Monthly Archives: December 2010

Anchorage, Alaska – Dec. 29, 2010 – Pledging to fix finance and debt problems as a New Year’s resolution? Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington has resources and tips to help.

1)     Utilize BBB’s Managing Credit – Made Simpler. This free online program walks consumers through steps to better manage their credit, regardless of their financial situations. Visit www.bbb.org/credit-management.

2)     Stay in contact with lenders. If having trouble with payments, try to work out a plan with them first before enlisting outside help. Be wary of companies that urge consumers to stop talking to lenders.

3)     Understand debt help terms. Those who receive solicitations for debt help should understand the differences between debt consolidation, debt negotiation and debt elimination offers. Although some offers are legitimate; offers concerning debt “elimination” are virtually always scams.

4)     Research aid companies. Before getting assistance from a debt help service, get a free BBB Reliability Report on the company at www.bbb.org. It may be a good idea to start with a credit counseling service; which are often nonprofits that offer financial guidance for a small fee or for free. Get details on services and fees in writing. Understand plans and if they will negatively or positively affect credit scores.

5)     Verify legitimacy of unknown debt calls. Ask debt collectors to provide official documentation to substantiate debt. If contacted unexpectedly by a debt collector or debt help company, do not provide or confirm any bank account, credit card or other personal information over the phone until confirming the legitimacy of the call.

 Beware of offers that sound too good to be true. Remember, debt doesn’t disappear overnight, so be cautious of companies making inflated unsubstantiated claims and guarantees. For more financial tips, visit www.bbb.org.

Anchorage, Alaska – Dec. 28, 2010 – Doesn’t fit. Not my style. Already have one…

Not all gifts satisfy. And some may be difficult to return: No tag, no receipt, and in some cases, no store to trace it to. Regardless, millions of determined consumers will be battling long lines at shopping malls, department stores and other retailers over the next few months to exchange or return unwanted merchandise.

Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington offers tips:

• Policies: Return and exchange policies vary: some merchants do not return or exchange merchandise; some only issue in-store credits; others offer full cash refunds. Policies may differ for seasonal, clearance or sale items. Stores are only legally required to refund or exchange defective or misrepresented merchandise.
• Returns: If possible, leave items in original packaging—especially electronics—and avoid removing tags. Although many stores are accommodating on holiday returns, consumers with no receipts or tags may not be able to return items. If a gift receipt is not enclosed with the present, it may be necessary to ask the gift giver where the item was purchased and find out if they still have a receipt.
• Guarantees: A “Satisfaction Guarantee” implies that the seller will authorize a full refund on unwanted or defective merchandise; if that is not the case, marketers should avoid using those terms or specify restrictions within the guarantee. Information on returns, exchanges and refunds should be publicly posted on the company’s website, marketing collateral, or at their storefront location.
• Time limits. Pay attention to return expiration dates. Most time limits start at the purchase date, not the date the gift is received.
• Gift cards: Most retailers won’t take back unwanted gift cards. There are third-party websites that allow consumers to resell gift cards for cash; most charge a small fee and offer between 50 and 90 percent of the gift card value. First, research companies with BBB and online.
• Refunds: Many stores refund items purchased by credit card by issuing a credit back to the buyer’s card. When returning an item, explain that it was a gift and ask the store to pay cash or in-store credit—instead of refunding the buyer.
• In-store credits: If issued an in-store credit or gift card, make sure to get a receipt with the balance printed on it.
• Attitude: Be polite. Let the representative know what you’re looking for: repair, exchange or refund. Regular store shoppers should mention their loyalty.

If a retailer isn’t honoring a published policy, present the issue to a store manager. If the issue isn’t resolved, file a complaint by visiting www.bbb.org.

BBB’s Checklist: Parents, Ensure Safety and Security Online

Anchorage, Alaska – Dec. 15, 2010 – Children aren’t just writing letters to Santa the old-fashion way; some are visiting St. Nick online and e-mailing him their wish lists. With over 60 domain names registered in the name of Santa Claus, parents need to be cautious of possible Grinch companies.

“Though most Santa sites operate with the best intentions, it is important for parents to screen websites to ensure children aren’t being targeted by unethical individuals or at risk for identity theft,” said Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.

BBB offers a checklist to help parents review Santa sites:

What information does the website request? A legitimate Santa site might ask for names and basic contact information—like home or e-mail addresses—to send correspondence. Be wary of sites requesting superfluous data beyond what is needed to participate.

Who should manage the account? Most children writing to Santa don’t have an e-mail address yet. Setup a temporary e-mail account for Santa correspondence or use a parent’s e-mail address. To avoid the risk of unwholesome content, a trusted adult should screen all communications and ensure the site does not contain hyperlinks with inappropriate content.

How does the site use collected information? Make sure the site has a privacy policy explaining information collection practices; including who is seeking the data, how it will be used and whether it will be shared with third parties.

Is there a way to reach Santa directly? Somewhere on the site, the company should list its full business name and at least two forms of contact information—such as a phone number, e-mail address and physical address (and “The North Pole” doesn’t count). Try calling the company before making purchases.

Is it free or does it cost a fee? Certain Santa sites claim to be free, while others ask for payment—between $5 and $50. If paying online, make sure the payment page is secure with an “s” in “https” before the web address. Never wire money.

When can children expect correspondence? Find out when letters should be received—typically by Christmas. Have a plan in case Santa doesn’t follow through.

Where can consumers get information about children’s advertising? Check with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) for guidance. Visit www.bbb.org for more tips.

Anchorage, Alaska – Dec. 13, 2010 – Due to fictitious charities and fraudulent solicitors, charity accountability issues have surfaced in recent years. Legitimate organizations are concerned about building trust and assuring donors that they are operating responsibly.

Through BBB Foundation, Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington conducts its Charity Review Program to foster public confidence in charitable organizations.

While some charity watchdogs confine their reports to finances, BBB looks at more than just “the numbers.” BBB’s 20 Standards of Charity Accountability evaluate organizations on: governance, fundraising practices, solicitations and informational materials, as well as how money is allocated. In doing so, the Charity Review Program serves as a resource and research tool for prospective donors to make sound giving decisions.

Organizations that meet the Standards of Accountability are eligible to participate in the Charity Seal Holder Program and display the recognizable Charity Seal on their promotional materials. Many local organizations meet BBB’s standards; some have become verified BBB Charity Seal Holders.

Charity Reviews are available for free at www.bbb.org/us/Charity-Reviews. Contact BBBFoundation@thebbb.org to learn more about Charity Review and the Charity Seal Holder Program.

Before donating this season, read Holidays: The Time For Smart Giving.