Be Sure Disaster Relief Charities are Legitimateand Equipped to Help

As we learn more about the 8.9-magnitude earthquake thathit near the northeast coast of Japan on Friday, the Better Business Bureau warns that—as occurred following the tsunami in 2004,Katrina in 2005 and the earthquake in Haiti just last year—fraudulent charitieswill likely emerge to try and scam donations from well-meaning individuals. BBB urges givers to make sure their donations will go to legitimate andreputable charities and relief efforts that have the capability to help those inneed.

“Wheneverthere is a major natural disaster, be it home or abroad, there are two thingsyou can count on. The first is the generosity of Canadians to donate time andmoney to help victims, and the second is the appearance of poorly run and insome cases fraudulent charities,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Not only do people need to be concernedabout avoiding fraud, they also need to make sure their money goes to competentrelief organizations that are equipped and experienced to handle the uniquechallenges of providing assistance.”

BBB offers the following seven tips to help people decide where to direct donations:

Rely on expert opinionwhen it comes to evaluating a charity. Be cautious when relying onthird-party recommendations such as bloggers or other Web sites, as they mightnot have fully researched the listed relief organizations. The public can go towww.bbb.org/charityto research charities and relief organizations to verify that they areaccredited by the BBB and meet the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Becautious when giving online. Be cautious about onlinegiving, especially in response to spam messages and emails that claim to linkto a relief organization. In response to the tsunami disaster in 2004, therewere concerns raised about many websites and new organizations that werecreated overnight allegedly to help victims.

Find out if the charityhas an on-the-ground presence in the disaster impact areas. Unless the charity already hasstaff in the affected areas, it may be difficult to get new aid workers toquickly provide assistance. See if the charity’s website clearlydescribes what they can do to address immediate needs.

Find out if the charityis providing direct aid or raising money for other groups. Some charities may be raisingmoney to pass along to relief organizations. If so, you may want toconsider “avoiding the middleman” and giving directly to charities that have apresence in the region. Or, at a minimum, check out the ultimate recipients ofthese donations to ensure the organizations are equipped to effectively provideaid.

Be wary of claims that 100 percent of donationswill assist relief victims. Despite what an organization might claim, charitieshave fund raising and administrative costs. Even a credit card donation willinvolve, at a minimum, a processing fee. If a charity claims that 100 percentof collected funds will be assisting earthquake victims, the truth is that theorganization is still probably incurring fund raising and administrativeexpenses. They may use some of their other funds to pay this, but theexpenses will still be incurred.

Gifts of clothing, foodor other in-kind donations. In-kinddrives for food and clothing—while well intentioned— may not necessarily be thequickest way to help those in need - unless the organization has the staff andinfrastructure to be able to properly distribute such aid. Ask the charityabout their transportation and distribution plans. Be wary of those who are notexperienced in disaster relief assistance.

Look for details when texting a donation. Beginning with the earthquakein Haiti, it’s become common to send a text to make a donation. Make sure youunderstand the amount to be donated, and whether there will be any service feescharged to your account. Be sure the offer clearly identifies which charitywill receive the donation, then check out the charity.

Fraud Prevention Month: Protect Your Mail

3/9/2011

Posted on 3/9/2011 by Rosalind Scott

If you haven't heard already BBB has teamed up with Victoria Police Department for Fraud Prevention Month. Together we have determined four hot topics related to frauds impacting Vancouver Island. Each week we are posting a new tips on our News Centre and on our Fraud Prevention Page. Visit http://vi.bbb.org/fraud-prevention-month to check out our tips. Share them with your family, your friends, your employees and your coworkers.

Another great source of information on protecting yourself from fraud is the Postal Security page on the Canada Post website. Check out http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/aboutus/corporate/security/default.jsf

Mail fraud is often the source of identity theft. Protect your mail, protect yourself.

Financial Fraud Impacts Seniors on Vancouver Island

3/9/2011

Posted on 3/9/2011 by
Reports of financial fraud related to elder abuse are on the rise on Vancouver Island. The Island is an attractive destination for retirees and it is estimated that over 18 per cent of the population is 65+ years old. This makes Vancouver Island a hot bed of activity for unscrupulous scammers looking to take advantage of the senior population.

"Financial fraud is one of the fastest growing forms of elder abuse. Financial elder abuse occurs when seniors pocketbooks are exploited by scammers who take advantage of a persons vulnerabilities that may be associated with their age, like hearing loss, loneliness, physical limitations or impaired mental capacity," says Detective Rick Anthony of the Victoria Police Department. "Elder abuse is a crime and it affects thousands of seniors from all social, religious, economic and cultural backgrounds."

"Most elder abuse happens to a senior by someone they know, such as a family member, friend or caregiver," says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. "Many victims do not realize they have been taken advantage of, or when they do know they are very embarrassed and do not want to tell anyone about it."

Common financial elder abuse frauds:
1) Undue influence - Vulnerable seniors are often duped into making financial decisions that impact them dramatically by someone they know or someone appearing in an 'official' capacity who swindles them into giving up money, property, decision making capacity or personal information. In some instances elders have been tricked into signing over their homes, making large investments or donating large sums of money. Often the scammers play on the emotional heartstrings of the elder, use confusing tactics or convince the senior that they must take action for their own well-being.

2) Unauthorized access to banking or financial information - Building up a relationship of trust some scammers use this to entice elders to hand over private banking and financial information such as bank account numbers, credit card numbers, account balances, passwords and PIN numbers.

3) Unsolicited home repair work - Knowing that many elders are limited physically and possibly unable to complete many routine home repairs, fraudsters will often point out a project that may need doing at a senior's residence. Many elders, embarrassed or concerned about the state of their homes will hire scammers who will overcharge, do poor quality work or steal directly from the elder.

4) Telemarketing and mail fraud - Everyday thousands of seniors are targeted by fraudulent telemarketers who often pretend to sound official while conducting credit card fraud, lottery scams, investment scams and identity theft.

Recognizing the patterns of fraud:
Unfortunately financial elder abuse can be difficult to identify. It often takes a caring family, friend or caregiver to recognize that financial fraud has taken place. If you know of a vulnerable senior be wary of the following signs:
• Belongings or property is missing;
• Unusual activity in bank accounts;
• Complaints from senior that they suddenly cannot afford normal purchases;
• Suspicious stories about strangers or people they know getting involved in personal affairs;
• Unnecessary purchases (often with large price tags);
• Sudden changes to Power of Attorney or Will;
• Sudden interest in investment or business opportunity;
• Claims they have won a prize, lottery or vacation;
• Numerous unpaid bills;
• Bounced cheques.

If you or someone you know has become a victim of financial elder abuse report to your local police immediately.

For more information on Fraud Prevention Month or for updates on fraud related topics this month visit www.vi.bbb.org/fraud-prevention-monthor the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.phonebusters.com.

For more information about the BBB visit www.vi.bbb.org. For more information about the Victoria Police Department visit www.vicpd.ca.

Protecting Yourself from Debit and Credit Card Fraud

3/9/2011

Posted on 3/9/2011 by

It is sometimes difficult to believe that the small communities on Vancouver Island would be hot targets for credit and debit card fraud, but the truth is that anywhere credit and debit cards can be used, the reality of such fraud exists.

"It is estimated that there are over two million ATM machines around the world, any many more point-of-sale (POS)terminals," says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. "If we stop to think about how often we use credit and debit cards to pay for purchases, we suddenly begin to realize just how accessible our credit and debit card information has become."

“Debit and credit card thieves employ numerous tactics to steal your card information," says Detective Rick Anthony ofthe Victoria Police Department. "Sometimes they use low tech tactics like merely looking over your shoulder while you enter your PIN number, other times they use high tech devices to steal your card information."

Over the past year many people across Vancouver Island have found their debit and credit card information compromised. While we tend to think of debit and credit card thieves as faceless strangers in many cases such theft occurs by people we know such as family members or dishonest employees at places we do business.

So how can you protect yourself from becoming avictim of debit and credit card fraud? While it is impossible to prevent it, keep in mind the following activities that will help you in recognizing the patterns of debit and credit card fraud.

1)Blocking & Trapping Devices: Blocking and trapping devices are often inserted into ATM devices to steal your card directly from the machine or to trap the money you withdraw from your account. In both cases the thief is often lurking nearby watching you enter your PIN and/or waiting for you to move away from the machine in order to steal your card or your cash.

2)Card Skimming, Overlay and Fake Pin Pad Devices: Card skimming occurs when a device external to the ATM is used to capture your account information such as your PIN number, account number and balance. Fake ATM machines, fake pin pads and other overlay devices (ie. a dishonest clerk makes an extra carbon imprint of your credit card) are more and more commonly being used to steal credit and debit card data. Such devices can often store hundreds of debit and credit card data before being removed by thieves.

3)Shoulder Surfing & Video Cameras: Video cameras and PIN spies often lurk near ATM and POS terminals recording your PIN and account information. Once thieves have your PIN and account information thieves will make magnetic strips to reproduce your card.

4)Dumpster and Mailbox Diving: Some debit and credit card information is stolen when thieves sift through your garbage or recycling looking for discarded receipts, carbon copies or banking statements. Othertimes thieves will steal you mail if they recognize that it contains a banking statement.

5)Lost or Stolen Wallets: A significant amount of credit and debit card fraud still occurs the old fashion way, when you lose your wallet orsomeone steals your cards from it. In the majority of circumstances the theft often occurs by someone you know or who has access to your personal space (i.e.family, friend, housekeeper etc.).

6)Online Transactions: An ever-growing number of people are making purchases via the web, exposing their credit and debit card information to cybercriminals. Most online credit and debit card fraud does not occur via securesites or online payment services, but when account information is transferred via email, unsecured websites or entered on a computer in which spyware isinstalled.

Recognizing Patterns of Fraud

While it can be difficult to identify situations in which your debit and credit cards are being compromised there are a few red flags to watch for:

Watch for odd changes to regularly used ATM machines, POS terminals and PIN pads;
Do not use ATM's or POS terminals with signs taped or glued to them;
Be suspicious of people lurking around bank machines and cash registers;
Be wary of situations in which someone insists on holding the PIN pad for you;
Immediately alert your bank if your card or money cannot be retrieved from an ATM;
When making online purchases be skeptical of people trying to lure you away from payment via a secured sites.

Tips to Protect Yourself

Keep an eye on your debit and credit card at all times during a transaction;
Always use ATM machines that are located inside a bank, rather than outside on the street;
Never let a stranger help you, by giving them your PIN number if a machine does not appear to be working;
Shred all your banking and financial documents;
Keep banking statements carefully stored and locked away;
Keep your wallet and credit and debit cards in a secure location;
Never share you PIN number with people you know;
Empty your mailbox immediately after mail arrives, and pay attention to normal bank statement delivery days;
Check your bank statements regularly and compare them with your receipts.

For more information on Fraud Prevention Month or for updates on fraud related topics this month visit www.vi.bbb.org/fraud-prevention-monthor the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.phonebusters.com.

For more informationabout the BBB visit www.vi.bbb.org.

For more information about the Victoria Police Department visit www.vicpd.ca.

BBB AND VICTORIA POLICE JOIN FORCES FOR FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH

3/7/2011

Posted on 3/7/2011 by
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Vancouver Island and the Victoria Police Department are teaming up for the month of March to educate consumers and businesses on how to protect themselves from becoming the victims of scams that commonly target Vancouver Island.

“March is Fraud Prevention Month,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “This year we are partnering with the Victoria Police Department, as well as local and national private sector firms, consumer and volunteer groups, government agencies and other law enforcement organizations to inform people about the main scams impacting our region.”

The general theme of Fraud Prevention Month this year is Recognizing the Patterns of Fraud.

“While each scam has a different appearance at the outset, almost every fraud contains the same elements,” says Scott. “Most scams play on people’s emotions, their greed or vanity and their purse strings. Once you are able to identify the common characteristics of a scam you are more likely to be able to protect yourself from becoming a victim.”

While incidences of identity theft itself have declined over the past couple of years, the impacts of fraud on Vancouver Island continue.

“The financial abuse of elders is a real concern of ours in the Victoria area, and in other communities on Vancouver Island,” says Detective Rick Anthony of the Victoria Police Department. “We are continually receiving reports of family members, home care workers and scam artists taking advantage of the elderly.”

The BBB and Victoria Police Departments focus this month will be on providing helpful tips, tools and resources to consumers, businesses, students and seniors on how to protect themselves from becoming a victim of:

• Financial elder abuse;
• Online classified ads and auctions;
• Get rich quick schemes; and
• Credit Card and ATM fraud.

Media are invited contact Rosalind Scott (250.386.6348 ext 106 or rosalindscott@vi.bbb.org) to schedule an interview during the month of March with both the BBB and Victoria Police Department to further discuss one of the above (or any other fraud related) topic.

For more information on FraudPrevention Month or for updates on fraud related topics this month visit vi.bbb.org/fraud-prevention-month or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at phonebusters.com

For more informationabout the BBB visit vi.bbb.org.

For more information about the Victoria Police Department visit vicpd.ca.

March is Fraud Prevention Month

3/3/2011

Posted on 3/3/2011 by Rosalind Scott

March is Fraud Prevention Month, which means BBB along with a number of other non-profit, government, and enforcement agencies will be working diligently this month to educate consumers and businesses on how to protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud.

You can keep track of what BBB is doing for Fraud Prevention Month by visiting http://vi.bbb.org/fraud-prevention-month

Each Monday we will be posting some helpful tips and resources on this page.

You might also want to check out the Competition Bureau of Canada's "Fraud Quiz" to test your fraud knowledge. Scams can be harder to spot than you may imagine. http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/02922.html

Another great resource for fraud information is Consumer Protection BC. The following are a number of case studies of actual frauds with tips on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

The Case of the Swindled Senior http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/component/content/article/805-fraudpreventionmonthswindledsenior

The Case of the Renovation Rip-Off
http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/news/other-businesses/806-case-renovation-ripoff

Case of the Tempting T-Bird
http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/news/other-businesses/808-casetemptingtbird

The Case of the Sneaky Serviceman
http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/news/other-businesses/809-casesneakyserviceman

BBB Warns Coin Collectors To Exercise Caution

3/3/2011

Posted on 3/3/2011 by
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Vancouver Island has recently received an influx of calls from collectors who are eager to take advantage of locally advertised opportunities to purchase uncirculated coins and foreign currency. BBB warns coin collectors to exercise caution and perform due diligence before purchasing national and foreign currency.

"Coin and currency collecting is both a popular hobby and an investment," says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. "But unlike securities markets, the market for coins is unregulated. Education and careful decision-making are required to avoid purchasing overvalued or counterfeit currency."

BBB reminds interested collectors that when reviewing an advertisement, pertaining to coins or any other product, to carefully read the ad in its entirety. BBB also recommends that customers not feel rushed to purchase coins, currency or any other product as a result of urgent company deadlines, without getting a full and complete understanding of what it is that is being offered and its true value.

"Like any market, the coin market fluctuates due to supply and demand conditions," says Scott. "Despite the implication of a high return in many ads for coins and foreign currency, there is a great deal of risk involved in this type of investment. The decision to invest in currency should be accompanied by a recognition of the risk involved and careful investigation in the product prior to making a purchase."

Coins and currency can be purchased through various channels, including dealers. The Canadian and US Government sells coins on occasion however, coin collectors may not be able to purchase directly from the Canadian or US Mint. Instead, coin dealers and retail establishments may distribute government coins. It is important to note however, that this process does not make these firms agents of the Canadian or US Government.

BBB recommends coin and currency collectors consider the following tips prior to making any purchases:
If you are doing business with a dealer:

Consult with your Better Business Bureau for the company's past record prior to doing business. Visit bbb.org to look up businesses (by name) that are operating across North America.
Check the dealer out with other collectors or numismatic organizations. Reputation is an important factor in making a purchase decision.
Determine the dealer's return policy prior to completing a transaction.

For the particular coins you are considering buying:

Research as you would for any other investment.
Compare prices among dealers, as prices can vary substantially. Price varies depending on information contained on the coin, condition, metal content and supply.
If a specific return is advertised or claimed by the seller, ask for substantiation.

If it sounds too good to be true it probably is:
If it appears to be a bargain, it probably is not. Find out why.

BBB publishes local statistics for February

3/2/2011

Posted on 3/2/2011 by
Click Here to view BBB Vancouver Island's February statistics on the publics usage of BBB's services.
View statistics from previous months by clicking here.

Useful Resources

2/26/2011

Posted on 2/26/2011 by Rosalind Scott

At the BBB we work closely with a number of different organizations that have the best interests of both businesses and consumers at heart. Consumer Protection BC is a not-for-profit corporation that licenses specific industries, investigates and enforces business practices within these industries. For more information about all the Consumer Protection BC does visit http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/

Surfing the Consumer Protection BC website recently I came across two tips related webpages that you may want to check out. The BBB regularly receives calls from the public related to Home Inspectors and Debt Pooling Services.

Home Inspection

A home inspection is avital component of real estate buying and selling. Home inspections help consumers to better understand the pros and cons of a property they are purchasing.

Consumer Protection BC assesses the qualifications of and issues licenses to home inspectors.

On their website they have some excellent tips on their webpage "Home Inspectors in B.C.: What Consumers Should Know." This tips page outlines what you need to know before, during and after hiring a home inspector.

To find out more or to use the Consumer Protection BC licensee search visit:

http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/consumers-home-inspections/consumer-tips/908-consumertipshomeinspection

I also recommend that when you are doing your research to pick a home inspector that you check out the company's BBB Business Review as well on our website vi.bbb.org.

Debt Pooling

Debt pooling is when a person or organization distributes your money to your creditors in accordance with an agreed upon repayment program. With the state of the economy over the past few years, many people have found themselves burdened with excessive debts.

Persons offering both legitimate and non-legitimate debt pooling and counseling services have been calling customers via phone to offer up their services. This is an legitimate industry in which scam artists often target vulnerable victims who are in desperate need of financial help. Before embarking on an debt pooling services I recommend that you visit http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/debt-collection/906-knowmoreaboutdebtpooling for someexcellent information and tips.

Scams To Watch For When Traveling Abroad

2/26/2011

Posted on 2/26/2011 by Rosalind Scott

So many people I talk to are planning trips abroad. If you are thinking about doing the same, read the following tips.

You will be amazed at the ingenuity involved in some of the scams.

Notice how the con artists try to catch you off-guard.

Family member call scam. You receive a call in your hotel room prompting you to call a specific number to get details about a family member in distress. Unknowingly, you call the Caribbean or Africa. Subsequently, your phone bill will reflect a charge of possibly hundreds of dollars.
Diverting your attention scams. The thieves could spill ice cream on your shoes and/or squirt mustard, ketchup or water on you. They “help” you clean up and at the same time another thief will snatch your handbag, wallet or suitcase. They may also bump you and at the same time pick your pocket. Keep your wallet close to you and hang onto your purse.
Police uniform con. Crooks in police uniforms approach you and show a phony badge. Next, they request to see your wallet for identification or to check the wallet for counterfeit money. If you hand over your wallet, it is gone forever!

National Strategy to Improve Canadians' Financial Literacy

2/26/2011

Posted on 2/26/2011 by Rosalind Scott

Canada’s Task Force on Financial Literacy has made public its report to the federal Minister of Finance, recommending urgent action on a national strategy to strengthen Canadians’ financial literacy.

The Task Force’s recommended plan of action reflects the views and priorities of Canadians. It is concrete, practical and affordable, and falls into five priority areas:

shared responsibility,
leadership and collaboration,
lifelong learning,
delivery and promotion, and
accountability.

The 30 comprehensive recommendations are tailored to meet the diverse needs of Canadians by enhancing formal education, integrating with federal government programs, creating a single-source website, delivering clear communications and building awareness.

The Task Force believes strongly that financial literacy is critical to the prosperity of Canadians and the nation. Increasing the knowledge, skills and confidence of Canadians to make responsible financial decisions will help them meet their personal goals, enhance their quality of life and make Canada more competitive. (More)

Wellness In the Workplace

2/18/2011

Posted on 2/18/2011 by Rosalind Scott

Taking care of yourself and your employees is vital to the success of your business, and the health of your staff. I found a recent article on www.alive.come titled Workplace Wellness by author Melissa Galea. This article does a fantastic job of summarizing how to create a positive work environment by overcoming some typical work place challenges.

The following is a brief summary:

1) Conflict - Conflict in the work place is inevitable. To resolve it, focus on task-related issues rather and individual differences. Focus on facts, while minimizing emotional outbursts.

2) Repetitive use injuries - Stress and conflict impact our physical well being. Any tasks that require repetitive motions have the potential to cause injury. Low job satisfaction is often associated with common repetitive use injuries. Evaluate your workplace and workspace and consider changes to reduce such injuries.

3) Ergonomics - Almost every workplace situation can benefit from a professional ergonomic assessment. Fancy equipment is useless unless people know how to use it properly.

4) Sedentary Work - Sedentary work for long periods of time can impact your physical well being. Encourage frequent breaks and physical activity during the work day to reduce long sedentary.

5) Workspace Organization - A invigorating workspace will help to improve your mood and productivity. Try to reduce clutter and create a workspace environment that gives you joy to be in.

6) Advocating for yourself - Taking care of yourself means taking charge of your life, your health and your professional development. Look for opportunities to improve your life and feel better about yourself. This will make you a happier, more productive person. Encourage the same in others.

To view the online article Workplace Wellness by Melissa Galea visit:

http://www.alive.com/8130a21a2.php?text_page=1

Deceptive Telemarketing

2/21/2011

Posted on 2/21/2011 by Rosalind Scott

While telemarketing is a legitimate and important industry in Canada, it is also an industry rife with frauds and deceptive practices. Unfortunately many telemarketers often are unaware that the company they are working for is engaged in deceptive practices.

The Canadian Competition Bureau has identified 10 signs or red-flags that you might be working for a deceptive telemarketing operation. They include:

1) Problems getting paid or payment in cash only.

2) High number of customer complaints.

3) Negative names used to describe customers.

4) Unclear sales pitches.

5) Misleading sales pitches.

6) You perform regular, short "verification" follow up calls.

7) Company name is not posted on its door.

8) Company changes its name often or uses multiple names.

9) Promotions are based on deceptive or aggressive sales tactics.

10) Customer service department does not receive in bound calls.

Working for a deceptive telemarketing operation could lead to criminal charges. If you suspect you are working for such an operation inform the police or RCMP, the Competition Bureau, and the BBB.

The content in this article is referenced from:

http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/03074.html

For more information on deceptive telemarketing please visit this helpful resource.

Tips for Selling Gold, Online or In Person

2/21/2011

Posted on 2/21/2011 by

Have you thought about making a few extra dollars by selling some of your gold jewelry? Whether you do it through a gold-party (in-home party usually held with a group of friends), over the Internet, or through a local jeweler, here are some things you should consider.

Your jewelry may be stamped “14-Karat,” but that does not mean it is gold. Some necklaces can have catches stamped as such, but the number alone means little.

For an appraisal, if possible, go to someone locally whom you know and trust by checking with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), www.bbb.org. Look to see if others have reported issues with a particular jeweler or jewelry store. The BBB suggests obtaining two or three appraisals to compare prices, prior to any sale.

Check out any online companies with the BBB too, and use a search engine to see what other consumers are saying about their experiences with the companies.

If gold is worth $930 per ounce, you aren't going to be paid $930 for every ounce of gold you have.

Ask what you will be paid (if an online company, make sure you ask for specifics and give details on items you’ll be sending).
The ounce quote is for pure gold only.
14-Karat gold is composed of just 58.5 percent gold. Ask how much the company’s going rate is for each ounce of each karat you are sending.
The lower the karat, the less the gold content.

Don't let anyone steal your diamonds from gold pieces. Single gold stud earrings might be worth $5 or $10, yet diamonds in the earrings can be saved. Some are too small, and the labor to remove them might exceed their value, but engagement ring diamonds, for example, should be given a value separate from the gold.

Gold pieces with less color, or fewer stones, are worth more. A jeweler must break the stones out before the item goes to the refinery.

Make sure your items are insured when being shipped, so if they are lost you can recover the value.

Obtain appraisals prior to mailing items, so if they are lost you have proof of their value.
Check the company’s policy as to what they will reimburse if they lose your product. Many limit their liability.
Make a list of the items included in the package, keep a copy for yourself, and put a copy in the envelope.
Take a picture of the items you are sending, including any identifying marks.

Ask about the company’s guarantee if you are not satisfied with the price offered.

Can you get your product back, if you return the check (many companies melt down the items in 10 – 14 days)?
If you send the check back, send it “return receipt requested,” so you have proof when it arrived at the company.

Tips on Choosing an Income Tax Professional

2/10/2011

Posted on 2/10/2011 by
The deadline for filing your income tax return is still months away, but now is the perfect time to begin the process of carefully choosing a reputable tax professional.

“Most tax professionals are qualified, reliable and honest,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “It is in your best interest however, to take the time to look for a qualified, dependable and trustworthy professional to help reduce your chances of there being a problem with your return.”

“Tax time can be stressful and choosing to use a tax professional can help,” says Scott. “Consumers need to understand that they are ultimately responsible for everything on a tax return, regardless of who prepared it. Nobody wants to have to deal with income tax return problems because of a mistake made by the preparer.”

BBB has some tips for selecting a reputable tax preparer and avoiding those who may be problematic:

Check on qualifications. Ask about their training, experience and knowledge of current tax law, and whether they are members of a professional organization with continuing education requirements and a code of ethics.

Learn about their service terms in advance. Find out whether they guarantee the accuracy of their work and amend the return if there’s a mistake.

Ask for references. Get referrals from satisfied clients.

Check with BBB (vi.bbb.org) to determine if the tax preparer has a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.

Request a quote. Ask for an estimate of the preparation fee before authorizing the work.

BBB advises consumers to steer clear of tax preparers who sound too good to be true. Beware if they:

• Boast they can obtain larger refunds than their competitors.

• Pressure you to sign up for immediate payment of your refund. This involves a loan that typically carries a high interest rate.

• Base their fee on a percentage of the refund amount, rather than the complexity of the tax return.

• Don’t ask to review your records and receipts, or discuss whether you qualify for expenses and deductions.

Once your income tax return is prepared, make certain the preparer has signed it and get a copy and payment receipt for your records. Also review the return before signing it and ask for clarification of any entry you don’t understand.

Canada Revenue Agency wants consumers to know that tax preparers are acting illegally if they encourage you to claim inflated personal or business expenses, false deductions or excessive exemptions; manipulate your income level to obtain false tax credits; ask you to sign a blank or incomplete form or guarantee that you will not be audited.

To learn how to file online and other information about Canadian tax law, go to the Canada revenue Agency website: cra.gc.ca.

Don't Get Burned Looking for Love

2/9/2011

Posted on 2/9/2011 by
The coming of spring usually means love is in the air. If you are looking to find the man or woman of your dreams, Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that many consumers who have gone looking for love, only ended-up finding a headache.

“Canadians spend millions of dollars on online dating sites each year,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB. “Whether you’re willing to pay thousands for a matchmaker or 50 dollars a month for a Web site membership, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into and exactly how to get out of it.”

The dating services industry is basically divided into two categories: personalized matchmaking companies and online dating Web sites. The two services take a different approach to helping people find love and as a result, the types of complaints to BBB are divergent.

Matchmaking Complaints
Matchmaking and local dating services, which can cost thousands of dollars, promise to introduce people to other area singles that meet specified criteria. Common complaints for matchmaking services reveal:

• Dissatisfaction with the number of arranged dates. Matchmaking services often say they have a database of thousands of singles in the area and promise a minimum number of dates. Complaints show that matchmaking services often failed to deliver on promised dates. For example, one complainant reported to only have received four referrals over a 14-month period, significantly less than what was promised.

• Available singles not up to par. Often consumers said they were matched with singles that did not meet their specified criteria—common complaints include that the singles they were set up with were smokers, uneducated, not religious or lived too far away.

• Poor or rude customer service and high-pressure sales tactics. Many complainants reported being intimidated or outright duped by sales associates into signing up for matchmaking services. Considering the high cost of matchmaking services, many felt they didn’t receive the level of customer service they deserved. Complainants reported being yelled at, others were told to not be so picky, and many said they were simply completely ignored by the respective companies involved.

Online Dating Complaints
Unlike matchmakers and local dating services, most online dating Web Sites provide a forum for users to post information about themselves and offer the opportunity to peruse the site for other singles. Common complaints for online dating services include the inability to immediately cancel after signing up, general dissatisfaction with the company and its process and the practice of the company contacting other singles on behalf of the complainant.

BBB offers the following advice on matchmaking and online dating services:

• Don’t fall in love with the advertising. Beware of claims such as, an “exclusive network of people,” “for sincere daters only,” and “beautiful singles just like you.”

• Do your homework. Checkout the company with BBB (www.bbb.org) to make sure it has a history of satisfying customers and resolving complaints.

• Don’t give in to high-pressure sales tactics. Sales associates may tell people that a low price is only good for that day and ask them to sign a contract immediately. People should take the contract home, read it carefully and make sure they understand what they are signing up and paying for.

• Know how to break up. Consumers should not assume that they will stop being billed once the contract runs out. Many online dating sites automatically renew memberships and there are steps that must be taken, such as calling the company, to keep from being billed again.

For more trustworthy information on matchmaking and online dating services, consumers can access BBB Business Reviews free-of-charge at www.bbb.org.

The Torch Awards Call For Judges!

2/8/2011

Posted on 2/8/2011 by
Judging will take place in March. A panel of 12 volunteer judges will be split into three groups and each group will be responsible for reviewing and voting on four different categories of nominees. A time commitment of approximately 3 hours on one of the three judging days is required of each volunteer. Contact Rosalind Scott for further information.

Call For Nominations!
The 2011 Torch Awards are coming soon! Help us celebrate businesses that go above and beyond in their commitment to ethics — nominate a business now for the 2010 Torch Awards and encourage your customers to do the same! All businesses, in all industries, whether they are Accredited Businesses or not, are eligible to be nominated for and to win a prestigious Torch Award.

The deadline for Torch Award nominations is March 4, 2011.
Download a nomination form at vi.bbb.org. Click here to download.

How to Nominate.
Drop your nomination off at the BBB Office or send it via mail (#220-1175 Cook Street; Victoria B.C.; V8V 4A1); fax (250.386.2367); or download the PDF version of the nomination form, fill it out, save it and email it to wendy@vi.bbb.org Nominations simply require the businesses contact information; the nominees contact information; and a brief explanation of why the business deserves an award.

Winners of the 2010 Torch Awards will be announced at the gala event on May 6, 2011 in the Westin Ball Room at the Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa. Details of the event will be available soon!

For more information about the Torch Awards or to download a Torch Award nomination form visit http://vi.bbb.org/torch_awards/

Cyber Attackers are Targeting Your Businesses

2/8/2011

Posted on 2/8/2011 by
According to Mountain View, Calif.-based Symantec, (NASDAQ: SYMC) there’s been a rise in the number of attack toolkits readily available online, making it easy for just anybody to create a computer attack or malicious Web site.

Small business owners, because of their financial position, are becoming a priority target for computer hackers, said Kevin Haley, director of Symantec Security Response. “Small businesses are very attractive because they have more money in a bank account than consumers,” he said. “The volume of attacks they are seeing has gone up in recent years.”

Hackers attacking small business are looking to clean out their bank accounts, which could easily mean an end of their business altogether.

Cyber attacks on small businesses vary, but one of the more popular methods involves a thief purchasing a toolkit online to create a piece of malware that sits silently on an owner’s machine and captures private usernames and passwords used when logging into a specific Web site like a bank account. Hackers can also alter a Web page to look like a bank’s official homepage and get the small business owner to login and capture private usernames and passwords.

While these attack methods aren’t new, Haley said there has been an “explosive growth” in the number of attacks because you no longer need to be a computer genius to become a hacker.

“Every year these toolkits proliferate. It allows a lot people that aren’t geniuses to get into the game,” he said, noting that without the toolkits, the attacks wouldn’t be at the level they are today. The toolkits “have made it so almost anybody that wants to be a cyber-criminal can.”

So what can small businesses do to fend off the attacks? According to Haley, small business owners need to have computer security software that is updated regularly and security policies in place to educate the employees what is appropriate use of a company computer. “Users tend to see security policies as annoying and getting in the way,” said Haley, noting that if the business owner doesn’t explain why the security policies are in place, employees will find ways to work around them.

Haley also suggested owners use one computer that has maximum security software to access bank accounts and that machine shouldn’t be one that is used for general Web surfing or reading e-mail. “The machines they do banking from are the ones they want to protect the most,” he said.

Haley noted that while small businesses are vulnerable to attacks, many don’t invest in the necessary security software, saying many wait until something happens before they do anything. “That may be a good way to put themselves out of business,” he said. “Small businesses need to take this seriously as a risk to their businesses.”

Taken from: http://smallbusiness.foxbusiness.com/technology-web/2011/02/03/cyber-attackers-targeting-businesses/

Fuel Doctor - BBB Consumer Update

2/7/2011

Posted on 2/7/2011 by

Gym Ripoffs - BBB Consumer Update

2/7/2011

Posted on 2/7/2011 by

BBB Warns: Valentine’s Day Scams could Break Your Heart

2/7/2011

Posted on 2/7/2011 by Rosalind Scott

Valentine's Day is a day of romance and expressions of love, but it’s also a time for scam artists to take advantage and break a heart. If you're not careful you could fall victim to a Valentine's Day scam.

Valentine’s Phishing Scams

As February 14^th approaches, we expect notes of love to arrive in our mailboxes. Cyber-crooks are well aware of this and use this time of year to trick those who are “love-struck” into divulging their personal and financial information. One email claims to be from a flower company and indicates the flowers you ordered for your sweetheart won’t be delivered unless you log in and re-enter your credit card information. A significant number of these messages will reach people that have actually ordered flowers, and no one wants their loved one to think they've forgotten them on Valentine's Day! If you click the link in that email and enter your credit card information you could have a real problem once you get your next statement. Even if you think a message like this is real, go directly to the florist's website or call them on the phone.

Online Dating Scams

As Valentine's Day approaches many singles turn to online dating websites to find true love. What many find is a broken heart. Scam artists often create fake profiles designed to match a certain kind of person. Once they make contact with you the scam begins. Whether you are talking in a chat room, through instant messages, or emails it slowly becomes clear that you've hit the jackpot. This new person you've met is perfect in every way. They have the same likes and dislikes as you and most importantly, they really dig you. The cybercriminal gains your trust, and then attempts to “meet you.” However, your true love won't have enough money for the trip and will need you to wire funds for a plane ticket. This often involves mail order bride scams, or a scam where you wire a “soldier” money for military leave. This is a very old and common scam.

Valentine’s Day eCard Scam

Be careful opening eCards on the web! In the case of the Valentine’s Day eCard scam, and email directs the receiver to a fake website that looks a lot like Hallmark or American Greetings. The site prompts the receiver of the card to download the latest version of Flash Player, in order to view the card. Once the love-struck receiver of the card installs the software, their computer is taken over with a Trojan, which is a program that can give someone (besides the user) full access to a computer and all of the files on it. Pay attention when you click on links, be sure the web address you are going to is the correct one, and in this case, the email doesn’t state a name – it is generic – which is another sign that this could be a scam and it could have gone out to millions of people.

Five Easy Ways to Get Ripped Off Buying Sports and Concert Tickets

2/2/2011

Posted on 2/2/2011 by

Whether you’re trying to snag tickets to the big game or the hottest concert, the Better Business Bureau warns that you run the risk of getting ripped off if you decide to gamble on a less than reputable source.

Fake tickets aren’t just a concern for people who want to go to the Super Bowl or see Lady Gaga, even smaller events can become a target. Not only were counterfeit tickets to major sporting events like the BCS Championship game or the NFL playoffs a problem this winter, consumers have also recently wasted money on fake tickets for UFC fights, and local concerts.

“Every season provides an opportunity for scammers to sell counterfeit tickets,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “In the winter you have college football and NFL games leading up to the Superbowl, in the spring the hot tickets are for March Madness and hockey and NBA playoffs and then summer hits with big name concerts.”

If you’re looking to get ripped off buying event tickets, BBB recommends:

Believing you’re that lucky – The reason tickets are expensive is because they’re hard to get and the chances of you getting lucky and finding a deal are slim. If a situation sounds too good to be true, such as someone selling tickets to a popular event for much less than offered elsewhere, it’s probably not on the level.

Wiring money to someone you don’t know – Say for some reason you do believe that a seller you found online who lives in another country really has tickets to an event in the US or Canada. The fact that the seller then asks you to wire money to pay for the tickets should be the final red flag that makes you walk away. When buying tickets online, ideally pay with a credit card or through Paypal because of the consumer protections provided.

Not doing your research – If buying online, ask to see a picture of the tickets so you can confirm the seats match up with the venue. If your friends already have tickets, you can also make sure they look the same as the ones you want to buy. Search for guidance online about how the tickets should look. For example, the NFL has offered advice on how to tell if Super Bowl tickets are legit here.

Buying from scalpers at the event - Buying tickets outside the venue can be a game of roulette. You might get taken to the cleaners or the seats may be just as advertised. Keep in mind that, in some states, it’s illegal to charge more than the face value for tickets.

Choosing a disreputable online ticket broker – When purchasing tickets through an online broker, look for the BBB seal on their website and check them out online at bbb.org. Review the company’s policy for customer satisfaction and what happens if tickets purchased through their site are fake or not as advertised.

Water filter sales tactics 'scary': investigation

1/28/2011

Posted on 1/28/2011 by

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2011/01/28/marketplace-tap-water.html#ixzz1CMtGKdJa

BBB Warns of Phone Calls Claiming to Fix Fake Computer Problem - AUDIO VERSION

1/20/2011

Posted on 1/20/2011 by

Help BBB Celebrate Ethical Businesses

1/17/2011

Posted on 1/17/2011 by
Help the Better Business Bureau (BBB) celebrate businesses that go above and beyond in their commitment to ethics — nominate a business now for the 2011 Torch Awards.

“If you know of a business that is dedicated to serving the public, a business that takes that little bit of extra time to show they care — they deserve to be recognized,” says Rosalind Scott, BBB Executive Director. “Help the BBB celebrate good businesses by nominating any business for a Torch Award, whether they are an Accredited Business or not.”

The deadline for Torch Award nominations is March 4, 2011. You can download a nomination form at vi.bbb.org/torch_awards/ Drop your nomination off at the BBB Office (#220-1175 Cook Street; Victoria B.C.; V8V 4A1), send it to us by fax (250.386.2367) or email it to us (wendy@vi.bbb.org). Nominations simply require the businesses contact information; the nominees contact information; and a brief explanation of why you think the business deserves an award.

The BBB Torch Awards is the largest consumer driven awards show on Vancouver Island. Each year local businesses are nominated by their customers and honoured for being fair, reliable, trustworthy and honest in their day-to-day practices.

“There are so many amazing businesses operating on Vancouver Island,” says Scott. “BBB relies on the public to help us identify these great businesses. The deadline for nominations in 2011 is fast approaching, so be sure to get your nomination in to us as soon as possible!”

Winners of the 2011 Torch Awards will be announced at the gala event on May 6, 2011 in the Westin Ball Room at the Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa.

BBB Warns of Phone Calls Claiming to Fix Fake Computer Problem

1/17/2011

Posted on 1/17/2011 by
A phone scam that has plagued the UK and Australia the past couple of years is now making an appearance here in B.C. and on Vancouver Island, and the scam artists are using a well-known name to attack vulnerable consumers. Callers claiming to be from Microsoft are attempting to bilk consumers out of dollars while at the same time giving them access to personal data.

Consumers who have contacted BBB to report their experience say that the scam always starts the same way: the phone rings at their home and the caller asks for the householder, quoting their name and address before stating a variation of “I'm calling for Microsoft. We've had a report from your internet service provider of serious virus problems from your computer.”

The caller warns that if the problem is not solved, the computer will become unusable. The concerned owner is then directed to their computer and asked to open a program that shows a long list of errors. In order to “fix” it, the computer owner is directed to a website and told to download a program that hands over remote access to the computer. It then becomes time to pay a fee for a subscription to this preventative service.

The catch−there was never anything wrong with the computer. The caller is not working from Microsoft and the owner has given a complete stranger access to every piece of data on their computer.

BBB has confirmed with Microsoft that they do not make unsolicited phone calls to help fix personal computers and warns consumers about cybercriminals using their company’s name in their scams. According to Microsoft, once the crooks have gained your trust, they attempt to steal from you and damage your computer with malware including viruses and spyware.

BBB advises the public that these phony phone calls are common, and people should:

Treat all unsolicited phone calls with skepticism. Check with the organization directly that the caller is claiming to be from, using the contact numbers found on their website.
Do not provide any personal information. Many of these scam calls are an attempt to steal your identity, not just your money. Don’t provide personal information over the telephone.
Never provide credit or debit card information for payment. You may be able to reverse charges made through your credit card, but you’ve given enough information for fraudsters to use your account for other transactions. And debit purchases are difficult to reverse.
Report any fraudulent activity, especially if you’ve been a victim. Consumers should report any fraudulent activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 (888) 495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre.ca.

Seven Scams that Target Small Businesses

1/17/2011

Posted on 1/17/2011 by

Being vigilant against fraud is not only important for a company’s bottom line, it also strengthens customer trust in the business. Becoming a victim of fraud can have a negative financial and reputational impact on a business and the Better Business Bureau recommends owners train their staff to look out for seven common scams that prey on small companies.

Every year the BBB receives thousands of complaints from small business owners who fell for an invoicing scam or were misled into paying for products and services they didn’t want. Scammers aren’t always trying to steal money from a business; sometimes they are after a company’s financial or customer data and will use many kinds of high and low-tech methods for getting it.

“Small business fraud can come from internal threats, such as employee fraud, or from external full-time scammers” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Because small business owners often lack the time and resources to fight fraud, they are a popular mark for any number of different scams.”

The BBB is warning business owners to look out for the following seven scams that commonly target small companies:

Directory Scams – A perennial problem that has plagued businesses for decades involves deceptive sales for directories. Commonly the scammer will call the business claiming they just want to update the company’s entry in an online directory or the scammer might lie about being with the Yellow Pages. The business is later billed hundreds of dollars for listing services they didn’t agree to or for ads which they thought would be in the Yellow Pages.

Office Supply Scams – Some scammers prey on small business owners hoping that they won’t notice a bill for office supplies like toner or paper which the company never ordered. Every year BBB receives thousands of complaints from small business owners who were deceived by office supply companies and billed for products they didn’t want.

Overpayment Scams – Be extremely cautious if a customer overpays using a check or credit card and then asks you to wire the extra money back to them or to a third party. Overpayment scams target any number of different companies including catering businesses, manufacturers, wholesalers and even sellers on sites like eBay, Craigslist and Etsy.

Data Breaches – No matter how vigilant your company is a data breach can still happen. Whether it’s the result of hackers, negligence or a disgruntled employee, a data breach can have a severe impact on the level of trust customers have in your business. You can learn how to defend your company from a data breach for free with BBB’s Data Security – Made Simpler at www.bbb.org/data-security.

Vanity Awards – While it’s flattering to be recognized for your hard work, some awards are just money-making schemes and have no actual merit. If you are approached about receiving a business or leadership award, research the opportunity carefully and be wary if you’re asked to pay money.

Stolen Identity – Scammers will often pretend to be a legitimate company for the purposes of ripping off consumers. When it comes to stolen identity, the company doesn’t necessarily lose money, but their reputation is potentially tarnished as angry customers who were ripped off by the scammers think the real company is responsible.

Phishing E-mails – Some phishing e-mails specifically target small business owners with the goal of hacking into their computer or network. Common examples include e-mails pretending to be from a bank or government agency claiming there is a problem with your records or phony e-mails from the BBB saying the company has received a complaint. If you receive a suspicious e-mail from a government agency or the BBB, don’t click on any links or open any attachments. Contact the agency or the BBB directly to confirm the legitimacy of the e-mail.

For more advice on how to manage your business effectively, visit www.bbb.org/us/Business-Resources/.

How to Manage a Debt You Don't Owe

1/17/2011

Posted on 1/17/2011 by

If a debt collector is contacting you about a debt you know you don’t owe, explaining your case can be an uphill battle. Whether it’s a matter of mistaken identity, an honest error or identity theft, the Better Business Bureau recommends taking five steps to fight back against erroneous debt collectors.

“It can be an exhausting process to set the record straight on a debt you don’t actually owe,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Because debts are often sold and resold to many different collection agencies over time, you may have to make the same case every few years when the debt trades hands again.”

If you’re receiving calls for a debt you don’t owe, it could be a case of mistaken identity. Perhaps you share the same name, or even inherited an old phone number of the person who actually owes the debt.

You could also be the victim of zombie debt—it could be that you paid the original debt off but it wasn’t recorded as paid, or the statute of limitations on the debt has expired and the debt collector is trying to get you to pay for a debt you can no longer be taken to court over.

A final common cause of being hounded for a debt you don’t owe is fraud. It could be that you have become a victim of identity theft and someone is opening up new lines of credit or buying items using your good name. Additionally, the “debt collector” calling could actually be an identity thief who is trying to get you to divulge personal financial information such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN), bank and credit card numbers.

If you’re being pursued for a debt you don’t think you owe, BBB recommends taking the following five steps:

1. Request written proof of the debt. By law, a debt collection agency must provide you with a validation notice within five days of contacting you about the debt. If you would like to get verification of the debt, send a written request to the debt collector within 30 days after you receive the validation notice. This written proof can help you determine if the callers are actually identity thieves, or if you really do owe the debt. Once you have the name and contact information for the agency, confirm they are a legitimate debt collector with your BBB at www.vi.bbb.org. After you confirm that you don’t owe the debt, advise the debt collector you do not owe the debt and advise them to stop contacting you (see step 4).

2. Correct any errors. After confirming you do not owe the debt, you may want to correct any incorrect submission related to the debt captured on your credit report. Contact the company that has provided the information to the reporting bureau by writing a detailed letter and include copies of pertinent documents which back your case.

3. Weed out fraud and errors. Check your credit report with the three major credit reporting bureaus, Experian, Equifax and Transunion every year by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. If you’ve been the victim of fraud or identity theft, you may also be eligible to view your reports for free. By keeping a close eye on your credit reports, you’ll be able to more quickly identify fraudulent activity or mistakes and make corrections before the debt collector calls.

4. Tell them to stop contacting you. According to federal law, a debt collector cannot continue to contact you—at work or home—if you tell them to stop. After confirming you do not owe the debt in question, you may cease all contact from the debt collection company by sending a letter (via certified mail) to the debt collector advising them to cease contact. Keep a copy of the letter and the return receipt for verification purposes. Any further contact to you from the debt collector except to advise you there will be no further contact, or to inform you that the agency is filing legal action, is a violation of the FDCPA.

5. File a complaint with Consumer Protection BC

Consumer Protection BC oversees the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority Act and the Debt Collection Industry Regulation. Consumer Protection BC maybe be able to assist you with requiring communications in writing only from debt collectors, requesting communication via your lawyer only, disputing a debt and stopping calls because you are not the debtor. If you have a complaint about the practices of a debt collector, bailiff or debt pooler you should contact Consumer Protection BC to determine the appropriate process for filing a complaint. Visit www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/consumers-debt-collection

You should also file a complaint with your BBB at www.vi.bbb.org

For more information on taking control of your debt and managing credit effectively, check out BBB’s Managing Credit – Made Simpler.

Consumer Update - Lightbulb Mercury Warning

1/13/2011

Posted on 1/13/2011 by

Can your new lightbulbs be dangerous for your health?
Listen to our Consumer Update for more information.

Becoming a Better Business: BBB Logo Use

1/11/2011

Posted on 1/11/2011 by
To ensure that the BBB logo, brand and our reputation is not misused we have implemented some rules as to how BBB Accredited Businesses may use the BBB logo. The following are some simple tips and rules for all Accredited Businesses:

1) All Accredited Businesses must ensure that all advertising they participate in conforms to the BBB Code of Advertising. Available for review online at http://www.bbb.org/us/code-of-advertising/

2) As a BBB Accredited Business you may state at any time in words that you are a “BBB Accredited Business.”

3) As a BBB Accredited Business you may display BBB’s plaque/certificate and decal at your place of business, at trade shows and on your business owned vehicles. Plaques and decals are distributed via your membership kit. To request additional plaques’ or decals please contact Wendy at 250.386.6348 ext 109 or via email at wendy@vi.bbb.org.

4) You may advertise (via print, radio, television) your accreditation within the BBB of Vancouver Island’s service area only. Please note there is a specific print advertising logo available digitally for inclusion on printed materials. You may request a copy of this logo by contacting Wendy at 250.386.6348 ext 109 or via email at wendy@vi.bbb.org.

5) Businesses that wish to advertise their BBB Accreditation Online are advised to apply for a BBB Online Seal by sending a request to accreditedbusiness@vi.bbb.org. You may display the BBBOnline seal and accreditation statement anywhere on your Web site or on sites where you advertise, provided that your seal links to a BBBOnline confirmation page. Your BBBOnline seal will be hyperlinked to a confirmation page and your BBB Business Review.

6) If you are a Torch Award Finalist or winner you may advertise or announce this achievement with prior approval from the BBB of Vancouver Island. You may at anytime state the following in words “[Winner/Finalist} of [Year] Torch Award for [Category].” A Torch Award winner and finalist graphic/logo is available for inclusion on print materials. Should you wish to advertise your achievement please contact Wendy at 250.386.6348 ext 109 or via email at wendy@vi.bbb.org for more information.

Note: You may advertise your Torch Award achievement indefinitely, but for only as long as your business maintains a B rating with BBB.

7) BBB is available to review any and all of your advertising materials to ensure your business complies with BBB Code of Advertising and the terms and conditions of BBB logo use.

8) If for any reason your Accreditation status is terminated you must immediately remove all BBB Accredited Business logos, decals and plaques from all places your businesses advertises.

Protecting Yourself From Telemarketer Calls to all your Phones

1/11/2011

Posted on 1/11/2011 by Rosalind Scott

The National DNCL Rules introduce new responsibilities for Canada’s telemarketers.

If you are a consumer you can choose to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive by registering your residential, wireless, fax or VoIP telephone number on the National DNCL. You can also check your registration, find out how to remove your number from the National DNCL, and file a complaint about telemarketing calls. Please consult our frequently asked questions section to find out more about the National DNCL.

The National Do Not Call List (DNCL) introduces new responsibilities for Canada’s telemarketers. If you are a telemarketer you can use this Web site to register your business information, obtain and buy a subscription to the National DNCL, and download or query the National DNCL. You can also find out about subscription rates, file formats and other information in the Telemarketer section of this Web site.

For more information: https://www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/index-eng

TOP 10 SCAMS OF 2010: Protect Yourself From Becoming a Victim in 2011

1/9/2011

Posted on 1/9/2011 by

Each year the Better Business Bureau compiles a list of the scams that have most significantly impacted consumers on Vancouver Island. The following is a brief summary of the top scams from the past calendar year and simple tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud in 2011.

1) Door-to-Door Sales
BBB received numerous complaints in 2010 about door-to-door sales people using aggressive sales tactics to bully consumers into purchases. In some instances once the sales person gained access to the home, they would not leave the premises until the homeowner signed a contract and made a hefty payment for an unnecessary product or service. In other cases, door-to-door sales people made promises they could not keep, did not give consumers any personal or business contact information and did not leave copies of the written contract with the consumer.

CONSUMER TIP: Don’t fall victim to high-pressure sales tactics. If you are uncomfortable with a sales person ask them to leave your home and call the police if they do not leave immediately. Before signing a contract or making a payment, ask the sales person for copies of a sample contract, warranty details and their contact information. Tell them you will research their offer and get back to them if you are interested.

2) Auto Rental Scams
Some car rental companies employ a number of tactics (some illegal, some just unscrupulous) to increase your bill. BBB has received complaints about one low advertised rate being offered to get customers in the door, and one extremely high contract rate riddled with hidden fees and unnecessary add-ons being reality. When it comes to auto rentals be ware of overcharges related to insurance, gas, damages and additional fees.

CONSUMER TIP: Before purchasing rental insurance from the auto rental company check your pre-existing coverage via your personal auto insurance, credit card coverage and home or life insurance policies. Also know that it is more cost effective if you refill the car with gas yourself, immediately before returning it. Prior to leaving the lot with your rental car be sure you carefully go over the vehicle with a rental attendant to document any dings, dents, scratches or damage that exist. Carefully read the fine print of your car rental agreement to ensure you understand additional fees that you could be charged.

3) Overcharges
Watch for tiny overcharges on your receipts, bank and credit card statements. Scammers quickly make a small fortune robbing you of pennies or dollars at a time. Unscrupulous cashiers and or online fraudsters are responsible for adding additional small charges to your bills under the guise of legitimate products and services.

CONSUMER TIP: Protect yourself by checking your receipt before you leave the store to make sure you have not been charged any additional funds for products you did not purchase. Review your bank and credit card statements on a monthly basis and compare your statements with your purchase receipts to make sure they match. If you see any fraudulent charges report them immediately to the store, bank or credit card company.

4) Business Directory Scams
Local companies were aggressively targeted via fax and email to advertise in a business directory that at first glance appeared to be the Yellow Pages, but was in reality no way related. A company using a similar business name sent an unsolicited order form to local businesses containing an inverted Yellow pages logo. Local businesses that filled out the form contractually agreed to purchase costly advertising in a less popular online directory.

CONSUMER TIP: Both businesses and individuals need to carefully review every invoice and bill received to ensure they are from legitimate companies you wish to do business with. When signing any document or making any payment carefully read the fine print to make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the sale. Businesses, like individuals, need to be extremely cautious as to whom they give their private information.

5) Smishing
Smishing is the newest twist on phishing (via email) and vishing (via voice over IP) Smishing is when scammers use SMS text messaging to contact you pretending to be a trustworthy source (like your bank) and claim that there is an issue with your account. You are then asked go to a website or to phone a certain number where you are duped into updating your personal and account information for the purposes of identity theft.

CONSUMER TIP: Legitimate financial organizations will not contact you via email, voice messaging or text messaging if there is a problem with your account. If there is a legitimate problem you will most likely be asked to visit your nearest financial institution to remedy the issue. In most circumstances very little of your personal information will be required, as the organization already has it on file. If you are contacted via email, phone or text about your account, contact your financial institution directly via contact numbers you yourself have found and ask if there is a problem with your account.

6) Social Media Scams
Users of social media sites Facebook, Twitter, MySpace were targets of a number of different scams in 2010. Social media scammers employ the same tactics common to traditional scams, but take advantage of social networking technology to target mass groups of users in a very short amount of time. Common elements of social media scams included: offers of cash, a prize, or a gift to entice people to participate; you are asked to become a fan or follower and to invite others on your contact lists to get involved; personal information is required to participate; or you are lured away from the original social media site to outside web links.

CONSUMER TIP: Like with most scams always be aware of unsolicited opportunities to win cash, a prize or take advantage of a too-good-to-be-true opportunity. Be extremely cautious about giving out personal information to anyone, under any circumstances. Be sure you understand and regularly review your personal privacy settings on social media sites that you participate on. Never download something unless you are sure it is coming from a well-known, trusted site.

7) SPLOGS
Also known as spam blog, a SPLOG is essentially a fake blog often composed of stolen content that has been created for the purposes of search engine spamming. Most SPLOGS contain a high number of web links to sites that are disreputable in order to promote affiliated websites, increase search engine rankings or to simply sell links and ads. SPLOGs proliferate the Internet. It is estimated that as many as 1 in 5 blogs are fake.

CONSUMER TIP: The existence of SPLOGs threatens the credibility of legitimate bloggers. People who blog must be aware of the very real likelihood that someone is stealing their original content and passing it off as their own. SPLOG’s are typically identifiable by the fact that the content, title and links do not match up. Often embedded links to additional content end up just being links to irrelevant ads. If you come across a SPLOG report it to the blog administrator (i.e. WordPress, Google etc.)

8) Pyramid Schemes
A pyramid scheme is a non-sustainable business model in which the focus is based on recruiting people to participate or invest in a business opportunity, rather than on delivering a legitimate product or service. Pyramid schemes eventually lead to a point where no new investors exist and the pyramid collapses resulting in those on the bottom losing their money. There is a fine line between multi-level (or network) marketing opportunities (which are legal) and pyramid schemes (which are illegal). Pyramid schemes are designed to get your money then use it to recruit other investors/distributors. MLM's are designed to increase a network of distributors to sell more products. While many MLM's are legitimate some are intentionally designed to be a pyramid scheme.

CONSUMER TIP: Before getting involved in any MLM or business opportunity you need to fully understand the company. Ask for written documentation regarding the company's officers, products, and business plan, marketing plan, contracts, sales materials and prospectus. Review these materials with your lawyer. Do your research to ensure that there is a market for the products or services the business sells. Be wary of opportunities with large start up costs and in which the primary focus is the recruitment of new members. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

9) Online Job Scams
Economic conditions have led many people to use the Internet to seek out opportunities to make money while working from home. Job scams posted online are fairly similar to those posted in traditional classified ads, however the number of online job scams is exploding with the increased use of Internet and social networking sites. There are hundreds of different online job scams in existence. The common thread is that job seekers are required to give out excessive amounts of personal information and typically are charged some type of fee to participate.

CONSUMER TIP: Be aware of jobs that require: money up front in order for you to purchase materials to get started; you to wire, forward or transfer money through personal bank accounts (these are called payment transfer scams); you to provide detailed personal and financial information in order to apply for the position; you to download applications from non secure sources. Before applying for any online job opportunity do some research first, and visit vi.bbb.org to look up the company’s BBB Business Review.

10) Charitable Disaster Scams
When disaster strikes not only are the lives of those involved at stake, but often the pocket books are also threatened of those who care and wish to donate. Disaster relief efforts for hurricanes, earthquakes, fires and floods are costly and legitimate organizations depend on charitable donations and urgent fundraising. Scammers use fake phone numbers, websites, emails, text messages and social media accounts to lure donors into giving away money and personal information.

CONSUMER TIP: Do your research before donating to any organization. Be aware that scammers will often use the names and causes of legitimate organizations to trick you into giving them money and personal information. Whenever possible seek out the charity you wish to donate to yourself. Always independently verify the charity’s name, address, phone number and contact information and learn as much as you can about the charity before donating. When donating via the web or by text message, make sure you understand the terms and conditions, and total dollar value of your contribution. Visit the CRA Charities Directory (cr.arc.gc.ca) for a list of registered charities in Canada.

To download a full color brochure on the Top 10 Scams of 2010 click here.

New Accredited Businesses for December 2010

1/7/2011

Posted on 1/7/2011 by
Please help us in welcoming our newest Accredited Businesses. These companies have joined a group of elite organizations that let consumers know, "You can trust us before you know us". Please thank and support them with your business for making a commitment to trust. The following businesses' applications for accreditation were approved by our Board of Directors in December 2010:

Phil’s Professional Drywall Sooke

Kustom Towing (2009) Ltd. Victoria

Animax Design Group Victoria

Alpha Home Health Care Ltd. Victoria

Sabhai Thai Restaurant Ltd. Sidney

Businesses That Failed To Respond - December 2010

1/7/2011

Posted on 1/7/2011 by
These businesses were contacted by the BBBVI concerning complaints registered in our office. None of these non-responding businesses are BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB Accredited Businesses agree to respond to all complaints. But we encourage all businesses to deal with complaints in a timely fashion.

Adam Code Construction – Lake Cowichan
Anchor Auto Wrecking – Campbell River
Capital City Building Maintenance Ltd. – Victoria
Clean Conscience Ltd. – Victoria
Firesong Silverworks Ltd. – Victoria
Mac Drywall – Victoria
Ocean View Auto Repairs – Sidney
Out There Photography – Victoria
The Gasman – Nanoose Bay

Consumer Update - Consumer Reports

1/6/2011

Posted on 1/6/2011 by

Look to Consumer Reports for Reliable Information

Why You Need a Social Media Policy

1/6/2011

Posted on 1/6/2011 by
When Avvo Corp. hired a slew of new advertising sales people in 2009, many of the new employees were enthusiastic, young and savvy about social media. Naturally, they began blogging, tweeting and posting to Facebook about their new employer.

At first, it all seemed good. "You like to see a lot of initiative in a startup," says Josh King, vice president of business development and general counsel for the three-year-old Seattle-based online directory of lawyers and physicians. But as he was checking Twitter mentions of Avvo, using a free online tool called TweetDeck, he found a number of employees actively talking about the company had less-than-professional profile photos.

Since he realized it was probably neither wise nor feasible to ban employees from using social media or mentioning the company name when doing so, he began crafting a social-media policy to guide the company's 50 employees.

Offensive behavior and image issues are among the most common problems that surface when employees mix business with personal use of social-networking sites, according to Andrew Tanick, an attorney with employment law firm Ford & Harrison in Minneapolis. "People put things on their Facebook page that they wouldn't normally put in writing," he says.

To avoid such snafus in your company, consider crafting your own social media policy. Here are three ways your business can benefit from establishing even the most basic guidelines.

Reason No. 1: Protect your company’s reputation

A social media policy takes the guesswork out of what is appropriate for employees to post about your company to their social networks. As a general rule, they shouldn't write anything they wouldn’t want plastered on the front page of their local newspaper
Consider crafting a one-page policy that emphasizes professionalism above all else.

Social-media guidelines, which can be sent out by email and included in the employee handbook, remind the company's social-media enthusiasts that "context matters." It also provides specific advice on things like acceptable profile photos and how to respond if a journalist contacts his employees through their personal networks.

Reason No. 2: Minimize confusion about murky legal issues.

Social media policies can also help entrepreneurs and managers avoid errors., Boudreaux says. For instance, he cites the case of a New Jersey restaurant tripped up when a manager fired an employee after reading complaints about the company on a private social media page he had secretly gained access to. Among other allegations, the company faced charges that it violated federal wiretapping laws.

"These [incidents] can involve very serious crimes," says Boudreaux, who also established the Socialmediagovernance.com, a resource for entrepreneurs looking for social-media guidance. The site provides a free, searchable database of more than 150 social-media policies used by other businesses and organizations.

Reason No. 3: Raise awareness of your brand.

A social media policy can do more than avert problems. "Too often organizations think about social media policies as a list of restrictions," Boudreaux says. But having clear guidelines can also help employees understand ways they can use social media to help achieve business goals. For instance, policies should advise employees how they can comment on blogs or social networks to boost brand awareness and drive traffic to the company's site.

Taken from: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217813

How to Beat Online Scammers

1/6/2011

Posted on 1/6/2011 by
You may think you're giving up precious little when you tell your Facebook friends that you're dressing your pooch, Puddles, in your favorite color, red, for brunch at Grandma's on Sunday. But you've actually just opened a Pandora's box of risks.

The information consumers willingly, and oftentimes unwittingly, unleash on social-media websites sets off a feeding frenzy among fraudsters looking to steal everything from your flat-screen TV to your identity.

What's more, tidbits like your birth date, birthplace and the last school you attended are typically challenge questions posed to verify your identity at bank websites or online retailers.

"Despite all the awareness that people have about identity fraud and privacy on social networks, there is a disconnect between what people are disclosing in online space and social environments and what they may be using in other places of their lives," says Thomas Oscherwitz, chief privacy officer for ID Analytics, a San Diego-based consumer risk management firm.

Say you post on a social-media site that you're at a tanning salon ahead of your week-long trip to the Bahamas the day after your birthday. You're telling potential burglars that not only are you away from home for an hour or so, but beginning Tuesday, your home likely will be empty for seven days.

"Even listing daily activities can let strangers know your routine and put you at risk," says Gail Cunningham, spokeswoman for the National Foundation of Credit Counseling.

Too much information can hurt you in other ways. John Sileo, a Denver-based identify-theft expert, says your online chatter could equip an ex-spouse with ammunition for a court challenge. Future or current employers could have a problem with information about your personal life that they deem inappropriate for a member of their staff, he says. You also could be furnishing a would-be stalker with information about your whereabouts.

"We are giving people the little pieces of our trust or access to our trust that allows them to get bigger things out of us," says Mr. Sileo, founder of the ThinkLikeaSpy.com newsletter.

A Harris Interactive survey conducted in October for ID Analytics found that more than 24 million Americans 18 years old and older are still leaving their social-network profiles mostly public, meaning they aren't activating privacy controls that limit who can see their information online.

The survey also found that nearly 70 million U.S. adults on social-networking sites include their birthplace -- one of the most common security questions asked by financial institutions -- on their profiles.

"The information people are disclosing is not the entire piece of the puzzle but it's certainly helpful," Mr. Oscherwitz says. Thieves steal identities in pieces, he says, and layer them on each other for a clearer picture.

Here's some advice from Mr. Sileo, who wrote the "Facebook Safety Survival Guide" about protecting online privacy on all social-networking sites:

Never post your exact date and place of birth. It's invaluable information to identity thieves, particularly when the two are bundled together.

Never post your address, phone number or email address. This is plum to scammers and marketers who are looking for nuggets of your identity.

Control who can see your personal information. Many social-networking sites have privacy features, but they're often changing. Know what they are, stay on top of them and restrict your page to your real friends, not friends of friends or someone you met in a bar.

Limit information about your activities. If you must brag about a trip or a fabulous party, do it after the fact.

Remember that what you post is public and permanent. Don't put up embarrassing photos that you wouldn't show your grandmother. Don't complain about your job or your boss. Don't say something to or about someone that you wouldn't say to their face. Don't threaten others.

Know the four types of Facebook users: friends, outsiders, businesses and enemies.

You should know exactly who wants to be your friend or is asking you to link into their network. Some people will befriend your friends to get to you or your company.

Be wary of seemingly harmless quizzes. When someone invites you to take a survey, say, "10 Things Others Don't Know About You" or "My Favorite Things," it may be designed to harvest your data. The name of the street you grew up on or your favorite vacation spot could be clues to your passwords.

Before you share any information anywhere online about yourself or your workplace, ask this question: What would the consequences be if this information fell into the hands of my boss, competitor or people who don't like me?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703384504576056402853901660.html?mod=dist_smartbrief

10 Red Flags You Are Being Scammed

1/5/2011

Posted on 1/5/2011 by
Scams and frauds take many forms and shapes, but all fraudulent activities have the same purpose – to take advantage of the victim. While many frauds and scams use creative and innovative strategies and approaches to rip people off, most of them fundamentally use the same tactics.

Defining frauds and scams:
Fraud can essentially be defined as an intentional deception that results in personal gain for one party and personal injury or loss for the other party.

Similarly, a scam is typically defined as a fraudulent business scheme.

In most cases of fraud and scams that are reported to the Better Business Bureau one or many of the following 10 red flags could have been an indicator to the victim that they were about to be ripped off.

10 Common Red Flags to Watch For:
1) High Pressure Sales Tactics
Con artists want to take advantage of you. They are desperate for you to buy into their scheme if they are going to profit from you. Impulse shopping and decision making is a chronic condition in our culture and high-pressure sales tactics often distract people sufficiently to encourage and promote impulsive decision-making. Scammers using such tactics often act aggressively, speak loudly, dominate the conversation, express urgency and refuse to let you disengage—all with the hopes that the longer they can pressure you, the more distracted you will become and the more likely you will make a quick decision to their benefit.

Protect Yourself
The simplest way to protect yourself from scams using high pressure sales tactics is to avoid high pressure sales situations at all costs. Learn to identify when someone is using such tactics and ask them to stop, walk away or hang up the phone. If someone shows up at your door using these tactics, ask them immediately to leave your property and inform them that you will call the police if they do not.

2) Limited Opportunity
Scam and frauds often play on our innate sense of greed and vanity. Many frauds are designed to get you to feel like you are getting a great deal or are part of an exclusive “club.” By playing up the “one time only” or “limited time only” opportunity, scammers hope to force you into quickly making a decision to take advantage of the great deal without having time to do your research or think about the legitimacy of the opportunity. This tactic is often part of a high-pressure sales tactic and many telemarketers (both legitimate and illegitimate) and fraudulent investment brokers use this tactic to close the sale as quickly as possible.

Protect Yourself
Don’t let the “limited time” opportunity ever be your reason for spending money. Always take the time to comparison shop and do your research on the opportunity and person pitching it before spending your money.

3) Unsolicited Contact
In most circumstances the con artist will come to you first with the intent of pitching some type of opportunity to you or coaxing you into divulging personal or financial information. Unsolicited contact may come in the form of a mailed letter, a fax, a phone call or voice message, an email, a link on a website or via an online social networking site.

Protect Yourself
Always be wary of situations in which someone is offering you an opportunity that you did not personally seek out yourself, whether by mail, fax, phone, email, or via online social networking.

4) Personal Information Required
There are very few situations in which personal information such as your name, address, birthday, Social Insurance Number (SIN), credit card numbers, banking information, Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) or passwords are ever legitimately required by a business or organization. In the legitimate circumstances when this information is required, protective security features and measures are almost always in place to ensure that such information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Scammers who have previously stolen some of your private information often pose as banks and credit card service providers (via mail, fax, phone, email etc.) in hopes of getting as much information as they can to steal your identity and commit fraud.

Protect Yourself
Never give out any of your personal information (especially your SIN, PIN, account numbers and passwords) to anyone, unless you have a personal reason to initiate a conversation in which such information is required. Always pay attention to what information you are giving out, and ensure you are giving it to a trusted party with the appropriate security and protective measures in place to store it.

5) Guarantees, High Returns, No Risk
Just about all forms of investment scams use promises of high returns, low or no risk opportunities and guarantees of riches or success, to dupe people into spending their money.

Protect Yourself
Be on the alert for opportunities that promise a great deal with little risk. No investment opportunity is without risk. Before buying into such an opportunity, be sure to carefully do your research. Understand the opportunity clearly, and make sure the person pitching it to you is reputable and trustworthy.

6) Details are Vague or Confusing
A classic tool of con artists is to keep the victim in the dark about the details of the true situation, in order to ensure they never fully understand that they are being scammed until it is too late. Unscrupulous fraudsters will often mumble through the details, dance around the specifics, talk in circles, use confusing jargon or claim they are the expert and can handle things for you.

Protect Yourself
Don’t ever get involved in an opportunity or give your personal information unless you totally understand all the details of the situation and they make rational sense.

7) Win, Win. No Fees, No Losses
Similar to the red flag of guaranteed return and no risk, is the promise of a “win-win” situation in which you will come out on top, with little effort, without having to pay any fees and without losing anything. Prize and survey scams are often based on this premise. You provide the scam artist with information of some sort and in return you will win an amazing prize at no cost to you. In most scenarios your personal and financial information is being stolen.

Protect Yourself
When it sounds too good to be true it usually is. Riches do not come easily. No one trying to make money, legitimately or not, is going to offer you an opportunity in which money or information of some sort does not have to be transferred between parties and in which the person pitching the idea isn’t going to benefit in some way.

8) Money Transfers Required
A large majority of scams contain scenarios in which cheques will be written and money must be wired or transferred to another party. Not all cases of money transfers are illegitimate, but many frauds require some irregular system of money being exchanged in an untraceable manner. Lotto, prize winning and employment scams often require that the victim cash a cheque or transfer money under their name to the con artist. Online purchasing scams often require that money be sent before a product will be shipped (and often it never is).

Protect Yourself
Know that wire transfers are untraceable, so if the opportunity is a scam you will lose your money and it will not be found. Be wary of scenarios in which you are asked to cash a cheque and return a partial payment for any reason. When shopping online use reputable, traceable payment options such as PayPal.

9) Lack of Sufficient Contact Information
Fraudsters do not want to be easily found. Remaining elusive is what allows them to continue to rip people off. In many scam situations the con artist will refuse to disclose their contact information and they often give out fake or conflicting company names, addresses and phone numbers. Many door-to-door and telemarketing con artists are unwilling to provide you with contact information where you can reach them if necessary.

Protect Yourself
Be wary of situations in which you have any reason to question the contact information you have been or are not given upon request. When you are given information always do your research and check the company and contact information out yourself. Visit vi.bbb.org to check out a company’s complaint history and reliability report.

10) Something Doesn’t Feel Right
This is probably the most important and most often overlooked red flag when it comes to frauds and scams. Almost everyone who becomes a victim at some point in the process of being scammed disregarded his or her gut feeling that something was off or wrong with the situation.

Protect Yourself
Use common sense and listen to your gut instinct – it is usually correct!

Ten Questions to Ask Before Joining a Gym

1/4/2011

Posted on 1/4/2011 by Rosalind Scott
If you’re pledging to lose some pounds this year by joining a gym, the Better Business Bureau recommends asking ten questions before signing on the dotted line.

In 2009 alone, BBB received 7,787 complaints about gyms and health clubs, putting the industry in the top 20 for most complained about businesses. Not only does BBB receive a lot of complaints about gyms, but complaints increased by 21 percent in 2009 over the previous year.

“Regardless of how eager you are to start losing weight in the New Year, take the time to do your research before joining a gym and don’t give in to high-pressure sales pitches,” said Rosalind Scott, Executive Director, BBB Vancouver Island. “Always check the health club out with your Better Business Bureau, inspect the facilities closely and read the contract carefully, making sure that all of the promises are in print.”

BBB recommends asking the gym and yourself the following 10 questions before signing up for a membership:

Questions to ask the gym:

1. What are the terms of any introductory offers?
Gyms often use special introductory offers to lure in new members. Just make sure you understand the terms and what the price will be once the introductory period is over.

2. Will my membership renew automatically?
Every year, BBB receives a large number of complaints from people who joined a gym and didn’t realize that their contract would renew automatically and that they would have to take specific steps to cancel their contract.

3. How can I get out of my contract?
Getting out of a gym contract isn’t always as easy as getting into one so make sure you understand what steps you would need to take to cancel your membership.

4. What happens if I move?
Gyms have any number of different policies when it comes to how moving will affect your membership. It might depend on how far away you’re moving and if they have other locations nearby.

5. What happens if you go out of business?
BBB often receives complaints from people after their gym suddenly closed up shop and took their money with them. Ask the gym to explain what will happen to your money if they suddenly go out of business.

Questions to ask yourself:

1. What are my fitness goals?
Determining your fitness goals in advance will help you select a facility that is most appropriate for you. If you have a serious health condition, consult with a medical professional when setting your fitness goals.

2. Is this location convenient?
If the gym is across town, you’ll be less likely to workout. Choose a fitness club that is convenient to work or home so the location is not a deterrent to getting exercise.

3. Can I really afford this every month?
Monthly gym fees add up and, after any introductory periods are over, the price could jump higher than your budget can handle. Do the math before you join and make sure you can afford a gym membership.

4. Am I feeling pressured to join?
Do not give in to high-pressure sales tactics to join right away. A reputable gym will give you enough time to read the contract thoroughly, tour the facilities and make an informed decision.

5. Did I get everything in writing?
Read the contract carefully and make sure that all verbal promises made by the salesperson are in writing. What matters is the document you sign, so don’t just take a salesperson’s word for it.

Consumer Update - BBB Seal of Approval

12/30/2010

Posted on 12/30/2010 by

Looking for that great deal? Listen to our Consumer Update before purchasing online!

Consumer Update - Information on Groupon

12/28/2010

Posted on 12/28/2010 by

Looking for a good deal for you and your friends?
Listen to our consumer update about
Groupon!

Use Caution with Online Coupons

12/23/2010

Posted on 12/23/2010 by
"Nationwide the Better Business Bureau has seen thousands of complaints involving online coupons or online coupon codes," said John Zajac, corporate counsel of the Better Business Bureau of West Florida. "We've had a wide range from coupons not working, terms not being honored, to people paying for these coupons thinking they're getting a bargain and getting nothing in return."

The worst offenders are pop-ups that pressure the user to click on them immediately. Often these sites automatically register the user for a service requiring a monthly fee.

One example offers a $90 McDonald's gift card. Turns out, McDonald's had nothing to do with the coupon and the site subjected the user to phishing, or installing spyware or a virus on the user's computer to glean personal information.

Charlene Higgins works at a computer all day, so she likes the convenience of online coupons versus clipping them from the newspaper.

But she's careful not to give more than her e-mail address when searching for online coupons.

"If they ask for information I think is private, I won't put it on. I just go to a different site," she said. "If it's a legitimate site they're not going to ask you for really personal things."

Some of the most trustworthy online coupons come directly from retailers' sites instead of a third party sites.

Shopper Claire Heymer signed up for e-mail deals from various retailers she frequents, but she prefers to shop in person, rather than online.

"So I print out the coupon and then go to the store and buy the item," Heymer said.

Here are some tips for using online coupons from the BBB:

•Consumers should never have to pay for a coupon.

•Be wary of sites that ask for your name, address or account numbers to redeem coupons.

•Beware of sites that ask you to sign up for a trial membership.

•Check with the retailer if you suspect the coupon is phony.

•Be cautious of pop-up ads.

‘Dear Santa’ Websites?

12/16/2010

Posted on 12/16/2010 by
More than 60 domain names have been registered in the name of Santa Claus, offering children a wide range of opportunities to persuade St. Nick via email that they were not at all naughty in 2010. Before allowing children to share any personal information with a “Letter to Santa” Website, the Better Business Bureau Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) recommends that adults carefully review such sites to determine who is seeking the information, how it will be used and whether it will be shared with third parties.

“Even Santa is required to comply with CARU’s Online Privacy Protection guidelines and the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act,” said Wayne J. Keeley, CARU’s director.

All websites directed to children – or websites designed with a special children’s section – should have a privacy policy that explains the site’s information collection practices. The privacy policy should include the name of the company and the company’s complete contact information.

It should also state whether the company shares information with third parties, including advertisers, and whether the company publically discloses the information or retains the information for any future purpose.

CARU offered the following ‘Dear Santa’ site review tips:

• Websites directed to children should not ask a child to disclose more information than is reasonably necessary to participate in the activity – a first name and email address, for instance.

• Limit the personal information children share with Santa and omit physical addresses – Santa already knows where all the children live.

• Check Websites for unwelcome content. Some sites are geared toward adults and may contain language or advertising adults may not want children to see.

• Since hyperlinks can allow children to move seamlessly from one site to another, investigate the hyperlinks to assure children don’t access inappropriate content.

For more information on how to keep your kids safe online, please visit www.CARU.org. Parents who are concerned about the safety of specific child-directed websites and advertising can file a complaint at http://www.caru.org/complaint/index.aspx

Scammers Using BBB Name To Add Credibility For Their Fraudulent Actions

12/14/2010

Posted on 12/14/2010 by
Recently there have been emails stating that a company in Hong Kong needs help in collecting money from businesses in the United States and Canada. It will give companies helping it collect the money 10 percent of the collected amounts. It goes on to note that it obtained the names of companies receiving the email offering from the Better Business Bureau.

This is a scam and businesses are warned not to become involved nor should they send any information to the address listed on the email. Information being requested is often the first step in identity theft.

“We want our all businesses to be on guard for these kinds of messages and alert people in their organizations not to respond to these emails,” said Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of the Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island.

“On the one hand, this is a scam and a serious misuse of the BBB name. ” Scott noted. “One the other hand, it is sort of a compliment to the Better Business Bureau when scammers actually consider our organization’s name so important as to use it in an effort to show credibility.”

Scott explained that anytime anyone is concerned about whether or not a business is accredited with the BBB, people can check www.bbb.org for free to see if a company is listed and their letter-grade rating.

For more information on this and other similar scams, please visit vi.bbb.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Melvin Kwon [mailto:mel.kwon@meiah.com]
Sent: Monday, December 13, 2010 9:08 PM
To: xxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Account Rep

Dear Counsel,

I am Mr. Melvin Kwong, a director of Mei Ah Group, Hong Kong.
Mei Ah Entertainment Group Limited is an investment holding company. The Company, along with its subsidiaries, is engaged in television operations, film exhibition, film rights licensing and sub-licensing, sale and distribution of films and programs and processing of audio visual products.

We want you to help us act as our account receivables/payables with respect to our customers in Canada and the United States of America. It has been very difficult collecting our payments from clients in this region. We had to personally come to Canada, and the United States to meet with these clients, but it has not been too easy to do business because of irregular tax and lack of free trade, hence we are contacting you immediately. We got your profile from your country's Better Business Bureau.

My company is willing to offer you 10% of every payment that comes in from you to us. Be advised that your profession does not matter as we have the demand letter already sent out and our clients are ready to make their payments.

Kindly respond to this request so that I can provide you with more information in regards to the collection. The best contact for me is email at Kwon.melvin@gmail.com.

Regards,
Melvin Kwon
Mei Ah International Limited
Units 15-28, 17/F Metro Centre Phase l,
32 Lam Hing Street, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon
TEL/FAX: 852-3006-5306
EMAIL: kwon.melvin@gmail.com

What Happens to Gift Cards, Warranties and Product Orders When a Store Goes Out of Business?

12/13/2010

Posted on 12/13/2010 by
The holiday shopping season is upon us and it could make or break many major retailers. With more retailers closing stores, or going out of business completely, consumers are confused about what will happen to their outstanding product orders, unused gift cards and extended warranties.

The BBB has the following advice for consumers if a retailer files for bankruptcy:

• Product Orders - Bankruptcy law is specific regarding who will benefit first in the case of a retailer’s liquidation. Unfortunately, customers are at the end of the line. Typically, the money gained from selling the company’s assets goes to paying back secured creditors, as well as any employee wages. Whatever is left over is divvied among customers who have outstanding claims for goods and services.

Customers who paid with credit cards may be able to dispute the charge with the credit card company and get their money back. For this reason, the BBB highly recommends that consumers pay with credit cards, instead of cash, checks or debit cards. Customers who paid by cash, check or debit card will need to file a claim with the bankruptcy court administering the process.

• Warranties - The validity of any outstanding warranties varies for each bankruptcy. If a retailer goes out of business, the consumer may be able to rely on the manufacturer’s warranty. If a manufacturer goes out of business, the consumer may be able to rely on any warranties provided by the retailer. Many extended warranties and service plans are provided and administered by third parties and are typically not affected by a retailer or manufacturer going bust.

• Gift Cards - In cases of bankruptcy, courts will decide if the business must honor gift cards or certificates. The BBB advises consumers to redeem gift cards as soon as they are received to avoid possible problems down the road with the retailer’s solvency.

Shopping Online? Beware of Misleading Shipping and Handling Fees

12/13/2010

Posted on 12/13/2010 by
The online shopping season is in full swing. If you are planning to buy gifts online or from Infomercials on television, the Better Business Bureau has a warning for you about the ways retailers make money on your orders by charging separate shipping and handling fees.

Shipping and handling fees are certainly not new, but retailers are finding ways to make extra money with special promotions such as “order now and we’ll double your order,” or “buy now and we’ll include a free gift.” It may sound like a good deal at first, until you realize that you will be charged separate shipping and handling fees on each item, including the “free” gifts and the “bonus” products. All of these shipping and handling fees can actually add up to more than the total cost of the products you’re ordering.

Recent consumer complaints allege deceptive advertising and sales practices which include failing to disclose shipping and handling fees prior to purchase, and charging fees for products advertised as “free.”

If you are buying online or by telephone, make sure you know the full cost of shipping and handling fees and authorize the transaction before your credit card is charged.

Becoming a Better Business: Social Media Etiquette

12/13/2010

Posted on 12/13/2010 by
Social Media DO’s
• Completely fill out your profile with all relevant information about you and your business. Always professionally represent yourself and your company.
• Compose your messages using a word processor and spell checker. Keep your messages concise, short, clear and truthful at all times.
• Respond promptly and regularly.
• Be interactive with others, cross promote and engage in interesting conversations.
• Have something useful to say and share valuable information. Don’t just speak or type for the sake of speaking or typing.

Social Media DON’Ts
• Send endless promotional materials or spam to everyone all the time. Don’t excessively send out links to your own website.
• Say negative things about your competitors.
• Pretend to be one of your own consumers and say great things about your company.
• Say or behave in an unprofessional manner. Don’t talk about people negatively, don’t fire someone using social media, don’t divulge too much private information.
• Get burned out from over participating in social media. Social media is just one of many marketing tools available to small businesses.

Help a Charity Through Cause Related Marketing

12/13/2010

Posted on 12/13/2010 by
Whether it’s donating proceeds from sales to a charity or encouraging customers to give, BBB recommends that small business owners consider the benefits of partnering with a worthy cause.

When times are tight, businesses may need to get creative about helping charities. Cause-related marketing is a great option for businesses that can’t necessarily write a big check.

“Times are tough for small business owners, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be good corporate citizens and help out a worthy cause this holiday,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “By partnering with a charity, small businesses can help raise awareness as well as money for the cause, and generate goodwill for the company in the process.”

Embedded giving is often a simple way that businesses can partner with charities to raise money. Embedded giving is common at stores where customers are asked if they want to donate to a charity at check out and then the desired amount is tacked onto their total.

Before soliciting donations on behalf of a charity, or engaging in any cause related marketing efforts, the BBB offers the following advice to small business owners:

Do your research
When choosing a charity to donate to, always research the organization thoroughly. Visit their website and look for details on the charity’s programs, finances, and governance. Visit the Canada Revenue Agencies Charities Directorate (cra-arc.gc.ca) for a list of registered charities in Canada.

Get formal permission from the charity
Charities are trademarked entities; so before you place their logo all over your marketing materials, contact the charity to get permission to use their name and likeness. They might also have ideas for cross promotion or additional ways you can help out.

Include the right disclosures
At some point prior to the purchase, the customer should be presented with the following information:
• How much from each purchase will go toward the charity.
• The time frame for the campaign.
• If applicable, the minimum or maximum amount that the charity will receive.

For more advice on being a savvy donor visit www.bbb.org/charity.

Wishing You a Safe, Healthy, Happy Holiday Season!

12/13/2010

Posted on 12/13/2010 by Rosalind Scott
The passion of BBB Accredited Businesses in maintaining a trustworthy marketplace on Vancouver Island has been ever apparent this past year. Challenging economy times often force us to get back to our core values. Your business’ dedication to upholding the BBB’s Standards of Trust is of utmost importance to our organization’s success. I want to personally thank you for your commitment and support to ethics in the marketplace and of your Better Business Bureau.

The holiday season is such a wonderful time for us to celebrate, as well as give thanks. I encourage you to take this occasion to acknowledge the people that sustain your business. If you haven’t already, please find a moment to personally thank your staff, your partners, your suppliers, your customers and your family and friends for their loyalty to your company. Your business will reap endless benefits from the sharing and spreading of holiday cheer.

I wish you the best this festive season. May your new year be filled with the success and happiness you deserve.

SCAM ALERT: Free Wi-Fi Scam Strikes at Airports

12/13/2010

Posted on 12/13/2010 by
“Hackers are now taking advantage of travelers who want to stay connected,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “They are setting up fake Wi-Fi connections designed to steal your personal information without you even knowing it.”

How the scam works:

Although hackers have set up fake Wi-Fi connections in many locations, airports are a favorite “hot spot.” When searching for connections, consumers may see a network connection available that could be simply named “Free Wi-Fi.” Unfortunately, the network may actually be an ad-hoc network, or a peer-to-peer connection. The user will be able to surf the Internet, but they are doing it through the hacker’s computer. While the user is online, the hacker is stealing information like passwords, credit card and bank account numbers, and social insurance numbers from the user’s computer. Airports across internationally continue to report Wi-Fi security issues.

The BBB offers the following advice for travelers using Wi-Fi Hot Spots:

• Connect securely. Never connect to an unfamiliar wireless network—even if the name sounds genuine. A hacker can change the name of his network to anything he wants, including the name of the legitimate Internet connection offered by the airport.

• Disable automatic connections. Make sure that your computer is not set up to automatically connect to any wireless networks within your range. Otherwise, your computer could automatically connect to the hacker’s network without your knowledge.

• Turn off file sharing when you are on the road to prevent hackers from stealing sensitive data from your computer or mobile device.

• Create a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN establishes a private network across the public network, which prevents a hacker from intercepting your data.

10 Common Business Blogging Questions Answered

12/13/2010

Posted on 12/13/2010 by
10 Common Business Blogging Questions Answered

1. How do you drive traffic to your blog?

In order to start driving traffic to your blog, you will need to carve out a niche—focus on your industry and optimize your blog posts around specific industry key phrases. Figure out which keywords you would like to rank high for and concentrate on creating content around them. Use your blog to demonstrate your thought leadership in that subject and reach out to fellow experts. Another effective way to attract traffic is by answering questions that your customers are frequently asking (e.g. in the way we are doing with this post!).

2. What has a greater effect on SEO: blog links or link building strategies?

Don’t divorce blogging from link-building strategies. Your blog provides the perfect opportunity for building inbound links—sharing insights about your industry prompts people to refer to your expertise from their sites and social media profiles. Also, covering certain people and organizations in your posts will help you develop relationships with them.

3. Are there trigger words that make your calls-to-action more effective?

When creating calls-to-action, use active voice and verbs that convey educational offers. For instance, strong calls-to-action often begin with words like “find out,” “learn” and “try out.” Also, as Dan mentioned in his research, the most linked-to words in blogs include “recent,” “insights” and “answers.” These phrases also emphasize the marketing power of learning opportunities.

4. Where can we learn how to add the Like and the ReTweet buttons?

You can implement the social media sharing buttons directly from Facebook and Twitter. You can customize your Facebook “Like” button and get the code here. Twitter also allows you to pick from three different Twitter sharing buttons that count your ReTweets straight from each blog post, thus encouraging people to keep sharing.

5. What are your thoughts about moderating comments?

Our policy at HubSpot is to let everyone comment on our blog articles and create an open space for authentic conversations. Even negative comments provide great opportunities for businesses to share something of value in the public domain and show personality and humanness. By allowing unfiltered comments in blog posts, your company will convey that it welcomes different opinions and embraces transparency.

6. Is it good to have a Contact Form page on my blog?

Contact forms are not the best performing elements you can add to your blog (or, for that matter, to any other web page). Today your community can reach you instantly using social media, a practice that made contact forms even clumsier and more obsolete. So make sure you add social media sharing buttons to your blog.

But if you want your blog readers to take a specific type of action, then make that clear with a targeted form (not a generic “Contact Us” button). For instance, at the end of each of our blog articles, we include a call-to-action that is specific to the content of the post.

7. How much time per week should we allocate to maintaining the blog?

Allocating time to blogging depends entirely on your previous activities and existing resources. If you already have writers or if you have content that you can develop into blog posts, then it shouldn’t take you long. If, however, you are starting from scratch, allocate at least 2-3 hours per week for blogging. Consider accumulating blog posts and use Dan’s research to publish them on best days.

8. Is it better to include personal bylines for company bloggers?

Including writer bylines in your company blog posts is definitely a good idea because it highlights the unique personalities of your writers and allows your readership to create comfortable habits. For instance, if the same blogger is posting an article every Monday morning, then your audience will start expecting to see her name and contribution at that specific day and time. This is a great way to build following and also motivate employees to contribute blog posts on a regular basis.

9. What do you consider the best blog platform to use?

Some of the most recognized (and free) blogging platforms you can use include Wordpress, Blogger and Tumblr. The dominant one among these remains Wordpress, with its various plug-ins and options for customization. HubSpot also offers a blogging platform as part of our software package, guaranteeing that your posts are well-optimized and social media-friendly.

10. What are some blogs that do it right?

Some terrific blogs to examine for best practices include Duct Tape in the sphere of marketing, River Pools and Spas in the construction industry and Lauren’s Hope in the eCommerce industry. All three share similar characteristics--frequency of publishing blog posts and inclusion of social media sharing and RSS feeds. Most importantly, they feature valuable content, varying from interviews with industry experts and actionable tips to discount offers.

Starting and maintaining a business blog should not require any technical background—you only need to be immersed in your industry and willing come up with interesting content ideas around it.

Read more here:

8 Rules for Safer Online Shopping

12/10/2010

Posted on 12/10/2010 by
But con artists are coming out of the woodwork to take advantage of the relative unsophistication of millions of online shopping newbies, according to Consumer Federation of America, a coalition of 300 non-profit consumer groups.

You can shop safely online, consumer experts contend. You just need to know 8 rules.

1. Never pay with a money order. Legitimate retailers accept credit cards; PayPal and other online payment services that provide you with a modicum of security. Crooks prefer that you wire money through Western Union or Money Gram. Why? They can get the cash fast and it’s difficult to trace, said Susan Grant, CFA’s director of consumer protection. “It’s like putting cash in an envelope and sending it to a stranger,” Grant said. Nearly one third of people who complained that they had not received what they ordered had paid through a money transfer service, she said.

2. “S” stands for “secure”: When you hit the payment screen to buy online, look at the address in the web browser. It should start with either “shttp” or “https” vs. a simple “http.” That additional “s” means that the site is turning your account number into an encrypted code so that other people can’t easily read it. You’d also be wise to look for other security certificates, like VeriSign or McAfee Secure, and click on them to make sure that the site has met their security criteria. Don’t plug your payment information into a site that fails to offer security. And never email your credit card numbers.

3. Keep Anti-Virus Software Up-to-Date: The latest Internet scam involves getting consumers to web sites that look innocuous but secretly load computers with keystroke-tracking viruses that can allow the crook to track your movements on the web and capture your credit card and bank account numbers. The best defense against this is anti-virus software, such as Norton AntiVirus or McAfee Total Protection, which will warn you when you’re venturing into a site that contains malware.

4. Don’t shop in public: Never conduct a secure purchase transaction from an insecure wireless network. You can check your Facebook messages from the Wifi connection at Starbucks, but don’t use it when you’re pulling out your MasterCard. When you’re buying something or checking your bank balance, make sure that your wireless connection is as secure as your computer.

5. Check Out Your Retailer: If you’re dealing with a retailer that you don’t personally know, don’t just rely on “star” ratings from other buyers or on-site testimonials. Those can be as counterfeit as their goods. Do a quick web search instead. It takes only a few seconds to open a new browser window and type in the retailer’s name and “complaints” in a Google search. If you see dozens of complaints at sites like Rip-Off Report and the Complaints Board, walk away. You can also check the retailer’s Better Business Bureau rating by clicking their “check out a business or charity” button. This simple check could have saved thousands of consumers from an abusive online retailer, who was recently arrested for fraud and threatening the lives of his dissatisfied customers.

6. Use a credit card: Even if your retailer has a clean history, there are no guarantees that your purchase will go smoothly. Using a credit card gives you the most protection in an online setting, said Grant. A credit card is one of the few payment systems that guarantees you the right to dispute charges if the goods and services you bought were misrepresented or didn’t arrive. Debit cards, which are governed by a different law, do not give you the legal right to dispute a charge that you initiated even if the goods are broken or counterfeit, she said. To be fair, most debit card issuers voluntarily allow you to dispute the same transactions that you can dispute with a credit card, but they are not legally required to do so, she said. There are at least 5 other reasons why using a debit card is more dangerous than using credit.

7. Keep records: Be sure to save your order information and confirmations that show how much you paid, when you paid it; and when the goods were supposed to arrive. That gives you the documentation you need to dispute charges, if you need to later.

8. Beware Phishing and Smishing: Legitimate companies do not send emails or text messages that ask you to confirm personal information. If you get such a message, it’s a scam. Don’t click on the link or call the number. Delete the message, Grant suggests. If you have any questions about whether your retailer needs further information, look the retailer up on the web and call the consumer service number listed on their public web site.

From: http://moneywatch.bnet.com/saving-money/blog/devil-details/8-rules-for-safer-online-shopping/3523/

Best and Worst Ways to Raise Quick Cash for the Holidays

12/9/2010

Posted on 12/9/2010 by

Many people are struggling financially right now. If you need to raise some cash to help bridge the gap until your next payday or until the holidays are over, the BBB has a list of the best and worst ways to raise quick cash.

WORST WAYS TO MAKE MONEY
1) Title Loans – This is the worst way to raise cash. A title loan is secured by placing a lien on your vehicle’s title. If you don’t make the payments, the lender will repossess your car, leaving you in a much worse financial situation.

2) Advance Fee Loans – There are many unscrupulous lenders who “guarantee” they can get you a loan for an advance fee that you pay as “collateral” or “insurance” on the loan – because you have bad credit. You will be instructed to wire the advance fee to another country, and then you will not get the loan.

3) Payday Loans – A payday loan is a short-term loan with a very high interest rate that you pay back on your next payday by giving the lender a post-dated check. This starts a vicious cycle of spending your paycheck before you earn it, and it takes people on average EIGHT MONTHS to break free of Payday Loans.

4) Maxing out your credit cards – Cash advances from your credit cards are very expensive. You will not only pay interest that may approach 36%, but you will also pay cash advance fees.

5) Pawning Valuables - A pawn shop will usually loan you about 25% of what the item is worth and you have to pay that amount back with interest usually within 30 days or the pawn shop will sell the item you pawned. Never pawn something that you would hate to lose.

BEST WAYS TO MAKE MONEY
1) Sell stuff – Those collectibles you have - beanie babies, baseball cards, autographed memorabilia, Christmas villages - may be worth some money. Check out eBay or Craigslist to see what you can sell! But like with everything, use caution and watch for scams.

2) Have a garage/yard sale – It’s quick, easy and inexpensive.

3) Sell your gold or silver jewelry–Most local jewelry stores buy gold, silver and coins. Be sure to find out how much you will get before you commit to selling.

4) Free-lance – Are you a good writer? Web designer? Photographer? Market your skills as a free-lancer and earn some extra money on the side.

5) Work part-time or get a seasonal job – Why not get a part-time job at your favorite store? Make extra money and get an employee discount! If you are considering a work-at-home opportunity be sure to investigate it carefully to make sure you are not ripped off and that the opportunity is worth the effort.

Phone scam warns of Microsoft virus

12/9/2010

Posted on 12/9/2010 by
The BBB's in British Columbia says a telephone scam that has plagued the U.K. and Australia for the past couple of years has arrived in Canada.

"People should think twice when giving out any information, even if the name sounds familiar," said BBB Mainland BC president Lynda Pasacreta.

In this case, the scammers are using the most recognizable name in the computer business.

According to Pasacreta, victims of the scam get a call from someone who knows their real name and address. The caller says they are from Microsoft, stating: "We've had a report from your internet service provider of serious virus problems from your computer."

The caller warns that if the problem is not solved, the computer will be unusable.

The victims are then directed to download a program to fix the problem, which instead hands over remote access to their computer to criminals.

Then they are told they have to pay a fee for the supposed service. The culprits have complete access to everything on the victim's computer.

Microsoft does not make calls to fix people's computers, but the BBB says that using the company's name helps the caller earn the victim's trust.

"Scammers often use familiar or well-established names to gain trust, which poses a real danger to the public," Pasacreta said.

The BBB says phoney phone calls are common, and that all unsolicited phone calls should be treated with suspicion.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2010/12/08/con-microsoft-scam.html#ixzz17eDLcmit

Five Mistakes to Avoid When Donating to a Charity

12/8/2010

Posted on 12/8/2010 by Rosalind Scott
Every holiday, billions of dollars are donated to worthy causes and now more than ever charities need the support of donors to help those who are struggling. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance advises donors on how to avoid five common mistakes in order to ensure their dollar stretches the farthest in these tough economic times.

“With so many people out of work and in need, it’s extremely important that you maximize the impact your holiday donations have by avoiding the common giving mistakes,” said H. Art Taylor, President and CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. “A smart donor takes a hard look at a charity’s programs, finances and governance before making a donation. While almost all charities have the best of intentions, not all organizations meet standards or are well managed.”

BBB Wise Giving Alliance recommends that donors avoid these common mistakes when donating to a charity this holiday:

1. Assuming that only “low overhead” matters. How much money a charity spends on the actual cause—as compared to how much goes toward fundraising and administration—is an important factor, but it’s not the whole story. A charity with impressive financial ratios could have other significant problems such as insufficient transparency, inadequate board activity and inaccurate appeals.

2. Failing to do your research before you give. Even good friends may not have fully researched the charities they endorse, so don’t just take their word for it. Expertise is available. Go to www.bbb.org/charity to verify that a charity meets the BBB’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

3. Succumbing to high-pressure, emotional pitches. Giving on the spot is never necessary, no matter how hard a telemarketer or door-to-door solicitor pushes it. The charity that needs your money today will welcome it just as much tomorrow.

4. Assuming that the charity wants any item you donate. Worn out, unusable or unwanted donated goods cost charities millions of dollars each year because the organization has to bear the cost of tossing the unacceptable donation. If you have questions about an item’s acceptability, call the charity and ask.

5. Mistaking a charity’s identity. With so many charities in existence, their names can blur in a donor’s mind and similar-sounding organizations are common. Be sure you know which charity you’re supporting and that it’s not a case of mistaken identity.

Donors can check out BBB Wise Giving Alliance evaluations on national soliciting charities for free at www.bbb.org/charity

About the BBB Wise Giving Alliance
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance produces reports on over 1,200 nationally soliciting charitable organizations. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance does not rank charities but rather seeks to assist donors in making informed judgments by providing objective evaluations of national charities based on 20 strict standards. The outcomes of the evaluations – or BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM – are available online at www.bbb.org/charity. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance is an affiliate of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

New Accredited Businesses in November 2010

12/8/2010

Posted on 12/8/2010 by

Please help us in welcoming our newest Accredited Businesses. These companies have joined a group of elite organizations that let consumers know, "You can trust us before you know us". Please thank and support them with your business for making a commitment to trust. The following businesses' applications for accreditation were approved by our Board of Directors in November 2010:

Aardvark Septic Cobble Hill

Wade Roberts Plumbing Ltd. Victoria

Rooster Interlocking Brick Victoria

Organic Landscaping Victoria

FotoPrint Ltd. Victoria

Doug’s Dependable Service Sidney

Coast Claims Service Ltd. Victoria

K.M. Auto Repairs Body Sales Victoria

Share Quest (Canada) Inc. Victoria

West Saanich Plumbing Victoria

Red Construction Malahat

Keeping Your Team Productive and Happy During the Holidays Ain’t Easy– But It’s Important

12/7/2010

Posted on 12/7/2010 by
It can make you crazy. People are caught up in a whirlwind of activity and no one seems to know who’s working and who isn’t.

“The Holidays” is a lovely catchphrase for this time of year that includes Thanksgiving (which in the US is on a Thursday so it screws up a whole week), Christmas, Boxing Day (American’s don’t understand why the civilized world doesn’t go back to work on the 26th of December), Hannukah, Kwanzaa, snow days, my cousin’s birthday, assorted parties, kids pageants and family obligations. How do you keep your team happy and still get everything done?

Here are some tips for maintaining productivity and focus when the silly season bears down hard.

Everyone needs to know what needs to be done by when. Remote working is work by objectives. Tasks need to be completed — and when they get done before that is up to the individual. As long as everyone is clear on what has to be accomplished by which deadlines, they can manage their time effectively without torturing you. If someone wants to see their kid play a reindeer in the school pageant and put in a couple of hours over the weekend to get their work done, don’t sweat it.

Let everyone know what is officially a holiday and what isn’t. If you have a distributed, particularly international, team it will be important that everyone knows which days are “official” holidays (where the company is officially closed and they’re not getting paid for working) and what isn’t. A simple email the day before doesn’t cut it. This is especially true if some people celebrate on a day that others don’t (see Boxing Day or Orthodox Christmas). People need to plan their time around this and if that particular day isn’t important to them they won’t pay attention. Over-communicate the schedule.

Let people announce their personal schedules in a central place, and make sure everyone can access it. When does Mary take her vacation time? The Singapore office party is on Wednesday, don’t expect to hear from Tam. People should be assertive and clear about when they’ll be available for contact, when they’ll be away, and how to best reach them if it’s critical.

Check in with your remote team to make sure they’re getting the work-life balance they need. This can be tricky and it’s where constant and effective one-on-one communication is important. Remote workers often get frustrated at this time of year. In some cases, they may feel that they’re being expected to work while others are out partying or taking too much personal time. You want to make sure unnecessary resentment isn’t building up. Other times they may want to work because they don’t celebrate or are alone for the holidays and you need to make sure you’re not putting undue pressure on them to “lighten up and enjoy the time off”. Sometimes work is just easier. You need to know your team, what’s going on in their lives and whether they tend to be workaholics or not. Besides, it’s The Holidays- shouldn’t you be talking to them to give them your best wishes? Use the time wisely.

For some people this time of year is a time to relax, enjoy themselves and recharge their batteries. For others it’s stressful and hard to be productive. It’s up to the leader to set the goals, set the tone and help people be their best.

Taken from: http://www.bnet.com/blog/virtual-manager/keeping-your-team-productive-and-happy-during-the-holidays-ain-8217t-easy-8211-but-it-8217s-important/914?promo=665&tag=nl.e665

Businesses Who Failed to Respond - November 2010

12/3/2010

Posted on 12/3/2010 by
These businesses were contacted by the BBBVI concerning complaints registered in our office. None of these non-responding businesses are BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB Accredited Businesses agree to respond to all complaints. But we encourage all businesses to deal with complaints in a timely fashion.

Greg Mitchell Planning and Design Service Duncan
Harbourside Motel Nanaimo
Quadra 24 Hours Sports Club Victoria
Ruffknits Victoria
Shamrock Fencing 1992 LTD Comox
Sproat Lake Houseboat Vacations Port Alberni
Taylor Made Landscaping Victoria
Wild Rocks Home Improvement Inc Sooke

Companies who have now responded

Harbour City Kitchens - Victoria

How to create an effective social-media policy for your company

12/1/2010

Posted on 12/1/2010 by Rosalind Scott
Harriet Pearson, IBM’s vice president, security counsel and chief privacy officer, explains what goes into a great social-media policy. Here’s what she had to say:

What are some of the biggest unnecessary risks you see companies taking in the social-media space?

One of the biggest unnecessary risks that companies take is not having a social-media policy. While social-media tools present opportunities and potential for productive, collaborative relationships, they also can raise issues related to information security, disclosure of intellectual property or confidential information, privacy and governance. Organizations should acknowledge that social-media tools exist (and that employees are actively using them) and establish policies that clarify the boundaries and guidelines of appropriate use for their employees.

Should companies build their social-media plans from scratch? If so, what should they bear in mind? If not, what would you recommend using as a template?

Organizations should assess their individual exposures and risks in the social-media space based on the industry that they’re in, the regulations they are subject to and the scope of their employees’ use. It would be beneficial to explore what others have done and learn from and/or model their progress, but companies need to tailor their policies to suit their needs. A policy clearly stating what a company’s employees should or should not do will be based on an understanding of which employees are using the tools and how they’re using it.

IBM’s published social-computing guidelines on its website are revised biennially with input from employees. How did the company originally develop these policies? How has this collaborative process developed between the legal team and actual users of these social platforms?

In 2005, IBM became one of the first corporations to establish guidelines for employee behavior in social-computing environments. These guidelines, initially known as the company’s blogging guidelines, were initiated and written by interested employees and ultimately endorsed by the company. They were expanded to cover social computing generally in 2008 and are now known as the IBM Social Computing Guidelines. Since then, we have taken a collaborative approach to developing and evolving the social-computing guidelines, getting employee input on revisions (using wiki technology); the guidelines were updated in 2008 and 2010.

From IBM’s policy-creation process, what best practices can you share? How detailed does a social-media policy need to be?

Organizations should have an understanding of how their employees will use social-media tools. The guidelines shouldn’t be created in a vacuum. Know your organization’s industry and what regulations you are under. It is imperative to establish social-media-conduct guidelines that set the ground rules for their participation. These guidelines would be, to a certain extent, common sense — don’t harass, don’t use obscene language, be respectful and so forth. But they would also cover corporate policy regarding such things as disclosure of confidential information and intellectual property, and they should open the communication channels between employees and management and legal in the event they have questions or concerns regarding whether something should or can be posted.

IBM also has an internal social network called Beehive. Have you created separate guidelines and policies for using this internal network? Do you and your team use Beehive?

There are generally no separate guidelines for Beehive (now known as SocialBlue) or other internal social-media tools used at IBM. The social-computing guidelines that we established cover both internal and external social- media applications, and build on the company’s foundational Business Conduct Guidelines, which apply to all employees regardless of medium.

Source: http://smartblogs.com/socialmedia/2010/12/01/how-to-create-an-effective-social-media-policy-for-your-company/

How to Avoid Office E-Mail Disasters

11/30/2010

Posted on 11/30/2010 by Rosalind Scott
Business communication should err on the side of being more formal rather than less. This is all the more true today, when e-mail has largely supplanted the business letter. As the old commercial goes, "People judge you by the words you use."

Now, is there a time for less formality when it comes to business e-mail? Of course. If you know the person well, informality and abbreviation are obviously appropriate. If you are in the middle of a long string of e-mails back and forth, again, less is more.

But in most other cases treat a business e-mail -- especially to someone you do not know well -- more as a business communication and less as an informal missive. What do we mean by that?

Use proper English. The prime culprit is the lowercase "I," followed closely by incorrect (or no) punctuation. If you want to impress someone -- or at least not totally turn them off -- use good grammar.

Check for typos. If you are sloppy when you write an e-mail, is that an indication you are sloppy in other areas of your work? It is a fair question to ask. It takes little time to double-check (and spell check) an e-mail before it goes out -- and doing so may mean the difference between a reply and none at all.

Format properly. I once worked with someone who would not use line breaks in any of her e-mails. They looked like one long run-on sentence. Paragraphs were invented for a reason – to break up different ideas. E-mails that have no breaks and improper formatting flaunt convention and can be difficult to comprehend.

One last thing to keep in mind: Be timely. In this context, being timely means two different things. First, it means giving someone the courtesy of a response in a reasonable amount of time, even if that response is, "I am really busy right now and will get back to you in a few days on this." Second, and conversely, it means slow down. How many times have you mistakenly hit "reply all" when replying to all is the last thing you wanted to do? We have all made that mistake, sadly.

What about shooting an e-mail off before you really have had time to a) cool down, b) collect your thoughts, c) come up with a proper response, d) re-write and e) sound smart? E-mail disasters can be avoided by remembering that you are not obligated to respond immediately. It is better to respond thoughtfully.

Reference: http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2010/11/29/how-to-avoid-office-e-mail-disasters/

What You Need to Know About Layaway Plans

11/29/2010

Posted on 11/29/2010 by
Layaway has become increasingly popular with the challenging economic times. Consumers mainly place furniture, toys and jewelry on layaway at a variety of stores, including national chain stores, local retail stores and pawnshops. However, putting an item on layaway may result in a loss of money if you don’t read the contract carefully. The BBB has received hundreds of complaints from consumers whose layaway purchases went awry.

If you are considering layaway plans, the BBB has this advice:

• Pay by credit card, which comes with some buyer protections (charges can be disputed if the product is not delivered).

• Ask the company for a written contract for the layaway and read it carefully. Keep in mind that each company may have a different layaway policy.

• How long can the item be on layaway? Be sure you understand exactly how long an item can be held on layaway before the store may sell it to another customer.

• Will the item be placed in a hold area until all payments are made?
Ask if there is a specific holding area for layaway items. BBB has received numerous reports of layaway items being accidentally sold to other customers.

• Is there a specific date when each payment must be made? The contract may specify when payments must be made and that, if a payment is not made by that date, the layaway item can be sold to another consumer.

• What is the company's refund policy? Is there a restocking fee? Will only a store credit be issued? Are no refunds available? Consumers have reported not being able to obtain a refund or a store credit after changing their mind about buying the item put on layaway. Restocking fees of 10% or more are often charged.

• If the product is not in stock, will it be ordered when the layaway is opened or when the last payment is made? BBB has received reports from consumers stating that after their last payment was made the product was not available, or it was only then ordered after the last payment and in some cases delivery was delayed for weeks or months.

• What is the delivery timeframe? Make sure you know exactly how long the product will take to be delivered after you have paid for it in full.

• Is there a fee to use the layaway program? If so, how much is it and is it refundable?

How to Avoid Malware

11/29/2010

Posted on 11/29/2010 by
Malware is a term used to describe a broad category of damaging software that includes viruses, worms, trojan horses, rootkits, spyware, and adware. The effects of malware range from brief annoyance to computer crashes and identity theft. Malware is easier to avoid than it is to remove. Avoiding malware involves a two-part strategy. Follow these guidelines for staying safe.

Prevent Malware With Smart Online Behavior

The single biggest factor in preventing a malware infection on your PC is you. You don't need expert knowledge or special training. You just need vigilance to avoid downloading and installing anything you do not understand or trust, no matter how tempting, from the following sources:

From a website: If you are unsure, leave the site and research the software you are being asked to install. If it is OK, you can always come back to site and install it. If it is not OK, you will avoid a malware headache.

From e-mail: Do not trust anything associated with a spam e-mail. Approach e-mail from people you know with caution when the message contains links or attachments. If you are suspicious of what you are being asked to view or install, don't do it.

From physical media: Your friends, family, and associates may unknowingly give you a disc or flash drive with an infected file on it. Don't blindly accept these files; scan them with security software. If you are still unsure, do not accept the files.

From a pop-up window: Some pop-up windows or boxes will attempt to corner you into downloading software or accepting a free "system scan" of some type. Often these pop-ups will employ scare tactics to make you believe you need what they are offering in order to be safe. Close the pop-up without clicking anything inside it (including the X in the corner). Close the window via Windows Task Manager (press Ctrl-Alt-Delete).

From another piece of software: Some programs attempt to install malware as a part of their own installation process. When installing software, pay close attention to the message boxes before clicking Next, OK, or I Agree. Scan the user agreement for anything that suggests malware may be a part of the installation. If you are unsure, cancel the installation, check up on the program, and run the installation again if you determine it is safe.

From illegal file-sharing services: You're on your own if you enter this realm. There is little quality control in the world of illegal software, and it is easy for an attacker to name a piece of malware after a popular movie, album, or program to tempt you into downloading it.

Remove Malware With the Right Software

Chances are that no matter how careful you are, you will be infected some day. That's because malware is designed to sneak onto your computer in ways you can't possibly foresee. Enlist the help of the following software:

An updated operating system: Use Windows Update. Take advantage of its ability to automatically notify you of updates, or better yet, to automatically download and install updates.

An updated browser: No matter which browser you use, keeping it current is vital to preventing infection. Take advantage of your browser's pop-up blocking, download screening, and automatic update features.

Antivirus software: You must run an antivirus program to be safe. Keep it updated, turned on, and schedule a scan to run at least once a month. (Don't run two antivirus programs; they will interfere with one another.)

Anti-malware: Also called anti-spyware, many antivirus applications include an anti-malware component. If yours does not, install and use a standalone anti-malware program that does not conflict with your antivirus program. Keep it updated.

Firewall: If you aren't running a third-party firewall, use Windows Firewall. (Don't run two firewalls at once; they will interfere with one another.)

Spam filter: If your e-mail program is not adequately filtering spam from your in-box, consider additional spam filtering software. If your security software is a security suite, spam filtering may be a feature that you need to switch on.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/210891/how_to_avoid_malware.html?tk=hp_pop

Five Tips for Staying Safe on the Roads over the Holidays

11/25/2010

Posted on 11/25/2010 by
Staying safe should be a top priority for all travelers so the Better Business Bureau recommends taking a few precautions when hitting the road this holiday.

Every year, holiday travelers take to the skies and hit the rails, but most spill onto the highways. Last year, AAA estimated that 87.7 million Americans traveled more than 50 miles over the holidays—85 percent of which drove.

“Because of weather conditions and increased traffic, staying safe on the roads over the holidays takes a few additional precautions,” said Alison Southwick, BBB spokesperson. “Before loading up the family, make sure the car is in good shape and you’re prepared for bad weather. While you’re driving, put down your cell phone or GPS and focus on the road ahead.”

The BBB recommends taking the following steps for safe driving this holiday season:

Create a car safety kit – Holiday driving often includes the threat of dangerous winter weather. Snow and ice lead to accidents, car troubles, long delays and road closures. You can prepare for bad weather by creating your own safety kit. Basics for the kit include a blanket, flashlight with extra batteries, radio, first aid kit, jumper cables, non-perishable foods like granola bars and nuts, bottled water, an ice scraper and warm gloves.

Take the car in for a checkup – Breaking down on the side of the road can definitely put a damper on the holiday spirit. If your car is due for a check up, take it in before making that long haul. At the very least, check the car’s fluid levels, wipers and tire pressure. Check the condition of your tires and, if you plan on driving through serious winter weather, consider getting snow tires.

Take the Better Business Bureau with you – When you’re away from home or in the midst of an emergency, it’s hard to know which businesses—such as tow trucks and locksmiths—you can trust. The good news is you can now rely on BBB’s mobile optimized website for finding businesses you can trust when you’re away from your computer.

Start early and slow down – The best way to fight holiday traffic is to give yourself some extra time to make the trip, and don’t speed. Speeding leads to accidents which increase traffic even more. Also, if you’re caught speeding by law enforcement, that adds travel time and puts a dent in your holiday spending.

Drop the distractions – According to the National Safety Council, 28 percent of accidents happen when people are talking on their cell phone or sending text messages. When you’re behind the wheel, don’t text and drive, use a hands free headset when talking on the phone and get someone else to fumble with the GPS.

For more advice on staying safe over the holidays, visit us online at www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-holiday/

Explaining BBB Ratings and Accreditation

11/24/2010

Posted on 11/24/2010 by
The Better Business Bureau often receives inquiries about our ratings system and our accreditation process, both from consumers and businesses.

So how does it work?

Ratings refers to the letter grade that BBB assigns a business.BBB assigns grades from A to F, representing BBB’s degree of confidence that the business is operating in a trustworthy manner and will make a good faith effort to resolve any customer concerns filed with BBB.

Accreditation is like membership. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation.

Importance of neutrality.
BBB remains neutral when issuing ratings. Ratings are based on 16 factors, including time in business, size of business, number of complaints relative to size of business, and whether complaints are being resolved or addressed. Whether a business is accredited or not has no impact their rating.

Marketplace trust.
An important part of marketplace trust is how a business handles disputes. Not every transaction goes perfectly, and consumers want to know: If something goes wrong, will this business do everything they can to make it right? Accredited businesses are committed to addressing complaints from BBB.

Higher standards.
BBB accredited businesses are held to a HIGHER standard than non-accredited businesses. They undergo a business review process and commit, in writing, to our standards of trust (truth, integrity, transparency). Businesses that do not uphold these standards are subject to accreditation review, suspension and/or termination. This year, 15 businesses have lost their BBB accreditation. All BBB accredited businesses have ratings of A or B because they cannot maintain their accreditation if they have a rating that falls below a B-minus.

Dispute resolution.
BBB maintains neutrality throughout the complaint process. All correspondence is done in writing, to ensure that both parties (the consumer and the business) are having their side of the story communicated in their own words. Complaints that a business does not respond to or attempt to address will negatively impact their rating more than a complaint that a business does take steps to resolve.

Value of accreditation.
A business cannot achieve a high rating simply by becoming a member of the BBB, nor can they “pay” for a higher rating. Accreditation has no impact on rating. When a business applies for accreditation, they must undergo our business review process, which is very rigorous. We spend days reviewing business applications for proper licensing, owner’s background, customer references, website security, and advertising claims. These businesses may be denied accreditation if BBB discovers any issues of concern, regarding, for example. This year, BBB serving Mainland BC has declined 39 applications for accreditation.

BBB is a non-profit organization whose goal is to advance marketplace trust. Like the businesses that make up our membership, we adhere to a code of standards:

· Build Trust
· Advertise Honestly
· Tell the Truth
· Be Transparent
· Honour Promises
· Be Responsive
· Safeguard Privacy
· Embody Integrity

If you have any questions about BBB ratings or accreditation, please contact us at info@vi.bbb.org or 250.386.6348, or visit www.bbb.org/bbbinformationcenter.

Fighting Cold and Flu Season in the Workplace

11/23/2010

Posted on 11/23/2010 by Rosalind Scott
Better Business Bureau recommends that business owners take a few simple steps to prevent illnesses from spreading and promote productivity throughout the workplace.

According to the National Institutes of Health every year there are more than 1 billion cases of the common cold in the United States. The flu also affects 5 to 20 percent of Americans every year with the peak season starting in late November, according to the Center for Disease Control

“Fighting germs around the office is about keeping your employees safe and maintaining productivity throughout the peak cold and flu seasons,” said Alison Southwick, BBB spokesperson. “Encouraging proper hygiene and a liberal leave policy will help maintain a happier, healthier workplace.”

BBB recommends taking the following steps to protect employees during cold and flu season:

Build up an arsenal to fight germs. Kleenex, hand sanitizer, and products for cleaning work spaces are three basic purchases employers can make for fighting germs around the office. Also consider investing in no-touch trashcans.

Encourage people to stay home. Sick employees may think they’re being dedicated workers when they still come into work but, the truth is, they spread germs to other employees and cut down on the overall productivity of the business. Encourage employees to stay home when they are sick at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or severe symptoms. Consider instituting a flexible leave policy—and appropriate technology—that allows employees to work from home if they or their kids are sick.

Promote good hygiene around the office – Remind everyone of the importance of hand washing and covering your mouth if you sneeze or cough. Encourage employees to regularly clean shared equipment such as phones and computers and wipe down common areas. Post friendly reminders around the workplace in languages that all employees can easily understand.

Encourage flu shots – Contact your local hospital to see if they provide on-site flu shots or consider reimbursing some or all of the cost for employees to get a shot on their own time.

Hold a health fair – Contact your local hospital to see if they provide health fairs for larger offices. You can also contract the coordination of an on-site health fair with a company specializing in the service.

Set a good example. Now that you’ve asked everyone to wash their hands regularly and stay home if they’re sick, it’s important as the business owner that you follow your own advice. When you’re the boss it can seem like an impossible task to take a sick day, but stay home and keep your germs out of the workplace.

For more advice on providing a safe and healthy workplace, visit us online at www.bbb.org/us/Business-Tips-Index/

Five Steps to Create and Keep a Holiday Budget

11/22/2010

Posted on 11/22/2010 by
Nevertheless, in tough economic times, the Better Business Bureau recommends that mapping out your spending in November will help ease the strain of a financial holiday hangover in January.

According to a survey by Consumer Reports, shoppers planned on spending about $699 over the holidays last year, but, in a follow-up survey, admitted to actually spending closer to an average of $811, 16 percent more than planned. Creating a budget, and being disciplined enough to follow it, is one of the best ways to avoid overspending during the holidays.

“While it isn’t the most festive way to spend an evening, sit yourself down with a mug of eggnog and crunch the numbers, because tough economic times mean that you literally can’t afford to spend with abandon,” said Alison Southwick, BBB spokesperson. “Building a budget and sticking to it over the holidays will stave off a painful financial holiday hangover.”

Step One: Consider your Income.
The first step is to measure how much money is coming in. Add up your monthly salary along with your spouse’s and any child support payments, dividends or interest payments and other sources of income.

Step Two: Add up regular monthly expenses.
Adding up expenses is usually harder than determining your income because there are so many more factors to consider. Start with your rent or mortgage, utilities and credit card payments. Also factor in other expenses for gas and car maintenance, healthcare and groceries. A full list of monthly expenses to consider is available at www.bbb.org/us/article/tips-on-how-to-develop-a-working-budget-6101

Step Three: Estimate Extra Holiday Expenses
A lot of little purchases have a way of adding up over the Holidays and it’s important to consider all of the expenses of the season including:

• Gifts - Make an itemized list of everyone you want to buy presents for and estimate how much you’re willing to spend for each. This includes presents for family, friends and coworkers. Also consider the cost for holiday cards and postage.

• Entertaining - Entertaining is big over the holidays. Think about who you’ll be having over and also budget for any food or beverages you might need to bring to someone else’s party. Also consider the costs for eating out and going to the movies—both popular expenses over the holidays.

• Decorations - Take stock of what you already own and then consider any additional spending you might need to make for a tree, lights, ornaments, wrapping paper, etc.

• Travel - If you’re heading out of town for the holidays, consider the cost of travel including any car maintenance or pet boarding if applicable.

• Charitable Donations - The holidays are a time of giving, so budget in how much you plan on donating to a worthy cause. You can learn more about being a savvy donor from the BBB Wise Giving Alliance at www.bbb.org/charity.

Step Four: Revisit, evaluate and revise your budget along the way.
Once you’ve added up your income and your expenses, it’s time to compare. If more is going out than coming in, it’s time to go back over your budget and pare down expenses. Consider giving fewer gifts or less expensive ways of entertaining. Last year’s decorations are also probably just fine.

Once you’ve balanced your budget, revisit it frequently over the holidays to make sure you’re sticking to it. You might find that you over estimated in some categories and underestimated in others.

Step Five: Reward yourself. Work into your budget a small reward that you can earn if you meet your goals. If you don’t meet your goals, you can guess where that money is going instead: Paying off your credit card bill in January.

More advice on saving money over the holidays is available online at www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-holiday/

Understanding Warranties

11/22/2010

Posted on 11/22/2010 by
The world of warranties and extended warranties is riddled with myths and misinformation. When it comes to warranties and extended warranties it is important to understand the difference between the two and what your rights are as a consumer.

What is a warranty?
A warranty is a promise made by a manufacturer or seller of a product that guarantees some aspect of the product. It is essentially a promise that the business will stand behind their product and cover the costs of damage, repair or replacement should the product be faulty in some way.

Product manufacturers and sellers are not required to put warranties on their products. If a written warranty is promised however, the business is required to honour the specifics of that warranty.

When you purchase a product be sure to ask for a written copy of the warranty agreement. You should be provided with a document that clearly outlines the terms and duration of the warranty coverage on the product.

What is an extended warranty?
An extended warranty is typically an additional guarantee on a product intended to protect you if the product breaks after the original warranty expires.

There are two basic kinds of extended warrantees:
1) The manufacturer of a product extends the original warranty for an additional charge; and
2) A warranty firm provides third party extended warranty coverage for future repair costs. It is important to note that if you purchase a third party extended warranty and the company goes out of business your warranty may no longer be valid.

Likewise, if you choose to purchase an optional extended warranty you should request written documentation that outlines the terms and conditions of the extended warranty.

Specific Warranty Coverage
Electronics & Appliances
Most electronic devices and appliances come with a manufacturers’ warranty, however the specifics of these warranties depend on the product.

When considering the purchase of an extended warranty you need to ask specific questions to determine what type of warranty pre-exists on the product and what additional coverage would best suit your personal or business needs.

For example, when buying a new computer, most manufacturers offer a full replacement of the product. Like all warranties, it is important to read and understand the fine print including the limitations. Make sure to test your product(s) as soon as possible. Most products carry a full warranty on DOA (dead on arrival) for up to 30 days.

For computers, it is a good idea to do what is called a "burn-in" on your machine when you bring it home; which entails leaving your computer on for up to 3 days. This burn-in process should terminate any substandard or heavily worn parts while the warranty is still valid.

It is always wise to verify and obtain written assurance that a store offers a warranty on a product before making the purchase. A warranty does not automatically guarantee you will receive a replacement during the time your product is being fixed, which may take several weeks depending on the nature of the repairs.

Automobile
New vehicles typically come with a manufacturers warranty that is transferable to a new owner, should you decide to sell your vehicle before the warranty expires.

Many people believe that if their new vehicle is defective in any way they have a right to a full refund or replacement of the vehicle. The reality is that in B.C. the seller of a new vehicle is only obligated to fix the vehicle under the warranty that was sold with it. Before purchasing a new vehicle it is important to read the fine print of the manufacturers warranty.

Depending on the coverage provided you might wish to purchase an extended warranty. The length of the extended warranty will vary, depending on your needs, from one year up to seven years in the future. A number of different extended warranty packages are typically available. Speak to your dealer and find out which type is of most benefit to you.

Should you have an issue with your new vehicle that does not seem to be fixable. The Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) is an arbitration program that can help you resolve disputes with an automobile manufacturer about manufacturing defects or the manufacturers’ interpretation or implementation of its new vehicle warranty.

New Home Warranties
In B.C. residential builders are required to be licensed by the Homeowner Protection Office and must arrange for third-party home warranty insurance on proposed new homes prior to obtaining a building permit. Coverage includes a minimum of 2 years on labour and materials, 5 years on the building envelope (including water penetration) and 10 years on the structure of the home. When purchasing your new home be sure to ask for a copy of the Confirmation of Warranty Registration to ensure you know who is providing the Home Warranty Insurance coverage and that in fact your home is covered.

Thinking of building your own home? Before issuing a loan for construction many lenders will require that some form of Home Warranty Insurance be purchased. Before selecting a Home Warranty Insurance company, you’ll want to be certain that the Financial Institutions Commission (FICOM) authorizes them.

Regardless of which type of new home warranty insurance you have in place be sure that you read and understand your warranty coverage. As a homeowner you have an obligation to maintain your home to ensure claims do not occur as a result of misuse or negligence.

If you have any problems show up during the warranty period, go directly to the warranty company. Keep records and copies of all your correspondence and be sure to give the warranty company a reasonable opportunity to review your claims and make repairs.

Holiday Shopping Tips - Layaways

11/22/2010

Posted on 11/22/2010 by
The Better Business Bureau encourages shoppers to obtain a copy of the contract and read it carefully. Ask if the product will be placed in a hold area; if there are specific dates for payments and what the refund policy is. Also, make the payments on a credit card so the charges can be disputed if the product is not delivered. A little homework on the front end will result in happier holidays on the back end.

Online Shopping

11/22/2010

Posted on 11/22/2010 by
The Better Business Bureau reminds shoppers to verify their computers are protected with updated spam filters and anti-spyware software. When shopping, read the website’s privacy policy to know personal information will be protected. Finally, check on a company’s credibility by receiving a free business review at www.vi.bbb.org. Be cyber-savvy to enjoy a safe, online experience.

Security firm lists 12 scams of Christmas

11/18/2010

Posted on 11/18/2010 by Rosalind Scott

The company noted for its anti-virus software has made a list, checked it twice and hopes consumers can avoid the naughty.

"When shopping online, McAfee advises consumers to stick with well-known sites, not respond to spam and to preview a website address before clicking to ensure it's not a fake site", says Ros. "Although scams are present year round, Christmas is a time when most consumers are spending and maybe not paying as much attention to where and how they are purchasing."

The 12 Scams of Christmas

1. IPad offer scams. With the popularity of Apple's iPad, McAfee warns about bogus offers for free iPads. Spammers are offering iPads when consumers buy other products using their credit card. In the end, there is no free iPad, no other products, and the consumer's credit card number has been stolen. In another iPad scam, consumers are asked to take a quiz and provide their cellphone number. They've actually signed up for a scam that will cost them $10 a week.

2. "Help! I've been robbed" scam. A phony distress message is sent to family and friends requesting that money be transferred so an individual can get home. Often, it is grandparents who are contacted. McAfee expects this scam to increase over the busy holiday travel season.

3. Fake gift cards. Cybercrooks use the offer of free gift cards to steal consumers' personal information, such as credit card numbers.

4. Holiday job offers. High-paying, seasonal and work-at-home jobs that are offered online are often scams. Beware of job offers that demand a lot of personal information.

5. Smishing. This is a new scam that uses text messaging in the way that the web is used for phishing. SMS messages are sent to a recipient, purportedly from a bank or online retailer, saying that something is wrong with an account. The victim is asked to call and verify personal information, which is then stolen and used.

6. Suspicious holiday deals. During the holiday season a lot of consumers will be searching for an affordable getaway. Crooks often post fake holiday rental sites and ask for down payments by credit card or wire transfer.

7. Recession loan scams. Vulnerable consumers are being targeted by pay-in-advance credit schemes. Crooks offer low-interest loans or credit cards and ask for an upfront processing fee. Once the fee is paid, the loan or credit card is never issued.

8. Grinch greetings. E-cards have become a popular way of sending greetings to friends. However fake e-cards can contain viruses or malware that could infect a computer.

9. Low-price traps. Scammers use auction sites such as e-Bay or set up fake websites and offer goods at far below normal retail cost. Often the too-good-to-be-true deals are simply a way of stealing money and personal information.

10. Charity scams. This common scam heats up over the holidays as people generously give to charities. However, some of the charities are fake, with the donations going into the pockets of thieves

11. Dangerous downloads. Holiday-themed screensavers, music and animations are easy ways for scammers to spread viruses and malware.

12. Hotel and airport wireless networks. The use of free Wi-Fi gives hackers an opportunity to break into networks.

Source: www.cbc.ca

Twitter Tips

11/16/2010

Posted on 11/16/2010 by
Even big companies, like MacDonald’s, get flamed for their Twitter missteps, reminding us all that social media can be a free for all where good intentions sometimes go terribly wrong. It’s tough to navigate this world when so much is out of your control, but there are elements of your social media strategy that you can and must manage. I recently spoke to Ryan Holmes, the CEO of Vancouver-based HootSuite, a popular social media dashboard for groups, who offered five tips for tweeting entrepreneurs.

* Take off your selling hat. “You should think of Twitter as nine parts fun, interesting, engaging information and one part soft marketing,” says Holmes. “People tune out to self-promotional messaging.” If you establish yourself as a source of news, tips, and useful information on your industry, then your followers will be more receptive when you move (subtly) into promotion mode.

* Don’t open the floodgates. There’s nothing worse that having your Twitter stream cluttered with message after message from the same source. My own reaction to this: I typically block the offender. “You want to spread messages out and think about the number of messages per day or hour,” says Holms. “And don’t exceed what’s reasonable, which is usually one or two tweets an hour.” For those of you who have better things to do than think of Twitter all day long, HootSuite offers a tweet scheduler, so that you can actually enter all your tweets, and schedule them to post throughout the day.

* Separate Twitter and Facebook. “You should treat them as independent broadcasting channels,” says Holmes. “There’s a different language for Twitter that doesn’t translate well into Facebook,” he says. Think of Twitter as a place to share links and to meet and interact with people you don’t already know, and Facebook as the channel where you talk to friends and acquaintances. Ultimately, you’ll want to spend the most time where you’re most likely to find your customers.

* Monitor your Twitter account. “You’ve got two ears and one mouth,” says Holmes. “So listen to the conversations that people are having. Get up to speed with what people are saying about your brand, your competitors, and other key topics that are related. For instance, if you’re selling yoga mats, you should probably also be listening to what people are saying about Pilates.” Holmes recommends that you watch carefully who is responding to you and retweeting your messages (the stats tool on HootSuite allows you do this). Then, make sure you interact with those people by either responding to them, thanking them via direct message, or retweeting them.

* Be mindful of security. Suppose you hire an intern and charge him or her with managing your twitter account. “This can be a dangerous thing for a small business,” says Holmes. “Because the intern can go in and change the user name and password. I anticipate at some point a “Twitter Chernobyl” where an employee goes rogue and it takes a while for an account to get locked down.” By that time, your disgruntled intern or employee may have done significant damage to your brand. If you use a dashboard like Hootsuite to manage your Twitter account, it’s simple to kick an employee off the Twitter island if you need to. You can also set up a system that requires drafts of tweets to be approved.

Taken from: http://www.bnet.com/blog/entrepreneurs/are-you-headed-for-a-twitter-chernobyl/1400

The Importance of Business Succession Planning

11/15/2010

Posted on 11/15/2010 by
The Importance of Business Succession Planning:
Don’t wait until retirement to create a business succession plan.

While it’s not fun for a business owner to think about the impact their death or a disability would have on the company, it is nevertheless important to create a succession plan sooner rather than later. The Better Business Bureau outlines five steps to create a solid succession plan and ensure the stability of the business if something unexpected should happen.

A business succession plan is extremely vital to ensure the stability of the business and avoid paying too many taxes or damaging the family finances, but many small business owners lack one.

“While your retirement may seem far off, you should plan for the unexpected by taking the time to create a thorough succession plan,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Waiting until retirement to think about the next generation of the business puts both your family finances and the future success of the company at risk.”

BBB recommends taking the following steps to create a cohesive and comprehensive succession plan:

Have the tough conversations with family and partners.
When beginning the planning process, get the thoughts and opinions of family members and business partners on their future involvement with the company. This will give you a better idea who really wants to take on the challenges of the company and who might prefer a different path from the family business while perhaps maintaining an equity stake. Also, circle back around and make sure all interested parties understand the succession plan after it is finalized.

Get professional help. A succession plan isn’t just about naming an heir; it’s also a matter of navigating tax laws and minimizing the financial burden on family members. The financial aspect of a succession plan can be very complex. An attorney and/or financial planner can walk you through the process, make sure you’ve tied up all loose ends and help you ease the potential financial strain on family and the business.

Think about the staff. A succession plan isn’t just about tending to finances and ownership. It is also about management and making sure the company can run smoothly in your absence. Make sure that your staff is trained to carry on without you—this includes the high-level strategic plan and the day-to-day basics of making the business work. Consider creating basic succession management plans for key staff to ensure continuity in service and productivity should someone else depart.

Think about the customers. Customer loyalty for a small business often rests heavily on the owner. Customers might head off to the competition if they think that the company can’t carry on without you. Consider how you can make the transition seamless for customers and not lose the trust they have built in your company should you leave. Encourage relationships between customers and other staff so that they know that the business is more than just you.

Update the plan every few years. Revisit and revise the plan every few years. Make sure it continues to reflect the current status of the business as well as your family situation.

BBB Vancouver Island Wins International Award for Excellence in Sales

11/15/2010

Posted on 11/15/2010 by

BBB Vancouver Island was recently recognized for excellence in sales at the annual International Assembly of Better Business Bureaus. Congratulations to our exceptional sales team. And thank you to all our new and returning Accredited Businesses for your commitment to marketplace ethics!

Ros Scott, ED, BBBVI accepts award from Steve Cox, President and CEO, BBB

Payday Lender Ordered to Refund BC Consumers

11/12/2010

Posted on 11/12/2010 by Rosalind Scott
Consumer Protection BC has concluded an investigation into the business practices of The Cash Store and determined that the payday lender is in violation of the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act and the Payday Loans Regulation in BC. After working to try to achieve voluntary compliance on a number of issues, The Cash Store has been issued a Compliance Order requiring them to pay $25,000 in penalties, reimburse Consumer Protection BC for their investigation costs and provide restitution to consumers who were charged unlawful fees on their loans.

The Cash Store has 30 days to appeal the decision and request reconsideration. Although there is still a process to follow before this case is concluded, we felt it was important to share information with consumers to help them make informed choices when getting a payday loan. We are committed to protecting consumers and promoting a level playing field for business.

“We are taking this opportunity to advise consumers of their rights under BC’s payday lending law” says Manjit Bains, Vice President of Corporate Relations. “Consumers should not be charged for cash cards, or be charged more than 23% of the amount they borrowed, including all fees and charges.” For additional consumer tips, please visit the payday lending section of their website.

British Columbia introduced its Payday Loans Regulation on November 1, 2009 requiring all payday loan businesses to be licensed with Consumer Protection BC. Consumer Protection BC uses a progressive enforcement model and attempts to educate businesses and reach voluntary compliance prior to utilizing our other enforcement tools. To better understand their enforcement model and the tools , please visit the enforcement section of their website.

Consumer Protection BC is a not-for-profit corporation that was created to strengthen consumer protection in BC and enforce consumer protection laws. We balance the interests of all parties to promote a marketplace that is fair for both BC consumers and businesses. We license and inspect specific industries, respond to inquiries through our Inquiry Centre, investigate alleged violations of consumer protection laws, and educate consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities under the law. For more information about our organization, please visit our corporate website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.

Becoming a Better Business: Managing Your Online Reputation

11/4/2010

Posted on 11/4/2010 by
It may sound like a cliché phrase, but in the world of online marketing the reality is that many of your future customers have already checked your business out via some Internet based source. How your business is perceived and whether or not a new customer chooses to do business with you is very much influenced by your online reputation.

Managing your online reputation is as important as making sure your employees are effectively trained in customer service. It is especially important if you are engaging in online marketing via a website, blog or social media site. But even if you are not, it is very likely your business is, or will some day soon, be mentioned via a customer review site, forum, and online community or niche site.

The Better Business Bureau suggests the following strategies for managing your online reputation:

• Join up. While a business cannot completely control how its customers are perceiving it, it can make an honest effort to influence perception. A simple way to influence your business’ reputation is to join or participate in organizations and online forums that demonstrate your business’ mandate and professionalism. For example, businesses that are dedicated to building trust in the marketplace apply to become BBB Accredited Businesses. Accredited Businesses that have met our rigorous screening process and code of business practices become BBB branded and we list these businesses and provide additional information about them to potential customers via the BBB website.

• Tune in. In order to know what your online reputation is, you have to regularly monitor what is being said about your business online. Performing vanity searches on your business and yourself is a great way to start the monitoring process and to gauge the temperature of customer satisfaction. Regularly Google yourself and visit your website, blog, Facebook & Twitter accounts, online communities and customer review sites to read what people have to say about you. If the thought of doing this regularly overwhelms you, there are a number free and low-cost online tracking tools (such as Google Alert) that will notify you when your business has been mentioned online.

• Get some perspective and some training. Before you attempt to do anything to actually manage your online reputation you need to have the skill sets in place to do so. This may mean becoming more technologically savvy, so that you can easily navigate and actively engage in various online social media sites. Most of your online dialogue with customers will take place in the form of writing. If you are not comfortable responding professionally via the written word, you may need to hire someone who is, or take a business writing course. It may also mean improving your customer service and conflict and dispute resolution communication skills so you can effectively handle customer compliments and complaints.

• Respond carefully. Once you know what people are saying about you online and you have the required skill sets in place, it is time to respond. Where the option exists you will need to determine whether it is better to respond publically or privately or both. When someone posts a positive comment, take a brief moment to thank them for their feedback and without over promoting yourself let the person know a little bit more about you (maybe a useful fact, a product or service of interest, or another resource they could use). When someone posts a negative comment, before responding assess the comment carefully. If the comment is totally inappropriate you may wish to ask the site host to remove it. If it is a complaint take the time to do some research. Find out more about the person complaining and the situation if you can. In your response be professional, respectful, honest and courteous. If they are criticizing your services apologize for their experience and explain what you have done or will be doing to remedy or change your practices.

Managing your business’s online reputation is an ongoing task that will take patience, perspective and practice. Positive word of mouth referrals are a great source of new business. Negative criticisms are an effective source of feedback to evaluate where you can improve your business operations. The Internet is a powerful tool - use it wisely.

The Importance of Business Succession Planning

11/4/2010

Posted on 11/4/2010 by
While it’s not fun for a business owner to think about the impact their death or a disability would have on the company, it is nevertheless important to create a succession plan sooner rather than later. The Better Business Bureau outlines five steps to create a solid succession plan and ensure the stability of the business if something unexpected should happen.

A business succession plan is extremely vital to ensure the stability of the business and avoid paying too many taxes or damaging the family finances, but many small business owners lack one.

“While your retirement may seem far off, you should plan for the unexpected by taking the time to create a thorough succession plan,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Waiting until retirement to think about the next generation of the business puts both your family finances and the future success of the company at risk.”

BBB recommends taking the following steps to create a cohesive and comprehensive succession plan:

Have the tough conversations with family and partners.
When beginning the planning process, get the thoughts and opinions of family members and business partners on their future involvement with the company. This will give you a better idea who really wants to take on the challenges of the company and who might prefer a different path from the family business while perhaps maintaining an equity stake. Also, circle back around and make sure all interested parties understand the succession plan after it is finalized.

Get professional help. A succession plan isn’t just about naming an heir; it’s also a matter of navigating tax laws and minimizing the financial burden on family members. The financial aspect of a succession plan can be very complex. An attorney and/or financial planner can walk you through the process, make sure you’ve tied up all loose ends and help you ease the potential financial strain on family and the business.

Think about the staff. A succession plan isn’t just about tending to finances and ownership. It is also about management and making sure the company can run smoothly in your absence. Make sure that your staff is trained to carry on without you—this includes the high-level strategic plan and the day-to-day basics of making the business work. Consider creating basic succession management plans for key staff to ensure continuity in service and productivity should someone else depart.

Think about the customers. Customer loyalty for a small business often rests heavily on the owner. Customers might head off to the competition if they think that the company can’t carry on without you. Consider how you can make the transition seamless for customers and not lose the trust they have built in your company should you leave. Encourage relationships between customers and other staff so that they know that the business is more than just you.

Update the plan every few years. Revisit and revise the plan every few years. Make sure it continues to reflect the current status of the business as well as your family situation.

BBB Reinvents the Reliability Report

11/4/2010

Posted on 11/4/2010 by
Last year alone, consumers in North America looked to BBB more than 65 million times for help finding trustworthy businesses. Maybe they needed a plumber, an IT specialist or a safe place to find deals online. Whatever type of business they were looking for, they all turned to BBB because they knew they could trust the nearly 4 million Reliability Reports BBB maintains on businesses across North America.

As an Accredited Business, your business report is a testament to your track record for treating customers with respect. The seal on your report shows that you uphold BBB’s Standards for Trust and customers know that you will stand by your word.

While your dedication to ethics and integrity doesn’t change, your business evolves over time to better meet customer needs. For the same reason, BBB has redeveloped our business reports to provide more information to consumers as well as help Accredited Businesses highlight their products and services.

For starters, come the New Year, our reports will have a new name: BBB Business Review. The value of accreditation will be given greater note. And Accredited Businesses will be able to upload photos and videos to their review to showcase their services or products. Customers that check out your review will also be able to download any coupons you want to offer, request a quote for service or a map and directions to your business.

You will also have the opportunity to highlight your professional affiliations such as association memberships, special certifications and the like, and to add more information about your business, including your products and services, hours of operation, refund and exchange policy and service areas.

Your BBB Business Review is now an even better way for your business to stand out from the competition online. Contact Wendy at 250.386.6348 ext 109 (wendy@vi.bbb.org) or visit vi.bbb.org to learn about how you can take advantage of all the new features and promote your good name.

Cash-for-jewelry Mail Firms in Alleged Scam

11/4/2010

Posted on 11/4/2010 by

The Better Business Bureau of Ottawa is warning people never to mail their valuables to jewelry buyers, and an alleged victim said Tuesday she would file a complaint with police.

Barbara Mughal, of Alma, Que., is feeling ripped off, and a bit embarrassed.

"First time in my life I do something like this, but they always catch a fish, right?"

Mughal mailed a gold watch and some gold nuggets to sellyourdiamondsandgold.ca after seeing the company's commercial on television. That was in early October.

When she didn't get anything in return, she called the company.

"I said, 'Where's my cheque?' He said, 'Your cheque has been made, it's on the way.' Never received a penny. And then I tried to call them back. They just don't answer. They have an answering machine. They just don't answer," Mughal said.

"We look forward to working with you, and paying you top dollar for all your unwanted jewelry," says a recorded message.

The companies have two almost identical websites: webuydiamondsandgold.ca and sellyourdiamondsandgold.ca.

Both companies use addresses at UPS stores in Ottawa, and the man listed as the president of one company, Manny Olszynko, lives in the city's west end.

CBC News has talked to half a dozen people who sent their jewelry to sellyourdiamondsandgold.ca or webuydiamondsandgold.ca.

Consumer websites such as ripoffreport.com are buzzing with warnings about the two companies, and the region's Better Business Bureau has received 55 complaints.

The bureau's Diane Iadeluca said the stories she's hearing are similar.

"In some cases they get a little money back, in some cases they don't get their money back, and they can never seem to get their jewelry back," Iadeluca said.

Numerous calls and emails from CBC News to the companies went unanswered.

Olszynko wasn't home Tuesday, nor was he at the other family businesses, a barbershop and an ice-cream stand.

Read more:

How to Make Sure the Bedbug Exterminators Don't Bite

11/4/2010

Posted on 11/4/2010 by

Five Ways to Fight Back Against Phone Bill Cramming

11/1/2010

Posted on 11/1/2010 by
Sneaky little charges are making their way onto telephone bills and can go unnoticed for months. Victims of so-called “cramming” often face a tough battle to stop being billed every month and start getting their money back. In order to fight cramming, Better Business Bureau recommends keeping a close eye on every bill and being extremely cautious when giving out personal information such as phone numbers.

“You might think that nothing bad can happen from giving out your telephone number, but you should guard those digits like you would a credit card or social security number,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Monitor your monthly statements closely because even if you are very protective of your personal information, cramming can still strike.”

Cramming can come from any number of sources. Some victims may have inadvertently signed up for a subscription service—such as for “free” ringtones or a daily joke or horoscopes—not realizing they’d be billed every month. Calling a psychic hotline or entering a sweepstakes can also lead to cramming. Unfortunately, in some cases, the victim is just an unlucky random target.

BBB recommends taking the following five steps to fight cramming:

• Keep a close eye on monthly statements. Anyone can become a victim of cramming so monitoring your monthly bills is extremely important. The sooner you spot the charges, the sooner you can fight them.

• Know your rights. Contact your telephone provider to see if you can completely restrict third-party billing on your account.

• Know who you can trust online. Before handing over any personal information online, always research the business with your BBB at vi.bbb.org.

• Guard your personal information closely. Be wary when asked to provide personal information to sign up for a free trial or enter a sweepstakes. Always read the fine print on any offer so you understand how your personal information may be used.

• Know where to complain. If you are unable to resolve the issue either through your telephone provider or directly with the business, you can also file a complaint with BBB.

For more advice on managing personal finances and protecting your wallet, visit us online at vi.bbb.org

Avoid Paying Too Much For Auto Rentals

10/26/2010

Posted on 10/26/2010 by Rosalind Scott
Before you venture into renting your next car or truck, you need to be aware that car rental companies often employ a number of tactics (some illegal, some just unscrupulous) to increase your bill. BBB often hears complaints of one low advertised rate being offered to get customers in the door, and one extremely high contract rate riddled with hidden fees and unnecessary add-ons being reality.

BBB recommends prospective auto renters consider the following before signing their next rental contract:

Insurance
Most car rental companies will ask if you would like additional insurance with your rental. Before agreeing to purchase additional coverage you should really know what insurance coverage you are already carrying.

Pre-existing Auto Insurance
If you own your own car it is very likely that your existing comprehensive and collision insurance policy will extend coverage to a rental vehicle.

Credit Card Insurance
A benefit of most credit cards is insurance coverage of some sort. Often by merely making a purchase using your credit card you will receive sufficient auto insurance coverage for your needs.

Home, Life and Health Insurance
If you already have home, life or health insurance policies you may find that any minor costs incurred due to an auto accident (i.e. broken cell phone) or break-in (i.e. stolen bags) may already be covered under these policies.

Call your existing insurance policy provider to find out what insurance coverage you currently have to cover your auto rental needs.

Note: A car rental company cannot refuse to rent you a vehicle if you decline their insurance coverage policy.

Gas
Gas is another area where car rental companies make a huge profit. Rental companies usually provide you with two options when it comes to gas:
1) Return the car with the fuel tank as-is and they will re-fill it for a “flat or reduced” rate;
2) Return the car with a full tank of gas yourself.

In most circumstances the reduced rate for gas being offered by the rental company is only cheaper by pennies compared to the going rate for gas. Car rental companies make their money here by keeping the unused gas from your rental and re-selling it at a reduced rate to the next renter. If you are not pressed for time it is usually more cost effective if you refill the car with gas yourself immediately before returning it. However, you need to understand exactly what the car rental company means by a “full-tank” of gas. In some instances if the fuel gauge is even slightly below the “Full” mark you maybe be charged a fee.

Damages
Prior to leaving the lot with your rental car be sure you carefully go over the vehicle with a rental attendant to document any dings, dents, scratches or damage that exists. Make sure every thing is documented in writing and that both you and the rental company receive a copy. When you return, take the time to go over the vehicle with the attendant again, and be sure to sign off that no damage was documented before you leave. There have been cases of renters being charged for damage to a vehicle that they did not cause, due to poor damage assessment and documentation.

Additional Fees
Taxes, late return fees, airport surcharges, upgrades, licensing fees and a host of other possible additional fees may be buried in the fine print of your auto rental contract. Before signing on the dotted line, be sure you understand the details of each and every rental policy. To save yourself heartache and money be sure to understand and follow these rules and don’t be lured into paying more for your auto rental than it is really worth.

Tip: Avoid Paying Too Much for Auto Rentals

10/25/2010

Posted on 10/25/2010 by
Renting a vehicle for short or long periods of time can be an extremely costly endeavor. Before you venture into renting your next car or truck, you need to be aware that car rental companies often employ a number of tactics (some illegal, some just unscrupulous) to increase your bill. BBB often hears complaints of one low advertised rate being offered to get customers in the door, and one extremely high contract rate riddled with hidden fees and unnecessary add-ons being reality.

BBB recommends prospective auto renters consider the following before signing their next rental contract:

Insurance
Most car rental companies will ask if you would like additional insurance with your rental. Before agreeing to purchase additional coverage you should really know what insurance coverage you are already carrying.

Pre-existing Auto Insurance
If you own your own car it is very likely that your existing comprehensive and collision insurance policy will extend coverage to a rental vehicle.

Credit Card Insurance
A benefit of most credit cards is insurance coverage of some sort. Often by merely making a purchase using your credit card you will receive sufficient auto insurance coverage for your needs.

Home, Life and Health Insurance
If you already have home, life or health insurance policies you may find that any minor costs incurred due to an auto accident (i.e. broken cell phone) or break-in (i.e. stolen bags) may already be covered under these policies.

Call your existing insurance policy provider to find out what insurance coverage you currently have to cover your auto rental needs.

Note: A car rental company cannot refuse to rent you a vehicle if you decline their insurance coverage policy.

Gas
Gas is another area where car rental companies make a huge profit. Rental companies usually provide you with two options when it comes to gas:

1) Return the car with the fuel tank as-is and they will re-fill it for a “flat or reduced” rate;

2) Return the car with a full tank of gas yourself.

In most circumstances the reduced rate for gas being offered by the rental company is only cheaper by pennies compared to the going rate for gas. Car rental companies make their money here by keeping the unused gas from your rental and re-selling it at a reduced rate to the next renter. If you are not pressed for time it is usually more cost effective if you refill the car with gas yourself immediately before returning it. However, you need to understand exactly what the car rental company means by a “full-tank” of gas. In some instances if the fuel gauge is even slightly below the “Full” mark you maybe be charged a fee.

Damages
Prior to leaving the lot with your rental car be sure you carefully go over the vehicle with a rental attendant to document any dings, dents, scratches or damage that exists. Make sure every thing is documented in writing and that both you and the rental company receive a copy. When you return, take the time to go over the vehicle with the attendant again, and be sure to sign off that no damage was documented before you leave. There have been cases of renters being charged for damage to a vehicle that they did not cause, due to poor damage assessment and documentation.

Additional Fees
Taxes, late return fees, airport surcharges, upgrades, licensing fees and a host of other possible additional fees may be buried in the fine print of your auto rental contract. Before signing on the dotted line, be sure you understand the details of each and every rental policy. To save yourself heartache and money be sure to understand and follow these rules and don’t be lured into paying more for your auto rental than it is really worth.

Beware of Online Halloween Shopping That Pops Up Overnight

10/21/2010

Posted on 10/21/2010 by

Although you can find good deals at the retailers, the Better Business Bureau warns you to beware of poorly-constructed materials and shady return policies.

The BBB put out a press release that offers some things to check out before you buy:

*Verify the physical location of a business and its phone number.

*Track down the seller's refund/return policy. If you can't find one on the site, get someone to commit to potentially accepting a refund in advance.

*Confirm the final price, including shipping and handling prices, as well as the date you can expect to receive the item. "Federal law requires that goods and services be delivered within 30 days, unless a different delivery period is specifically stated by the merchant," the BBB says.

*Safeguard your personal info and check for a "https://" at the beginning of a URL to make sure the site is secure.

If you're haunted by an awful online Halloween purchase, let us know about it.

Holiday Shopping Season is Prime Time for Scammers

10/20/2010

Posted on 10/20/2010 by Rosalind Scott

With the various stores and websites we buy from as we work our way through everyone's wish lists, it's easy to become a target for scammers.

Read more: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2010/10/holiday-shopping-season-is-prime-time-for-scammers.html#ixzz12uv3e8IX

BBB Welcomes New Accredited Businesses

10/19/2010

Posted on 10/19/2010 by
Please help us in welcoming our newest Accredited Businesses. These companies have joined a group of elite organizations that let consumers know, "You can trust us before you know us". Please thank and support them with your business for making a commitment to trust. The following businesses' applications for accreditation were approved by our Board of Directors in September 2010:

Eagle Painting Sooke

Raintek Systems Victoria

Dr. Glenn Cornwell Victoria

Hamilton Orthotic Services Victoria

Wiseman & Company Victoria

R & R Projectz Victoria

K & G Debt and Credit Professionals Courtenay

Veridis Plumbing and Heating Duncan

Above All Cleaning Courtenay

Glover Painting Victoria

Golden Appeal Commercial & Residential Property Maintenance Victoria

Steve Lingren Trucking Victoria

Businesses Who Failed to Respond in September 2010

10/19/2010

Posted on 10/19/2010 by
These businesses were contacted by the BBBVI concerning complaints registered in our office. None of these non-responding businesses are BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB Accredited Businesses agree to respond to all complaints.

We encourage all businesses to deal with complaints in a timely fashion.

Click here to view businesses who failed to respond in September 2010.

A Successful BBB Micro-Convention!

10/18/2010

Posted on 10/18/2010 by

A big BBB Thank You to all who participated in this season's
Micro-Convention at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo.

Our Sponsors:

Fountain Tire
Avia West

Exhibitors:

Johnson Inc
Island Document and Storage
BBB of Vancouver Island

Presenters:

RCMP
Mid-Island Computer Enterprises
BBB of Vancouver Island

This was a well attended, "well worth it" networking opportunity for Accredited Businesses.
Watch for information on our next BBB event!

Becoming a Better Business: Making Facebook Work for You

10/18/2010

Posted on 10/18/2010 by

Plan:
Before completely immersing your business in Facebook take some time to think about what your objective is for using Facebook. Whether it is expanding your client base, networking or enhancing customer service, you need to have a primary objective that guides your focus and Facebook communications.

Build:
The only way to make Facebook work for your business is to start using it. You will need to set up your "page" and spend time becoming familiar with the various features that are available. Use your primary objective as a guide for which features you wish to include. You can create a Facebook page for a person, business, brand or product. Be sure to configure and customize the page professionally, including items such as photos, graphics or logos.

Attract:
Cross-promotion is one of the best, least expensive ways to attract customers to your Facebook page and to connect better with your business. Use your website, email, newsletter, Twitter account or blog to promote your Facebook page and encourage customers to join the community. You can select from a number of Facebook Social Plugins or widgets to assist you in cross promotion.

Engage:
If you want customers to visit your Facebook page then you need to give them a compelling reason to do so. Add content daily (if you can). Find ways to include content that is informative, not just promotional. Ultimately you want to convert your fanbase into paying customers (you may want to offer coupons, discounts or incentives to encourage customers to make a purchase), but you also want to build trust in your brand (consider including or linking to relevant news stories, useful information and tips). To foster a sense of community on your page encourage customers to provide you with comments and feedback and be sure to respond to these promptly.

Source materials:
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/201656/secrets_to_using_facebook_to_market_your_business.html

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/

Get It In Writing!

10/11/2010

Posted on 10/11/2010 by
Get It In Writing! Protecting Your Future with Written Contracts

Sales transactions are about building and maintaining relationships between a business and its customer, and like with any relationship, communication is the key to success. Without good communication misunderstandings happen, expectations are miscalculated and problems occur. A vital tool to assist you in ensuring your sales transactions are successful (whether you are a business or its customer) is a written contract.

Too often written contracts are ignored or forgotten in sales transactions because they are considered tedious. Businesses and consumers making both small and large scale transactions often use the excuse that written documentation is unnecessary because “the sale is so small” or “or the project is too big” for the details to be put effectively in writing.

No matter what the size of the sales transaction a written contract helps to avoid misunderstanding. At BBB we regularly witness complaints over both small (i.e. a piece of clothing) and large (i.e. the construction of a new home) sales transactions, many which could have been avoided and more easily solved with the existence of a written contact.

Written contracts don’t have to be complicated documents filled with legalese. They can be as simple as a sales receipt or an invoice, or even just a Word document. When a written contract exists, sales transactions are much less likely to turn sour and end up as formal BBB complaints, or even worse — in court. Written contracts provide both businesses and consumers a framework from which to work to resolve issues.

What should be in a written contract?
At a minimum BBB suggests the following items be contained in a written contract:

Name and contact information for both the business and the consumer;
Date of contract or sales transaction;
Detailed product or service specifications (i.e. type, size, color, model number, number of hours of labour etc.);
Breakdown of itemized costs including taxes;
Payment or delivery schedule and methods;
Cancelation, refund or exchange policies;
Businesses HST number if applicable;
Signatures from both parties.

Of course, written contracts are only effective if the parties involved understand what has been included. Businesses need to take the time to clearly explain the details of the contract to their clients. Likewise, consumers need to carefully review and understand the terms of a contract before they sign it.

Mobile Marketing Helps New Customers Check You Out by “Checking In”

10/4/2010

Posted on 10/4/2010 by
Mobile marketing is an increasingly effective way for small business owners to tap into a younger customer base. While it might not be a perfect fit for every business, Better Business Bureau recommends owners check out the marketing potential in geo-location apps like Foursquare, Facebook Places and Yelp.

As technology improves, cell phones continue to perform any number of functions beyond making calls. Many programs on mobile phones rely on geo-location and can tell you where you are and what’s nearby—including businesses. This technology creates a new way to market your business to customers when they are literally right around the corner. According to a recent survey by JiWire, more than 50 percent of mobile users would like to receive location-specific advertising; another 39 percent would like to receive location-based coupons.

“Lacking the time, know-how and money to launch an effective online marketing strategy can make many small business owners neglect the whole endeavor,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “The good news about mobile marketing is that you don’t necessarily need to dedicate a lot of time or money into a campaign to reap some rewards.”

Following are just a few mobile tools that small business owners can take advantage of to market their business to customers on the go. Even if you aren’t ready to launch a mobile marketing campaign, it’s still a good idea to take ownership of your business’s profiles on these sites to make sure the information is accurate and up to date:

Foursquare
With nearly 3 million users, Foursquare has been getting a lot of attention in the media lately for its explosive popularity among young adults. Foursquare is a mobile app that allows you to “check in” at locations—usually businesses—which tells other Foursquare users where you are. If you check in to a location a lot, you can become a “mayor” of that location—which can be a highly coveted achievement.

Some businesses have taken advantage of Foursquare by offering coupons to mayors or people who check in. Foursquare also provides a map to users so they can see what specials are being offered at nearby businesses. Foursquare prominently lists which businesses are the most popular, so an owner can benefit by encouraging patrons to check in. Foursquare also provides details and stats on the people who check in at your business which can help you learn more about customers.

Facebook Places
Facebook—which now boasts over 500 million users worldwide—recently launched Facebook Places as a competitor to Foursquare. Facebook users can “check in” and their location is published on their Facebook page. They can then see which friends have also “checked in”.

Similar to Foursquare, a business owner can create a new place or claim a location that already has a profile in Facebook. You’ll be asked to verify that you can claim the location before you’ll be able to add photos and business details. After an initial launch in a few cities, Facebook Places will be made available to more locations over time and the features offered to users and business owners will be expanded as well.

Yelp
Yelp is a website that allows users to post reviews of businesses, services, locations and events. According to Yelp, 33 million people visited the site in June 2010. In addition to the website, Yelp also provides a mobile version with an interactive map and allows users to “check in” at locations. After “unlocking” your location, you can offer coupons through Yelp, update your business information and promote events.

For more advice on marketing your business on a tight budget, visit vi.bbb.org

Five Ways to Fight Back Against Phone Bill Cramming

10/4/2010

Posted on 10/4/2010 by

Sneaky little charges are making their way onto telephone bills and can go unnoticed for months. Victims of so-called “cramming” often face a tough battle to stop being billed every month and start getting their money back. In order to fight cramming, Better Business Bureau recommends keeping a close eye on every bill and being extremely cautious when giving out personal information such as phone numbers.

“You might think that nothing bad can happen from giving out your telephone number, but you should guard those digits like you would a credit card or social security number,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Monitor your monthly statements closely because even if you are very protective of your personal information, cramming can still strike.”

Cramming can come from any number of sources. Some victims may have inadvertently signed up for a subscription service—such as for “free” ringtones or a daily joke or horoscopes--not realizing they’d be billed every month. Calling a psychic hotline or entering a sweepstakes can also lead to cramming. Unfortunately, in some cases, the victim is just an unlucky random target.

BBB recommends taking the following five steps to fight cramming:

Keep a close eye on monthly statements. Anyone can become a victim of cramming so monitoring you monthly bills is extremely important. The sooner you spot the charges, the sooner you can fight them.
Know your rights. Contact your telephone provider to see if you can completely restrict third-party billing on your account.
Know whom you can trust online. Before handing over any personal information online, always research the business with your BBB at http://www.bbb.org/us/Find-Business-Reviews/.
Guard your personal information closely. Be wary when asked to provide personal information to sign up for a free trial or enter a sweepstakes. Always read the fine print on any offer so you understand how your personal information may be used.
Know where to complain. If you are unable to resolve the issue either through your telephone provider or directly with the business, you can file a complaint with BBB.

For more advice on managing personal finances and protecting your wallet, visit us online at http://www.vi.bbb.org

Leading the Way

9/27/2010

Posted on 9/27/2010 by
Most successful, ethical, thriving businesses are successful, ethical and thriving because their leaders (CEO’s and management) are committed to modeling such behaviors.

If you want your business to stand out from its competition then the people in charge of leading your business need to stand out from their competition. When a leader models the behavior that is expected (of the employees), a trickle down effect inevitably occurs. It is similar to raising children, consistently model your expectations and those around you will follow suit.

So, how can you lead by example? It is simple really. It starts with the small stuff.

1) Show up on time. If you want your staff to be ready to work at 8:00, be there before 8:00 and ready to work yourself.

2) Dress appropriately. As the leader of your organization you set the tone for your workplace environment. If you want your staff dressed well, dress well yourself. This will give them a standard for which to identify.

3) Have a positive attitude. If you come to work loving your job, excited to tackle the next challenge and smiling, others will start to feel the same way.

4) Tell the truth. Never compromise your integrity. Be transparent, honest and respectful. Demonstrate that everyone can learn from his or her mistakes.

5) Listen. If you respectfully listen to what others have to say, they are more likely to listen to what you have to say.

6) Communicate openly. People like to know what is going on. Discourage time wasted speculating by keeping your staff informed of both the good and bad.

7) Behave professionally. Take appropriate length breaks. Keep all your correspondence professional. Don’t participate in gossip or finger pointing.

8) Laugh. Have a sense of humour, but don’t make fun of people. Good-hearted laughter is infectious.

9) Help others. Look for opportunities to help others conquer a challenge. This will demonstrate your commitment and understanding to the person as much as the task at hand.

10) Work hard. Give your place of business as much of your energy, if not more, than you expect from your employees. They will likely give less, but if the bar is set high, their contribution will remain impressive.

{For additional resources on being an effective leader visit:

http://www.littlethingsmatter.com/blog/2010/09/14/the-duplication-effect-of-leadership/

http://www.bnet.com/blog/ceo/how-to-seriously-motivate-people/5569}

A Model Scam

9/23/2010

Posted on 9/23/2010 by Rosalind Scott
Don't let flattery fool you into believing you could be the next top model overnight. Those promises of jobs, photo shoots and trips to New York are designed to tap into your cash, not talent.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett has warned consumers to be on the lookout for high-paying, part-time modeling jobs posted on Internet message forums, in e-mail ads and fake websites -- a high-tech take on the classic modeling scam of "discovering" a top model.

"These crooks are hoping that the attraction of work as a model, along with a paid trip to New York or other exciting locations, will get consumers to respond quickly and send money before verifying that the offer is legitimate," Corbett said in a statement.

How the scam works is a consumer might get a check as an advance payment for a photo session, but they are asked to send some of that money to a photographer, a studio or a booking agent to secure the job. The trouble is, the paycheck is worthless and the consumer finds out the hard way when the check bounces.

Corbett said these job scams can change, but all share common themes:

* Easy money for a small amount of work.
* The need to respond immediately.
* Difficulty meeting prospective employers face-to-face.
* A request at some point to wire-transfer money to another person.

That's not to say there aren't legitimate modeling agencies out there -- but be careful. The Better Business Bureau said would-be models used them to research agencies more than a half million times nationwide over the last three years. The group also got more than 2,000 complaints about consumers being misled by agencies into paying upfront fees for photos and portfolios, but then getting little or no modeling or acting work in return.

"Modeling can be a great way to supplement your income, but signing up with a deceptive talent agency can be a waste of time and money or, in the worst case scenario, put you in physical danger," BBB spokeswoman Alison Southwick said.

The BBB recommended doing research before signing anything. Get all details in writing. Be cautious of promises for lots of jobs and money -- in reality, income from modeling is never guaranteed and jobs can be few and far between.

Corbett said be wary of online job offers that seem "too good to be true," especially if you are being asked to wire-transfer money, pay upfront fees or share personal information with strangers.

"Scam artists are only interested in two things -- getting you to respond quickly and convincing you to send them money," Corbett said. "Everything they say or do is going to be focused on getting their hands on your money as quickly as possible."

That is a view echoed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, which said if a stranger says you've got "that look" to be a model, ask yourself why they are saying that. Don't let your emotions or empty flattery rule your wallet.

See full article from WalletPop: http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/09/17/modeling-scams-designed-to-tap-into-your-cash-not-talent/

Right or Wrong August 2010 - Door to Door Sales

9/22/2010

Posted on 9/22/2010 by

Q: Dear BBB;
I was recently approached by a door to door sales person selling security systems. He came to my door at the senior’s complex and would not leave me alone. Thank goodness my husband arrived home and firmly made sure the young man did not get in the door to give me a sales pitch. I have heard many reports recently about unethical door to door sales practices. I don’t like to make assumptions however am I WRONG to be cautious?
~ Trapped by the Doorbell

A: Trapped by the Doorbell
While many people who come to your door offering to sell you a service or product are legitimate, you should always be diligent before making a purchase. You are RIGHT to be cautious and ask questions.
Unlike making a purchase in a store where you have the option of comparison shopping or coming back at a later date, when someone comes to your door you are often forced to make a quick decision. If someone comes to your door offering to sell you an alarm system or replace your windows, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself.

• Always know who you are doing business with. Check with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) at vi.bbb.org/ before you make a purchase to see if the company has received any complaints.

• Be wary of high pressure sales tactics. A legitimate company will not pressure you and will allow you time to make up your mind.

• Don’t be seduced by a free gift. This is often a tactic used by scam artists.

• Read the contract carefully. Always make sure you get a detailed contract in writing. Read the fine print and know your cancellation rights. If the contract qualifies as a door-to-door sales contract under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act (BPCP Act), you have a 10-day cooling-off period where you are able to change your mind and cancel the contract.

• Be cautious of down payments. Under the BPCP Act, if you are required to make a down payment, it should not exceed the greater of $100 or 10% of the cost.

• Get a copy of your contract. Under the BPCP Act, a direct sales contract is entered into in person at a place other than the supplier’s permanent place of business. There are some exceptions to this, and it does not include a supplier you have invited into your home more than 24 hours in advance. Also, it does not include contracts under $50.

If you have a question about door-to-door sales contracts or potentially deceptive acts, contact the BPCP at 1 888 564-9963.

RIght or Wrong September 2010

9/22/2010

Posted on 9/22/2010 by
Q: Dear BBB,

A young fellow stopped me on the street outside my home the other day and asked me if I needed the windows of my house washed. He looked like he needed some work and could use the money. He said he would wash the windows (outside only), clean my screens and wipe the frames down. I asked him what he would charge and he quoted me what I thought was a reasonable rate. He said he was available to clean my windows immediately and I agreed. I have 12 windows on my two storey home and it took him less than 30 minutes to complete the job. I paid him the money in cash, and when he left I checked out the windows to see what type of job he did. While the windowpanes themselves were somewhat clean, he didn’t really clean the screens or the frames and he entirely skipped three of the windows at the back of the house. I feel ripped off and would like my money back, but I’m not sure how I would go about getting it? He didn’t give me his name or any other contact information. Can you help?

~Helpless Homeowner

A: Helpless Homeowner,

You are RIGHT to feel ripped off, but you are WRONG to believe the BBB can effectively help you with getting your money back in this instance. I am guessing the fellow that washed your windows was likely just a guy looking for some casual work to make some quick cash, rather than an established window washing business operator. It will probably be almost impossible to track him down to ask for a refund and possibly not even the wisest thing to do. I would suggest that if he comes back again offering to wash your windows that you explain to him your concerns and dissatisfaction with the last job. The next time you want to have someone do any house or yard work I would recommend that you carefully consider who you hire. If someone knocks on your door unsolicited, looking for work, I suggest you ask him or her for a business card and some references. If they are operating a legitimate business you should visit vi.bbb.org to see if we have a Business Report about them. If the person is just looking to make some quick cash, you will need to weigh the reality of whether or not you are going to get your money’s worth or whether you are really just being charitable. Regardless, always use extreme caution when inviting a stranger onto your property or into your home.

Retention in a Recession

9/20/2010

Posted on 9/20/2010 by
Retaining good employees is a challenge for almost every business no matter the size or industry. During a recession or challenging economic times retaining good employees is vital to a company’s financial success.

While many business owners assume that a recession means employees are more likely to hang onto their jobs, the reality is that the emotional climate of a recession often drives employees (often the top performers) to seek better employment opportunities. In a survey by Salary.com, 65% of employees surveyed admitted to currently looking for a new job. While 80% of employers believed their employees were not seeking a new job.

The cost of replacing a good to average employee is expensive. Rehiring is time consuming and can cost as much as 50 to 150% of an employees annual salary. And while we may have higher than average unemployment rates the reality is that there is still a significant skills shortage in the marketplace. Finding the right person with sufficient qualifications to fill a position can be challenging.

The following are a few tips to help you retain employees during the recession:
• Invest some resources in building on the skill sets of your current employees.
• Effectively reward employees for their contributions.
• Build some fun into the workplace.
• Expand your benefit and incentive packages. Ask current employees what would make the workplace better. Then follow through on their suggestions.
• Celebrate success and achievements of individuals, teams and the company as a whole.
• Open up the lines of communication in your workplace and encourage employees to contribute their ideas and express their concerns in a meaningful way.
• Give your employees wings. Don’t micro-manage. Give reliable employees some freedom to make their own decisions.
• Develop your own leadership skills and those of your managers.

[Content in this article was adapted from:

http://blogs.payscale.com/compensation/2009/04/motivation-in-the-workplace.html#more

http://www.strategichrinc.com/articles/rentention-recession.htm]

Keeping Customers Happy

9/14/2010

Posted on 9/14/2010 by
Keeping customers happy is a vital component of business. Good customer service is a balancing act that merges the needs of the client with the needs of the company. Managing a disgruntled customer can take up extensive financial and human resources and can have a significant impact on the reputation of a business.

In a recent online survey conducted by ClickFox 1,500 people were asked what customer service issues frustrate them the most and how these issues impact their loyalty to and perception of a business. The following issues were the top three things that upset customers:

1) Speaking with multiple agents and starting over every time.

2) Dealing with rude or inexperienced representatives or service technicians.

3) Being kept on hold for long periods of time or unable to use self-service options successfully.*

Mistakes are human and every business will experience mistakes of one sort or another that impact a customer. How a company chooses to manage these mistakes is what sets the exceptional businesses apart from their competition.

If we look carefully at the top three issues reported above we see that all of these issues are the outcome of poor communications and related communication systems. Similarly, nearly every complaint we receive at the BBB is related to a break down in communications between the business and its customer or within the business itself.

So what is the solution to keeping customers happy? Ultimately it boils down to taking the time to invest in your customer service operations - improving and streamlining interpersonal and technological communication systems. This means looking at long term versus short-term solutions.

The BBB suggests the following tips to keeping customers happy:

For Businesses:
• Invest in customer service and interpersonal communication skills training for yourself and all of your employees.

• Empower your frontline staff to take action to resolve a situation themselves without having to pass a customer repeatedly up the chain of command for resolution.

• Carefully review the technology you have in place to manage customer communications to ensure it is effectively meeting the needs of your clients, not just improving your short-term bottom line.

For Customers:
• Clearly and calmly formulate your frustrations and needs so that customer service representatives can better understand your issues.

• Be reasonable with your expectations and respectful in all your communications with a business.

• Provide positive feedback to a company or customer service representative when you are impressed with their communications and communication systems. Likewise, when you are unsatisfied provide helpful feedback.

Every interaction between a business and consumer should be seen as an opportunity to build on and improve a relationship. Yes, there may be some costs associated with improving your customer service, but dedication to customer service means increasing public trust in your business. And TRUST is vital to long-term business success.

*Some material in this article has been referenced from:

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2010/08/know_what_makes_your_customers_angry.html

http://www.clickfox.com

Integrating Social Media

9/10/2010

Posted on 9/10/2010 by
You need to think of working social media in a similar way to how you would work traditional networking or advertising opportunities. Essentially the more times someone meets you or sees your message, the more likely they are to have you top of mind when they need your help.

A helpful strategy to achieve this is to integrate your different social media accounts to take advantage of their full potential.

For example, LinkedIn and Twitter work well together as a networking tool and when prospecting new clients.

The following are a few steps/tips you might consider implementing to get social media working to your benefit:

Step 1: [Let’s start on LinkedIn] Determine whom it is specifically that you wish to connect with. Is it another business professional or potential client? Do you know this person by name? Or do you know which LinkedIn groups they follow/participate in? The more you can target your communications to a specific individual or target audience the better.

Step 2: Join the same group as the person or audience you are trying to connect with.

Step 3: Start a discussion or contribute to a topic that this person or audience is interested in. Use this as an opportunity to showcase your expertise and make yourself known.

Step 4: [The Integration] Take a careful look at individual profiles/prospects on LinkedIn and see if they have added their Twitter username into the Twitter field. If they have, you can easily follow them using the Tweet application [Find under Application Directory>More>Tweets]. If they have not filled in their Twitter username in their LinkedIn profile, go to Twitter and search for them individually under “Find People.” Then start following them on Twitter. [Add them to your Twitter List or use Tweetdeck.]

Step 5: [Stay tuned in] Constantly and consistently seek out opportunities to connect with potential clients and contribute to conversations via both LinkedIn and Twitter. The more you stay connected, the easier it will be to close a future sale.

(Content in this article has been adapted from: http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/prospect-for-business-connections-using-linkedin-and-twitter/#more-4641)

Businesses who failed to respond in August 2010

9/9/2010

Posted on 9/9/2010 by
These businesses were contacted by the BBBVI concerning complaints registered in our office. None of these non-responding businesses are BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB Accredited Businesses agree to respond to all complaints.

We encourage all businesses to deal with complaints in a timely fashion.

Click here to view businesses who failed to respond in August 2010.

BBB Welcomes New Accredited Businesses

9/8/2010

Posted on 9/8/2010 by
Please join us in welcoming our newest Accredited Businesses. These companies have joined a group of elite organizations that let consumers know "You can trust us before you know us".

Please thank and support them with your business for making a commitment to trust.

Click here to view the businesses whose applications for accreditation were approved by our Board of Directors this month.

BBB publishes local statistics for August 2010

9/8/2010

Posted on 9/8/2010 by
Click here to view BBB Vancouver Island's August statistics on the public's usage of BBB's services.

View statistics from previous months by clicking here.

Check your internet speed

9/7/2010

Posted on 9/7/2010 by Rosalind Scott
High speed internet is great when it is high speed. What if you are paying for high speed and getting less than that?

Check out www.speedtest.com. This free tool measures your upload and download times for your internet connection. If your connection is running slower than it should be you can go to your service provider with solid information to rectify the problem.

Creating a Culture of Trust in Your Company

9/6/2010

Posted on 9/6/2010 by
Trust is the foundation of all good relationships. Whether you are trying to establish a relationship built on trust with your customers, trust with your employees or trust between co-workers, effective communications built on honesty and transparency is the first step.

Businesses and organizations entrenched in a “culture of trust” tend to be more productive, experience less human resource issues, have happier staff and see more returning customers. But creating a culture of trust is not something that happens overnight. Creating a culture of trust in any organization requires commitment to many small trust-building actions over time.

The following are some simple tips to incorporate into your workplace to enhance its culture of trust:

If you are an employer:
• Be truthful and transparent with your staff and customers at all times;

• Create and communicate a strong mission and vision statement that promotes trust in your organization;

• Include staff and customers in the decision making process (when appropriate) and explain the rationale behind your decisions;

• Align your company with other businesses and organizations that are committed to trust and ethics;

• Celebrate your achievements;

• Follow through on your promises;

• Encourage (and reward) trustworthy behaviours from your staff;

• Confront actions and behaviours that conflict with your values;

• Pay for interpersonal communications and skills training;

• Listen closely and be respectful of what others have to say.

If you are an employee:
• Express the importance of trust to your employer and co-workers;

• Do not participate in negative activities such as gossiping, finger pointing and blaming others;

• Model trustworthy behaviors;

• Be honest with yourself, your boss, your co-workers and your customers;

• Think of others;

• Apologize for your mistakes.

Creating a culture of trust in your company will take time. It will mean being authentic, honest, and telling the truth to yourself, your staff, your co-workers and your customers, even when it is painful. But the rewards of living and working in a trust-based environment will be invaluable.

Rebate Paperwork

9/7/2010

Posted on 9/7/2010 by Rosalind Scott
Magazines and newspapers are full bargains, great products and offers of big savings. If you read the fine print attached look for 2 tiny words that follow most ads; AFTER REBATE.

This means to get the rebate you will pay full price for the items offered and then fill out a form to get the savings. These forms can be long tedious and too much trouble for the average consumer. Not applying for the rebates leaves millions of unclaimed dollars each year in the hands of the companies that offered the rebates in the first place.

Most rebate offers, though, are legitimate . If you do want to apply for a rebate, just be prepared to jump through hoops to get it.

Beware of Fake Soldiers on Social and Dating Websites

8/23/2010

Posted on 8/23/2010 by
Scammers pretending to be members of the military are wooing women on Internet dating and social networking sites, but they aren’t looking for love --- they are looking for money.

These scammers are using real military photos to create fake profiles Some scammers have even used photos of military members that have passed away.

Con artists build relationships with women and then start asking for money for things like Internet use, phones, leave papers, money to enable them to come visit the victim, etc. Once the women send the money, they never hear from the “man” again.

“To play on someone’s emotions and respect for the military is extremely appalling,” said Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Online dating is popular. Scam artists know that. So, be cautious when using this service. Don’t be too trusting.”

Many of these e-mails have been traced back to foreign cyber-cafes in Africa, making it difficult to track down the individuals operating these scams.

Dating services have seen this scam on their radar so be careful when on such websites and never, ever send money to someone you’ve never met.

Becoming a Better Business: Get Recognized at the Torch Awards

8/16/2010

Posted on 8/16/2010 by
The unique thing about the Torch Awards is that consumers nominate businesses that they believe are worthy of being recognized. Both BBB Accredited and non-accredited businesses are nominated for their commitment to honest and ethical business practices and consumer service excellence.

If you believe that your business is worthy of being nominated for a Torch Award encourage your customers to nominate you.

You can download the Torch Award nomination form online by clicking here.

Whenever one of your customers shows appreciation for your services encourage them to fill out and submit a nomination form explaining what your business and/or staff have done to make your company stand out.

Remember it is not the total number of nominations that results in a business winning a Torch Award, but the uniqueness of a customer’s experience in dealing with a company that has acted in a reliable, honest and respectable manner.

If you or any of your staff feel that a business you work with (i.e. supplier, professional service etc.) has demonstrated marketplace ethics and customer service excellence, be sure to take a few moments to nominate that company for a Torch Award as well.

Getting Linked: Making the Most of Social Media

8/16/2010

Posted on 8/16/2010 by
More and more businesses and business owners are using social media sites to promote their business and their brand. Social media is a great way to market yourself and your expertise, to network and stay connected with your customers. LinkedIn and Twitter are excellent sites for low-cost self-promotion.

However, no matter which site you chose to use, you need to be wary of how you use social media sites to promote yourself professionally.
Consider the following tips when using LinkedIn:

• Make sure everything on your LinkedIn profile is written well and represents you in a professional manner. Take the time to make sure there are no spelling mistakes or inappropriate comments.

• Make sure your headline effectively makes use of the 120 available characters, represents you professionally and contains key search terms and words.

• Make use of the three free hot links option, and link to different pages within your site or that link to your business site.

• Ensure your summary adequately defines you, your business, and demonstrates what makes you unique. In essence, this is your elevator pitch.

Consider the following tips when using Twitter:

• Ensure all relevant information on your account has been updated, completed and is professional sounding.

• Twitter is a bit more informal and social than LinkedIn and can contain more casual language. But be wary of saying anything in your Twitter account that may negatively impact your reputation and your company.

• Compare your LinkedIn and Twitter accounts. They should be similar in the information and branding that you are presenting.

• Take the time to customize your Twitter account (i.e. photos, graphics, etc). Twitter has a number of free background resources available to help you personalize or better brand your page.

Regardless of which social media sites you choose to use, remember the most important thing is that you represent yourself and your businesses in a transparent, honest and trustworthy manner.

(Content in this article has been adapted from: http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/prospect-for-business-connections-using-linkedin-and-twitter/#more-4641) and
(http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-create-a-custom-twitter-background-design/#more-3595)

Prevent ID Theft: Dispose of Office Electronics Safely

8/16/2010

Posted on 8/16/2010 by
Electronics contain toxic poisons such as lead, mercury and cadmium which, if they are just tossed into a landfill, will eventually leak out and pollute the soil and water.

“When tossing old electronics you need to consider both the environmental and data security concerns,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Computers, cell phones and copiers not only contain toxic chemicals that can pollute the environment, they also contain a wealth of information that data thieves would love to get their hands on.”

BBB recommends taking the following steps to ensure that all, hazardous and data sensitive office equipment, is disposed of the right way:

Step 1: Identify hazardous and data-sensitive electronics
The following office equipment contain toxic materials or sensitive data and should be recycled responsibly and not just tossed into the garbage:
• Computer CPUs
• Mobile phones
• Copiers, Printers and Fax Machines
• Monitors, Keyboards, Speakers and Mice
• Landline phones
• Computer cables and wires
• TVs, VCRs, DVRs and stereos

Step 2: Destroy Sensitive Data
While most electronics have toxic components, some also contain sensitive business information stored in the product’s hard drive. Ensure that any data has been wiped before getting rid of the following electronics:

• Computers: You can purchase inexpensive software to wipe a computer’s hard drive, but the data could still be retrievable to a determined person. If you have extremely sensitive information that you don’t want getting into anyone’s hands, the most secure way of destroying the data is to remove and physically destroy the hard drive.

• Copiers and Printers: Copiers and printers have internal hard drives that save digital copies of the documents it has printed. Consult the manual to find out how to wipe the memory; you can also use third-party software to overwrite the hard drive. The most secure way of erasing data is to physically destroy the hard drive—as long as you don’t lease the product. If you lease, consult with the company on how your data will be erased.

• Mobile Phones: Consult the owner’s manual or search online for directions on how to wipe the phone’s memory. Remove the SIM card if your phone has one.

Step 3: Dispose Properly
When it comes to actually getting rid of outdated office electronics, there are many options available depending on the condition of the item, the retailer, the manufacturer and the availability of local recycling programs. Consider the following when disposing office electronics:

• Donate – Schools, charities and community organizations can use your electronics—such as computer equipment, phones, copiers and printers—as long as they are in proper working condition. Your donation may even be tax deductible.

• Recycle – In B.C. the Electronics Stewardship Association has developed a free recycling program to ensure electronics are disposed of properly. For information on where you can drop off electronics for recycling visit http://www.encorp.ca/electronics/locations. There are also many private companies that break down and recycle old electronics. They usually have drop off locations or you may even be able to schedule a pick up if you have many heavy items. If you choose to use a private company be sure to ask them how they will deal with and destroy any sensitive data that may be contained on your electronic systems.

• Return – Some manufacturers including Cannon and Apple and even retailers such as Best Buy and Costco provide “take back” programs to help customers recycle their old products safely and cheaply. Every major cell phone carrier will also take your old cell phone and donate it to a charity or have it disposed of properly.

• Resell – While more labor intensive, you may be able to make a little money selling your electronics through auction websites or online classifieds. Be wary if any buyers overpay or ask you to wire money for any reason.

For more small business advice on how to manage data check out Data Security – Made Simpler at www.bbb.org/data-security

Keep your Business Safe & Secure

8/16/2010

Posted on 8/16/2010 by
This event is free to all mid-island Accredited Businesses.

Come network and connect with other business owners at this intimate, interactive convention that will include food, exhibitors and speaker presentations.

Presentation topics include:
- Crime Proofing Your Business (presented by the RCMP)
- Computer Systems to Protect Your Business and Your Clients from Fraud (presented by Peter Kawerau of Mid Island Computer Enterprises)
- Top 10 Scams on Vancouver Island (presented by Rosalind Scott of BBB Vancouver Island)

Space is limited, and reservations will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. To make a reservation for your business contact Wendy at 250.386.6348 ext. 109 or via email at wendy@vi.bbb.org.

We will keep you updated on the details of the event as they unfold. Watch your email INBOX for more eMinder and eInquirer updates.

See you in Nanaimo!

Senior Citizens Targeted With Telephone Scam

8/8/2010

Posted on 8/8/2010 by

Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning senior citizens to be aware of an emerging telephone scam that is preying on grandparents across Canada.

BBB has recently received reports about seniors in British Columbia who received calls from scammers pretending to be their grandchildren who are in an emergency and need help.

Seniors are instructed to wire or send money so their grandchildren can be bailed out of jail or other financial trouble. While many seniors have reported the scam without falling prey to it, unfortunately, many others have been victimized. Recent reports from several residential and assisted care facilities in Surrey, British Columbia show the scam has taken a turn for the worse.

“It is obvious that these scammers have no conscience; they are targeting one of the most vulnerable seniors’ populations in our society,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “We want people to take a step back when they are called, and verify who they are speaking to is a relative and not a criminal.”

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre is reporting a significant increase in complaints for this scam. In 2009, the Centre received 48 fraud complaints, taking in 21 victims for a province-wide loss of $71,123.

The scammers’ basic tactic is to pose as a grandchild and let the unsuspecting grandparent fill in the blanks. For example, the scam caller might say, “It’s me, your favorite grandchild,” to which the grandparent will guess the name of the grandchild it sounds the most like, and then the call proceeds from there.

To protect themselves from this scam, the BBB would like to offer the following information:

Confirm identity. BBB is advising seniors to confirm the status of the individual by calling them directly or verifying the story with other family members before taking any further action.

Wiring money is a red flag. BBB also advises that any request to wire money through Western Union or MoneyGram should be seen as a “red flag” and an immediate tip-off that the call may be part of a scam. Funds sent via wire transfer are hard to track once received by scammers and are usually not recoverable by law enforcement or banking officials.

If you are a victim report it. For anyone victimized by this type of distressed loved-one call, BBB recommends reporting the incident immediately to local police departments and contact Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre’s PhoneBusters, a hotline and Web site to report such fraud. Reports can be filed easily online through the PhoneBusters site at: www.phonebusters.com, or by phone, toll free at, 1-888-495-8501.

You Too Can Donate Like a Billionaire

8/6/2010

Posted on 8/6/2010 by
Forty billionaires have pledged to donate a substantial portion of their wealth to charity with the hope of inspiring others to donate to worthy causes as well. While the dollar amount might be less, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance encourages everyone to give like a billionaire by researching any charity fully before making a donation.

“Every experienced philanthropist has a thorough process for vetting charities in order to determine which worthy causes will be able to stretch their dollar the farthest,” said H. Art Taylor, President and CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. “While we aren’t all billionaires, we can all give like one. Evaluating the effectiveness of a charity is more than just looking at the fundraising and administrative costs. Transparency, impact, and accountability are also important factors that everyone should consider before they give.”

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance recommends the following five steps to give like a billionaire:

• Take the time to check the organization out with the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and the local charity registration office (usually a division of the Charities Directorate through The Canada Revenue Agency). Don’t be pressured to give before you do your research.

• Consider more than just the charity’s finances. Impressive financial ratios are not a guarantee that a charity is being run ethically and effectively. Review the BBB’s Standards for Charity Accountability to identify fundamental features of an accountable organization.

• Don't be fooled by names that look impressive or that closely resemble the name of a well-known organization. Sometimes name similarity is used as a ruse to confuse the potential donor.

• Watch out for appeals that focus solely on a problem but don’t clearly explain what the charity intends to do about it. The charity’s intended program activities should be spelled out.

• If you want to consider donating to a newly established charity, take the time to review the charity’s program plans including its board approved budget. Make sure that it has the capacity to be able to follow through on its intended objectives.

About the BBB Wise Giving Alliance
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance produces reports on over 1,200 nationally soliciting charitable organizations. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance does not rank charities but rather seeks to assist donors in making informed judgments by providing objective evaluations of national charities based on 20 strict standards. The outcomes of the evaluations – or BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM – are available online at www.bbb.org/charity. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance is an affiliate of the Council of Better Business.

10 Ways to Spot Work at Home Scams

8/5/2010

Posted on 8/5/2010 by
Common scams involve package forwarding, Internet searches or advertising, envelope stuffing, medical billing, discount or coupon programs, rebate processing, distributorships, sales, or the purchase of special equipment or software to start businesses.

Many people lose large sums of money through work at home scams. Some versions of these scams - like package forwarding – might also involve the victim in crimes such as identity theft and handling of stolen merchandise.

Here are 10 tip-offs that the “opportunity” could be a scam:

1. Big bucks for simple tasks. Watch out if they promise to pay you a lot of money for jobs that don’t seem to require much effort or skill. Sound too good to be true? It might be a scam.

2. Job offers out of nowhere from strangers. If they offer you a job without getting an application from you first, meeting you, or doing an interview, it’s probably a scam. Don’t hand your personal employment information to such folk (especially your Social Security number!). That could lead to identity theft.

3. Requests for up-front payments. If someone wants you to make an advance payment to “get in” on the ground floor of a new business opportunity - especially if it’s a big investment, or you don’t have much information about the deal - this is a big red flag. Don’t do it. “Advance fee scams” are very common and they come in many varieties.

4. They ask you to wire the money. If you wire a payment to somebody, it’s gone forever. Wire transfers of money are a convenient and perfectly legitimate service. But scam artists often ask you to wire payments that they are requesting (especially to destinations in other countries!) because they know you won’t be able to get your money back.

5. High pressure to do it now. Don’t be in a hurry to accept an unsolicited offer of work, or to make a business investment, particularly if the other party is asking you to spend your money on the deal. Take your time. If somebody tries to convince you that this is a “limited time” offer and you have to act now, just tell them to forget it. Ignore anybody who pushes you to agree. High pressure is a big sign that something’s wrong.

6. Refusal to give you full details in writing. Ask for complete information in writing. Request proof of any claims. Look carefully at any documentation they might provide to make sure it answers all your questions. If they won’t give details, or don’t respond to questions, don’t do business with them.

7. References are missing or a bit suspicious. A real business should be able to give you many professional references – not just a few. Be sure to ask for references and check them yourself. Don’t be swayed by a few written testimonials that sound fabulous. Even if the references seem good, don’t make your decision based on references alone. Do a careful background check. For starters: try a web search on the company name and see what comes up.

8. Contact information is missing or doesn’t make sense. Be very cautious if a company is trying to get you to accept a job or do business, but seems to lack any established physical location with a real street address. A cell phone number and website address are not enough contact information. If there’s no street address, look out! (P.O. boxes are not comforting – scammers often rent them, and move on quickly.) If there is an address, it’s worth taking a moment to check it on the Internet. It’s common for phony operations to claim they are at an address that is not their true location. Nowadays we have online tools like Google Street View photos of address locations and “whois” website owner lookups that may be helpful.

9. They want you to buy a bunch of expensive stuff. If they expect you to make a major purchase of equipment, software, inventory, or information in order to get started in business, be very careful. Often these are the most persuasive kinds of scams. It seems like it might be a real business opportunity – but it’s not. Here’s what happens: the buyer makes the purchase and never receives the things needed to set up the business. You can avoid this situation! Check the business out completely before you send a dime.

10. It’s got a bad rating with the BBB! Victims do complain to the BBB about work at home scams. It only takes minutes to check a company’s record with us at www.bbb.org. Do the search. Or call the BBB if you want help figuring out whether you are looking at a scam. It could save you a fortune. If you’ve been victimized, file a complaint with BBB! Other organizations can help too: your city government’s department of consumer affairs; your state attorney general’s office; and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

© 2010 by Education and Research Foundation of the Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan New York, Inc.

College or University Bound?

8/3/2010

Posted on 8/3/2010 by Rosalind Scott

Tips for College Bound Students to Fight Identity Theft

College and University students have enough to juggle when it comes to school, work and their social life and fighting fraud often doesn’t make the list of priorities. Because students are so susceptible to identity theft, Better Business Bureau recommends that they take seven simple steps to protect themselves on campus.

In a 2009 survey performed for the Office of the PrivacyCommissioner of Canada, one in six Canadians report being hit by identitytheft. While only one in four Canadians between the ages of 25 and 44 have everexamined their credit report.

“Identity thieves don’t care if you’re a struggling student and don’t have a penny to your name; sometimes all they want is to exploit your clean credit record,” says Rosalind Scott, Executive Director of BBB Vancouver Island. “Young adults that establish good habits for monitoring and detecting fraud are laying a path that will help create a healthy financial road for the rest of their lives.”

BBB recommends that college-bound students take the following seven steps to fight identity theft on campus:

• School mailboxes are not always secure and can often be easily accessed in a dorm or apartment. To combat sticky fingers in the mailroom, have sensitive mail sent to a permanent address such as the parents’ home or a PO Box.

• Important documents should be stored under lock and key—such as in a filing cabinet. This includes social insurance card, passport and bank and credit card statements. Shred any paper documents that have sensitive financial information rather than just tossing them out. Also shred any credit card offers that come in the mail.

• Never loan your credit or debit card to anyone, even if they are a friend. Also just say no if your friend wants you to cosign for a loan or financing for items like a TV.

• Make sure your computer has up-to-date antivirus and spyware software. Always install any updates and patches to your computer’s operating system or browser software which help keep your computer safe from any new advances by identity thieves online.

• Always check your credit or debit card statements closely for any suspicious activity. The sooner you identify any potential fraud, the less you’ll suffer in the long run.

• When shopping on unfamiliar web sites, always check the company out first with BBB online. Also look for the BBB Accredited Business seal along with other trust seals; click on the seals to confirm that they are legitimate.

• Check your credit report at least once a year with all reporting bureaus for any suspicious activity or inaccuracies.

Trust Kids to Make Online Purchases?

7/26/2010

Posted on 7/26/2010 by Rosalind Scott
Tweens and minor teenagers are sophisticated consumers. They should be allowed to have credit cards of their own or use prepaid vouchers to buy e-tail merchandise. Pro or con?

You decide! Read more Here

Door-to-door Sales Season

7/15/2010

Posted on 7/15/2010 by Rosalind Scott
While many people who come to your door offering to sell you a service or product are legitimate, you should always be diligent before making a purchase. You are RIGHT to be cautious and ask questions.
Unlike making a purchase in a store where you have the option of comparison shopping or coming back at a later date, when someone comes to your door you are often forced to make a quick decision. If someone comes to your door offering to sell you an alarm system or replace your windows, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself.

• Always know who you are doing business with. Check with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) at vi.bbb.org/ before you make a purchase to see if the company has received any complaints.

• Be wary of high pressure sales tactics. A legitimate company will not pressure you and will allow you time to make up your mind.

• Don’t be seduced by a free gift. This is often a tactic used by scam artists.

• Read the contract carefully. Always make sure you get a detailed contract in writing. Read the fine print and know your cancellation rights. If the contract qualifies as a door-to-door sales contract under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act (BPCP Act), you have a 10-day cooling-off period where you are able to change your mind and cancel the contract.

• Be cautious of down payments. Under the BPCP Act, if you are required to make a down payment, it should not exceed the greater of $100 or 10% of the cost.

• Get a copy of your contract. Under the BPCP Act, a direct sales contract is entered into in person at a place other than the supplier’s permanent place of business. There are some exceptions to this, and it does not include a supplier you have invited into your home more than 24 hours in advance. Also, it does not include contracts under $50.

If you have a question about door-to-door sales contracts or potentially deceptive acts, contact the BPCP at 1 888 564-9963.

Right or Wrong August 2010 - Door to Door Sales

7/15/2010

Posted on 7/15/2010 by
Right or Wrong Aug 2010

Q: Dear BBB;
I was recently approached by a door to door sales person selling security systems. He came to my door at the senior’s complex and would not leave me alone. Thank goodness my husband arrived home and firmly made sure the young man did not get in the door to give me a sales pitch. I have heard many reports recently about unethical door to door sales practices. I don’t like to make assumptions however am I WRONG to be cautious?
~ Trapped by the Doorbell

A: Trapped by the Doorbell

While many people who come to your door offering to sell you a service or product are legitimate, you should always be diligent before making a purchase. You are RIGHT to be cautious and ask questions.
Unlike making a purchase in a store where you have the option of comparison shopping or coming back at a later date, when someone comes to your door you are often forced to make a quick decision. If someone comes to your door offering to sell you an alarm system or replace your windows, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself.

• Always know who you are doing business with. Check with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) at vi.bbb.org/ before you make a purchase to see if the company has received any complaints.

• Be wary of high pressure sales tactics. A legitimate company will not pressure you and will allow you time to make up your mind.

• Don’t be seduced by a free gift. This is often a tactic used by scam artists.

• Read the contract carefully. Always make sure you get a detailed contract in writing. Read the fine print and know your cancellation rights. If the contract qualifies as a door-to-door sales contract under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act (BPCP Act), you have a 10-day cooling-off period where you are able to change your mind and cancel the contract.

• Be cautious of down payments. Under the BPCP Act, if you are required to make a down payment, it should not exceed the greater of $100 or 10% of the cost.

• Get a copy of your contract. Under the BPCP Act, a direct sales contract is entered into in person at a place other than the supplier’s permanent place of business. There are some exceptions to this, and it does not include a supplier you have invited into your home more than 24 hours in advance. Also, it does not include contracts under $50.

If you have a question about door-to-door sales contracts or potentially deceptive acts, contact the BPCP at 1 888 564-9963.

BBB Coupon Book — Discounted Advertising Opportunity

7/13/2010

Posted on 7/13/2010 by

Hurry NOW! And book your space in the BBB Fall Edition Coupon Booklet.

What you get:
• Full page ad 4.25" x 5.5"
• Single sided in rich full colour
• Layout by a professional graphics designer
• Assurance that you will be advertised beside other BBB Accredited Businesses
• Delivery via Canada Post to 72,000 households in Victoria

Plus as an added bonus you'll also get a ONE-YEAR membership to www.CityWideCouponDirectory.com. Vancouver Islands only BBB Accredited Business coupon web site.

You can expect to receive a high response to this coupon book simply because customers put their trust in BBB Accredited Businesses above all others.
Book now! There are only a few ad spaces remaining in this valuable promotion.

For more information about the Fall Edition Coupon Book click here
Reserve one of the only 31 ad spaces available in the BBB Fall Edition Coupon Booklet by downloading the order form by clicking here

BBB Mid Island Accredited Business Micro-Convention

7/13/2010

Posted on 7/13/2010 by
Following the excitement and interest generated by last years BBB Mid-Island Accredited Business Reception, held at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, this event promises to be an exciting opportunity for island businesses to connect and get informed on scams, frauds and best practices, as they relate to safety and trust in the marketplace.

Details are still being confirmed, but we can tell you now that this highly anticipated event is an occasion you won’t want to miss.

Save-the-date, September 22, 2010.

Join us for an intimate mid-day interactive event that will include food, exhibitors and speaker presentations. Space is limited, and reservations will be taken on a first come, first serve basis.

We will keep you updated on the details of the event as they unfold. Watch your email INBOX for eMinder and eInquirer updates.

See you in Nanaimo!

Businesses Who Failed to Respond - June 2010

7/13/2010

Posted on 7/13/2010 by
These businesses were contacted by the BBB Vancouver Island concerning complaints registered in our office. None of these non-responding businesses are BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB Accredited Businesses agree to respond to all complaints.

We encourage all businesses to deal with complaints in a timely fashion.

Click here to view businesses who failed to respond in June 2010.

BBB Small Business Advice

6/28/2010

Posted on 6/28/2010 by Rosalind Scott
BBB Small Business Advice: Writing a Privacy Policy

Online privacy policies have taken center stage as social networking sites and search engines have recently come under fire for sharing user information. Even if you think your business is too small to merit a privacy policy, the Better Business Bureau advises that if you have a website, you will benefit by having a comprehensive privacy policy.

“Privacy policies are about transparency and are key to building trust between your business and your customers,” said Rosalind Scott, Executive Director, BBB Vancouver Island. “While it’s easy to get intimidated by the scope and legalese, the bottom line is, you will increase consumer confidence in doing business on your website if you have a clear privacy policy.”

When drafting your website’s privacy policy, BBB recommends using simple language to answer the following five questions:

• What information do you collect? – Outline the types of personal information that you collect from customers. This includes home address, e-mail, phone numbers and credit card numbers.

• How do you collect the information? – Websites collect information from customers in many different ways. Even if you don’t actually sell goods through your site you might have an e-mail sign-up for a newsletter, an application for credit or install cookies on the visitor’s computer to track their activities. Disclose how data is being collected to show you have nothing to hide.

• How do you use the information? – Include background on how you share customer information with third parties such as to process orders. If you sell customer information to marketers, explain what information is sold and how it could be used.

• What control does the customer have over their personal information? – Customers need a way to contact your business and control their personal data, whether it’s changing a password on their account or taking their name off of a mailing list. Plan to include a direct phone number or e-mail address that customers can use to manage their information.

• How do you protect the information? - Explain how you protect customer data including, but not limited to, website encryption, limiting employee access to sensitive customer data, and server security.

There is no cookie-cutter privacy policy. Your business is unique and your privacy policy should reflect that. Seek legal guidance before you finalize your policy. You are legally liable if you fail to abide by your privacy policy statement or if the statement does not comply with local and national laws.

As your business changes, so should your privacy policy. Plan to revise your policy as your web activities evolve and alert customers when you make revisions affecting their personal data.

For additional free advice on keeping customer data safe visit BBB’s Data Security -- Made Simpler.

Finalists - Torch Awards 2010

6/28/2010

Posted on 6/28/2010 by
For Immediate Release News Release
April 1, 2010

BBB CELEBRATES ETHICAL BUSINESSES
VICTORIA, BC – The Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island (BBB) will be celebrating the ethical achievements of Vancouver Island businesses at the 2010 Torch Awards Gala celebration on May 14, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the Ballroom at the Westin Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa.

Each year the BBB recognizes and celebrates regional businesses that demonstrate excellent marketplace ethics and business standards. Customers nominate companies that they believe have gone above and beyond in their commitment to being fair, honest and reliable. This year the BBB received hundreds of customer nominations for 138 different businesses.

The following is the list of businesses that qualify for the 2010 Torch Awards:

4 Seasons Heating & Cooling
A. Breton Relocations
Aaronson's Pharmacy
Academy of Learning - Westshore
Admirals Roofing
Aero Furnace, Duct & Chimney Cleaning
Apex Tents & Events
Aquamist Carpet Care
Atlas Audio Video
Barclay's Custom Fine Jewellers
Bath Fitters
BC Tub Liners
Bear Home Remodelling
Bell - Bay Centre
Beltone Hearing-Douglas Street
Built Right Fencing
Bullfrog Transmissions Ltd.
Cannor Nursery - Elk Lake Dr
Capital Roofing (formerly Meyer Roofing)
Cedar Hill Handyman
Centra Windows
Chinook Power Vac
Clair Downey Service
CNL Painting
Coastal Painting
Coastal Trucking
Columbia Fuels
Comox Physiotherapy Clinic
Current Millwork & Design Ltd.
ProLine Roofing
Provincial Moving & Storage Ltd.
QAB Delivery
Quadra Appliances
Quick & Clean Building Maintenance
R.H.I. Contracting
Roger Garside Construction
Ruffell & Brown Interiors
S & I Hardwood Floors
Sears – Hillside Mall
Serious Coffee-Sidney
Servicexcel
Shoppers Drug Mart-Sooke Rd
Sid Williams Theatre/SD #71
Sidney Tire Auto Service
Custom Roofing
Dave Stalker Excavating
Downs Construction Ltd.
Dr. Michele L. Jones
Dumont Tire Limited
Eagleye Drain Services
Eldersafe Support Services
Exclusive Concierge Service
EZ Lube Auto Ltd.
Fascinating Rhythm
Focus 5000 Hair Design
Foster's Moving
Fountain Tire - Victoria
G. E. Miller Builder & Contractor Inc.
Gala Fabrics
Good Neighbours Fencing
Gorter Construction
Grand Xterior Cleaning Services Ltd.
Grocery Plus
Groundbreakers Excavating
GSA Auto Rentals
Hagen’s Computers
Hartshorn Mechanical
Hendra Movers
Hill Billy Golf Canada
Hire-a-Husband
Home Hardware-Sooke Rd
Hourigan's Carpet & Lino
Howie's Car Corral
Insignia College
Island Basement Systems
Island Hearing-Fort St
Island Low Cost Moving
Slater's Painting & Decorating
SmartBiz Strategy
Soare Contracting Inc.
Spank It Sports
Speedy Muffler Brake & Wheel-Nanaimo
Spice of Life Catering
Stone Trends Marble & Granite
Straight Line Pro Moving Service
The Kitchen Technician, Inc
The Park Café
The Resume Hut
Thermal King Glass
Thrifty Foods – Admirals Rd
Thrifty Foods – Quadra St
Thrifty Foods - Royal Oak Dr
Thrifty Foods – Simcoe
Jeune Brothers Tent & Awning
John's Gardenscapes
Jordan's Carpeting
Juan de Fuca Renovations
Kilshaws Auctioneers
L A Limousines & Transportation Services
Leah Begin Hair
Lenius & Osborn Electric
Lisa's Hair Salon
Lou's Auto Repair Ltd.
Madrona Creek Development
Malta Services
Mayfair Shopping Mall
Medicine Shoppe
Men in White Professional Painting Ltd.
Milestones - Inner Harbour
Moore's Cleaning & Maintenance
Morgan Electrical Group Ltd.
New Look Hair Studio
North Park Bicycle Shop
Ocean Promotion
Oceanside Roofing
Old Style Repairs
One Stop Furniture Shop Inc.
Parker Johnston Ltd.
Parkside Motors
Patriot Electric
Payline FX
Pets West
Polished Home Décor
Priority One Computers
Tomahawk Tree Services
Truffles Catering
Two Eagles Enterprises
Van Isle Denture Clinic
Van Isle Windows
Victoria Tank Service
Victoria Transmission & Auto Care
Victoria Window Cleaning
Vintage Roofing Ltd.
Viscount Aero Centre
Vision Works Optometry
Westshore Transmission
Wildplay Element Parks
Wilk Stove Ltd.

To Stem Privacy Abuses, Industry Groups will Track Web Trackers

6/25/2010

Posted on 6/25/2010 by
A new system to police privacy abuses by companies that track consumers' Web-surfing habits for ad targeting
will be launched in coming months by groups whose members include heavy users of this type of information
—Internet companies such as Yahoo Inc. and Microsoft Corp. and advertising companies likeWPP PLC.

Full article here:

Right or Wrong July 2010 - Avoid Oil Spill Scams

6/18/2010

Posted on 6/18/2010 by
Q: Dear BBB;

I have recently finished University for the semester and am looking for work in the summer months. The disastrous Gulf Oil Spill has me wanting to help the clean up effort or save aquatic life on the beaches. I have seen classified ads in newspapers and on the internet offering jobs for work involved in cleaning up coastal areas or working on related projects, etc. This sounds wonderful however, I have been reading about scam jobs too.
If I can’t get a job down there I would love to make a donation instead. There are so many choices it is confusing. Am I WRONG to ask advice about what to believe?

~ Gulf Oil Gullible

A: Gulf Oil Gullible

You are RIGHT to be suspicious. Already, scammers have been reported offering jobs involving clean up coastal areas, or working on related projects etc. They are being promoted in many newspapers, and on websites. Sometimes these jobs require the person to pay a fee before being considered for the job. When an advance fee is required, the offer of a job is already suspect. Keep looking.
The Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance has also warned people to be careful before they give.
"As a charity monitoring organization, we have seen time and time again that contributors often make hasty donation decisions in the wake of a disaster and don't take the time to find out specifically what a charity is doing," said Bennett Weiner, chief operating officer of the Wise Giving Alliance. "For example, everyone is moved by the pictures of tar balls on the beach and oil-drenched wildlife, but not all of the soliciting charities are or will be involved with hands-on cleanup activities."

For more information on this and other scams find us at vi.bbb.org

Avoiding Online Car Buying Scams

6/17/2010

Posted on 6/17/2010 by
When it comes time to buy a car, consumers are more empowered than ever thanks in large part to the Internet and its offerings of car reviews, online vehicle history reports, detailed car listings, and more. The Internet has also, unfortunately, given scammers a new venue to find auto-buying victims.

One car-buying venue that consumers are increasingly turning to is online classifieds sites. There are many advantages to using such sites to purchase an automobile, most notably cutting out the dealership middlemen. Unfortunately, NCL’s* Fraud Center also hears frequently from consumers who have fallen victim to fraud when purchasing a car via these services. Different scams tend to affect buyers and sellers. Here are some of the more common variants, though this list should not be considered exhaustive, as con artists are among some of the more inventive criminals out there.

The “Price Too Good to Be True” scam
In this scam, a prospective buyer sees an attractive-looking car (often a classic or exotic car) for a price well below market value. When the buyer contacts the seller, he or she is notified that the seller and the car is outside of the country and will arrange for shipment of the car upon receipt of payment, most often via wire transfer (such as Western Union) or bank-to-bank transfer (for very large payments). When the money is transferred and collected, the “seller” breaks contact and the buyer is out the money.

The overpayment scam
A legitimate seller posts a car for sale. He or she is then contacted by a prospective “buyer” (really a scammer) who offers to send a cashier’s cheque immediately plus additional funds to cover shipment of the car overseas. When the cheque arrives, the seller is instructed to deposit it and wire the overage to the “shipper.” When this is done and the wire transfer picked up, the “buyer” breaks contact and the seller is left on the hook to their bank for the fraudulent cheque and the missing funds.

Escrow scams
Many consumers are rightfully wary of sending large amounts of money to someone they’ve never met. Scammer frequently recommend the use of fake “escrow” services that will hold funds involved in the transaction until both parties are satisfied that the transaction has been completed. In a typical scam, a legitimate buyer will be approached by a scammer selling a car (again, often an exotic or classic car) but usually priced well below market value). The scam seller will offer to ship the car and that there is no risk of fraud due to the “escrow” service (purportedly eBay, PayPal, or another service). Once the money is transferred, contact is broken (or sometimes additional funds are requested to cover “unforeseen” events). In any case, the legitimate buyer never receives a car and loses the money.

How to avoid car-buying scams

• NEVER wire money or use a bank-to-bank transfer in a transaction.
• ALWAYS try to deal locally when buying or selling an automobile or other high-value merchandise
• DO NOT sell or buy a car from someone who is unable or unwilling to meet you face to face.
• NEVER buy a car that you have not seen in real life and had inspected by a professional. A vehicle history report may also be a good idea, though scammers have been known to use fake vehicle identification numbers to defeat this countermeasure.
• WAIT until a cheque (personal, cashier’s, certified, or otherwise) has cleared the bank to transfer title or the car itself. Funds being made available by a bank DOES NOT mean the cheque is not counterfeit. Clearing a cheque can take days or weeks depending on the financial institutions involved. Check with your bank about their particular processes for clearing cheques.
• NEVER trust a seller or buyer who says that the transaction is GUARANTEED by eBay, Craigslist, PayPal, or other online marketplace. These sites explicitly DO NOT guarantee that people using their services are legitimate.
• BEWARE sellers or buyers who want to conclude a transaction as quickly as possible. Scammers want to get your money before you have time to think or have a professional examine the deal.
• CALL the buyer or seller to establish phone contact. If the buyer or seller seems to neglect details agreed to via e-mail or is unable to answer questions about their location or the location of the automobile in question, it is likely to be a scam.
• ALWAYS trust your gut. If a deal feels “fishy” or sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Plenty of people use online classified ads to buy and sell cars every day. The vast majority of these transactions are legitimate and go smoothly. Losing out on a “great” deal in order to work with someone you trust could save you big in avoiding a possible scam.

*More information at NCL’s Fraud Center at www.fraud.org.

Telus Warns of New Scam

6/11/2010

Posted on 6/11/2010 by
Ah, where would the world be without slimy, despicable individuals trying to scam poor and unfortunate people out of their money? Almost an accepted part of the social contract, scammers are frequently trying to trick and connive their way ahead using trickery and deception as their tools of the trade. With remorseless vigour, these charlatans can be hard to catch and nearly impossible to detect before they take their first victims.

Go to scam article..

Right or Wrong - June 2010

6/8/2010

Posted on 6/8/2010 by
Q: Dear BBB;

I have recently been seeing classified ads in local newspapers and on the internet offering employment opportunities on cruise ships. The prospect of working in this industry has always fascinated me. However there is an application fee of $59.00 which makes me wonder how legitimate the ad might be. Am I WRONG to be leary?

~ Suddenly Seasick

A: Suddenly Seasick

You are RIGHT to be leary of any classified ad that wants you to send application fees to obtain the information about a position. In this example of scammers bidding to get your job search dollar, advertisers claim to sell you an official cruise ship application form for $49, $59 or even $99. What you get if you DO respond is either a brochure outlining the application process or a promise to put you on a list, a list that probably no one ever sees. The company also states they will give back a refund if no position is found in 3 months. However, READ THE FINE PRINT! It states that a refund is given ONLY if you receive 3 rejection letters.

Remember, the only way to get a real cruise ship's application form is through the company directly.

For more information on this and other scams find us at vi.bbb.org

Right or Wrong - May 2010

6/8/2010

Posted on 6/8/2010 by
Q: Dear BBB;
I am thinking of heading to the United States soon to shop and take advantage of the strong Canadian Dollar and all the great deals I hear about down there! I am being told different stories about what I am allowed to bring back over the border from my shopping trip depending on how long I stay is and what I purchase. Am I wrong to be cautious about this advice?

~ Always looking for a Bargain

A: Always looking for a Bargain

You are RIGHT to be cautious about what anyone tells you when it comes to bringing back goods across the Canada/US Border. What may seem like a bargain (even with our strong loonie) may end up costing you a lot more than it is worth if you have to pay duty and other fees on what you thought was exempt.

Here are some tips to follow for a headache-free cross border shopping experience:

• Make sure you understand your personal exemption limits before you head across the border. You can find all the information you need at The Canada Border Services Agency website.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.html

• Before you head down to scoop up the apparent deals south of the border make sure you are informed of all the applicable laws and regulations.

• Check the warranty and return policies on anything you purchase (especially big-ticket items). How do you return or replace a faulty item from another country? Is it worth the money you saved and the time and trouble to travel back across the border to deal with exchange or replacement?

Finally, even thought our loonie is strong against the US dollar why not think about buying locally and supporting our economy? You may just be eliminating possible headaches and frustration.

RIght or Wrong - April 2010

6/8/2010

Posted on 6/8/2010 by
Q: Dear BBB;
I have recently been looking for a part-time job that would bring me extra income and allow me to work from home in my spare time. I see a lot of ads for work-at-home opportunities on the internet. I have heard that some jobs advertised like this are scams even though they appear legitimate. Am I WRONG to be wary of responding? How do I tell the difference?

~ Wary of the Web

A: Wary of the Web
You are RIGHT to be apprehensive of online job opportunities (as well as any job posted in newspapers or bulletin boards). Education is the key here. There are hundreds of different types of work-at-home and online job scams out there, most of them follow the same premise. Look for red-flags when seeking work online.
A common ploy of fraudsters advertising illegitimate work-at-home opportunities is to require that you send money to obtain an information kit or start-up package to begin your business. In many of these instances the money you send may be kept and no product is ever received.
If a job sounds too good to be true it probably is. Even with legitimate job opportunities it is very rare that people make large amounts of money with very little investment of time, money or energy.
Watch for jobs that require you to wire, forward or transfer money through personal banking accounts (called payment transfer scams). In these scams job seekers are asked to wire money through a personal account, PayPal account or Western Union account for one of many convincing sounding reasons. The job seeker often is told they can keep a percentage of the money transfer. However, in most cases the money being moved is stolen and the job seeker is unknowingly committing theft and wire fraud.
Be skeptical of jobs or job applications that require you to provide detailed personal and financial information. It is unwise to provide prospective employers with details such as your birth date, Social Insurance Number, bank account numbers etc. unless you are absolutely confident that you can trust them. Many online job scams request this information as part of the application process, then use it to steal or sell your identity.
Lastly, don’t apply for jobs that require you to download information from unsecure sources. Many job scams being forwarded via social networking sites require you to click on a link or to “download” an application form. In doing so job seekers unknowingly are installing malware and viruses onto their computers, that then result in their personal and financial information and login, being monitored or stolen from their computers.

For more information about protecting yourself or your child from online fraud visit vi.bbb.org.

Say "I DO"

5/31/2010

Posted on 5/31/2010 by Rosalind Scott
Marriage is an exciting time for a couple, however, once the honeymoon is over, it’s time to sit down and get serious about your finances. After walking down the aisle, Better Business Bureau advises newlyweds to take control of their money or risk a rocky financial future.

According to research by Utah State University, married couples that frequently fight over money are more likely to split up. Even when compared to frequent fights over other issues—such as chores, sex and in-laws—fighting about money was a better predictor of a future divorce.

“When considering your financial future, it’s important for newlyweds to realize that they are in it together and nurturing their nest egg can be a rewarding experience—and not just a source of frustration and fights,” said Alison Southwick, BBB spokesperson. “Have the conversation earlier, rather than later, so that you can develop healthy personal finance habits together.”

In order to start your new life together on the right financial foot, BBB offers the following advice:

• Let Financial Skeletons out of the Closet. After marriage, any personal debt becomes “our debt” and it’s important to sit down early on and discuss what outstanding obligations exist on both sides including car loans, school loans and credit card debt. Review your credit reports to get a better idea of what you are both bringing to the marriage.

• Build a Budget. After you’ve gotten a grasp on your debt, it’s time to build a monthly budget. Look at your monthly bills to create a realistic picture of how you spend. Discuss your long term goals—such as buying a house or car and having kids—and figure out how much money you need to set aside every month to reach those goals.

• Designate a Driver but Travel Together. In order to avoid confusion, one person should be assigned to paying the bills every month. This doesn’t mean that the other person takes a back seat role in managing the finances. Have a discussion at least every month about your financial progress in order map your path and nip any bad spending habits in the bud.

• Plan for Emergencies. Many young couples fail to save money to get them through hard times such as health problems and unexpected unemployment. Experts recommend you set aside three to six months of salary in a rainy day fund—ideally an interest-bearing account that can be easily accessed.

• Save for the Future. Retirement may seem like a long way off to newlyweds, but setting aside money now means reaping big rewards later on. Take advantage of both employers’ retirement matching programs—if available—or set up individual retirement accounts.

• Make a Vow to Be Savvy Consumers. Many families have had their life savings decimated after becoming a victim to fraud or identity theft. Check out your BBB’s website to find trustworthy businesses, get educated on the red flags of fraud and learn how to protect your identity.

BBB Announces New Board of Directors

5/7/2010

Posted on 5/7/2010 by
BBBVI President
Loretta Copley, Hendry, Swinton, McKenzie Insurance Services Inc.

BBBVI Past President
Peter Dunderdale, Director IPEN

BBBVI Vice President
Vern Fischer, Fischer and Deeton Financial Services

BBBVI Secretary
Marty Schubert, Director – Help Fill a Dream

BBBVI Treasurer
Miles Fournier, Investors Group Financial Services Inc.

BBBVI Member at Large
Barry Ringstead, Island Hearing

BBBVI Independent Legal Counsel
Sharon Cartmill-Lane

BBBVI Directors
Nigel Brown, Ruffell & Brown Interiors
Dave Whitman, Times Colonist
Kyara Kahakauwila, LA Limousines
Sandy Rozon, Esquimalt Chamber
Detective Rick Anthony, Victoria Police Department
Marsha Mara, Paul Mara Jewellers

BBBVI Honorary Directors
Jack Hawthorne
Paul Chow

Junior Achievement Economics for Success Program

4/23/2010

Posted on 4/23/2010 by
Junior Achievement (JA) is the world’s largest not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating young people about business. JA programs help prepare students for the real world as they learn how to apply entrepreneurial thinking in the workplace, learn financial and money management concepts and understand the importance of an education as it relates to their long-term career goals.

Last year Junior Achievement programs were delivered to approximately 28,800 students in over 1000 British Columbia classrooms, 200 of those programs were provided for over 600 students in Victoria area. The popular Economics for Success (EFS) program accounts for over 50% of these programs and encourages students to reflect on the advantages of remaining in school to acquire the knowledge, attitude and skills needed for long-term career success.

JA’s unique approach allows volunteers from the community to deliver the programs free-of-charge to schools. We are currently recruiting EFS program volunteers. As a volunteer, you’ll make visits to a class of students at their school, and lead them through a professionally designed, interactive program. The key concepts of the lessons transform into a message that empowers and inspires. You may work on your own or bring a colleague to assist.

Share Your Story. Inspire a Student

• Imagine making a positive impact in a young person’s life just by sharing your career and business expertise
• Imagine students learning new ideas and discovering their potential because of your knowledge and encouragement

We’re looking for people who can help students:

• Understand how every opportunity is a stepping-stone to success
• Realize the financial constraints and demands of living on their own
• Discover their employability and develop their interviewing skills
• Learn the need for personal financial planning and setting realistic budgets

Do it for fun and personal satisfaction:

• Get students excited about careers and jobs in your industry
• Motivate students with your expertise and knowledge
• Exercise your presentation, coaching and team-building skills
• Network with other volunteers

Volunteer with a world-recognized leader of business education programs for youth. We will provide the orientation, materials and support to make your volunteer experience fun, meaningful and easy to deliver.

Small Commitment-BIG Impact:
One EFS program requires your choice of only four one hour blocks of your time, (or one 4 hour block) ~and you choose the date.

The (EFS) Economics for Success program accounts for 50% of the program deliveries in the Victoria area. We are currently recruiting EFS program volunteers from the business community, if you could give us just four hours of your time between now and the end of June, please contact:

Linda Conn, Program Coordinator, Victoria
Junior Achievement of British Columbia
Vancouver Island Region
T: 250-744-0170
F: 250-881-1595
E: linda.conn@jabc.org
W: www.jabc.org

Businesses who failed to respond in March 2010

4/20/2010

Posted on 4/20/2010 by
These businesses were contacted by the BBB Vancouver Island concerning complaints registered in our office. None of these non-responding businesses are BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB Accredited Businesses agree to respond to all complaints.

We encourage all businesses to deal with complaints in a timely fashion.

Click here to view businesses who failed to respond in March 2010.

BBB Announces Nominees for 2010 Torch Awards

4/8/2010

Posted on 4/8/2010 by
The Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island (BBB) will be celebrating the ethical achievements of Vancouver Island businesses at the 2010 Torch Awards Gala celebration on May 14, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the Ballroom at the Westin Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa.

Each year the BBB recognizes and celebrates regional businesses that demonstrate excellent marketplace ethics and business standards. Customers nominate companies that they believe have gone above and beyond in their commitment to being fair, honest and reliable. This year the BBB received hundreds of customer nominations for 138 different businesses.

The following is the list Catagories and Nominees for the 2010 Torch Awards. Click here.

Congratulations to all the Nominees!