Monthly Archives: January 2012

Don’t Say “I Do” to Dicey Wedding Deals

Anchorage, Alaska – Jan. 30, 2012 – From bridal boutiques and shops to wedding expos and shows, Better Business Bureau helps couples bypass big day blunders:

Petty prize packages and good-for-nothing giveaways Confusing contracts, deluding deposits and complicated cancellations Damaged deliveries and awful alterations Limiting locations and closing companies

BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington proposes the following advice:

Get acquainted. Find out about businesses’ ownership, tenure and locations. Ask to view: references; portfolios; brochures; and showrooms or product samples.

Don’t settle. Shop around. Compare quality, costs and availability. Aim to interview multiple prospects and don’t give in to high-pressure tactics.

Devote time to verify details. Get explanations on special promotions, sweepstakes, drawings, prize packages and other offers in writing. If participating, collect and save documentation.

Only give consent if comfortable. Before filling out forms at shows and expos, find out how contact information will be used; view privacy policies. Consider creating separate email accounts specifically for wedding-related communications.

Do research before saying “I do.” Look for signs of reliability. Check for proper licensing, consumer reviews on the Internet and BBB Business Reviews at bbb.org.

Don’t agree to disagree. Get all agreements in writing. Make sure delivery dates and service locations are included. Look for an itemized breakdown of costs on products, services and labor; see if fees are flat or hourly.

Love or leave. Take a close look at satisfaction guarantees. Carefully review policies on cancellations and refunds; make sure details and dates are clearly outlined.

Split up payments. Avoid purchasing services or reservations in full upfront. Opt to pay minimum deposits.

Ditch cash. Pay by credit card. Most cards offer buyer protections if services are not performed or merchandise is not delivered.

Hold on. After booking services, confirm reservations and event specifics—preferably by email. For product and merchandise orders, request confirmation numbers and delivery tracking. Reserve all receipts and paperwork.

Be prepared to alter plans. Find out if there are any protections in place if businesses close unexpectedly or can’t keep promises. If stores blame designers, manufacturers or shipping companies for delays or defects, go directly to those sources to confirm and get answers. If needed, take steps to cancel transactions or dispute payments through credit card providers. Report issues at bbb.org.

Adam Harkness, Alaska Public Relations Manager: 907.644.5202 | pr@thebbb.org
Niki Horace, V.P. of Marketing and Public Relations: 206.676.4187

Anchorage, Alaska – Jan. 26, 2012 – Former customers of Hollywood Video allege that they are now receiving collection calls and notices from Universal Fidelity LP regarding past-due movie rentals and fees associated with unreturned movies. Most complainants say that fees are excessive and debts are unfounded; some fear that false information may be submitted to credit reporting bureaus.

In a 2011 settlement, similar allegations were brought against National Credit Solutions (NCS) and Credit Control Services, collection agencies which were initially contracted by Hollywood Video and Movie Gallery after the companies filed bankruptcy in 2010.

While collection companies are within their legal rights to collect legitimate debts, Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington urges consumers to pause before paying:

Rewind: Get proof of balances due to unreturned movies or unpaid late fees.

Request written proof of debts: By law, collection agencies must provide validation notices within five days of contacting consumers about debts. If calls inaccurately claim unreturned rentals: Video stores often do not provide return receipts, so write down all of the details: movie names, video store locations and return dates. If old late fees were already paid: Try to locate documentation—such as receipts, old check records, and credit card or bank statements.

Eject: Contest invalid debts. Contact any involved parties to clear up discrepancies.

Contact the location: If it is a closed branch or franchise, try contacting the corporate headquarters to find out if they can address account problems. Be prepared to provide all relevant information. Consumers with complaints on Hollywood Video and Movie Gallery can email customerrequests@hlyw.com. Communicate with debt collectors: Write letters to collection agencies; dispute charges, state your case and include supporting documentation. Send letters via certified mail with return receipts. Check credit reports: Visit annualcreditreport.com to review credit reports on a yearly basis. Dispute false debts with the three major credit bureaus.

Stop: If issues are not resolved, file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov, Better Business Bureau at bbb.org, and the state Attorney General’s office. Visit BBB’s site for more tips on debt collectors.

Adam Harkness, Alaska Public Relations Manager: 907.644.5202 | pr@thebbb.org
Niki Horace, V.P. of Marketing and Public Relations: 206.676.4187

BBB Notices Increase in Business Identity Theft

Anchorage, Alaska – Jan. 24, 2012 – Identity theft crimes are not limited to individuals; businesses can also become victims. Better Business Bureau warns of a recent surge in business identity theft.

“Impostors hijack and exploit information from legitimate organizations to swindle unsuspecting consumers,” said Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.

Copycats often design similar-looking websites, advertisements and solicitations featuring real business names, logos and contact information to cheat consumers under false guise—and potentially ruin other businesses’ reputations.

Business victims usually detect stolen identities when confronted by customers regarding false solicitations, fake websites, phishing emails, fraudulent charges or check cashing schemes. Additionally, some receive delivery, billing and customer service complaints stemming from the identity theft.

Stolen identity clues include: unusual product or service requests; unfamiliar advertisements posted in directories or online; and unwarranted complaint reports filed by unknown customers. Even Better Business Bureau discovered a series of fake BBB.org emails after being alerted by businesses and consumers.

If targeted, minimize the negative effects of business identity theft:

Claim the name and monitor business mentions. Make sure licensing and registration records are up-to-date with current contact details. Start Web alerts to track keywords—such as business names, addresses or phone numbers—to locate unauthorized online listings. If fake advertisements or websites are found, contact advertisers and site publishers to have them taken down or removed immediately.

Track inquiries and complaints. If strange reports come in, document the details.

Alert consumers. Promptly notify current customers about frauds; explain how it is being handled and include contact information in case questions arise. If widespread, publicize the issue through company websites, social media profiles, press releases and emails.

Report the crime. Inform local police, the Federal Trade Commission and the state Attorney General about the offense to help protect consumers and assist in other business identity theft investigations. Contact Better Business Bureau to ensure complaints are not miscategorized and request custom “stolen identity” text in BBB Business Reviews.

Adam Harkness, Alaska Public Relations Manager: 907.644.5202 | pr@thebbb.org
Niki Horace, V.P. of Marketing and Public Relations: 206.676.4187