04 Mar 2015

BBB Celebrates National Consumer Protection Week

By BBB News

March 3, 2015 (Des Moines, IA) – Better Business Bureau serving Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota, & Nebraska with offices in the Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids is committed to providing tools and tips to protect consumers from scams and to help them make better purchasing decisions during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 1-7. During the 17th annual NCPW, BBB will be working to connect people with the best consumer education resources.

BBB's goal is to share information about identity theft, fraud, scams, and technology and safety. This coordinated campaign with NCPW encourages consumers to take advantage of their rights and make better-informed purchasing decisions.

"BBB offers free, reliable services daily to help them make better-informed decisions and protect their personal information," stated Chris Coleman, local BBB president. "We are dedicated to connecting consumers with business that are committed to building trust."

BBB is constantly working to provide consumers with more information. Check out a few of BBB's FREE services below:

Look for the Seal. BBB is running a national campaign to remind consumers to look for the BBB seal when making a purchase. A BBB seal on a business's door, window, vehicle or website is a powerful sign to customers that they are a trustworthy business.

Follow Scams. Scams are not going away, and scammers are constantly changing their tactics. Consumers can use the free resources found at bbb.org/iowa to protect themselves and educate family and friends. BBB is committed to alerting the public each time it learns of a new scheme through its scam alert emails.

Search BBB's Accredited Business Directory. BBB's online directory bbb.org/iowa Trusted Accredited Businesses. Directory search results provide everything from auto repair to movers, and florists to contractors.

Read Verified Customer Reviews. Check out a business at bbb.org/iowa and read their verified Customer Reviews. Customers can write a review detailing their experience with the business, whether or not they would recommend the business, and if it was a positive experience. Last year, locally, more than half a million Customer Reviews were read by potential customers.

About Better Business Bureau: Better Business Bureau is committed to marketplace trust. For more than 100 years, BBB has been creating a community in which businesses and consumers can trust each other through programs that encourage best practices, create marketplace role models, and denounce substandard business behaviors. People turned to BBB more than 132 million times last year, and BBB reviewed more than 4.5 million businesses and charities. BBB Serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland, founded in 1940 and is one of 112 local, independent BBBs across North America. You can reach us at 515-243-8137 or online at bbb.org/iowa.

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29 Aug 2013

Microsoft Phone Scam Targets Local Consumers

By BBB News

The Better Business Bureau has received an influx of calls from consumers who have been targeted by the "Microsoft phone scam."  In this scam, the consumer receives a call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft Corporation. The caller states that Microsoft has detected a virus on the consumer's computer and they are calling to assist in remedying the problem. In actuality, these cybercriminals are either trying to gain remote access to the consumer's computer or trying to download malicious software to extract personal information such as account numbers and passwords.

The BBB reminds consumers that Microsoft's Online Safety and Security Center states that neither Microsoft nor its partners make unsolicited phone calls.

The following tips will help you avoid falling victim to cybercrime:

  • Do not trust unsolicited calls. Never give out personal information, over the phone, to someone you don't know. If the caller claims there is a security threat to your computer, hang up and call your computer company directly.
  • Install virus detection. Help protect your computer from viruses by making sure you have virus detection software installed on your computer.
  • Educate yourself and your family on safe web surfing. Always be attentive of what you click on and download, including, movies, files, browser plug-ins and add-ons. Also, simply avoid clicking on pop-up ads as they can direct you to other harmful sites. You can also adjust your browser settings to turn on safe search options.

If you think you may have fallen victim to a cybercriminal or allowed someone access your computer, the BBB recommends you immediately change your computer's password as well as any other passwords you keep on your computer such as your email or online banking and proceed to find a computer repair company or person you can trust. Go to iowa.bbb.org to find reputable companies near you.

 

About the BBB. The BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior.  Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior.  The BBB Serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland Region was founded in 1940 and is one of 113 BBBs.  Locally, the BBB has over 3,500 Accredited Businesses and provides reports and on companies throughout the state.  Contact the BBB at 1-800-BBB-1600 or info@dm.bbb.org.
24 Aug 2012

Bettendorf Company Leaves Consumers Empty Handed

By BBB News

Card Grading Company in Bettendorf Leaves Sports Fans Empty Handed

The Better Business Bureau serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland Region is issuing a consumer alert about Global Authority of Bettendorf, IA.  According to the company's website, Global Authority offers "authentication and grading services for a wide spectrum of collectibles."

The BBB has closed 21 complaints against this company in the last year and has received over 100 inquiries.  Global Authority has earned an F rating with the BBB due to failure to respond to complaints, many of which are considered serious in nature.

Consumer complaints primarily allege that after sending trading cards to the company for authentication and grading, Global Authority refuses to return the cards and consumers are unable to reach the company.

One disgruntled customer stated, "I sent them a 1954 wax pack of Bowman Football cards to be graded and encapsulated by them.  They sent me confirmation that they received the item and would start the grading process.  They did not bill my credit card, but they kept the pack, which is quite valuable.  They would never return my calls or emails regarding this."

The BBB has made several unsuccessful attempts to reach out to the company both by phone and by mail.

The BBB understands that handing over one's collectibles can be risky business.  Personal collections can be of value to their owner for both monetary and sentimental reasons; therefore, the BBB offers the following advice when looking for a reputable authenticating service:

ü  If possible, look local. There is always an inherent risk in sending valuables through the mail.

ü  Look for companies with a good reputation in the industry. In the world of sports memorabilia, there are card graders that are known and respected throughout the hobby by the majority of serious collectors.

ü  Take appropriate measures before mailing your treasures. If you decide to do business with a company that requires you mail your goods, make sure you keep a detailed track of your inventory, insure the package and record your tracking number.  Also, make sure your items are adequately covered under your homeowner's policy, should they not be returned.

Please contact the BBB if you feel you have been a victim of this company.  As always, the BBB reminds you to start your search with Trust.  Find trustworthy businesses and consumer advice at www.iowa.bbb.org.


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