http://edmonton.bbb.org/WWWRoot//SitePage.aspx?site=155&id=a0799eac-de62-4312-a1fb-741810ffd6a6&debug=False 10 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/bbb-consumer-tip-lawn-maintenance-19132 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT During the month of March 2010 the following businesses (listed alphabetically by their city/town where they are located) renewed their Accreditation with BBB Serving Central and Northern Alberta and their commitment to trust and reliability in business. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/bbb-march-2010-renewed-accredited-businesses-19133 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/bbb-march-2010-renewed-accredited-businesses-19134 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/bbb-serving-central-and-northern-alberta-march-2010-new-accredited-businesses-19124 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT The following is a list of new BBB Accredited Businesses whose applications have been approved by the BBB of Central and Northern Alberta, Board of Directors from February 1 to 28, 2010. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/february-2010-new-bbb-accredited-businesses-18308 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT The deadline for filing income tax returns is still months away. Now is a good time to select a tax professional. Better Business Bureau however, cautions that consumers can run into serious problems if they don’t do their research to find a reputable tax preparer. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/choosing-a-tax-preparer-14947 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT Tips from Edmonton Police Services on purchasing alarm systems for home and office and information about and how to prevent false alarms. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/looking-for-a-quality-alarm-system-14932 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT The Competition Bureau has made the Consumer Rebate Pamphlet public. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/competition-bureau-rebate-pamphlet-for-consumers-14879 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT The BBB Accredited Business Locator Ensures Trust Online. Furthering its commitment to create a community of trustworthy businesses, Better Business Bureau has partnered with Azigo, a leader in user-centric technologies, to help consumers find businesses they can trust when they search and shop online this holiday season. Industry watchers are predicting online sales will be up this year, and now consumers can rest assured that the businesses they buy from are worthy of their trust. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/better-business-bureau-launches-service-to-protect-online-shoppers-14132 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau releasing a list of the top scams and rip-offs of 2009. Not surprisingly, many scams sought to take advantage of people who were suffering under tough economic circumstances—such as the unemployed. Additionally, the use of free-trial offers to lock consumers into recurring credit and debit card charges was widespread online. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/media-release-bbb-top-scams-and-rip-offs-of-2009-14582 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT Boxing Day is upon us this week and many consumers may already have their action plan in place to take advantage of the annual sale frenzy. Every year the Better Business Bureau receives calls and complaints about confusion and misleading advertising in the holiday sale market. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/revving-up-for-boxing-day-buyers-beware-of-conditions-bbb-warns-14274 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT The Canadian Anti Fraud Center (CAFC - PHONEBUSTERS ) would like your assistance fighting online fraud. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/phishing-for-fraudsters-14087 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers to a new holiday email scam that’s popping-up in consumers’ inboxes just in time for the holiday shopping season. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/scammers-deliver-email-scam-in-time-for-the-holidays-14093 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT Prepared by the Internet Crime Complaint Center - IC3: This holiday season the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is reminding people that cyber criminals continue to aggressively create new ways to steal money and personal information. Scammers use many techniques to fool potential victims including fraudulent auction sales, reshipping merchandise purchased with a stolen credit card, and sale of fraudulent or stolen gift cards through auction sites at a discounted price. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/holiday-shopping-tips-14090 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT BBB says know the red flags of a scam site. This holiday season, everyone will be on the hunt for the best deals. Better Business Bureau warns online shoppers that some deals online for electronics are too good to be true. BBB is advising holiday shoppers to keep an eye out for five red flags of unscrupulous consumer electronics stores. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/dont-get-ripped-off-when-buying-electronics-online-13234 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT Discovering that your house harbors insects or other pests usually elicits a strong reaction. If your response is to seek the immediate services of a pest control company, the BBB recommends taking time to select a reputable professional. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/consumer-tip-selecting-a-pest-management-company--8785 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT Being successful at direct selling doesn’t require any special education or experience but it isn’t for everyone. BBB suggests people ask themselves a few questions when considering a new venture in direct sales http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/consumerbusiness-tip-five-questions-for-determining-if-direct-selling-is-for-you-12793 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT The following is a Consumer Tip, about Preparing Your Home For Winter from BBB Serving Central and Northern Alberta. It discusses maintenance tasks that should done prior to winter. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/consumer-tip-preparing-your-home-for-winter-12632 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT Is your business web site down again? Does it seem to have more downtime than uptime? You may want to consider changing your web hosting service. One of the most important decisions you will make for your business web site is selecting which web hosting service will display your web pages to the Internet. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/business-tip-website-hosting-3769 Fri, 07 Mar 2008 06:00:00 GMT Household furniture is sold in two categories upholstered (sofa, easy chairs, etc.) and wooden, or metal furniture (often referred to as case goods). http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/consumer-tip-buying-furniture-3792 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 06:00:00 GMT If you’ve ever locked yourself out of your car or home, you know what a hassle it can be. Your first thought is to get someone to help you out of your situation. If a family member or friend can’t deliver a spare set of keys, your next call might be to a local locksmith. But before you make that call, consider this: According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, some locksmiths advertising in your local telephone book may not be local at all. They may not have professional training. What’s more, some of them may use intimidating tactics and overcharge you. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/ftc-the-keys-to-hiring-a-reputable-locksmith-4482 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Care Labeling Rule requires manufacturers and importers to attach care instructions to garments. Updates to the Rule became effective on September 1, 2000. The Rule's section requiring a "reasonable basis" for care instructions has been changed to clarify what is required, and the definitions of "hot," "warm," and "cold" water have been changed to harmonize with the definitions used by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/ftc-clothes-captioning-complying-with-the-care-labeling-rule--4379 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT These Voluntary Guidelines represent a consensus of voluntary consumer disclosure practices reached by a panel of weight management companies, weight loss professionals, and consumer protection groups. They are not binding, do not represent legal standards or interpretation of any legal requirements, and are not sponsored or issued by any government agency. Providers1 should only make these disclosures to the extent that they are permissible under applicable state and federal law. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/ftc-voluntary-guidelines-for-providers-of-weight-loss-products-or-services-4452 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) prepared this booklet to help you comply with a new FTC rule that requires labeling on alternative fueled vehicles. The Labeling Requirements for Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fueled Vehicles Rule was issued in keeping with a directive in the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The Rule requires you to provide information to potential purchasers of alternative fueled vehicles to help them compare vehicles. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/ftc-labeling-alternative-fueled-vehicles-4354 Sun, 01 Jul 2007 05:00:00 GMT Alaska is famous for the rugged beauty of its mountains, rivers, and coastlines, as well as for the distinctive arts and crafts produced by Alaska Native artists. If you are considering purchasing an Alaska Native-made art or craft item, it’s smart to invest a little time learning about the processes and materials Alaska Natives may use to make these unique and beautiful objects. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/ftc-alaska-native-art-4497 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT If you're refinancing your mortgage or applying for a home equity installment loan, you should know about the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994 (HOEPA). http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/ftc-high-rate-high-fee-loans-hoepasection-32-mortgages-4768 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT It’s not hard to see why ads for business opportunities that promote the benefits of being your own boss and making money quickly are appealing. But the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the government agency that monitors advertising for deception, says that some ads for business opportunities feature empty promises and false claims that potential entrepreneurs could never realize. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/ftc-ads-for-business-opportunities-how-to-detect-deception-4607 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT The Federal Trade Commission staff prepared this business booklet to help finance companies, retailers, and other creditors comply with the Credit Practices Rule, which went into effect March 1, 1985. This booklet tells you what the Credit Practices Rule requires, who must comply, and what transactions are covered. It also discusses liability for rule violations and how exemptions are granted. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/ftc-complying-with-the-credit-practices-rule-4420 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT For many consumers, electronic banking means 24-hour access to cash through an automated teller machine (ATM) or Direct Deposit of paychecks into checking or savings accounts. But electronic banking now involves many different types of transactions. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/ftc-electronic-banking--4646 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT Shopping for gifts can be a real dilemma. Just what do you get the person who has everything: your finicky Aunt Mary, your co-worker, or your child's babysitter? Gift cards may be the answer: one size fits all, and the recipients can get exactly what they want. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/ftc-buying-giving-and-using-gift-cards-4412 Wed, 01 Mar 2006 06:00:00 GMT Internet auction sites give buyers a “virtual” flea market with new and used merchandise from around the world; they give sellers a global storefront from which to market their goods. But the online auction business can be risky business. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants to help buyers and sellers stay safe on Internet auction websites. Among the thousands of consumer fraud complaints the FTC receives every year, those dealing with online auction fraud consistently rank near the top of the list. The complaints generally deal with late shipments, no shipments, or shipments of products that aren’t the same quality as advertised; bogus online payment or escrow services; and fraudulent dealers who lure bidders from legitimate auction sites with seemingly better deals. Most complaints involve sellers, but in some cases, the buyers are the subject. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/ftc-internet-auctions-a-guide-for-buyers-and-sellers-4516 Wed, 01 Feb 2006 06:00:00 GMT Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of turquoise and silver jewelry or the earth tone colors of Indian pottery, having some knowledge about American Indian arts and crafts can help you get the most for your money. Be aware also that because Indian arts and crafts are prized and often command higher prices, a few unscrupulous sellers misrepresent imitation arts and crafts as genuine. http://edmonton.bbb.org/article/ftc-how-to-buy-genuine-american-indian-arts-and-crafts-4487