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BBB Tips to Avoid Valentine’s Day Heartache

2/8/2012

Posted on 2/8/2012 by

Valentine’s Day is a day filled with emotion, but it’s also an opportune time for scam artists to take advantage of those looking for love and steal their hearts—and their money.

“Before you spend you paycheque in the name of love and romance, do your homework to avoid being scammed” says Lynda Pasacreta, President and CEO of Better Business Bureau serving Mainland B.C.

For those who are searching for love or are already in a relationship, the Better Business Bureau warns people to watch out for these scams:

Romance Scams online

Millions of Canadians are using online dating sites to look for that perfect match. But scammers also use these sites, looking for their own match perfect victim. They target singles of any age and in any location, creating fake profiles designed to convince their victim to send them money in the name of love. Others are even more bold, arranging to meet single women in person before stealing their valuables at the first opportunity.

Tip: Don’t fall for a person who claims to be in love with you at first sight. Scammers usually use emotional ties to increase the chances of getting your money. If your match asks you to pay for the travel expenses, there is a high probability that it is a scam.

E-Cards and Social Media Scams

Phishing scams that target people waiting for notes of love are all too common. One common Valentine’s Day scam comes in the form of an email, which directs the recipient to a fake website that looks like a popular greeting card website, like Hallmark. The site prompts the recipient of the card to download the latest version of Flash Player in order to view the card. Once the user clicks the link, a virus is automatically downloaded and invades their computer, exposing the person and their email contact book to potential identity theft and financial loss. Other phishing scams are on social media sites. A popular Facebook scam posted on a user’s wall offers to add a Valentine’s Day theme to their profile. Users who install the application are and actually installing a malware virus. On Twitter, users are seeing links to supposed online dating sites which are really a play to get users to put in their information leading to ID theft and financial loss.

Tip: Make sure you only open emails, attachments, and links from people you know. Enhance your email filters to block any such threats. Watch out for unsolicited emails with subject lines like “Someone just sent you an e-card” or “Send your loved one a Valentine's Day card today”.

Online Florists

Flowers can say “I love you”, and a florist is just a phone call or click away. But not all florists are created equal. One Ontario-based online florist, Bloomex Inc., has received 273 complaints from the BBB in the last three years (57 complaints from B.C. consumers) and has an F-rating. Complaints that allege that either the flowers were not delivered as promised (wrong flowers or arrangements) or not delivered at all. Some consumers claim that the charges to their credit card were not as agreed upon. A number of complaints also expressed concern with a $10 processing fee that was charged after canceling the transaction when the flowers did not arrive on the date promised.

Tip: Consumers should make sure to read the terms and conditions before making any online purchase, and check out the company’s BBB rating at www.mbc.bbb.org. Consider shopping locally with a business you know rather than one you found online.

BBB Student Ethics Award targets Youtube generation to celebrate ethics

1/27/2012

Posted on 1/27/2012 by

Better Business Bureau (BBB) celebrates its Centenary in 2012, and wants to give B.C. high school students the opportunity to showcase their ethics for a chance at the prestigious Student Ethics Award scholarship. This year, BBB asks students to discuss “Everyday Ethics” online by posting short videos on Youtube.com

“Students are increasingly engaged in social media and we think this will be a great platform for students to be creative and find ways to talk about the importance of ethics,” says Lynda Pasacreta, President and CEO for the Better Business Bureau serving Mainland B.C. “2012 is the year of our BBB Centennial and the Student Ethics Award is a great way to engage youth into being leaders and champions of ethics.”

The BBB Student Ethics Award program recognizes high school students who personify high ethics demonstrated through leadership, community service, and overall personal integrity and academic history.

One student will be selected by a panel of judges to receive an award of $2,250 to an accredited college or university of his or her choice. The award will be presented to the recipient students in May 2012 at the BBB’s Annual General Meeting.

To enter, students must be in grade 11 or 12 and be residents and attend schools in British Columbia within the region served by the BBB of Mainland B.C. Applicants must plan to attend an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada.

“We think of this generation of high school students as the ‘Youtube Generation,’ because they love to go online and share their opinions,” says Pasacreta. “Ethics, leadership, and community involvement are all things that should be highlighted by youth, and we think taking our awards into the social media world opens up the discussion.”

Deadline for the Student Ethics Award is Monday, March 5, 2012. For more guidelines about the award, visit: http://mbc.bbb.org/studentethicsaward/

BBB wishes you a prosperous Happy Year of the Dragon!

1/23/2012

Posted on 1/23/2012 by
Your Better Business Bureau would like to wish all Chinese-Canadians a prosperous Year of the Dragon.

Join BBB at one of Vancouver’s most central, most festive and most memorable Chinese New Year festivals this January as we welcome in the Year of the Dragon!

Year of the Dragon Celebration at International Village

When:
January 27, 2012 12:00pm – 10:00pm
January 28, 2012 12:00pm – 10:00pm
January 29, 2012 12:00pm – 7:00pm

Where:
International Village
88 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC

The International Village is conveniently close to the Rogers Arena. Just get off at Stadium/Chinatown skytrain station and follow the signs.

More info at: Year of the Dragon Celebration at International Village website

BBB warns coin sellers to exercise caution

1/18/2012

Posted on 1/18/2012 by

Many consumers probably have coins, antiques, or jewellery collecting dust in the attic. Better Business Bureau (BBB) would like to warn consumers who are looking to cash in their old items to be wary of travelling antique shows.

Travelling antique shows have recently come to British Columbia and the BBB would like consumers to do their homework before they sell their treasured collectibles at these limited time public events.

“We know that these types of antique roadshows show up for a week and are heavily marketed,” says Lynda Pasacreta, President and CEO for the Better Business Bureau serving Mainland B.C. “Consumers tend to get excited that our old junk will magically turn out to be worth a fortune. While some consumers may be sitting on a gold mine, going to these roadshows may not lead to a consumer getting fair value for their items.”

In the past, BBB has received complaints from consumers who received cheques from travelling roadshows that bounced, and other complaints that the collectibles they sold were bought well below market value. Some travelling antique shows have names that sounds similar to popular television programs which also can cause consumer confusion.

BBB offers the following tips to consumers looking to sell coins or antiques as investments:

Compare Prices Carefully. When you compare prices, make sure you are comparing identical items. A vintage $5 gold coin, for instance, is usually worth more than a newer $5 gold coin. The value of coins minted the same year likely will vary depending on the condition. Go to an antique mall or search on eBay to get an estimate of your collectibles’ value.

Do not make an immediate decision. Consumers that are not as knowledgeable about antiques should not give in too easily or be afraid to counter-offer an asking price. Even if the offer is time-sensitive, do not be afraid to walk away.

Research businesses in advance. Before buying anything, make sure you know the name of the company, its address and, preferably, the company’s top officials.

Always check out a company at the BBB’s website: www.mbc.bbb.org.

Better Business Bureau announces Top Ten Scams for 2012

1/3/2012

Posted on 1/3/2012 by

VANCOUVER— This year’s Top Ten Scams list focuses on how scammers can use misrepresentation to gain consumers’ trust.

“We are seeing trends towards spoofing well-known brands and ‘scams of the moment’ which capture people’s attention because the topic is in the public consciousness,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “Scammers are capitalizing by using false pretences to get our attention and steal our trust.”

The following Top Ten Scams list, themed “Pay Attention to the Message,” is developed jointly by BBB, Consumer Protection BC, and BC Crime Prevention Association. In no specific order, here are the Top Ten Scams to be on the lookout for in 2012.

1. Brand Spoofing

Brand spoofing (aka phishing) is a general term for e-mail, text messages and websites fabricated and sent by criminals and designed to look like they come from well-known and trusted businesses, financial institutions and government agencies in an attempt to collect personal, financial and sensitive information. If the recipient follows the link provided and connects with the fraudulent website, any information entered into the data fields (account #, PIN, contact information, social insurance number etc.) could be recorded, collected and used for fraudulent purposes. Additionally, some variants of phishing scams make use of Trojan horses to infect recipient computers with malware.

QUICK TIP: If you receive these messages just delete them and do not click on any links, and hang up on callers you aren’t familiar with. Never give credit information online or over the phone unless you are sure of the identity of the caller. 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. Advance Fee Loans

Consumers have reported losing substantial sums of money responding to advertisements that “guarantee” loans to people, often online. Consumers complete credit applications and are told the loan (from $5,000 to $100,000) has been approved and the promised funds will be received once a fee is paid. After payment, the loan is never received as promised.

QUICK TIP: It is illegal for a company to charge a fee in advance to obtain a loan, even if that fee is disguised as the first or last month’s payment. Watch for claims of “guaranteed” loans even if you have bad credit, no credit, or a bankruptcy, and demands that you wire or send money before you can have a loan offer confirmed in writing. Report any suspected fraudulent schemes to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1 (888) 495-8501 or antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

3. 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.

QUICK 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 may not be 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.

4. 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.

QUICK 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.

5. 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.

QUICK TIP: BBB was created 100 years ago to put a stop to unethical, deceptive claims and 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 check out a company’s BBB Business Review (bbb.org) first and report deceptive advertising and business claims to your local BBB. If it sounds too good to be true, remember that it probably is.

6. 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. Be wary of overly 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.

QUICK 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 purchase, take the time to do your due diligence, getting the name and location of the company and ensuring all details and verbal promises are included in a contract. Door-to-door contracts are regulated by Consumer Protection BC. Complaints or questions? 1 (888) 564-9963 or www.consumerprotectionbc.ca

7. Virus Fixing Scheme

In the case of the alleged caller from Microsoft, he/she 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.

QUICK 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.

8. Fraudulent Locksmiths

Consumers reported “local locksmiths” advertising online using a local telephone number and local address, but when contacted, consumers are connected to a call centre in another city and there is no locksmith at the address listed in your area. Consumers who have hired these companies allege that they have been overcharged for products and services, received bad advice or poor workmanship, or have had difficulty contacting the business to correct problems.

QUICK TIP: Don’t just pick the first “local” company you find online. Confirm the company address and ask for the legal name of the business. When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, a business card and their license. In BC, locksmiths are licensed through the Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General. Also make sure that they are insured, so you know costs will be covered should any damage be done to your personal property. Expect a legitimate locksmith to ask you for identification to confirm your identity as the homeowner. Check out their BBB Business Review (bbb.org).

9. Penny Auctions

Online ads, often designed to look like news reports, are cropping up on popular websites claiming that you can get great deals on iPads and other electronics with online penny auctions. Most commonly with a penny auction, users must set up an account and purchase bids with a credit or debit card; each individual bid may cost less than a dollar and are often sold in bundles of 100 or more. Every item has a countdown clock and as people bid, the cost of the item goes up incrementally and more time is added to the clock. Even if you don’t win the item, you still have to pay for the bids you placed which can add up over time.

QUICK TIP: Before providing any personal information or signing up for any “free” trial with a penny auction, read all of the fine print carefully on the website. Pay close attention to details on signup and annual fees, minimum bidding requirements, maximum prize amounts and how to get a refund. Know what you’re buying. Before bidding on an item, research how much it costs elsewhere and keep track of how much you’re spending on bids overall to see if you really are getting a good deal. Keep a close eye on your credit card for unexpected charges.

10. Anti-Social Network

Social networks like Facebook and Twitter are becoming more and more popular. Users are often subject to targeted advertising and direct messages, and scams of all colours use social networks to operate. Fraudulent work-at-home job offers are sent through Twitter “tweets” and Facebook messages, deceptive “free” trials are advertised, and “clickjacking” on Facebook convinces users to unknowingly post malicious links on their status updates.

QUICK TIP: Your computer should always have the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a secure firewall. Use the most up-to-date versions of your web browser to offer further protection. Be wary of messages from friends and especially strangers that direct you to another website via a hyperlink. To learn more about how to protect yourself from false or misleading advertising, contact the Competition Bureau at competitionbureau.gc.ca or 1 (800) 642-3844.

Top Ten Scams images for press:

Top Ten Scams Poster .pdf

Top Ten Scams Logo .jpg

Boxing Day bargain hunters need to be smart shoppers, says BBB

12/22/2011

Posted on 12/22/2011 by

Boxing Day is approaching and with the frenzy of sales activity consumers will again be facing long line-ups and limited quantities of products. Better Business Bureau would like to remind consumers to be smart shoppers before they rush out to get a deal.

“Retaillers are already publishing sales for Boxing Day and consumers are getting caught up in the excitement of finding a great deal,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “We want consumer to be smart shoppers. Read the fine print in ads and know the store policies regarding Boxing Day sales.”

BBB advises consumers to be proactive and savvy. Consider the following before taking advantage of retailler sales this Boxing Day:

Read ads carefully before starting your shopping. Make sure you read and understand all of the fine print. If you have questions, contact the store ahead of time and get clarity on any policies or conditions that may affect your experience. Some retailers have price exemptions specifically for Boxing Day. This can affect 14-day price guarantees because retailers may not match special Boxing Day pricing.

Bait & Switch. One of the biggest problems during significant sale days like Boxing Day is the practice of offering a popular, expensive item for a great sale price, but only stocking a very limited number of these products. This is somewhat of a bait-and-switch because even if that product is unavailable, you are likely to stay at the store and take advantage of other less valuable sales. Our advice to avoid this problem is to contact the retailer before the sale goes into effect and ask what quantity of the featured item is in stock. Also ask if they offer rain checks to customers if they run out of the product unreasonably early.

Up-to savings claims. You may see exciting offers this Boxing Day stating certain items are “Up-to 70% OFF!!” or other similar claims. One item is 70 percent off and most of the products are marked at a much lower percentage off, perhaps at 30% off. That’s why BBB Code of Advertising guidelines state that a business should advertise the minimum and maximum amount of savings: “30% - 70% OFF”, so it’s clear that the savings are within that range. So be aware that if you see those kinds of claims, the product you want may not really be marked down as much as stated in the ad. If you come across this problem, please file a complaint with the BBB (at www.mbc.bbb.org), so we can contact the business and request that they modify the advertising.

Are deals really worth it? Consumers can often get caught up in the rush of a sale and sometimes forget to ask themselves simple questions such as, “Is this something I have planned to buy?” or “Do I need this item?” and “How much can I afford to spend?” BBB suggests going in with a budget and sticking to it, never buy because it seems like a good deal.

Comparison shop online. There are dozens of comparison shopping websites, and now smart phone applications, that claim to capture the best deals around. Before you pick your favourite site or app, we recommend checking them out at www.mbc.bbb.org or see what others have to say about the site through an online searches and consumer reviews.

Keeping Your Pets Happy and Safe when Boarding this Holiday Season

12/19/2011

Posted on 12/19/2011 by

As much as pet owners may want to take their furry or feathered friends with them wherever they go, sometimes you can’t take them with you and finding a kennel or pet care service you can trust is paramount. That’s why Better Business Bureau has created a checklist to help pet owners choose a safe and reliable home-away-from-home for their pets.

Every year, BBBs across North America receive hundreds of complaints from pet owners about kennels. To date, in 2011, BBBs have received more than 400 complaints arguing disputes over billing, and over the treatment of the pet – which is up from the 273 complaints filed in 2010. Owners say their pets came back from poor boarding kennels severely dehydrated and malnourished or rife with fleas, ticks, and even maggots. Worst-case scenarios include pets that became extremely ill while boarding at poor facilities which resulted in lengthy stays at the animal hospital.

Fortunately, BBB serving Mainland B.C. has received 823 inquiries and 5 complaints this year.

“For many of us, our pets are like family and leaving them in the care of someone else can be nerve-wrecking and the stress can overshadow your trip", said Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO of the BBB serving Mainland B.C. “Take a few moments to do your research and find a kennel you can trust so your time out of town will be easier for you and your pet.”

If you are looking for a reliable kennel, BBB recommends the following checklist:

Check them out and get recommendations. Always check out the kennel with BBB at www.mbc.bbb.org first to make sure they have a good track record for keeping customers satisfied.
Make a visit. Personally visit the facilities you are considering before scheduling the boarding. Check for cleanliness and offensive odours, and note the overall safety of the kennel and cages.
Ask lots of questions. If your pet is prone to running away, ask about steps the kennel has taken to make their facilities escape-proof.
Ask about how your pet may come in contact with other animals. Some kennels let animals play together while others keep them separate at all times.
Ask about the feeding schedule, water accessibility and frequency of – or fees related to – exercise.
Ask about the hours for drop off and pick up and make sure you understand their billing policy.
Finally, ask what happens in case of a medical emergency or other unexpected situation.
Go with your gut. Note the friendliness of staff members and how they interact with the boarded pets. Ask about their background and experience. If your province requires inspections, look for the certificate on the wall and make sure the kennel is properly licensed. Make sure the facility requires that all entering pets have proof of immunization, and ask about their policies regarding flea and tick control.

The BBB's Top 10 Tips to Prevent Grinches from Spoiling your Holiday Season

12/5/2011

Posted on 12/5/2011 by

The holiday season is upon us and so are Grinches and Scrooges out to take your money by unsavory means. Whether you are online or in a store, BBB advises consumers to be on the look-out for scammers and know the company's policies before you pay.

“This gift-giving season put a lot of pressure on people to get the perfect gift,” says Lynda Pasacreta, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Mainland British Columbia. “Consumers need to stay vigilant against financial crimes and avoid companies which have a troubling complaint history. These are the Grinches that can steal your Christmas.”

The BBB encourages you to take steps to avoid common problems such as items that can't be returned, gift cards that can't be used and orders that never arrive.

1. Think twice before clicking a link sent to you via email: These links could lead to viruses and allow Grinches to get your personal and banking information. Instead independently find the sites you want to shop on and check www.mbc.bbb.org for safe websites and stores.

2. Remember that criminals and scammers don't take a holiday: Also make sure to check out the businesses privacy policy before giving out personal information. If shopping online be sure your computer has the most up to date anti- spyware: so that little Grinch fingers can’t get at any of your personal information.

3. Keep all your receipts and read the fine print: Online businesses are required by law to send you your product within 30 days unless otherwise stated or you do get your money back. Before you find yourself crying Grinch, understand that refund and exchange policies can differ significantly from one seller to another. Even Santa can’t return a gift if it isn’t identified as one on the receipt.

4. Pay with a credit card, instead of cash or bank card: If it’s a scam you’ll have record of it and are more likely to get your money back, dispute the charges if you don’t receive the item or dispute charges made to your account. No other form of payment offers this. Also make sure to check your credit card statements often and not just when your bill comes in.

5. Beware of gift card scams: Con artists can get important numbers off of the gift cards before you have even bought them by scanning the identifying number before hand. They can then go onto the website and see when it is activated, once activated they can use your gift card to purchase items. Instead ask for gift cards behind the counter instead of the ones displayed and use your gift cards as soon as possible.

6. Don’t leave your purchases in plain sight in your car: The holidays are a car thief’s prime time to break in and steal your purchases. So either remove your purchases from your car or make sure they are out of sight. Unlike the Dr. Seuss story those gifts wont be returned by the Grinch to your car because his heart has suddenly grown.

7. Verify validities of charities The sneakiest Scrooges will often adopt a similar name to known charities, so make sure you do your research and always make out your payment to the charity and not individual solicitors.

8. Make a list and check it twice: Often consumers will head out to the malls and spend more money than intended, so make a list of what you want to spend and keep track of how much you are spending.

9. If going with a layaway plan check out their policy, and if they are BBB accredited: Layaway is an excellent option when paying for something pricier make sure to find out all the details, like how much you need to put down, interest costs, when payments are due, and their return policy so that there are no surprises at the end.

10. Beware of deals that sound to good to be true…they probably are: When shopping online there are hundreds of website offering to beat out the next website with their own deals. Make sure to check if the website is legitimate. Sometimes paying less can often cost you more.

Better Business Bureau awarded for workplace excellence

12/2/2011

Posted on 12/2/2011 by

Better Business Bureau serving Mainland British Columbia (BBB) earned top honours for “Best Company to Work for in British Columbia – Public Sector, Non-Profit & Crown” at the BC Business awards gala held on November 30, 2011.

“BBB aims to be a supportive environment that helps its employees grow, providing mentorship and a fun working environment,” said Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “What makes us successful is that we have a collaborative culture that encourages our employees to share ideas to help advance the organization beyond the status quo.”

Some of the noteworthy Better Business Bureau employee engagement activities and practices include:

· Empower employees who are passionate about what they do

· Weekly video “fireside chats” where employees get departmental updates

· Flex days for employees including opportunities to work from home

· Providing a vision board in the dining area for staff to post ideas

· Staff incentives such as grocery/movie gift cards for innovative ideas

· Workplace wellness program

· Creative team-building activities such as the annual pirate-themed scavenger hunt, movie screenings, etc.

· Employee recognition for personal and professional achievements

· Social activities to give back to the community

The Better Business Bureau serving Mainland British Columbia was founded in 1939 and is located in Vancouver. BBB is powered by 26 employees and services the needs of 3,400 Accredited Businesses across British Columbia. BBB offers consumers and businesses resources including business reviews and complaint help at www.mbc.bbb.org.

Better Business Bureau handled 10,000 consumer complaints in 2010 and has received over one million consumer inquiries this year.

BBB Dynamic Seal Features

11/28/2011

Posted on 11/28/2011 by

Due to widespread demand from Accredited Businesses, BBB is launching a new dynamic seal for Accredited Businesses’ websites! This program is available to all BBB Accredited Businesses with websites that have been reviewed and meet BBB Accreditation Standards.

BBB Dynamic Seal Features

· A direct hyperlink to your company’s BBB Business Review.

· New customization options that allow you to choose layout, size and display.

· The option to include your BBB rating and/or the text “Click for Review”.

To Install the New Seal on Your Website

1. Contact our Accreditation Services team: 604-681-0312

2. Book a web review of your company's website.

3. Once approved, install BBBOnline Seal Code as sent by our staff and follow the simple process for seal installation.

The old seal will be phased out so it’s important that you add the new seal to your site.

Crunch time for Grey Cup ticket scammers

11/24/2011

Posted on 11/24/2011 by

Crunch time for Grey Cup ticket scammers

The hottest ticket in town is for this weekend’s Grey Cup and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns fans to avoid the risk of getting ripped off if you decide to gamble on a less than reputable source for tickets.

“It is crunch time for scammers to get up to their usual tricks with counterfeit or bogus tickets,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “Scammers know what the hot tickets are and search out fans who are so excited that they might not recognize the signs of a scam.”

To avoid getting ripped off buying event tickets, BBB lists these red flags:

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 – Never wire money to someone you do not know. When buying tickets online through a secure website (the web address should begin with "https://") ideally pay with a credit card 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.

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 not be just as advertised.

Choosing a disreputable online ticket broker – When purchasing tickets through an online broker check them out online at www.mbc.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.

For more advice on spending your money wisely and not getting ripped off, visit www.bbb.org/us/Consumer-Tips/

UPDATE: Malicious Complaint Email Claiming 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 and references the Council of Better Business Bureaus in Arlington, VA., 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.

Other emails appear 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 do the following:

Disregard its message.
Report the email by forwarding it to phishing@council.bbb.org.
Delete the email after forwarding.
Due to the virulent nature of the email run a virus scan even if you have not clicked on the link.

Better Business Bureau is working together with law enforcement to track down the origin of these emails and plans to shutdown these fraudulent websites. Thank you for your cooperation.

Example images of BBB Scam Email:

Example images of legitimate BBB complaint emails:
Remember to contact us directly to see if you have a complaint: 604-682-2711. Do NOT click on any links in an email unless you are certain of its origin.

10 ways to save and make wise decisions on Black Friday

11/21/2011

Posted on 11/21/2011 by

It’s time to start planning your Black Friday, that special day after the US Thanksgiving when retailers gear up to offer their best. Our past experience tells us that all deals are not created equal and the fine print is often the most important thing. Before you head out the door or buy online for a block buster, the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Protection BC offer the following tip sheet to help you save time and money and make smart consumer decisions.

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.
Some companies still resort to advertisements that are untrue, misleading, deceptive, or plain fraudulent. Black Friday advertising will be abundant and we urge 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, we advise consumers to do their own research to confirm the claims being made.

Tip 3 – Maximize Advance Alerts.
Do you have favourite 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 – 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 www.mbc.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 5 – 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 favourite site, we recommend that consumers find a reputable site that’s not a fly-by-night operation either by checking them out at www.mbc.bbb.org or see what others have to 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 6 – 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 7 -Check the Final Price Before Paying if Buying Online
If you choose to shop online rather than deal with the crowds, always review the final amount due before confirming your online purchase. When shipping and handling charges, fees, or taxes are tacked on, those online prices may not be as attractive as you first thought. Any reputable vendor will provide you the ability to review your order before requiring you to make a payment.

Tip 8 - Take the Time to Think Through the Details
When buying online, take a moment to read all the fine print before making your purchase. Find out what currency you are paying in, American or Canadian dollars? If you are ordering from the United States you may also have to pay duty on items. If you are shopping for Christmas gifts, check the delivery dates as business get busy for retailers this time of year and it could take weeks to receive your item.

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 25^th) 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. Consumer Protection BC and the Better Business Bureau advise 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.

· Always read the fine print.

If you have questions about your rights and responsibilities as a consumer in British Columbia, please contact Consumer Protection BC toll free at 1-888-564-9963, or visit our corporate website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca. You can also follow Consumer Protection BC on Twitter @ConsumerProBC, like us on Facebook and read our blog for valuable consumer tips.

10 ways to save and make wise decisions on Black Friday

11/21/2011

Posted on 11/21/2011 by

· Make a list and prioritize where you should go and when.

· Remember to get gift receipts and keep them organized for those moments when the thought wasn’t quite enough.

· Always read the fine print.

10 ways to save and make wise decisions on Black Friday

11/21/2011

Posted on 11/21/2011 by

· Make a list and prioritize where you should go and when.

· Remember to get gift receipts and keep them organized for those moments when the thought wasn’t quite enough.

· Always read the fine print.

10 ways to save and make wise decisions on Black Friday

11/21/2011

Posted on 11/21/2011 by

· Make a list and prioritize where you should go and when.

· Remember to get gift receipts and keep them organized for those moments when the thought wasn’t quite enough.

· Always read the fine print.

Thermal Windows, Restoration/De-Fogging

11/18/2011

Posted on 11/18/2011 by

Windows and doors are typically responsible for about 40 per cent of your home's heating bill. Thermal windows are typically two to four times more efficient than older single pane windows. That means you can expect your winter heating bills to drop on average about 20 percent to 30 percent.

Thermal glass is comprised of two panes of thick glass separated by an insulating spacer. The cavity created by the spacer frame provides an "air chamber" between the two panes of glass, which improves the insulating properties of the window. The two panes of glass and the insulating frame form a hermetically sealed unit that prevents the passage of air and humidity.

Argon is one of the most popular gasses used to fill the space between the two (or three) panes of glass in a thermal window. Argon is considered a good insulator.

Warranties are generally 10 years or greater.

If you notice any condensation inside a thermal window, then humidity is finding its way into the space between the two sealed panes of glass.

In most cases, this means that the seal has been damaged and the window must be replaced. In addition to the risk of the glass actually breaking, a thermal window with a damaged seal can, according to some estimates, lose up to 50 per cent of its thermal efficiency.

Explaining Condensation

There are some people who believe that foggy windows may be caused not only by seal failure or but by something referred to as “solar pumping”.

Solar pumping is described as naturally occurring during the change from day to night, where sunlight heats the inner airspace of the thermal window cavity during the day and causes the window to pressurize, which forces out small amounts of air within the window cavity through the semi-permeable seal. In the evening, as the temperature drops, the window cools and creates a low pressure area causing small amounts of air to be drawn back into the inner window cavity. The air being drawn back into the window naturally holds moisture and this moisture is absorbed by the window’s desiccant material.

In this scenario, the thermal pane window will eventually lose the ability to absorb condensation and fog up.

The Process

Many industry experts view the appearance of condensation as indication of seal failure and, therefore, a signal that it is time to have the window replaced.

However, there are companies that offer a service called window restoration or “de-fogging”. The process is marketed as an affordable solution to replacing foggy thermal windows.

Here’s how the process often works:

Holes are drilled at top and bottom of the window (glass portion). A solution is often used to clean the glass and remove any stains. The moisture is removed using a one-way valve, then the holes are re-filled. During this process, the argon gas inside the windows, which provides the insulation, is removed.

While this process may restore the aesthetic value of the thermal window, claims that is also restores the R-value--which is a measure of thermal resistance used in the building and construction industry--should be substantiated.

Many industry experts have advised BBB that this process may not deal directly with the cause of the condensation (either a broken seal, improper installation, or a manufacturing defect) and be only a short-term solution. The process may also reduce the effectiveness of the window in terms of its energy efficiency.

BBB warns parents to be wary of ‘The Event’

11/15/2011

Posted on 11/15/2011 by

The Event, a business that entices parents to spend thousands of dollars for help in getting their children into show business, appears to be bringing its “once in a lifetime opportunity” to B.C.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns families to be extremely cautious when dealing with The Event, which lists an address in Wilmington, Delaware. The Event is a trade name for New York Studio, Inc. The company is advertising on local radio stations plans to hold interviews and preliminary talent and modeling screenings.

“This business advertises extensively on radio, making it appear that it holds some kind of magic key to unlock the door to fame and fortune,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “Unfortunately, that may not be the case. Parents need to exercise extreme caution when dealing with these kinds of talent promoters.”

In other cities across North America where this company has operated, consumers have told BBB that they felt misled into believing the business had an affiliation with Disney, that they felt pressured into signing contracts they later regretted and that they were never told that $1,000 of their deposit was not refundable.

A company representative told a BBB investigator who called the phone number that the event offered “a chance to get your child in front of a talent agent. We’re not looking for a whole lot of experience.”

One consumer visiting Vancouver from Kamloops claims to have lost $9,000 to the business after they felt pressured into signing a contract at a local mall. He’s attempted to have the charges reversed without success.

In a statement, Disney told a Mobile, Ala., TV station last April that representatives from the Disney Channel do not participate in The Event showcases. “Further, we do not authorize any independent casting agent to represent that he or she is participating in such showcases or acting workshops on behalf of Disney Channel.”

On its website, The Event describes itself as “a modeling and talent event that brings aspiring models and talent together with leading talent and modeling agencies from Los Angeles, New York and other major markets across the country.”

BBB offers the following tips for families interested in pursuing modeling and acting careers for their children:

Be careful about any requests for up-front payments in the form of registration, consultation or administrative fees.
Understand that this is a very competitive business and a paid seminar or event may not be the best way to get agents and others to notice your child.
Be wary of any promises of guaranteed employment or high earnings.
Be cautious of companies that try to convince you to pay money by throwing out names of known celebrities, motion picture studios or recording companies.
Check for BBB Business Reviews at www.bbb.org.

One employee can damage your brand

11/4/2011

Posted on 11/4/2011 by Lynda Pasacreta
Many companies spend thousands, sometimes millions, of dollars on developing and maintaining their brand. But one employee can make all those dollar spent a complete waste.

Case in point: Recently, my son was promoted into a new opportunity. My husband and I decided to by him a new suit as a gift for his success. We visited a favourite store with a budget in mind. It was Saturday and so both my son and I were dressed in casual weekend garb.

There were a couple of employees in the suit department at the time. They were both talking to each other and did not seem to notice that they had customers. There were no other customers in their area. The two employees continued to ignore us, chattering away with each other. Clearly, neither one of them wanted to serve us!

One of the employees finally came over and asked us what we “wanted”. I mentioned that our son received a promotion and my husband and I wanted to buy him a suit. She looked at my son and asked him if he knew what size he was. My son indicated that he did not (what man knows his size?). This employee rolled her eyes and sighed. She said that she had to go find her measuring tape (she works in a suit department – it should be around her neck at all times). After a bit of time, she came back, measured my son, told him he was a 40 regular, and to go ahead and check out the racks for that size.

My son quietly said to me that we could do better and suggested we go somewhere else. It was so evident that the employee had made the decision that this customer did not have the money to spend based solely on appearance.

We visited another store and spent close to $700 on a suit, shoes, shirt, and tie. The “sales person” (she qualifies for that title) had a measuring tape around her neck, identified herself, asked my son for his name, and then asked how much he wanted to spend. He told her that his budget was $500 and immediately was engaged with this person. At the end of the sale, she gave him a customer loyalty card that gave him future discounts and he felt appreciated and important!

I called the store where the employee made a very poor decision on how to treat a potential customer. In my opinion, her decision was based on her perception that my son may not have significant money.

I asked to speak to the store manager and was able to get through to the store manager’s assistant, Maria. She was amazing. She did all the right things. She listened, she empathized, she clarified her understanding, and showed that she really cared about how customers should be treated by her company. She asked me questions. She made comments that showed she understood how someone would feel being treated in this manner. Her passion about her company really showed through. I knew throughout our conversation that the employee my son and I dealt with was most likely an anomaly.

My son stated that he did not want any money or resolution from this store other then the acknowledgement from the store of the impact ONE employee can have on a company’s image. The store manager did follow up with my son to apologize for the treatment he received from their employee.

Consistent and ongoing training must be a key element in your company’s success. Hiring the right people and the right talent ensures that the same passion is exhibited throughout your organization. Maria demonstrated commitment, loyalty, and passion about her company – she is in the right position in her organization. Those same characteristics and personalities should show up no matter which person you are dealing with in your business – from the front line staff to the senior management – open door, transparent, honest, responsive, caring, and truthful.

I know these are the characteristics you value. That’s what your BBB accreditation symbolizes. But remember, everything you’ve worked hard to make your company stand for can by undone by a single employee.

Listen carefully to all of your staff as they engage with your customers. Are they in the right job? Have they got all the tools to give the best service they can to your customers? Do they truly like people?

If you can answer yes to those questions, then it makes a far easier to fix things when you do a make a mistake!

BBB Announces New Chairperson and Vice Chairperson

11/1/2011

Posted on 11/1/2011 by

BBB Announces New Chairperson and Vice Chairperson

The Better Business Bureau serving Mainland British Columbia has announced Bob Vincent of Brighter Mechanical as the new Chairperson for its Board of Directors. Mr. Vincent holds the role as General Manager of Brighter Mechanical and has served on BBB’s Board of Directors since 2009.

The Better Business Bureau also announced that Barry Sharp, AMA Management Ltd. is Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

BBB Board of Directors 2011-2012

Executive:

Chairperson: Robert Vincent, Brighter Mechanical

Vice Chair: Barry Sharp, AMA Management Ltd.

Treasurer: Gary Hutton, Pacific Newspaper Group

Secretary: Bailey Jung, Silver Bullet Shredding

Past Chairperson: Tom Siba, BIV Media Group

President: Lynda Pasacreta, Better Business Bureau

Directors:

James Carter, Carter Chevrolet Northshore

Ron Harvie, Vancouver Management Ltd.

Cori Maedel, The Jouta Performance Group

Lindsay Matthews, ICBC

John Mitten, Poulin’s Pest Control

Mike Ng, Vancity Savings Credit Union

Jim Scott, Vancouver Police Department

Marv Steier, Tenant Verification Services

Andrew Turner, Telus

Governors:

David Crawford, Edgemont Moving & Storage

Elaine Hay, Campbell Edgar Inc

John Friswell, CCI Renovations
John Vickerstaff, Network Bonding & Insurance Services Inc.

Legal Counsel:

Doug Hopkins, Boughton Law Corporation

To download images of Bob Vincent, Brighter Mechanical click here

To download images of Barry Sharp, AMA Management Ltd. click here

BBB offers advice to find safe child care

11/1/2011

Posted on 11/1/2011 by

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises parents to take plenty of time to find safe, reliable child care that suits their child and schedule.

“Working parents need to know that their children are safe and secure,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB president and CEO. “Finding good day care can be time-consuming, but the BBB has tips that can make the job a little easier.”

Parents need to determine first what kind of care they need: Full or part-time, in-home or facility-based. Consider the location in relation to your home and work, the hours, cost and educational opportunities for your child.

Recommendations from family or friends can be helpful, and government agencies or industry organizations also can be a source of information. The B.C. Child Care Resource and Referral Program helps parents find child care and provides information on child care subsidies. However, it is ultimately up to parents to find care that is appropriate for their children.

Parents need to take time to visit facilities, ask about the staff’s training and experience, and find out how the center handles medical emergencies. Children may be spending a large part of their waking hours in a day care setting, so it’s important to find out what kinds of education or stimulation may be offered to help your child develop.

The BBB has the following tips for parents seeking quality child care:

Visit several facilities or caregivers, and find out how staff are selected and what their credentials are. What is the staff-to-child ratio? How are children grouped (ie. by age or stage of development)?
Ask whether the facility is and whether it carries appropriate liability insurance. The Ministry of Health is responsible for licensing child care facilities in B.C., and the day to day monitoring and inspection duties are carried out by the local Health Authority community care licensing staff.
Ask about safety procedures and how an accident might be handled. What will happen if your child is hurt or becomes ill while at the centre? Will you be called or notified before you arrive to pick up your child?
Ask about fees and payment deadlines. Is a deposit required, and is it refundable? Are fees charged if a parent is late picking up a child? Are there extra charges for any activities? Are meals and transportation offered? Is financial assistance available?
Ask about the balance between structured and unstructured activities. What happens during naptime? How are babies put down for naps, and how often are they checked when sleeping? What if your child can’t go to sleep?
Make sure the centre or day care home is clean, with enough space for children to play and adequate safety equipment.
Call at least three parents whose children are enrolled in the program to discuss their experiences.
Ask if your child can spend part of the day in the day care centre or home before you enrol. Discuss the experience with the caregiver.
Be alert to your child’s reaction and behaviour. Allow plenty of time for adjustment, especially in the first day or first week at the centre. Call or visit the facility once your child is enrolled to find out how the child is doing and to establish rapport with the staff.

To access further information on child care programs contact the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development Child Care Help Line in Greater Victoria at (250) 356-6501 or elsewhere in BC toll-free at 1 (888) 338-6622.

BBB Announces 2011 Torch Awards Recipients

10/27/2011

Posted on 10/27/2011 by

The Better Business Bureau serving Mainland B.C. is pleased to announce the recipients of the 4^th annual Torch Awards, which celebrates the achievements of businesses and individuals accomplishing great things in our community.

“People in British Columbia need companies like these that they can trust,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “Each year we are seeing more ethically minded companies recognize how important it is to act in their community, be stewards of our environment, and engage in conversations across different media.”

The winners were chosen by an independent selection committee comprising business ethics experts and announced at a ceremony in Vancouver on October 26 at the Metropolitan Hotel. The event was hosted by CTV’s Lynda Steele, from Steele On Your Side, and featured a keynote address by Rebecca Bollwitt of Miss604.com.

The award for Marketplace Excellence recognizes the business committed to exceptional business standards that benefit all stakeholders, including consumers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and their surrounding community. This year’s winner was Abbotsford-based Blue Crest Electric Ltd., who demonstrated a commitment to go the extra mile in assuring their client’s personal safety while providing exceptional service to their clients.

The 2011 recipient of the Green Award―presented to a forward-thinking, sustainable business―is Lunapads International Ltd. This women-owned, Vancouver-based business specializes in environmentally friendly alternatives to disposable feminine hygiene products, namely washable and reusable menstrual pads and panties that help divert waste from landfills.

The first ever Buzz Award in Social Media was given to Wolfgang Commercial Painters for using social media to engage and educate their customers in an original and dynamic way. Instead of using social media mainly as a platform to advertise with typical call-to-action marketing approach, the Burnaby-based Wolfgang takes more of an educational approach. They use multiple platforms to connect and engage with their audience in order to educate, inform, and respond.

The Advancing Marketplace Trust Award was awarded to ethicalDeal. This award recognizes positive contributions towards social impacts and offering new choices for consumers. Putting an innovative spin on the group-buying phenomenon, ethicalDeal provides a place where businesses can offer their green services and products. As a result, they’ve helped to combat the challenges facing local green businesses and consumers alike, including objections over price, not knowing where to find green companies, and not knowing which company to trust.

David Suzuki was named the recipient of the Consumer Leadership Award, which is given to an individual who has significantly advanced marketplace trust through consumer advocacy, protection or education. Suzuki was selected based on his on-going efforts to mobilize campaigns and lead for change in marketplace issues like identifying toxic ingredients in cosmetic products and collaborating on a sustainable seafood program for Overwaitea Food Group stores.

The Torch Award is a symbol of a company’s commitment to honesty and integrity toward customers, employees, shareholders and community, and is the highest achievement the BBB awards to businesses.

Trick or Treat? Spot the scary social media scams

10/24/2011

Posted on 10/24/2011 by
With more than 16 million users in Canada, social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter are unquestionably popular, but the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that users may be the target of social media scammers.

“Many people view their online personas as separate from their real-life ones, and don’t take the same precautions to protect their identities, their computers, or their money,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “Scam artists are savvy to consumers who click first and ask questions later.”

BBB warns social media users to be on the lookout for these five common social networking scams:

Fake Friends
Not all friend requests come from real friends―or real people for that matter. Some Facebook accounts exist solely to cast a wide net for spamming or extracting personal data from users. Only accept friend requests from people you know.

Questionable Quizzes
Clicking on an ad or a link that takes you to a questionnaire on a website outside Facebook can lead to unwanted results. In many cases, the quiz may ask you to enter your cellphone number before you can view your results. If the scammers get your number, you could find yourself subscribed to unwanted and expensive text messaging services.

Terrible Tweets
Direct messages may appeal to your vanity with a message that suggests you can be seen in a compromising or flattering way at a certain website. The link to the website actually prompts you to unwittingly download malware to your computer.

Grim Gifts
Clickjackers on Facebook entice you to copy-and-paste text into your browser bar by posting tempting offers, leading users to inadvertently download malicious code. Clickjackers then take control of your account, spamming your friends and further spreading their scam. Be suspicious of any too-good-to-be-true offers, such as free coffee or pizza from well known retailers.

Viral Videos
Videos with sensational headlines get users to visit an outside website and download malware in the disguise of a video player. If you click on the video, you will be prompted to “upgrade your Flash player now” and will then be asked to download a file which contains a ‘worm’. If you download and install the file, your computer will automatically log in to Facebook and send similar messages to your friends. Never download a file after clicking on a link.

BBB advises business owners to secure their online banking

10/19/2011

Posted on 10/19/2011 by
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and Better Business Bureau is advising business owners to protect their identity when using online banking.

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,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB president and CEO. “Not only are your business’ financials at risk when you don’t secure your banking, but your employees records could be compromised, too.”

BBB recommends 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, and payroll files.

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 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.

Beware of heating contractors offering fake furnace fixes

10/4/2011

Posted on 10/4/2011 by

The cool autumn weather has arrived and, for many people, now is the ideal time to have your furnace serviced or upgraded before the busy winter season starts. The Better Business Bureau warns the public to be cautious about misleading heating contractors who may use scare tactics to convince homeowners to buy a new furnace or authorize expensive, but unneeded, repairs to their existing heating system.

“At this time of year we see an increase in complaints about heating contractors offering everything from duct cleaning to furnace inspections,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “While most furnace companies are reputable, competent, and fair, there are fraudulent and unethical companies that may try to frighten consumers into unnecessary installations or repairs using fear as their main tactic.”

Last fall, the BBB received complaints about a heating contractor making unsolicited phone calls offering inexpensive, even free, cleaning services, only to show up with inadequate equipment and recommendations for expensive and unnecessary upgrades.

BBB has also received reports in the past of fraudulent contractors soliciting door-to-door and attempting to frighten consumers into purchasing a new heating system with warnings that their current system was leaking dangerous gases that could explode or poison those inside the house.

Last year, BBB received 61 complaints against businesses in this industry. So far this year, BBB has already received 71 complaints.

Before you choose a heating contractor consider the following tips:

Start with the BBB. You can find out helpful information like owners, company addresses, and customer service information by visiting the company’s reliability report at: www.mbc.bbb.org.

Hire heating contractors who:

· Are licensed with the BC Safety Authority; call 1.866.566 SAFE (7233)
· Are or employ certified gas fitters
· Are bonded and insured for liability and property damage
· Can provide you a copy of the gas permit authorizing the company to work on your heating system
· Offer warranties that cover equipment, materials and labour
· Offer maintenance and service after installation and after warranties have expired
· Provide customer references

Get at least two estimates for the work. All bids should be in writing and should provide a full description of the services to be provided and the materials to be used.

Compare more than just cost. Check the size and rated efficiency of the equipment each contractor recommends. Ask each contractor how they arrived at recommending a particular sized system. Check the warranty offered and make certain you understand it.

Report misleading door-to-door sales practices. Direct sales contracts can be cancelled for any reason within 10 days of the consumer receiving a copy of the contract. Consumer Protection BC can help with allegations of misleading door-to-door sales practices. For complaints, contact the Consumer Protection BC at 1.888.564.9963 or go to: www.consumerprotectionbc.ca

BBB announces 2011 Torch Award finalists

9/19/2011

Posted on 9/19/2011 by

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Mainland B.C. announced the 2011 Torch Award finalists today.

“We are delighted to have several high calibre businesses nominated for our Torch Awards this year,” says BBB President and CEO Lynda Pasacreta. “Each year we are seeing more ethically minded companies recognize how important it is to act in their community, be stewards of our environment, and engage in conversations across different media.”

Finalists for this year’s awards were selected by three panels of judges independent of the BBB.

The Marketplace Excellence Award is presented to a business in recognition of its superior commitment to exceptional standards to its customers, stakeholders and community.

2011 Marketplace Excellence Finalists:

The Green Award is given to a business that blends financial success with a strong commitment to positive social and environmental outcomes.

2011 Green Award Finalists:

This year, BBB added the Buzz Award for Social Media Excellence, honouring companies who use social media to engage and educate their customers.

2011 Buzz Award Finalists:

The Torch Awards is the BBB's most celebrated event of the year and recognizes local businesses that substantiate exceedingly high ethical practices through an in-depth application process. Recipients of each awardwill be announced on October 26 at the gala Torch Awards luncheon at the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver. This year’s Torch Awards will be hosted by CTV’s Lynda Steele, with a special keynote address from renowned local blogger, author and social media personality, Rebecca Bollwitt (Miss604.com).

Inquiries & Complaints

9/12/2011

Posted on 9/12/2011 by
Every month you BBB receives thousands of inquiries from consumers seeking pre-purchase information about local businesses.

Of course, not every transaction goes right. That's why BBB offers free dispute resolution services for businesses and consumers. Last month, 775 complaints were filed with your BBB, and 8,925 have been filed this year.

That's a lot of complaints. BBB encourages consumers to start their search with trust. Check out a business with us before you hire them.

In October, nearly 104,000 business reviews were viewed by consumers online at www.mbc.bbb.org or via our telephone inquiry service at (604) 682-2711 (or toll free from 250 area code at 1-888-803-1222).

Here are most inquired about industries and most complaint complaints:

TOP 10 INQUIRIES

1) Roofing Contractors
2) Contractors – Alteration & Renovation
3) Plumbers
4) Movers
5) Automobile Dealers – Used Cars
6) Heating Contractors
7) Automobile Repairing & Service
8) Automobile Dealers – New Cars
9) Contractors – General
10) Internet Gaming

TOP 10 COMPLAINTS

1) Gift Certificates/Cards
2) Automobile Dealers – New & Used
3) Movers
4) Telephone Service – Local
5) Cellular Telephones
6) Cable TV, Internet & Telephone Installation Service
7) E-Commerce
8) Furniture Dealers – Retail
9) Stereo Systems – Dealer
10) Roofing Contractors

If you have a dispute with a business that has not been resolved, file complaint at www.bbb.org/file-a-complaint.

Be cautious of online penny auction sites, warns BBB

9/12/2011

Posted on 9/12/2011 by
Online ads, often designed to look like news reports, are cropping up on popular websites claiming that you can get great deals on iPads and other electronics with online penny auctions. The discounts offered on penny auction sites are tempting, but the Better Business Bureau warns bargain hunters that they should stop and do their research before making their first bid.

“BBB has received hundreds of complaints from consumers about penny auctions so far this year and we’re encouraging online bargain hunters to do their research,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “Unlike typical auctions, unsuccessfully bidding on an item through a penny auction will still cost you. BBB has heard from people who have lost hundreds of dollars bidding on items yet have nothing to show for it.”

Most commonly with a penny auction, users must set up an account and purchase bids with a credit or debit card; each individual bid may cost less than a dollar and are often sold in bundles of 100 or more. Every item has a countdown clock and as people bid, the cost of the item goes up incrementally and more time is added to the clock. Even if you don’t win the item, you still have to pay for the bids you placed which can add up over time.

Since May, BBB has received more than 800 complaints against a company called BidRack, many from Canadians who have signed up for their services. Consumers have reported to us that when they sign up for the BidRack service they are under the understanding that it is free. However, upon registration their credit card is then charged a fee, often around $99. The BBB strongly encourages you to read carefully the terms and conditions of any offer.

Other complaints filed against penny auction websites claim that some sites use phony bidders and “bots” to drive up the prices on items. Customer support is also a major concern as many complainants explain they had a very difficult time receiving refunds or resolving other issues with the company.

Before making your first bid on a penny auction:

Research the penny auction with BBB first. Not all penny auctions are created equal and BBB ratings on various sites range from A- to F. Always research the penny auction site with BBB at www.mbc.bbb.org before signing up.

Read the fine print carefully. Before providing any personal information or signing up for any “free” trial with a penny auction, read all of the fine print carefully on the website. Pay close attention to details on signup and annual fees, minimum bidding requirements, maximum prize amounts and how to get a refund.

Know what you’re buying. Before bidding on an item, research how much it costs elsewhere and keep track of how much you’re spending on bids overall to see if you really are getting a good deal.

Keep a close eye on your credit card statement. Many have complained to BBB about being unexpectedly charged just for signing up. Some complaints were also automatically charged for more bids when they ran out or for a yearly registration fee, not realizing this would be the case.

Complain to BBB if you feel you’ve been ripped off. If you feel you’ve been misled by a penny auction site, file a complaint with your BBB. BBB has assisted customers in resolving their issues, including getting refunds. If the business does not cooperate, your complaint will still go down on the company’s BBB Business Review and serve as a warning to others.

BBB Advises Students to Secure their Electronics

8/31/2011

Posted on 8/31/2011 by

As students prepare to go back to school, many of them will carry cell phones, iPads, iPods, laptops and other electronic devices everywhere from their homes to their classrooms. The Better Business Bureau reminds parents to talk to their children about ways to keep electronics and personal information out of the wrong hands.

“Thieves are interested in stealing more than your personal property,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “They could be trying to gain access to sensitive information such as emails, text messages, calendars, bank account information, Social Insurance Numbers and social media network logins and passwords.”

College campuses, high school cafeterias and even classrooms can be an easy target for those looking to ‘score’ expensive electronic devices and personal information.

BBB offers the following advice to students and parents on how to keep personal property and sensitive information safe at school:

Use password protections. Even if a thief steals your electronic device, having password protections could limit their access to your personal information. Avoid sharing passwords with friends or carrying them around on paper.
Avoid entering sensitive information into your device on unencrypted public wireless networks. Even novice hackers can download simple programs that allow them to track your movements online when you're using unprotected wireless networks. If you can avoid it, wait until you can use an encrypted connection to type passwords and other sensitive information into your web browser.
Use bells and whistles. Depending on your security needs, an alarm can be a useful tool. Some laptop alarms sound when there's unexpected motion, or when the computer moves outside a specified range around you. Or consider a kind of computer tracing for your laptop: a program that reports the location of your stolen laptop once it's connected to the Internet.

BBB advises to do your homework when back-to-school shopping

8/17/2011

Posted on 8/17/2011 by
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 Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “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.

Why do I Choose Bright Colours?

8/12/2011

Posted on 8/12/2011 by Lynda Pasacreta

I am very thoughtful about what I wear everyday whether I am heading to work or seizing the day on a weekend. I really like wearing bright pinks and purples, oranges and limes. I am quick to go to navy blues on days where power and authority needs to be the focus. The colour black, does not exist in my wardrobe.

Today I am wearing a sun dress filled with all the colours of the rainbow. The day is sunny and warm. Early in the day, I started to notice a reaction from people passing by and coming in contact with me. Strangers were coming up with big smiles on their faces and telling me how lovely I looked, commenting on the colours, even noticing my toenails matching the outfit!.

The most valuable piece I got out of this today is the immediate connection with people – the breaking down of barriers, of removing isolation and a momentary embrace of the good things in life! One elderly lady’s comment to me today was “she felt brighter today after meeting me”. Guess how I felt?

At the Better Business Bureau, every day we talk to business owners that are struggling on a daily basis. They are either dealing with a difficult customer, or employee. Or they are feeling the impact of the economic times. Many of the discussions these days for some business owners are challenges with selling themselves and attracting good customers. We also spend a lot of time talking to consumers who have made wrong choices and either lost a lot of money or invested a lot of time with poor results.

All of us here at the BBB have same attitude. We are here to break down barriers, to remove the feelings of isolation and help both consumers and businesses see the good things in life that overcome some momentary challenges. Our whole BBB Team embraces colour, joy and passion for doing the right thing and enjoying day.

Leaders, show your spirit! Put on a smile, have a warm, open and friendly appearance and engage your staff, your customers and your community. People will feel brighter just by being around you.

Gold soars but be careful when selling your jewellery, warns BBB

8/8/2011

Posted on 8/8/2011 by

As stock markets plunge in the wake of the U.S. credit rating downgrade, gold prices continue to soar, now topping $1,700 an ounce.

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 Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “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 your 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.mbc.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 content.

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.

Watch Out for False Promises from OnlineBusinessScams.com

8/2/2011

Posted on 8/2/2011 by
BBB cautions consumers to watch out for a website that is falsely charging for BBB complaint resolution services. OnlineBusinessScams.com charges consumers an upfront fee of $1,500 to $2,000 for assistance in collecting money owed from businesses only to forward consumers’ complaints to BBB.

BBB has received reports from consumers who received unsolicited phone calls that identified them as being victims of previous scams. They were then encouraged by the caller to provide personal information and to visit their website to register their complaint.

OnlineBusinessScams.com told one consumer that in order to help him collect money owed from a business he needed to pay 30 per cent of the amount owed. The site requested half of the 30 per cent upfront, which he paid.

After receiving the fee, OnlineBusinessScams.com asked the consumer to provide the details of the dispute so the site could determine whether to handle the “case.” Afterwards, the consumer received an information packet that included an envelope addressed to BBB. OnlineBusinessScams.com told the consumer that they would recover his money within 90 days. It’s now been 90 days and the consumer tried to contact OnlineBusinessScams.com to no avail.

BBB offers dispute resolution services to the public at no charge. Consumers never have to pay a third party in order to receive help from BBB. It’s a key part of our mandate to promote an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other.

To file a complaint against a business, please fill out BBB’s online form or contact your local BBB.

Growing your business through relationship selling

7/14/2011

Posted on 7/14/2011 by Lynda Pasacreta
Business networking is a socioeconomic activity by which groups of like-minded business people recognize, create, or act upon business opportunities
– Wikipedia

I recently participated in a business event that brought suppliers and their customers together on a boat for an evening cruise. What an amazing opportunity for these businesses to get to know each other.

Guests attending were presented with great opportunities to develop strong relationships. The result is that eventually suppliers will be able to provide their customers with the right products and services, because they know more about what their customers need and how best to sell to them in a solution-oriented way.

Amidst all the great connecting and networking going on, I couldn’t help but notice three young men from the same company hovering together throughout the evening.

Remember that their company paid to have them there to represent their brand and to look for new business. I thought about how I would have handled the situation if I was their sales manager.

It all goes back to learning how to sell to achieve the right results, not to telemarket … in other words, relationship selling!

Telemarketing is an uninvited method of selling where the salesperson tries to persuade you to buy something you don’t want. Relationship selling takes a bit longer because you take the time to get to know your potential customers and what they want.

We at the BBB attend a lot of business events. Our whole team is involved in looking for good opportunities to continue to grow our business and to keep our good customers. So, from our IT guy, to our Dispute Resolution Counselors, to our finance person, our business services people – the expectation is that we “spread out” at these functions and engage potential customers and existing customers.

The team looks for partnership opportunities, educational opportunities, sales opportunities, “raving fans” of our BBB – people that will help us grow our business, educate our customers, keep our best customers, and keep the passion fired up amongst our team.

As the leader of our Better Business Bureau, I make sure that I teach young people just starting out in their careers the importance of business networking and how to ask the right questions and listen – key elements in assisting customers.

One of our BBB team members is an expert in getting our invoices paid within 30 days of receipt of invoice! Imagine her having a conversation with a potential customer at a business event and she shares some of her techniques. How about our two BBB communications specialists sharing information with potential clients at these events and asking questions of their company’s marketing techniques? Why wouldn’t a potential customer that is engaged by my team take a closer look at our organization and see an alliance that would fit with their business model or needs to improve their business?

I could not help myself. I did approach the three young men and gave them the basics in relationship selling. The most important first step was for these three people to part ways and spread out amongst their clients and start talking, start asking, start listening, start educating, and be passionate about their company.

At business networking events, let go of fear, be confident in your knowledge of your products and services, enjoy meeting new people, and start a conversation!

You (and your bottom line) will be glad you did!

BBB warns of Craigslist job scam

7/15/2011

Posted on 7/15/2011 by

A bogus employment opportunity scam has surfaced on Craigslist claiming to offer a job with the Better Business Bureau.

Scammers are posting fake advertisements for employment opportunities for a Data Entry Clerk at Better Business Bureau in regions across North America, including here in B.C. Once the job hunter replies to the posting and sends in their resume, they receive an email response that indicates that all employees are paid via direct deposit. The e-mail directs the applicant to click a link to sign up for their preferred banking institution at no additional cost, revealing personal banking information and potentially downloading malware to their computer. The Better Business Bureau serving Mainland B.C. did not post the bogus opportunity. Craigslist has posted a disclaimer for anyone searching for a job warning them of these types of scams.

“The goal of most employment scams is to get the victim to pay upfront fees or give away personal information,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “Scammers set their sights on the unemployed because these people are vulnerable and looking for any decent work opportunities.”

Not thoroughly researching a job opportunity can make a bad situation even worse, and a victim can lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars to any number of job-related scams.

BBB warns job hunters to watch out for these three common job scams:

Job offers that require upfront fees. No legitimate job offer will require out of pocket expenses from a potential employee for background checks, credit reports, or administrative fees before an interview. Additionally, job seekers should never provide bank account information for direct deposit setup until they have officially been hired.

Unsolicited job offers. Identity thieves employ many different methods for getting personal financial information from job hunters. Spam email might offer a great opportunity and direct the job hunter to a website that is designed to install malware on his or her computer or solicit bank account details. In other cases, the job hunter might even be asked to submit a resume, find out they’ve been hired and then immediately be asked for bank account or social insurance numbers.

The job requires you to wire money. Many phony jobs require the employee to cash a cheque sent by the company through the mail and then wire a portion of the money on to another entity. Reasons given for this requirement vary from scam to scam. Whatever the story given, the ending is always the same: the cheque is a fake and the employee is out the money he or she wired back to the scammers.

Take time before hiring a contractor in wake of flood damage, advises BBB

7/12/2011

Posted on 7/12/2011 by

Heavy rainfall and flooding in Prince George and throughout the Fraser Valley is causing extensive damage to property, even forcing some residents out of their homes. Once the emergency subsides and the flood is over, victims must tackle the task of cleaning up their properties. Better Business Bureau would like to advise homeowners to do their due diligence before hiring a contractor.

“The effects of an environmental disaster can be devastating, both financially and emotionally,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “Homeowners need to watch out for scammers trying to take advantage of their vulnerable situation.”

Before hiring anyone, homeowners should first check with their insurance company about policy coverage, how much may be available from insurance proceeds, and specific filing requirements if anything gets damaged.

Homeowners should take their time in assessing the situation as damages may not appear for days, being sure to inspect all appliances for damages and checking warranties and watching out for pests and termites that may appear from the water and mildew.

Although the victims may be most concerned with getting things back to normal, additional heartache and money will be saved by proceeding with caution. BBB suggests you watch out for these red flags:

Door-to-door workers who, in order to get the job, use scare tactics, such as alleging unsafe structural conditions.
Contractors who use high-pressure sales tactics, including pitches like “the price is good for today only.”
Companies vague about their location. Homeowners should check to see if the company’s name is on the worker’s vehicle, if the company is listed in the telephone directory, and if a street address is provided.

When choosing to hire a restoration company to assist in clean-up efforts, BBB urges consumers to keep the following in mind:

Start with trust by checking out the business with BBB first at www.mbc.bbb.org.
Request two or three estimates for the cost of repairs. The homeowner should also be certain that the contractors are bidding the same package, including materials to be used, when work is to begin and end, and when payments are to be made.
Verify that the company meets all requirements, including being licensed, insured, and bonded, and has registered with WorkSafeBC.
References at least a year old should be requested. It may seem impossible to travel to an unaffected area to inspect references after a disaster, but remember the time spent will be minor in comparison to the possibility of living with inferior repair work for years.
The restoration contract should include a description of all the work to be performed, including the quality of materials to be used and the price break-down for both labour and materials. Make sure verbal promises are included in the written contract, including warranties on materials or labour.
Make sure the contractor will apply for any building permits in his or her name, so that the homeowner is not financially responsible.
Review all documentation before any payments are made and before signing on the dotted line.
Save all receipts, including those for food and temporary lodging that are covered under their insurance policy.

Top Scams infographic

7/12/2011

Posted on 7/12/2011 by

Job posting scam

7/12/2011

Posted on 7/12/2011 by

BBB would like to alert job seekers about a Craigslist job posting scam which claims that your local BBB is hiring a data entry clerk.

This job listing was posted without BBB authorization; we currently do not have any available openings.

Please check back for employment opportunities with BBB here.

Become a part of the “buzz” at this year’s Better Business Bureau Torch Awards

6/28/2011

Posted on 6/28/2011 by

The Better Business Bureau is callingfor applications from ethical businesses, social media entrepreneurs, and green enterprises for its 2011 Torch Awards. Companies can now apply for recognition in Marketplace Excellence, the Green Award, or the new Buzz Award for Social Media Excellence, the first ever social media award for businesses in B.C.

“The Torch Award is a symbol of a company’s commitment to honesty and integrity,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “Recipients of this award are businesses that should be recognized for their commitment to these values, andfor their efforts in advancing marketplace trust in our community.”

The Torch Award is the highest achievement the BBB awards to businesses. The annual awards program honours businesses or individuals province-wide (excluding Vancouver Island) that have demonstrated high ethical standards and exemplify excellence in business practices. Awards are given in: Marketplace Excellence, Consumer Leadership, Advancing Marketplace Trust, Green Award and, for the first time this year, the Buzz Award for Social Media Excellence.

Last year’s winners included British Columbia Automobile Association (Marketplace Excellence Award), Smart Cookies (Consumer Leadership Award), EcoEco (Advancing Marketplace Trust Award), and Kiwano Marketing (Green Award).

There is no cost to submit nominations.All for-profit businesses are eligible for nomination or self-nomination, and businesses of all sizes are encouraged to apply. BBB accreditation is not a requirement to win. Winners are chosen by an independent selection committee comprising business ethics experts.

Deadline for submissions is July 29. Nomination guidelines and forms can be found at www.mbc.bbb.org/torch or by calling Mark Fernandes at (604) 488-8701. Winners will be recognized at the 2011 BBB Torch Awards luncheon in October.

What to do during the postal stoppage

6/16/2011

Posted on 6/16/2011 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. A list of BBB Accredited Businesses in the lower mainland can be found here or by visiting www.mbc.bbb.org.
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 withBBB?

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 (604) 682-2711.

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

Find a roofer you can trust

6/14/2011

Posted on 6/14/2011 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 Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “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. In May, roofing was the most inquired about industry by consumers in B.C. Unfortunately, BBB received 138 complaints about roofers from unsatisfied customers last year, an increase from 110 in 2009.

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.mbc.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.

Air Canada strike and your travel plans

6/14/2011

Posted on 6/14/2011 by Lynda Pasacreta

Air Canada announced today that their service agents and call centre staff have proceeded with strike action.

Air Canada says it will maintain its full flight schedule during the strike.

If you have a flight booked, here’s the airline’s advice on avoiding longer waits during airport check-in:

Check in online or on your mobile device at any time within 24 hours of your flight's departure.
Show up at the airport early because lineups “will be longer than usual”.
If at all possible, avoid travelling with checked baggage.
Keep up-to-date by checking Air Canada’s website (www.aircanada.com) for developments.

Other travel advice from the Better Business Bureau:

Know your cancellation rights and refund policy. Sometimes the unexpected happens and you may decide to cancel your trip. Know the terms and conditions for what refund you might be entitled to if you voluntarily cancel your trip.

Check your insurance. It’s always a good idea to check into travel insurance, whether it’s to cover for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, or stolen valuables. But before buying any insurance, check your existing policies, like your home insurance and employment benefits—you may already be covered.

Check to make sure that your booking is made. If you’re doing any booking online, whether for airline tickets, hotel rooms, or car rental reservations, confirm that your booking is complete by contacting the hotel or airline directly.

Don’t promote your business by slamming your competitors

6/10/2011

Posted on 6/10/2011 by

Back inDecember 2010, there was increase in telephone calls to me from businessescomplaining about their competitors and wanting the BBB to do something aboutit. It’s happening again!

There isa general malaise with consumers, almost as if they are frozen. I like to thinkthat it is because of our cool, wet spring. I hope it isn’t fear about thingslike HST or that we are moving into another downturn in the economy. I have decided to revive my blog fromDecember 2010 as I think we need to focus solely on our own businesses rightnow – looking at our strengths and weaknesses and how to we AMAZE ourcustomers!

Don’t promote your business byslamming your competitors

Almost daily, I speak with business owners/managersabout business practices in our local marketplace.

How a business deals with their competitors and howa business sells their products and services is a hot and highly emotionaltopic in most of my conversations.

I worked in the telecommunications industry formost of my career in sales. All of our education and experience taught us notto sell by slamming our competitors. It is not the way to compete. Itdiminishes your company’s credibility, it looks petty and tacky, and it reallylooks as though you cannot compete on your own merits. It can even make yourclients feel foolish if they chose your competitor before speaking with yourcompany and had some bad results from that decision.

There are times when a business needs to shine abright light of truth on some bad business practices that can hurt theirclients, when another company is not being transparent and is operatingunethically.

Without seeming petty or tacky, though, your salespeople can use this opportunity to educate their clients on problemswith poor business practices (such as cash under the table deals eliminatingcollection of tax, no licensing, no contracts, no guarantees, etc). Showcaseyour company’s transparency, honesty, integrity and how you differentiate yourbusiness from your competitors who choose to operate unethically.

Demonstrate your commitment to your customers fromthe beginning of the sale to the delivery of the product or service and thenfollow up to ensure your clients are happy with the service.

Ask yourself a few questions on your own businesspractices and your approach to selling in a competitive market:

Do you have any business practices that you are not willing to share with your clients? Is there anything that your clients could learn about your business practices that would surprise them or disappoint them?
What are the business practices of your competitors that are fundamentally opposed to your business practices and values? How do those practices differentiate from yours and how can you professionally educate your clients on those differences and on your values?
How do you make sure that you are not just badmouthing your competitors and that instead, you are showcasing the differences in values and good practices with your clients?

By becoming accredited by the Better BusinessBureau, business owners have already differentiated themselves from theircompetition. They have shown that they agree to the BBB’s high standards ofbuilding trust, advertising honestly, telling the truth, being transparent,honouring promises, being responsive, safeguarding privacy and embodyingintegrity.

If you run across a business that you believe isdemonstrating bad business practices in the marketplace, give us a call and wecan investigate the issue. Our role is to report on all businesses in themarketplace by providing fair and factual information. We cannot report onhearsay. By reporting as much factual information as possible about a businessappearing to be operating unethically, we can protect your future clients frombad experiences, loss of hard earned money and your industry’s reputation inthe marketplace.

We can be reached by email bbbmail@mbc.bbb.org, or by telephone at604.682.2711 (toll free 1.888.803.1222) or by fax 604.681.1544

Possible phone scam targets local Chinese residents

6/9/2011

Posted on 6/9/2011 by

A possible telemarketing scam is targeting local Chinese residents. It has been reported to BBB that people have been receiving phone calls from a female Cantonese caller claiming to represent a Chinese company says that they are conducting “survey”, and seeking personal information.

After survey, the caller provides a code to remember for future prize claim.

BBB advises the public that these 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.

BBB Elects New Chairperson and Appoints New Board Members

6/7/2011

Posted on 6/7/2011 by

The Better Business Bureau serving Mainland British Columbia has elected Colin MacPhail of the British Columbia Automobile Association as the new Chairperson for its Board of Directors. Mr. MacPhail holds the role as BCAA’s Director of Membership Marketing and has served on BBB’s Board of Directors since 2007.

The Better Business Bureau also announced several new Directors, including John Mitten, Poulin’s Pest Control, Mike Ng, Vancity Savings Credit Union, Jim Scott, Vancouver Police Department, and Andrew Turner, Telus.

For long-term commitment to the Better Business Bureau and continued support of its mission to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust, the BBB appointed David Crawford, Edgemont Moving & Storage, and Elaine Hay, Campbell Edgar Inc., as Governors of the Bureau.

The election was voted on by existing BBB Accredited Businesses and made effective at the BBB Annual General Meeting on May 10, 2011.

BBB Board of Directors 2011-2012

Executive:

President: Lynda Pasacreta, Better Business Bureau

Chairperson: Colin MacPhail, BCAA

ViceChair: Robert Vincent, Brighter Mechanical

2^ndVice Chair: Barry Sharp, AMA Management Ltd.

Treasurer: Gary Hutton, Pacific Newspaper Group

Secretary: Bailey Jung, Silver Bullet Shredding

Past Chairperson: Tom Siba, BIV Media Group

Directors:

James Carter, Carter Chevrolet Northshore

Ron Harvie, Vancouver Management Ltd.

Cori Maedel, The Jouta Performance Group

Lindsay Matthews, ICBC

John Mitten, Poulin’s Pest Control

Mike Ng, Vancity Savings Credit Union

Jim Scott, Vancouver Police Department

Marv Steier, Tenant Verification Services

Andrew Turner, Telus

Governors:

David Crawford, Edgemont Moving & Storage

Elaine Hay, Campbell Edgar Inc

John Friswell, CCI Renovations
John Vickerstaff, Network Bonding & Insurance Services Inc.

Legal Counsel:

Doug Hopkins, Boughton Law Corporation

Check out debt settlement companies before you pay, warns BBB

6/1/2011

Posted on 6/1/2011 by

A recent TransUnion study suggests that Canadian debt loads continue to grow, finding that total debt perconsumer, excluding mortgages, grew to $25,597 in the first quarter of 2011.

Similarly, a report issued Toronto-Dominion Bank this week found that while Canadians household debt ismore in line with income, overall debt loads remain high. “The level ofhousehold debt remains excessive,” the report concludes.

With somany Canadians struggling to keep their credit in check, many are turning to debt settlement services for help―without taking the necessary steps to check out the company they’re dealing with first.

“Offers to help reduce monthly payments and settle your debts can seem like a lifeline,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “But it’s important to understand what the implications are and the track record of the company before entering into any agreement to negotiate your debt.”

As the demand grows for debt assistance numerous companies identifying themselves as debt settlement experts or credit counsellors have been marketing their services in the Lower Mainland, prompting hundreds ofinquiries to BBB.

One company advertising their services locally is Cambridge Life Solutions Inc., which began operating in Vancouver this past December and has already generated over 1500 inquiries from consumers, over 700 in May alone. They have since opened another office in Toronto.

Another company, a Florida-based organization called the Vortex Debt Group Inc., has been promoting their debt negotiation services through telemarketing. However, they have an F rating with the BBB, based on 45 complaints filed against them and recent government action by the Attorney General in Missouri, which alleged that Vortex Debt Group Inc. had engaged in deceptive and unfair practices by promisingto reduce consumers' debt, taking significant fees from consumers in exchange for this claimed service, and failing to actually reduce consumers' debts.

Before agreeing to allow a third-party to negotiate your debt with creditors, BBB reminds consumers ask the following questions to ensure that they're dealing with the right company and getting the best guidance:

What is the company's performance in the marketplace?

Always check out the company with the BBB first to find out if this is a business you can trust.

Is the company licensed and regulated by a government body in B.C.?

In British Columbia, Consumer Protection BC licenses and regulates debt settlement organizations by issuing debt collection and debtpooler licenses. If a company is not licensed, consumers have little recourseif something goes wrong. To find out if a company is licensed or requireslicensing, contact Consumer Protection BC at 1-888-564-9963 or www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.

How doesthe company get paid, and do they still get paid if they are unsuccessful at negotiating a debt settlement for you?

If company insists on payment upfront before reviewing your finances you may not be receiving the best advice on dealing with your debt. Keep in mind that debt negotiating companies cannot guarantee that creditors will accept their proposal to settle your debt for less thanhalf of what you owe. If they are unsuccessful at negotiating on your behalf, find out if they will give you your money back.

Does thecompany make claims about the percentage of their clients that successfully settle their debts with creditors?

An ethical business will not make claims that cannot be substantiated. Privacy laws and confidentiality agreements will prevent a business from disclosing information about previous customers. If acompany makes claims about the number of clients that they've successfully helped negotiate their debt, challenge the company to provide proof to validate their claims.

Is thecompany making guarantees that creditors will work with them in accepting a settlement?

While some companies may claim numerous success stories and assure you that creditors will work with them, there is no guarantee. If you are maintaining your payments, have a regular income or assets like real estate, your creditors may not accept a proposal to settle your debt. A good debt settlement company will tell you as much, and help you to evaluate alloptions to resolve your financial difficulties.

BBB Reinvents the Reliability Report

5/24/2011

Posted on 5/24/2011 by

BBB has redeveloped its business reports to provide more information to consumers as well as help Accredited Businesses highlight their products and services.

Better Business Bureau reports are now called BBB Business Reviews. Customers that check out your review will also be able to request a quote for service or a map and directions to your business. The Business Reviews are also now shareable on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Accredited Businesses will be able to upload photos to their review to showcase their services or products. Accredited Businesses will also able to add more information about your business, including products and services, hours of operation, refund and exchange policy and service areas.

Updating your report is as easy as ~~123~~ BBB. If you would like some additional tutorials on how to update your Business Review, please check the following documents which provide you with helpful illustrations on how to do several different types of updates.

Claiming a Business Review and Creating a New Account

Updating a Business Review

Updating Multiple Business Reviews

Lost Password Help

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 Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “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 Reliability Report at www.mbc.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.

Fraudulent locksmiths make consumers insecure, warns BBB

5/9/2011

Posted on 5/9/2011 by

If you’ve locked yourself out of your home, your first call for help might be to a local locksmith. But before you make that call, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that some locksmiths advertising online may not be local at all and may not even have professional training.

BBB has received reports from consumers about so-called “local locksmiths” advertising online using a local telephone number and local address. But when you call the number, you’re actually connected to a call centre in another city and there is no locksmith at the address listed in your area.

Many of these companies have multiple listings with different names, but the calls to each of these numbers go back to the same central number where operators dispatch untrained individuals to do the job.

“Fraudulent companies will take advantage of people in vulnerable situations,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “While the work may get completed, it may also be subpar, and the locksmith who performed the job may be difficult to contact for any further repairs.”

One such company operating locally is Locksmith Master. This company has purchased multiple domains ending with “locksmithmaster.info” with a preceding city name (ie. www.surreylocksmithmaster.info). On its various websites, local numbers are listed, but all re-directed to a central switchboard based in Florida. The company also fraudulently claims to be a member of the Better Business Bureau and the Institutional Locksmiths Organization of Canada (ILOC).

Another company representing itself as a local business is Locksmith Pro’s. They also advertise online and make similar fraudulent claims about their professional affiliations. The addresses listed on their website often don’t exist, or are residential addresses unrelated to the business.

Neither of these companies is licensed B.C.

Consumers who have hired these companies allege that they have been overcharged for products and services, received bad advice or poor workmanship, or have had difficulty contacting the business to correct problems.

BBB offers the following advice for hiring a locksmith:

Do your research. Don’t just pick the first “local” company you find online. Check them out first with BBB at www.mbc.bbb.org to make sure you are choosing a trustworthy company. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations.

Confirm the address. Some disreputable companies list street addresses to give the impression that they’re local, but the address may belong to someone else, if it exists at all. Check to make sure they are where they claim to be by cross-checking their phone number online.

Play the name game. If a company answers the phone with a generic name rather than a company-specific name, be wary. Ask for the legal name of the business. If the person refuses, call another locksmith.

Check the paperwork. When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, a business card and their license. In B.C., locksmiths are licensed through the Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General. Also make sure that they are insured, so you know costs will be covered should any damage be done to your personal property.

Show your identification. Expect the locksmith to ask you for identification, as well. A legitimate locksmith should confirm your identity and make sure you’re the property owner before doing any work.

Creating Lifelong Customers

5/5/2011

Posted on 5/5/2011 by Lynda Pasacreta

Last week I had the pleasure of making one of my regular trips to Prince George. I was joined by our wonderful Vice President, Simone Lis, and Brenda Lea Brown, one of our great partners at BC Securities Commission.

While we were there to connect with businesses in the Prince George area, one of the most valuable outcomes from our trip was connecting to consumers.

Most everyone who visited our booth at the CHBA Home Show knew about BBB and what we do, which made me feel great that our message is getting out there.

Less great feeling, though, was the one thing we kept hearing: many of these people harboured ill-will towards companies they felt had done them wrong. For some, it was an incorrectly tiled roof; for others, it was being dismissed when they raised concerns about the workmanship.

Prince George is a tight-knit community. It’s a marketplace where word-of-mouth is critical when it comes to running a successful business.

At BBB, we view complaints as an opportunity for a business to turn a dissatisfied customer into a lifelong customer. While we were in Prince George, I presented a seminar called “Your Chance to Shine - Diffusing Hostile Customers”. This seminar provides businesses with the tools on how to treat their customers, to leave them feeling that their expectations have been met and that they’ve been treated fairly.

By teaching businesses how to best handle consumer complaints, we help build a more trustworthy marketplace.

Hopefully the next time I’m in Prince George the message from consumers will be different. It will be how a local business did them right, resolved their complaint, and, as a result, earned themselves a customer for life.

Bloom or bust? BBB helps you choose the right florist this Mother’s Day

5/4/2011

Posted on 5/4/2011 by

Flowers are a wonderful way to show your mother how much you care this Mother’s Day, and a florist is just a phone call or click away. But the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that not all florists are created equal.

“Flower shopping online is fast and convenient, but not without its risks,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “While the vast majority of people are thrilled with their purchases, others have learned these transactions can lead to profound disappointment.”

Complaints in mainland B.C. filed against florists have increased by 36 per cent in the year. In 2010 alone, 117 complaints were filed by consumers. Most of these complaints are about online retailers.

One Surrey-based online florist, Pink Lotus Florist, offers arrangements and delivery to customers across North America. However,they have received 121 complaints in the last three years, failing to respond to 60 of them, resulting in an F-rating with BBB.

Complaints against this company allege that either the flowers were not delivered as promised (wrong flowers or arrangements), delivered late, or not delivered at all. Some consumers claim that the charges to their credit card were not as agreed upon. A number of complaints also expressed concern with a $10 processing fee that was charged after canceling the transaction when the flowers did not arrive on the date promised.

To help you choose a florist this Mother’s Day, BBB offers the following advice:

Start with trust. Check out the company with BBB at www.mbc.bbb.org to see what other consumers’ experiences have been. You may end up saving yourself a lot of grief and disappointment.

Allow time for shipping. Check with the retailer to make sure that you have allowed enough time for delivery by your specified date. Make sure that this date is specified clearly and guaranteed when you order. If you order ahead of time, delivery and other charges may be less than a last minute order.

Read the fine print. Consumers should make sure to read the terms and conditions before making any online purchase to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Find out is there are additional delivery fees or chargesfor canceling your order.

Resolving complaints builds marketplace trust, according to BBB

4/27/2011

Posted on 4/27/2011 by

Everybody hopes for the best when doing business. Whether you’re a business owner or a customer, you expect every transaction to go smoothly, but on some occasions something does go wrong.

In 2010, Better Business Bureau serving mainland B.C. experienced a significant increase in consumer complaints, suggesting that more and more, transactions are going awry. Last year, BBB received over 9,500 complaints, up nearly 2,000 from 2009.

This increase in complaints points to a general erosion in marketplace trust. A poll by BBB and Gallup found that only half of respondents had a great deal or quite a lot of trust in the business they regularly do business with. Eighteen per cent, nearly one in five, said that their trust in the business that they regularly did business with in the last 12 months had declined.

“Consumer expectations are rising in an increasingly competitive marketplace,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “When consumers feel like a business hasn’t lived up to their expectations, their going to spend their money elsewhere. Businesses are left spending more time is attracting new customers rather than servicing old ones.”

BBB views complaints as an opportunity for a business to turn a dissatisfied customer into a lifelong customer. Pasacreta will be delivering this message to small business owners in Prince Georgeon April 28. Her seminar, called “Your Chance to Shine - Diffusing Hostile Customers”, provides businesses with the tools on how to treat their customers, to leave them feeling that their expectations have been met and that they’ve been treated fairly.

“By educating consumers on how to choose an ethical business and teaching businesses how to best handle consumer complaints, we can help build a more trustworthy marketplace,” says Pasacreta.

When:Thursday, April 28, from 3pm – 4:30pm

Where: Community Futures, 1566 - 7th Ave, Prince George

Resolving complaints builds marketplace trust, according to BBB

4/27/2011

Posted on 4/27/2011 by

Everybody hopes for the best when doing business. Whether you’re a business owner or a customer, you expect every transaction to go smoothly, but on some occasions something does go wrong.

“Consumer expectations are rising in an increasingly competitive marketplace,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “When consumers feel like a business hasn’t lived up to their expectations, they're going to spend their money elsewhere. Businesses are left spending more time is attracting new customers rather than servicing old ones.”

“By educating consumers on how to choose an ethical business and teaching businesses how to best handle consumer complaints, we can help build a more trustworthy marketplace,” says Pasacreta.

When:Thursday, April 28, from 3pm – 4:30pm

Where: Community Futures, 1566 - 7th Ave, Prince George

Phone scams target B.C. residents, warns BBB

4/19/2011

Posted on 4/19/2011 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 Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “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.

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.

Why we Start with Trust

4/19/2011

Posted on 4/19/2011 by Lynda Pasacreta

We at the BBB have a project: We need to expand our workspace area and our current lease is expiring this year.

We’ve had to look out into the marketplace to find businesses that we can trust to help us through this process. We’re not the experts in dealing with renegotiating a lease, determining effective workspace, or how to make lease hold improvements to meet our growing needs.

The first decision we made was to choose BBB Accredited Businesses. These are businesses we know we can trust.

Now we’re working with three BBB Accredited Businesses, two of whom we have neverhad a relationship with before.

The first need was to have someone to assist us in making the decision on whetheror not to stay in the same office space or find a new space. We chose a leasing agent, Larry Traverence, Vice President, Commercial, Dexter Associates Realty Commercial (BBB Accredited Business since 1993).

Until now, we didn’t know Larry. Astounding. Larry worked with us to, first of all, make the decision on whether we want to stay or move to a new location. He would fare better in income if we chose to move, yet he helped us make the decision to stay.

Larry then strongly suggested that we determine our space requirements for at least the next five years. He encouraged us to ask ourselves hard questions,including if we foresaw an increase or decrease in staff in the next five years. He had us look at our current workspace and ask ourselves if we are using our space efficiently and may even require less space.

Larry recommended several times that we hire a space planner. I mention the word “several times” because we did not really see the need, but as he took us through the process, we could see that we are not the experts in effective use of space.

We know our business and what we need today and tomorrow to manage that business.We also know our company culture and realized that the way our office space presents itself to our visitors, guests, customers may not be presenting the image we want.

Sowe hired a space planner – Mila Djuras, Owner, Intermind Design Inc. (BBB Accredited Business since 2008). We didn’t know Mila, either. Astounding! Not only has she addressed a more efficient workspace and traffic flow, but she also captured and understood our culture and is working that into the “dressing up” part of the space planning!

And finally, we had some immediate additional work station requirements so contacted David Jacoby, Owner, JacobyOffice Innovations Inc. (BBB Accredited Business since 2001). Two days later, we received the work stations we needed. Astounding!

It is important to note that we did seek at least two quotes for each of the services and products we required. That’s the same advice we give to consumers every day.

All three companies provided excellent customer satisfaction. In fact, they exceeded our expectations. And we’re continuing to work with these companies to completion of the project.

So folks, we at the BBB walk the talk! We do everything we can to choose the right business the first time! Do your homework, check with the BBB, and help us decrease the huge volume of complaints in 2011. We will be very grateful!

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.

“Anytime there’s excitement around a big event like this, scammers will try to take advantage of unwitting fans,” says BBB president and CEO Lynda Pasacreta. “The most common way sports fans get scammed is by either paying for counterfeit tickets or paying in advance for tickets that never arrive.”

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’re real. 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.

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

4/12/2011

Posted on 4/12/2011 by

StanleyCup fever is taking over Vancouveras the Canucks head back to the playoffs, however, the BetterBusiness Bureau (BBB) advises fans to be on the lookout for scams whensearching for those elusive playoff tickets.

“Anytime there’s excitementaround a big event like this, scammers will try to take advantage of unwittingfans,” says BBB president and CEO Lynda Pasacreta. “Themost common way sports fans get scammed is by either paying for counterfeittickets or paying in advance for tickets that never arrive.”

The internet has become a boon for the secondary ticket market forsporting and entertainment events, which includes tickets bought and sold byprofessional brokers, speculators and season ticket holders. According toStubHub.com (a fan-to-fan ticket selling website), online sales account forone-third of transactions and the market is growing 15 to 20 per cent a year. Thatmany dollars being exchanged has attracted unethical ticket brokers andresellers.

BBB recommends looking for reputable ticket firms thatprovide buyer protections, including money back guarantees on the legitimacy oftickets. For example, some brokers take possession of tickets and verify themin-house before listing the tickets for resale; others require that sellersprovide 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 replacementtickets.

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

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

Look for an address. Some brokers advertising onlinethrough Craigslist and other classified sites may not be legitimate. Check tosee if they have a storefront address where you can follow up with them shouldanything go wrong with your purchase.

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

Read the fine print. Read through the terms andconditions and be sure to verify the ticket delivery dates. Find out whatguarantees 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 thetickets do not arrive or are counterfeit. Pay with a credit card or throughPayPal, both of which offer some protection to the buyer.

Buy tickets fromauthorized sources. Find out from the event organizerwho authorized dealers are and when tickets are being released. Forinstance, the Vancouver Canucks have a Twitter feed announcing the release ofnew 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 shouldalso click on the item number to view what was sold. It should send up a redflag 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 thatthe tickets are authentic. Askto see a receipt or paperwork showing where the tickets came from.

Be on the watch for phishing scams in wake of massive email hack, BBB warns

4/4/2011

Posted on 4/4/2011 by

Canadian customers of Best Buy and other large companies are among the growing list whose email addresses have been exposed by a security breach that occurred last week, according to a notice posted by Epsilon, an email marketing provider based in Texas who collects customer data for numerous corporations. BBB warns that these email addresses may be targeted for phishing attacks.

“It’s possible that you may receive phishing email messages as a result,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “The goal of these messages is to lead consumers to believe that a request for information is coming from a legitimate company―particularly one they’ve done business with before―when in reality it’s an attempt to collect information for fraudulent purposes.”

Other U.S.-based companies that are also affected by the security breach include Capital One, Barclays Bank, U.S. Bancorp, Citigroup, Walgreen Co., LL Bean Visa Card, Ritz-Carlton, Home Shopping Network, and Disney Destinations.

“Phishing” or “brand spoofing” scams are emails that appear to be from a legitimate company. Usually the messages advise that your account information needs to be updated or will be shut down unless you reconfirm your billing information, or that you have an order waiting to be verified. Phishers typically include these statements in their emails to get people to react immediately and to click on a link to a phony website to enter in their personal information, often asking for information such as credit card numbers, bank account information, social insurance numbers and passwords that will be used to commit fraud.

BBB advises the public to take these steps to avoid getting lured into a phishing scam:

Be cautious. Treat unsolicited email requests for financial information or other personal data with suspicion. Unsolicited means the email wasn't initiated in response to an action by the consumer. Do not reply to the unsolicited email or respond by clicking on a link within the unsolicited email message.

Verify the message. Contact the actual business that supposedly sent the email to verify if it is genuine. Visit a secure website or call a phone number that you know to be legitimate.

Check for security. Only enter personal information on a secure website that you know to be legitimate. Before submitting any information, look for the"padlock" icon on your browser's status bar and check that the address in your browser reads https://―these signal that your information is secure during transactions.

Use up-to-date software. Be sure to update anti-virus software and security patches to system software regularly, and use update versions of your internet browser. Phishing messages can exploit weaknesses in your browser and initiate a drive-by download of spyware or malware without your knowledge.

Monitor your transactions. Check your monthly statements to verify all transactions. Notify your bank immediately of any erroneous or suspicious transactions.

Report it. In Canada,report any suspicious e-mails to Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 (888) 495-8501 or info@antifraudcentre.ca.

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre also advises to watch for these signs that your identity is being used fraudulently:

A creditor informs you that an application for credit was received with your name and address, which you did not apply for.
Telephone calls or letters state that you have been approved or denied by a creditor that you never applied to.
You receive credit card statements or other bills in your name, which you did not apply for.
You no longer receive credit card statements or you notice that not all of your mail is delivered.
A collection agency informs you they are collecting for a defaulted account established with your identity and you never opened the account.

Creating a marketplace built on trust

3/31/2011

Posted on 3/31/2011 by Lynda Pasacreta

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 oftentimes becomes emotionally charged. We see this as an opportunity fora business to turn a dissatisfied customer into a lifelong customer, and BBB can help.

But never before have we dealt with the volume of complaints that came through our office last year – almost 10,000 filed complaints from consumers against businesses in B.C.!

We have four Dispute Resolution Counselors trying to service these complaints to the best of their abilities. This is extremely hard when each of our counselors is sitting with a caseload of 400 to 500 open complaints at any given time throughout the year.

So you can imagine our goal for this year: to decrease the amount of filed complaints to our BBB.

How do we do that? We educate, educate, 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.

These are the steps we can all take to build a trustworthy marketplace.

Choose carefully this tax season, advises BBB

3/29/2011

Posted on 3/29/2011 by

Choose your tax preparation service carefully, advises BBB

The last day to file your taxes isn’t until April 30, but many people are thinking about hiring a tax professional now. However, Better Business Bureau warnsthat consumers can run into serious problems if they don’t do their research to find a reputable tax preparer.

“Most tax professionals are qualified, reliable and honest,” says BBB President and CEO Lynda Pasacreta, “But it is well worth the time to look for a qualified, dependable and trustworthy service to avoid problems during and after consumers hand over their documents.”

Your 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. And find out if they can be reached year round―if there is a mistake or are required to undergo an audit, you want to make sure you can reach them after the tax season is complete.

Ask for references. Get referrals from satisfied clients.

Check with BBB. Visit www.mbc.bbb.org to determine if the tax preparer has a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.

Request a quote. Askfor 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 carriers a high interest rate.
Base their fee on a percentage of the refund amount, rather than the complexity of the tax return, or
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.

Be on the watch for tax-related scams

Each year new scams surface online, promising tax refunds and other incentives to get you to part with your personal information. Be on the watch for the following scams:

Phishing Scams. Never open or download attachments included with messages claiming to be from the CanadaRevenue Agency. Typically, these messages advise the recipient that they have qualified for a tax refund and need toclick on a link to enter their information. The link takes the person to a bogus website and requires the visitor to enter personal identification. CRA will not contact you via email.

Identity Theft. If you’re doing your taxes on your own online, don’t use a public wireless connection. Even using the latest wireless security encryption standards such as WPA2 can be risky, so use a wired connection when dealing with sensitive financial and personal information.

Malware. Refrain from openingany unsolicited tax-related email message, as some messages can exploit weaknesses in your browser and initiate a drive-by download of spyware or malware without your knowledge.

I Know Why Families Were Created

3/28/2011

Posted on 3/28/2011 by Lynda Pasacreta

“I know why families were created, with all their imperfections. They humanize you. They are made to make you forget yourself occasionally, so that the beautiful balance of life is not destroyed”

Writer, Anais Nin

I am the proud grandmother of three little girls―two of them moved to Calgary last year, much to me and my husband’s regret.

In the midst of an extremely busy time here at BBB, I decided to take a small break and fly to Calgary to visit my daughter and son-in-law and their two little ones, Lily and Esme.

Prior to the day of my flight to Calgary,I was feeling overwhelmed, a little beat up (you can’t make everyone happy all the time) and consumed with thoughts of work all hours of the day. I was experiencing physical pain in my back and my head, and suffering from allergies―ageneral malaise.

So for the price of accreditation with theBBB for one year, off I went to visit family. I was greeted at the airport by a grateful daughter (who works 60 hours a week, along with excelling at motherhood) who could not stop hugging me (I felt so needed).

We arrived at their house to be welcomed with screams of delight by the little ones who could not wait for me to pick them up (I felt so loved).

My son-in-law arrived home from work delighted by a scene of the care and love from extended family to his little family (I felt the strong ties that binds families together).

All the worries and doubts about my abilities disappeared for five days. My headaches, backaches, and general malaise were replaced with a feeling of well-being and peacefulness. Don’t get me wrong―there was a lot of work helping take care of and enjoying our little granddaughters.

I’ve returned home and have been back at work for a few days now, but still carry those peaceful feelings. And while some of those little aches and pains are starting to sneak in again, I just think about family to bring back the balance in my life.

Pay Attention: Investment Opportunities

3/9/2011

Posted on 3/9/2011 by

PayAttention: Investment Opportunities

An exclusive investment opportunity can sound veryappealing, but Better Business Bureau and BC Securities Commission would liketo advise people to pay attention if that opportunity appears to be targetingthose close to you.

“The friends and family you trust could be the targetof a fraud artist,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “People whorun scams work hard to join groups or become trusted advisors to people ofinfluence and that people often take the word of a friend.”

Investment opportunities that target those close toyou are called “affinity fraud”, fraud that occurs among friends, families, churchgroups, ethnic communities and workplace colleagues—in short, anywhere thatpeople trust each other based on common beliefs and interests.

“Affinity fraud occurs in groups where people trusteach other based on common beliefs,” says Lang Evans, BC Securities Commissionenforcement director. “It can happen anywhere, but most often we see it inChristian churches and ethnic communities in the Lower Mainland.”

A recent local example involves Sean Wan (Sean) Kim.Kim was a registered investment advisor who began offering “off-book” investmentsto some of his clients. He was a member of a Korean church in East Vancouver,and conducted his “off-book” business in a second Burnaby office.

Over a 30-month period, Kim exploited his reputationas a businessman in the local Korean community and the Korean-language churchto gain the trust of 36 Korean-speaking investors who gave him almost $16million.

As BCSC documents show, Kim lied to the investorsabout how their money would be invested, about the returns their money wouldearn, and forged BCSC documents to legitimize his scheme. Far from investingtheir money, he deposited it into his personal bank account.

Evans says that investment fraud can befinancially and spiritually devastating—all the more so when it involvesrelationships of trust. It can wipe out savings, ruin good health, embitterfamily and church relationships, and destroy trust.

To avoidthese devastating effects, pay attention to the following five warning signs.Watch out if you are told:

The investment is exclusive and available only to ‘those in the know’ or those within the particular faith or culture.

To keep the investment a secret.

That religious-based investments are not regulated. Religious-based investments are no different from other investment products.

That you have to make a decision immediately.

That you or other investors shouldn’t seek independent advice.

For more information, tools andresources to help you understand your investments and avoid investment fraud,visit www.investright.org, or check out a business with BBB at www.mbc.bbb.org.

This is thefinal in a series of releases for BBB’s Smart Shoppers event. Add more tipslike this to your shopping list at Smart Shoppers 2011—March 12, 11am-2pm,Metropolis @ Metrotown, Burnaby.Ask our panel of experts for information on how to become a smart shopper. Fordetails, visit www.smartshoppersbc.org.

"You will do as I say!" Leadership No-Nos

3/7/2011

Posted on 3/7/2011 by Lynda Pasacreta

How do you feel when you walk into the reception area of a company and the person behind the desk gives you a big smile and greets you enthusiastically? Or suddenly one ofthe employee’s steps out of the elevator, looks at you first, and then impartsa warm ‘hello’ before turning to the colleague to discuss something. Or maybe while you are waiting, someone offers you coffee or a glass of water. You can hear a general buzz of energy and activity in the offices behind the gateway to the company’s operations. It feels good to be a guest of this company!

When you look behind the scenes you will see a leader that knows how to engage her staff, thus creating trust, loyalty, longevity, and people who look like they enjoy coming to work everyday and enjoy their jobs! How do you think a customer will feel dealing with people who are genuinely happy?

Having been an employee with different organizations for over 40 years, I have some unforgettable experiences with some “bad” bosses.

Today, I listen to young people starting out their careers who are unfortunately working for peoplewho are darn right miserable, perhaps uninspiring or completely in the wrong job – way out their league.

Good employees deserve the ability to follow excellent, inspiring leaders who consistently act as mentors, so that if “management” is a future career goal for an individual they will learn by example. They will learn how to lead, inspire, motivate, and engage their team which at the end of the day goes directly to profit, productivity, and longevity in the marketplace.

A trip down memory lane…

Some examples of poor leadership from my experiences:

My very first job in the big city, I was enthusiastic, highly energetic, and ready to learn! Unfortunately, the environment in this particular office would not allow for any mistakes, not one! Imagine having someone go through your waste basket everyday to see how many typing mistakes you made that day. I did not last long before deciding that if this company was so afraid of their people making any mistakes, they were operating on fear and probably would not be taking any chances or risks eliminating creativity and the ability to compete effectively.

A good leader providesclear communication on expectations and allows employees to make mistakes fromtime to time without serious repercussions. A good leader teaches how to avoid making the same mistake again.

I once had a highly volatile, short-fused boss who constantly humiliated, criticized, and reprimanded his staff – especially when his bosses were putting pressure on him. I was very offended when he would attack people that were less confident. After he publicly made comments with a sexual connation to me at a client event I reported his behaviour to Human Resources. He was terminated.

A good leader takes his staff to a private room to discuss any concerning issues. Performance reviews should happen daily. Any employee problems should be dealt with immediately and with follow up to ensure understood and will not happen again.

Lazy bosses – I have had lazy bosses. In fact, I have had bosses that enjoy reading the paper and spending time on computers at work planning her social life while I was putting in 16 hour days doing work that she needed to report to her bosses. There was very little to no respect for this individual from her staff.

A good leader knows andvalues the skills of each individual. A good leader also recognizes work/life balance and works to enhance productivity while maintaining reasonable expectations from staff.

Finally, one of my favourite experiences of “how not to treat staff” was a boss that brought her personal life to work. When life at home was good, we could all breathe and enjoy our day. When things apparently were not so good, we all beared the brunt of her moods. Eventually, we learned that the best resolve for us, her staff, was to completely ignore her when she came into the office because we had no idea what her mood would be that day.

A good leader consistently demonstrates a positive attitude. Employees know what to expect and know that they will be treated fairly and will emulate the good leader’s behaviour.

An excellent leader is all about action, not status.

Next time you visit an office environment listen for the buzz and look for the smiles and then ask to meet the great leader behind all this!

Pay Attention: Fraud Awareness Month

3/2/2011

Posted on 3/2/2011 by

March is Fraud Awareness Month, so the Better Business Bureau reminds the public towatch out for scams targeting them at home and online.

“Scam artists will use any means necessary to separate people from their money,” saysBBB President and CEO Lynda Pasacreta. “While some scammers have gone online tosearch for victims, many others are relying on some tried-and-true low techmethods to take advantage of vulnerable people, like senior citizens and the unemployed.”

BBB advises consumers to pay attention and follow these five fraud prevention tips:

1. Say no to high pressure sales tactics. Every new season seems to attract a new door-to-door scammer offering unbelievable deals, but take the time to do your due diligence, getting the name and location of the company before you sign acontract.

2. Read the fine print. Online ads may be tempting, but be careful about signing up for so-called ‘free’ trial offers. Determine first whether you are enrolling in amembership, subscription, or service contract that allows the company to charge fees to credit cards.

3. Spot the phishing scam. Identity thieves are always looking for new ways to strike, and taking advantage of new technologies is a boon for scamming unsuspecting users. Never give credit information online or over the phone unless you are sure of the identity of the caller.

4. Not everyone on Facebook is your friend. Users of social networks areoften subject to targeted advertising and direct messages, and scams of allcolours use social networks to operate. Fraudulent work-at-home job offers are sent through Tweets and Facebook messages, deceptive “free” trials are advertised, and “clickjacking” on Facebook convinces users to post malicious links on their status updates.

5. Don’t wire your money. Scam artists will often ask you to wire money, and come up with elaborate scenarios to make you trust them. Watch out for job offers, overpayment situations, apartment rentals, and advance fee loans that ask you to wire money.

Add more tips like this to your shopping list at Smart Shoppers2011—March 12, 11am-2pm, Metropolis @ Metrotown, Burnaby. Ask our panel of experts for information on how to become a smart shopper. For details, visit www.smartshoppersbc.org.

Pay Attention: Fraud Awareness Month

3/2/2011

Posted on 3/2/2011 by

Marchis Fraud Awareness Month, so the Better Business Bureau reminds the public towatch out for scams targeting them at home and online.

“Scamartists will use any means necessary to separate people from their money,” saysBBB President and CEO Lynda Pasacreta. “While some scammers have gone online tosearch for victims, many others are relying on some tried-and-true low techmethods to take advantage of vulnerable people, like senior citizens and theunemployed.”

BBBadvises consumers to pay attention and follow these five fraud prevention tips:

1. Say noto high pressure sales tactics. Every new season seems to attract a newdoor-to-door scammer offering unbelievable deals, but take the time to do yourdue diligence, getting the name and location of the company before you sign acontract.

2. Read the fine print. Online ads may be tempting, but be careful about signing up forso-called ‘free’ trial offers. Determine first whether you are enrolling in amembership, subscription, or service contract that allows the company to chargefees to credit cards.

3. Spotthe phishing scam. Identity thieves are always looking for new ways tostrike, and taking advantage of new technologies is a boon for scammingunsuspecting users. Never give credit information online or over the phoneunless you are sure of the identity of the caller.

4. Noteveryone on Facebook is your friend. Users of social networks areoften subject to targeted advertising and direct messages, and scams of allcolours use social networks to operate. Fraudulent work-at-home job offers aresent through Tweets and Facebook messages, deceptive “free” trials areadvertised, and “clickjacking” on Facebook convinces users to post maliciouslinks on their status updates.

5. Don’t wire your money. Scam artists will often ask you to wire money, and come up withelaborate scenarios to make you trust them. Watch out for job offers,overpayment situations, apartment rentals, and advance fee loans that ask youto wire money.

Add more tips like this to your shopping list at Smart Shoppers2011—March 12, 11am-2pm, Metropolis @ Metrotown, Burnaby. Ask our panel of experts forinformation on how to become a smart shopper. For details, visit www.smartshoppersbc.org.

Pay Attention: Smart Shopping Tips

3/2/2011

Posted on 3/2/2011 by

March is Fraud Awareness Month, so the Better Business Bureau is offering consumers smart shopping tips to help them recognize and avoid the frauds and scams targeting them.

This guide will help consumers know what questions they should be asking and what red flags to watch out for to avoid trouble, whether they’re shopping online or in store.

Shopping Online

Use trustworthy websites. Start with BBB to check on the seller’s reputation and record for customer satisfaction. Watch for the BBB seal on their website and click on it to view their business review.

Protect your computer. Always have the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and antispyware software, and a secure firewall.

Protect your personal information. Take time to read the privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used.

Trust your gut. Offers on websites and in unsolicited emails can often sound too good to be true. Always go with your instincts and don’t be afraid to pass up a “deal”.

Confirm your online purchase is secure. Always look in the address box for the “s” in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying.

Pay with a credit card. It’s best to use a credit card because you can dispute the charges if you don’t receive the item or if there are unauthorized charges.

Keep documentation of your order. After completing the online order process, there may be a final confirmation page or the shopper might receive confirmation by e-mail―save a copy as a record of the purchase.

Retail Shopping

Check out the business. Start with BBB to check on the seller’s reputation and record for customer satisfaction.

Do your research. There are a lot of products and retailers to choose from. Know what you have in mind before you visit retailers so you can ask pertinent questions and not get pressured into a product that’s not right for you.

Ask about their refund policy. Find out what the refund and exchange policy is before purchasing and get it in writing. Returns may require a copy of the receipt, may not apply to all items, or valid only within acertain time frame. A condition of return could be a deduction from the original purchase price, like a restocking fee.

Don’t always settle on the best priced product. Ask the salesperson for a complete description, understanding that the best guarantee of good performance for many years is to invest in the highest quality product you can afford. It will save you money in the long term.

Read the contract closely. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions. Is their a guarantee on the product? If so, is it with the manufacturer or the retailer? Is their a return policy if you are dissatisfied with the product? If the business is offering delivery, find out if there is a charge and if the delivery time is negotiable.

Add more tips like this to your shopping list at Smart Shoppers 2011—March 12, 11am-2pm,Metropolis @ Metrotown, Burnaby. Ask our panel of experts for information on how to become a smart shopper. For details, visit www.smartshoppersbc.org.

Pay Attention: Smart Shopping Tips for Fraud Awareness Month

3/1/2011

Posted on 3/1/2011 by

March isFraud Awareness Month, so the Better Business Bureau is offering consumerssmart shopping tips to help them recognize and avoid the frauds and scamstargeting them.

Thisguide will help consumers know what questions they should be asking and whatred flags to watch out for to avoid trouble, whether they’re shopping online orin store.

Shopping Online

Use trustworthy websites. Start with BBB to check on the seller’sreputation and record for customer satisfaction. Watch for the BBB seal ontheir website and click on it to view their business review.

Protect your computer. Always have the most recent updatesinstalled for spam filters, anti-virus and antispyware software, and a secure firewall.

Protect your personal information. Take time to read the privacypolicy and understand what personal information is being requested and how itwill be used.

Trust your gut. Offers on websites and inunsolicited emails can often sound too good to be true. Always go with yourinstincts and don’t be afraid to pass up a “deal”.

Confirm your online purchase issecure. Alwayslook in the address box for the “s” in https:// and in the lower-right cornerfor the “lock” symbol before paying.

Pay with a credit card. It’s best to use a credit card becauseyou can dispute the charges if you don’t receive the item or if there areunauthorized charges.

Keep documentation of your order. After completing the online orderprocess, there may be a final confirmation page or the shopper might receiveconfirmation by e-mail―save a copy as a record of the purchase.

Retail Shopping

Check out the business. Start with BBB to check on the seller’sreputation and record for customer satisfaction.

Do your research. There are a lot of products andretailers to choose from. Know what you have in mind before you visit retailersso you can ask pertinent questions and not get pressured into a product that’snot right for you.

Ask about their refund policy. Find out what the refund andexchange policy is before purchasing and get it in writing. Returns may requirea copy of the receipt, may not apply to all items, or valid only within acertain time frame. A condition of return could be a deduction from the originalpurchase price, like a restocking fee.

Don’t always settle on the bestpriced product.Ask the salesperson for a complete description, understanding that the bestguarantee of good performance for many years is to invest in the highestquality product you can afford. It will save you money in the long term.

Read the contract closely. Make sure you understand the termsand conditions. Is their a guarantee on the product? If so, is it with themanufacturer or the retailer? Is their a return policy if you are dissatisfiedwith the product? If the business is offering delivery, find out if there is acharge and if the delivery time is negotiable.

Add more tips likethis to your shopping list at Smart Shoppers 2011—March 12, 11am-2pm,Metropolis @ Metrotown, Burnaby.Ask our panel of experts for information on how to become a smart shopper. Fordetails, visit www.smartshoppersbc.org.

Pay Attention: Smart Shopping Tips for Fraud Awareness Month

3/1/2011

Posted on 3/1/2011 by

March is Fraud Awareness Month, so the Better Business Bureau is offering consumerssmart shopping tips to help them recognize and avoid the frauds and scams targeting them.

This guide will help consumers know what questions they should be asking and what red flags to watch out for to avoid trouble, whether they’re shopping online or in store.

Shopping Online

Protect your computer. Always have the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and antispyware software, and a secure firewall.

Protect your personal information. Take time to read the privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used.

Trust your gut. Offers on websites and in unsolicited emails can often sound too good to be true. Always go with your instincts and don’t be afraid to pass up a “deal”.

Confirm your online purchase issecure. Always look in the address box for the “s” in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying.

Pay with a credit card. It’s best to use a credit card because you can dispute the charges if you don’t receive the item or if there are unauthorized charges.

Retail Shopping

Check out the business. Start with BBB to check on the seller’s reputation and record for customer satisfaction.

Ask about their refund policy. Find out what the refund and exchange policy is before purchasing and get it in writing. Returns may require a copy of the receipt, may not apply to all items, or valid only within a certain time frame. A condition of return could be a deduction from the original purchase price, like a restocking fee.

Don’t always settle on the best priced product.Ask the salesperson for a complete description, understanding that the best guarantee of good performance for many years is to invest in the highest quality product you can afford. It will save you money in the long term.

Add more tips likethis to your shopping list at Smart Shoppers 2011—March 12, 11am-2pm,Metropolis @ Metrotown, Burnaby.Ask our panel of experts for information on how to become a smart shopper. For details, visit www.smartshoppersbc.org.

Looking back to look ahead

2/18/2011

Posted on 2/18/2011 by Lynda Pasacreta

Almost 100 years ago, Coca Cola and the U.S. government had a disagreement about whether Coca Cola’s advertising at the time was false and misleading to consumers.

Just to keep the story simple, Coca Cola felt strongly about government regulating businesses. Joining forces with Rotary Clubs at the time, a passionate person from Coca Cola took the show on the road to raise awareness of the importance of self-regulation in businesses. What eventually evolved was the very first code of advertising.

That very first code of advertising laid the roots for today’s BBB.

Trust is the key element in messages communicated from businesses to consumers. Simply put, the role of the BBB in the marketplace is to help consumers find businesses they can trust—even if they don’t know them!

Today, there are 122 Better Business Bureaus in North America, with 14 of those located across Canada.

The BBB of Mainland BC was started in Vancouver by a Rotary Club in 1938. Consumers were looking for an organization to help them find good businesses and to help them if things went wrong. Rotary found the dispute resolution side very challenging and resource heavy. Thus evolved our BBB!

Today we continue to be a not-for-profit association supported by businesses that have been accredited by the BBB. We are not a government agency. We are governed by and provided direction by a volunteer Board of Directors, comprising owner and managers of all types of businesses in the marketplace.

Our Better Business Bureau is licensed to operate in the mainland of BC (Vancouver Island has its own BBB. The East Kootenay’s and Peace River area is taken care of by the Edmonton and Calgary BBB’s) and the Yukon.

Fast forward to 2011

Businesses of all sizes have to ensure that their potential customers can find them and, even more important, trust them to treat them well as a customer.

Everyone loves stats, so here are some juicy numbers to show that your potential customers are calling us looking for you:

And the number of accredited business increased to 3,300 in 2010, from 3,200 the year before.

As you can see, we are a very important resource for consumers to make sure that they are choosing the right business the first time. Choosing the right business saves them:

money (they don’t have to pay to have the right work done again)
time (time off work to fix the problem)
stress (loss of hard-earned money, worry about resolution)

Over the next few months, we will be contacting many of the 81,000 businesses that we report on to request updates on the basic company information such as verifying type of business (can be several different categories), trade license numbers, description of products and services, and so on.

Some key information will assist in assigning a letter grade to each business: volume of business, number of employees, and time in business all provide information to consumers on the size of your business and your track record in the marketplace.

Your potential customers are telling you that the BBB is a key source of information to find you, a good business they can trust!

Take a look at your BBB Business Review today and make sure we have the right information for your customers to find you. Visit our website at www.mbc.bbb.org or contact us at 604.681.2711 or toll free 1.888.803.1222.

Pay Attention: Choosing a debt settlement company

2/15/2011

Posted on 2/15/2011 by
Canadians are becoming more aware of the importance of lowering their personal debt, but here in B.C. consumers are still struggling to keep their credit in check. As a result, many are turning to debt settlement services for help―without taking the necessary steps to check out the company they’re dealing with first.

Offers to help reduce monthly payments and settle your debts can be very enticing, but it’s important to understand what the implications are and the track record of the company before entering into any agreement to negotiate your debt.

In the last two months, numerous companies identifying themselves as debt settlement experts or credit counsellors have begun advertising in the Lower Mainland, prompting hundreds of inquiries to BBB.

One of those companies, a Florida-based organization called the Vortex Debt Group Inc., has been aggressively promoting their debt negotiation services. However, they have a D rating with the BBB, based on 35 complaints filed against them. Another California-based company, called Cambridge Life Solutions Inc., has established a mailing address in Vancouver and already generated over 300 inquiries from consumers in just over a month. Both companies offer debt settlement services and require the majority of their fees to be paid in advance of negotiating consumers' personal debt with creditors.

Consumers need to carefully consider all viable options to resolve their financial difficulties and the long term impact of these options before choosing a course of action. Debt settlement is not always in the best interest of the consumer. The financial fallout—in the form of damaged credit ratings that take years to rebuild or recourse by creditors—can be devastating.

Before agreeing to allow a third-party to negotiate your debt with creditors, BBB and the Credit Counselling Society recommends consumers ask the following questions to ensure that they're dealing with the right company and getting the best guidance:

Is the company licensed and regulated by a government body in B.C.?
In British Columbia, Consumer Protection BC licenses and regulates debt settlement organizations by issuing debt collection and debt pooler licenses. Consumers can find out if an organization has a good reputation by checking with BBB or Consumer Protection BC. If a company is not regulated, consumers have little recourse if something goes wrong.

How does the company and their representative get paid, and do they still get paid if they are unsuccessful at negotiating a debt settlement for you?
If a for-profit company insists on payment upfront before reviewing your finances, or pays its representatives on commission, you may not be receiving the best advice on dealing with your debt. Keep in mind that debt negotiating companies cannot guarantee that creditors will accept their proposal to settle your debt for less than half of what you owe. If they are unsuccessful at negotiating on your behalf, find out if they will give you your money back.

What percentage of their clients successfully settle their debts with creditors?
Some companies will make claims about the number of clients that they've successfully helped negotiate their debt. It’s important to ask the debt negotiating company to provide proof to validate their claims.

Will your creditors work with the company?
While some companies may claim numerous success stories and assure you that creditors will work with them, there is no guarantee. If you are maintaining your payments, have a regular income or assets like real estate, your creditors may not accept a proposal to settle your debt.

Will the company help you to evaluate all options to resolve your financial difficulties?
If the company only offers debt settlement services it may be in your best interests to obtain a second opinion from an organization with professionally trained and accredited credit counsellors.

For more information, visit Credit Counselling Society at www.nomoredebts.org, or check out a business with BBB at www.mbc.bbb.org.

This is the first in a series of releases for BBB’s Smart Shoppers event. Add more tips like this to your shopping list at Smart Shoppers 2011—March 12, 11am-2pm, Metropolis @ Metrotown, Burnaby. Ask our panel of experts for information on how to become a smart shopper. For details, visit www.smartshoppersbc.org.

Valentine’s day scams can be heart breakers

2/7/2011

Posted on 2/7/2011 by
Valentine’s Day is a day for romance and expressions of love, but it’s also an opportune time for scam artists to take advantage of those looking for love and steal their hearts—and their money.

“Valentine’s is an emotional time for many people,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “But if you’re not careful, you could fall victim to a Valentine’s Day scam.”

For those who are searching for love or are already in a relationship, the Better Business Bureau warns people to watch out for these scams:

Online Dating
Millions of Canadians are using online dating sites to look for that perfect match. But scammers also use these sites, looking for their own match perfect victim. They target singles of any age and in any location, creating fake profiles designed to convince their victim to send them money in the name of love. Others are even more bold, arranging to meet single women in person before stealing their valuables at the first opportunity.

Tip: Don’t fall for a person who claims to be in love with you at first sight. Scammers usually use emotional ties to increase the chances of getting your money. If your match asks you to pay for the travel expenses, there is a high probability that it is a scam.

E-Cards
Phishing scams that target people waiting for notes of love are all too common. One common Valentine’s Day scam comes in the form of an email, which directs the recipient to a fake website that looks like a popular greeting card website, like Hallmark. The site prompts the recipient of the card to download the latest version of Flash Player in order to view the card. Once the user clicks the link, a virus is automatically downloaded and invades their computer, exposing the person and their email contact book to potential identity theft and financial loss. Other phishing scams prompt targets to provide credit card and other personal information in order to read the e-card.

Tip: Make sure you only open emails, attachments, and links from people you know. Enhance your email filters to block any such threats. Watch out for unsolicited emails with subject lines like “Someone just sent you an e-card” or “Send your loved one a Valentine's Day card today”.

Online Florists
Flowers can say “I love you”, and a florist is just a phone call or click away. But not all florists are created equal. One Surrey-based online florist, Pink Lotus Florist, has received 112 complaints from the BBB in the last three years and has an F-rating. Complaints that allege that either the flowers were not delivered as promised (wrong flowers or arrangements) or not delivered at all. Some consumers claim that the charges to their credit card were not as agreed upon. A number of complaints also expressed concern with a $10 processing fee that was charged after canceling the transaction when the flowers did not arrive on the date promised.

Tip: Consumers should make sure to read the terms and conditions before making any online purchase, and check out the company’s BBB rating at www.mbc.bbb.org. Consider shopping locally with a business you know rather than one you found online.

It was luck that got me here!

1/28/2011

Posted on 1/28/2011 by Lynda Pasacreta

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with an expert in leadership/executive coaching* and has the credentials to show it.

She offered to meet with me after a speech that I presented to a business organization. She said that she was very experienced working with people in high profile positions and assisting them to deliver their messages effectively.

I must say that I was intrigued but also quite frightened. My initial response was that the “gig” was up; an expert had figured out that I was an imposter! I really did not deserve to be the President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau!

Donning my armour of steel and my best attitude to hear criticism, we met for a lovely breakfast. She asked me questions – the who, what, where, why and how questions – the ones that get full answers!

Very quickly, she was able to state that I suffered from an extremely common malady known as the Impostor Syndrome. Yikes, I am in the business of finding fraudsters – was I one of them?

Wikipedia defines the Impostor Syndrome as follows:

“The impostor syndrome, sometimes called impostor phenomenon or fraud syndrome, is a psychological phenomenon in which people are unable to internalize their accomplishments. It is not an officially recognized psychological disorder, but has been the subject of numerous books and articles by psychologists and educators. The term was coined by clinical psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978.

Regardless of what level of success they may have achieved in their chosen field of work or study or what external proof they may have of their competence, those with the syndrome remain convinced internally they do not deserve the success they have achieved and are actually frauds. Proof of success is dismissed as luck, timing, or as a result of deceiving others into thinking they were more intelligent and competent than they believe themselves to be.

She actually brought me to tears. This syndrome is actually very common amongst successful people – thought to be mostly women suffering from this but recently studies have equal number of men also having challenges in this area.”

She highly recommended a book to assist me on creating a new language when I speak to myself – Seven Languages for Transformation, How the way we talk can change the way we work, by Roger Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey.

I am proud to say that after my epiphany I did order the book. It is laid out as a workbook which ensures that you fully understand each concept before moving on to the next. It also encourages you to answer some tough questions about barriers and assumptions we carry about ourselves that can be changed.

Some questions you can ask yourself (from the website www.impostersyndrome.com) to see if you need to learn how to speak to yourself in a different language are:

· Do you secretly worry that others will find out that you're not as bright and capable as they think you are?
· Do you sometimes shy away from challenges because of nagging self-doubt?
· Do you tend to chalk your accomplishments up to being a "fluke," “no big deal” or the fact that people just "like" you?
· Do you hate making a mistake, being less than fully prepared or not doing things perfectly?
· Do you tend to feel crushed by even constructive criticism, seeing it as evidence of your "ineptness?"
· When you do succeed, do you think, "Phew, I fooled 'em this time but I may not be so lucky next time."
· Do you believe that other people (students, colleagues, competitors) are smarter and more capable than you are?
· Do you live in fear of being found out, discovered, unmasked?

I am so glad that I embraced the potential of hearing some criticism about myself and agreed to meet with this wonderful person.

It is never too late to learn, understand, listen and change things about yourself that create barriers, limit your abilities and create additional stressors in your life that can be eliminated.

I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma. ~Eartha Kitt

*My new mentor is Sabina Nawaz, Nawaz Executive Consulting Ltd., website: www.sabinanawaz.com, email: info@sabinanawaz.com

Tell a friend, who will tell a friend

1/19/2011

Posted on 1/19/2011 by Lynda Pasacreta

An age old challenge for all businesses is to keep what they have, attract who they want to attract and do it all without losing the farm.

What is the one element that many businesses do not seem to take advantage of, or worse, not even notice? Referrals from customers who love your work ethics, your product, your service and your staff – you know what I am talking about!

Getting that steady stream of referrals is the ultimate dream of any business – especially if they are your desired customers.

How do you start the dream machine producing? Identify your customers who are champions of your business – love your products, service, etc. Also identify those customers who are already referring qualified customers your way.

Also develop and determine strategic partnerships – for example, one of our BBB Accredited Business in the outside sprinkler business partnered with a company that does inside sprinkler work – what a referral network they must be developing! You easily become champions of each others work ethic, products, services etc.

You also have to ensure that your referral network is handing you the customer you want – you need to educate your referral network as to who is your desired customer. For example, a renovations company has determined their focus is primarily on projects related to the multi unit residential buildings. They want to attract rental property owners, property management companies and strata corporations. Single family homes would not be the customer they would want referrals.

Find out as much as you can from your referral network what type of customers they are looking for so you can reciprocate.

How do you keep your referral network motivated to continually send you qualified customers? Get creative. A landscaping company could offer a gardener for the day as a reward for a great qualified referral. It does not always have to money.

Make sure you always thank your referral champions and recognize them on an ongoing basis.

And you didn’t bet the farm!

Better Business Bureau announces Top Ten Scams for 2011

1/14/2011

Posted on 1/14/2011 by

This year’s Top Ten Scams looks at not only those scams that affected us in 2010, but what to watch out for in 2011. One of the biggest trends is in scam artists taking advantage of the public’s eagerness to embrace new technologies and services, like social media and online commerce, which allows them to cast a net over countless victims from a safe distance.

“Many people view their online personas as separate from their real-life ones, and don’t take the same precautions to protect their identities, their computers, or their money” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “They differentiate their online experience from their non-virtual environment, and as a result are particularly vulnerable to scams. Scam artists are savvy to consumers who click first and ask questions later.”

While some scammers have gone online to search for victims, many others are relying on some tried-and-true low tech methods to take advantage of vulnerable people, like senior citizens and the unemployed.

The following Top Ten Scams list, themed “How to Spot Them and How to Stop Them”, is developed jointly by BBB, Consumer Protection BC, and Competition Bureau of Canada. In no specific order, here are the Top Ten Scams to be on the lookout for in 2011 (PDF version):

1. Door-to-Door Scams

Every new season seems to attract a new door-to-door scammer offering unbelievable deals: roofing contractors in the spring, paving contractors in the summer, and heating contractors in the fall. These fraudulent contractors use high pressure sales tactics to frighten people into expensive yet substandard—and often unnecessary—work, with no way to contact them when the product fails.

QUICK TIP: Don’t give in to high pressure sales tactics. Take the time to do your due diligence, getting the name and location of the company and ensuring all details and verbal promises are included in a contract. If you did sign a contract and would like change your mind, BC law states that if it was a door-to-door sales contract then you have 10 days to cancel by advising the company. Suspicious door-to-door sales should be reported to Consumer Protection BC at 1 (888) 564-9963 or www.consumerprotectionbc.ca

2. Not-so-Free Trial Offers

Online ads may tempt you to try out a diet product, acne cream, or teeth whitener, but be careful about signing up for so-called ‘free’ trial offers. Many websites that offer a free trial for products do not disclose the billing terms and conditions on their website. Before giving the company any credit or debit card information, review the website fully and be aware that free trials may result in repeated billing.

QUICK TIP: Consumers considering trial offers are urged to determine whether they are enrolling in a membership, subscription, or service contract that allows the company to charge fees to credit cards. Check with BBB to find a company reliability report at bbb.org.

3. Anti-Social Network

Social networks like Facebook and Twitter are becoming more and more popular. Users are often subject to targeted advertising and direct messages, and scams of all colours use social networks to operate. Fraudulent work-at-home job offers are sent through Tweets and Facebook messages, deceptive “free” trials are advertised, and “clickjacking” on Facebook convinces users to post malicious links on their status updates.

QUICK TIP: Your computer should always have the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a secure firewall. Use the most up-to-date versions of your web browser to offer further protection. Be wary of messages from friends and especially strangers that direct you to another website via a hyperlink. To learn more about how to protect yourself from false or misleading advertising, contact the Competition Bureau at competitionbureau.gc.ca or 1 (800) 348-5358.

4. Advance Fee Loans

Consumers have reported losing substantial sums of money responding to advertisements that “guarantee” loans to people, often online. Consumers complete credit applications and are told the loan (from $5,000 to $100,000) has been approved and the promised funds will be received once a fee is paid. After payment, the loan is never received as promised.

QUICK TIP: It is illegal for a company to charge a fee in advance to obtain a loan, even if that fee is disguised as the first or last month’s payment. Watch for claims of “guaranteed” loans even if you have bad credit, no credit, or a bankruptcy, and demands that you wire or send money before you can have a loan offer confirmed in writing. Report any suspected fraudulent schemes to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1 (888) 495-8501 or antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

5. Phishing, Vishing, and Smishing

Identity thieves are always looking for new ways to strike, and taking advantage of new technologies is a boon for scamming unsuspecting users. “Phishing” scams send emails that look legitimate, requesting that your “account information needs to be updated.” Recipients are sent to a phony, but legitimate looking website and prompted to enter their information details. “Vishing” attacks come via telephone, usually through a recorded message that tells users to call a toll-free number. The caller is then typically asked to punch in a credit card number or other personal information. “Smishing” scams target mobile device users, sending text messages that might ask a recipient to register for a service that downloads a virus or warn that the consumer will be charged unless he cancels his supposed order by going to a website that then extracts such credit card numbers and other private data. These are all tactics to get you to reveal personal or financial information.

QUICK TIP: If you receive these messages just delete them and do not click on any links, and hang up on callers you aren’t familiar with. Never give credit information online or over the phone unless you are sure of the identity of the caller. 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).

6. Relative Scam

This phone scam targets grandparents who think they are aiding their grandchildren by sending money for an emergency situation, but are in fact giving thousands of dollars to con artists. The victim receives a distressed phone call from someone he believes is his grandchild, who typically explains that he has 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.

QUICK TIP: Watch for the common tactics. The scam caller might say, “It’s me, your favorite grandchild” or “Grandma, do you know who this is?”, to which the grandparent will guess the name of the grandchild it sounds the most like, and then the call proceeds from there. Other scammers search Facebook profiles to find out when grandchildren and other family members are out of town before placing their well-timed phone calls. Seniors should always confirm the status of the individual by verifying the story with other family members before taking any further action like wiring money. Victims should report any suspected fraudulent schemes to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1 (888) 495-8501 or antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

7. Job Scams

In tough economic times, scammers target the unemployed and others through work-at-home, online, and mystery shopper job scams. Online job-hunters are told they will be paid to work from home once payment is sent for a start-up kit that never arrives. Mystery shoppers are hired to secret shop a wire-transfer service; they’re sent a cheque, told to deposit it, keep a small percentage of the money as their wage, wire the rest, and then complete the survey on the service you encounter. The so-called business address often turns out to be fake, with the money wire-transferred to another unknown location. In the end, the cheque received is a counterfeit or bogus, which the victim finds out only days later when it’s returned by their bank and they are out the money transferred.

QUICK TIP: Be skeptical of work-at-home and mystery shopper ads in newspapers or online job listings. In most cases, these are bogus services requiring you to pay money upfront. Avoid companies that promise guaranteed jobs and that sell directories of companies that provide mystery shoppers. Check with the BBB first.

8. Business Opportunities

You may have heard about a new investment opportunity presentation in your neighbourhood. Perhaps a good friend or family member has invited you to attend a presentation. These investments appear lucrative, but often are more hype than substance. Attendees don’t know anything about the company and are desperate to hear that it is legit. The promoter convinces investors that they can be part owners of investment portfolios if they enlisted new recruits, often promising commissions.

QUICK TIP: In reality, this is most likely a pyramid scheme. The new capital brought on by new investors is keeping this imaginary investment afloat. Get the facts. If you do go to an information session, collect business cards, promotional materials, and ask questions: Who are the principals of the company? What are the average earnings for a “typical” participant? What is the start-up cost? Gather as much information as possible before agreeing to anything. To report misleading advertising and deceptive marketing practices contact the Competition Bureau at competitionbureau.gc.ca or 1 (800) 348-5358. Visit BC Securities Commission at investright.org for information on how to select an advisor and what to look out for when choosing to invest.

9. Business Directory Scams

Small business owners are often targets of scammers. Unauthorized invoices, unordered packages, and phony business directories are all common tactics used to bilk businesses out of money. Many businesses have received lookalike, or phony, invoices for advertising space in the familiar, locally distributed yellow page directories. These invoices are actually solicitations for listings in alternative business directories that differ from the well-known yellow pages. In fact, the different directory may not be that widely distributed, can be of little or no value to advertisers, or may never be published at all.

QUICK TIP: Businesses can protect themselves by alerting their accounting department or bill-payers to be on the look-out for disguised solicitations and carefully check suspicious bills from companies with which they don’t normally do business. To check the reliability of the company that is sending the solicitation, businesses should contact the BBB.

10. Overpayment Scams

Online buyers and sellers, particularly those that use websites like Craigslist and Kijiji, are potential targets for overpayment scams. A person selling merchandise is contacted by someone claiming to be interested in buying the product. The purchaser arranges to make the payment by cheque and even offers more than the value of the product, asking for the extra money to be sent back to them by cheque or wired to an account. The cheque turns out to be fraudulent, leaving the shipper out of both funds and product.

QUICK TIP: If you sell a product and the purchaser agrees to pay by cheque for more than the asking price, stop right there. The money being wired back will be lost, and the person who cashed the bogus cheque will be on the hook for the whole sum. Online buyers should watch out for deals that appear too good to be true, like items selling for below market value. Sellers of these items claim to reside out of town and will ask for shipping costs to be wired to them, when in fact the goods listed don’t even exist.

Get Ripped, Not Ripped Off

1/12/2011

Posted on 1/12/2011 by

Each year, thousands of consumers across B.C. follow through with their New Year’s resolution to get fit by joining a fitness or health club.

Most people who join health clubs are pleased with their choices, but others are not. They have problems with high-pressure sales tactics, misrepresentations of facilities and services, broken cancellation and refund clauses and lost membership fees as a result of spas or clubs going out of business.

In 2010, the Better Business Bureau serving Mainland B.C. received over 5,100 inquiries about health clubs and fitness centres: a 15 per cent increase since 2008.

Recently, Kitsilano Workout closed its doors, leaving many of its members out of pocket for their pre-paid memberships. And some locations of Gold's Gym and FitCity For Women have received an “F” rating from BBB.

The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to consider the following tips before joining a fitness club:

Shop around. Compare clubs to find one that matches your interests and your budget. Check the company’s reliability report with the BBB before making a long-term commitment by visiting www.mbc.bbb.org or calling 604-682-2711 (1-888-803-1222 in the Interior).

Take your time. Give yourself time to make your final decision, and don’t cave in to high-pressure sales. A hasty commitment to take advantage of a limited time offer may cost you more in the long run. Ask about free trials, and see if you can sample the services and equipment before you buy.

Read the contract carefully. Get any verbal promises in writing. Determine if you can afford the payments and total cost. Make sure you’re satisfied with the cooling off period and cancellation rights. What happens if you move, lose your job, become sick, or the club relocates or closes? In the event of the latter, you may be able to use your membership card at another facility (if the club belongs to a chain or association allowing you to use another gym’s membership, for example). However, keep in mind your original purchasing decision was not based on a fitness club you’ve never been to at an inconvenient location.

Find out if the club is suitable for you. Make sure the hours and location are convenient, and that you’re satisfied that the staff is qualified and helpful. Find out what sorts of programs and fitness classes are offered to match your lifestyle, and if those programs are included in your membership fees or cost extra.

Know yourself and plan a routine. Assess how often you’re going to use the club and compare the costs of long- and short-term memberships with drop-in visits.

BBB suggests paying by credit card in case the club suddenly closes, but don’t part with any funds before signing a contract. Finally, never sign up with a club that hasn’t yet opened.

Top Ten Scams

1/12/2011

Posted on 1/12/2011 by

Better Business Bureau – Top Ten Scams Press Conference

When: Friday, January 14 @ 12:00pm

VANCOUVER—The Better Business Bureau serving Mainland BC is releasing its annual “Top Ten Scams” report on January 14th at the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) Media Room.

New items that have been added to this year’s list include:

· Door-to-Door Scams

· Social Network Scams

· Phishing, Vishing, and Smishing Scams

· Relative Scams

· Business Directory Scams

This annual report is a barometer of the fraudulent activity from the past 12 months and what to watch out for in the coming year. It is a joint effort by BBB, Consumer Protection BC, and Competition Bureau of Canada.

Get Ripped, Not Ripped Off

1/11/2011

Posted on 1/11/2011 by

Each year, thousands of consumers across B.C. follow through with their New Year’s resolution to get fit by joining a fitness or health club.

In 2010, the Better Business Bureau serving Mainland B.C. received over 5,100 inquiries about health clubs and fitness centres: a 15 per cent increase since 2008.

The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to consider the following tips before joining a fitness club:

Know yourself and plan a routine. Assess how often you’re going to use the club and compare the costs of long- and short-term memberships with drop-in visits.

BBB suggests paying by credit card in case the club suddenly closes, but don’t part with any funds before signing a contract. Finally, never sign up with a club that hasn’t yet opened.

Get Ripped, Not Ripped Off

1/11/2011

Posted on 1/11/2011 by

Each year, thousands of consumers across B.C. follow through with their New Year’s resolution to get fit by joining a fitness or health club.

In 2010, the Better Business Bureau serving Mainland B.C. received over 5,100 inquiries about health clubs and fitness centres: a 15 per cent increase since 2008.

The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to consider the following tips before joining a fitness club:

Know yourself and plan a routine. Assess how often you’re going to use the club and compare the costs of long- and short-term memberships with drop-in visits.

BBB suggests paying by credit card in case the club suddenly closes, but don’t part with any funds before signing a contract. Finally, never sign up with a club that hasn’t yet opened.

Get Ripped, Not Ripped Off

1/11/2011

Posted on 1/11/2011 by

Each year, thousands of consumers across B.C. follow through with their New Year’s resolution to get fit by joining a fitness or health club.

In 2010, the Better Business Bureau serving Mainland B.C. received over 5,100 inquiries about health clubs and fitness centres: a 15 per cent increase since 2008.

The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to consider the following tips before joining a fitness club:

Know yourself and plan a routine. Assess how often you’re going to use the club and compare the costs of long- and short-term memberships with drop-in visits.

BBB suggests paying by credit card in case the club suddenly closes, but don’t part with any funds before signing a contract. Finally, never sign up with a club that hasn’t yet opened.

Dealing with negativity in the workplace

1/7/2011

Posted on 1/7/2011 by Lynda Pasacreta

One unhappy person in a work environment can create a low performing, highly stressed negative team environment. It does not work in the reverse – one happy person in the workplace does not create a highly productive positive environment.

We hear of many complaints from business owners, business leaders and managers of the amount of destruction that one or two unhappy individuals can cause in an organization. Typically these individuals have been able to continue with the negative behaviour over a long period of time. What happens often, is that businesses lose good employees who just do not choose to work in a negative environment.

An unhappy employee can also cost a business a lot of money through loss of customers, loss of valuable employees and time spent on dealing with the human resources side of employee performance.

Research indicates that 60-70 percent of lost customers leave because of problems with types of customer service turnoffs – value statements not meeting expectations, systems problems (delivery, untrained staff, policies, record keeping, etc) and people problems (employees).

People turnoffs arise when employees fail to communicate well with customers with or without words. Some examples are:

failure to greet or even smile at a customer
inaccurate information given or lack of knowledge conveyed (“it’s not my job”)
talking to another employee or allowing telephone interruptions while ignoring a customer
rude or uncaring attitude
high-pressure sales tactics
inappropriate, dirty, or sloppy appearance (employee or the work location)
any communicated message that causes the customer to feel uncomfortable

How do you deal with a negative employee? It is so important to understand your company culture and what is important to keep your customers and your employees happy.

So, with that in mind, let’s start at the beginning – at the interview stage. Ask the right questions from direct supervisors of potential candidates. Go back at least 3 jobs that this person has held from their most current job back. Great questions to ask always eliminate a “yes” or “no” response. You want to ask questions that lead with “who, what, where, when, why and how”. For example, ask questions that will give you some clues to the person’s attitude - “How would you say this person gets along with her/his peers, managers, customers and subordinates?” You want to check for comments made about the candidate such as “she has her ups and downs, sometimes has trouble dealing with problem customers – it can get her down.” Ask the candidate to tell you about the most challenging time she has had working in a team environment – get her to tell a real life example story. Really listen to what she is saying. When people tell stories they tend to relax and give more information than they mean to expose to you.

Closely monitor the new employee’s attitude and performance during the probation period at the beginning of employment. This is the opportunity to let someone go that does not fit within the culture of your organization or does not have the right attitude. Attitude is tough one to fix! We can train and teach new skill sets but it is really challenging to improve a bad attitude.

Sometimes, as a new leader or new business owner, you can inherit a negative person(s). You will want to deal with these people very quickly to show how serious you are on creating a very positive environment for your customers and employees. Personally meet with the individual(s) and ask questions that solicits more than a “yes” or “no” response. Ask for their input on how they would improve the situation. Many times a negative person does not have or offer solutions. They look to you to provide that for them. Explain to them the importance of a positive workplace and the impact of negativity on fellow team members.

Sometimes, customer service training, product knowledge training, team building exercises can improve negativity in the workplace.

If it appears it is an attitude that you may not be able to change or improve, begin to document everything – all discussions, all requested solutions or actions taken. Keep detail records including dates, times and outcomes. Sometimes you will see a slight improvement over a short period of time. If the same behaviour shows again, bring the person into the office and explain that you saw some improvement but now the behaviour has reappeared causing concerns with fellow employees and customers (if that is the case). Give examples on what negative behaviour does to the work environment or to customers. At this point, explain that you will need to see continued improvement for a period of time with specific end date and if you do not see improvement by that date, you may have to take steps to terminate the employment.

Ensure that you follow all the Employment Standards rules on terminating an employee should you have to take that step. It is unfortunate that you may have to terminate a person with a negative attitude. More importantly, It is your job to ensure that you have a team in place that can give your customers the best service giving you the competitive edge in the marketplace and keeping your customers coming back for more!

How to become a miserable person How to become a happier person

· stop growing and stop changing ☺ depend on no one for your happiness

· when you feel miserable blame others ☺ act as if you are happy

· don’t change anything, just complain ☺ believe you are here to be happy

· see yourself as a hopeless victim ☺ celebrate whatever there is

· others are on the planet to make you happy ☺ treat everyone as if you care

· never forget to pick a quarrel ☺ in everything, give thanks

· be grateful for nothing ☺ dispel negative thoughts

· carry a sour face ☺ dwell on happy thoughts and memories

· look stressed, they will think you are important ☺ bring a sense of wonder to your life

· if you happen to feel happy, snap out of it ☺ do the ordinary thing with a touch of class

· dwell on what you don’t want ☺ sing

· accentuate every pain ☺ accentuate the positive

· let the world know how much you are suffering ☺ enjoy nature

· don’t change anything ☺ be happy with people

· wait on someone to come along and turn you into a bundle of joy ☺ birds of a feather flock together

· if people are happy around you, tell them to get real ☺ boost the self-esteem of others

· reach out and help no one ☺ develop your inner self

· you need your strength ☺ exercise daily, eat a low fat, high fiber diet

· when you feel the urge to give, focus on your own needs ☺ smile the clouds away

· when you feel the urge to exercise, go to bed ☺ laugh constantly

· when all else fails, eat ☺ read books about happiness

from Dr. Ken Nedd Seminars, www.kennedd.com

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1/7/2011

Posted on 1/7/2011 by
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What do customers think about your business?

12/23/2010

Posted on 12/23/2010 by Lynda Pasacreta

Do you know what your customers think about your business?

Of the many invigorating conversations I have with our BBB Accredited Businesses, the topic of understanding the stereotypes of what people think about your business—positive or negative—regularly comes up .

I can quickly identify some of the stereotypes about BBB.

Some of the positive stereotypes are “trusted organization”, “information consultant”, “fraud/scam experts”, “recognition of good businesses”.

On the negative side, “government watchdog”, “consumer activist”, “no fun”, “barrier” —you get the picture!

Once you have determined what your stereotypes are, you then need to develop value propositions around both the positive and negative perceptions.

Disney is the master of defining their stereotypes and then creating value propositions around them. For example, a stereotype of Disney is that they have long line ups. How they add value to their customer’s experience dealing with long lineups is to create winding paths that offer constant entertainment. The pathways are set up and managed so that their customers keep moving and are entertained as the move. The paths are so windy that people cannot see how long the line is! Brilliant!

So how does the BBB define some of the value propositions around some of the negative stereotypes?

The most common one is likely “government watchdog”. We continue to educate the general public about the fact that we are not government, but are self-regulated. Our core mission is to promote ethical businesses in the marketplace to give consumers the ability to choose the right business the first time!

Consumers who use the BBB to choose the right business save money, save time and save themselves from heartache! Huge value proposition!

So ask your customers and ask your staff: What are the stereotypes for your type of business and your company in particular.

Design and implement added value around those perceptions. You will knock the socks off of your competition!

BBB Tips for Hassle-Free Holiday Returns

12/20/2010

Posted on 12/20/2010 by

As shoppers check off the final names on their Christmas shopping lists, Better Business Bureau reminds consumers to know their return rights before making any purchase.

Unfortunately, not all gifts are winners, so BBB advises that you remember the following before you make your purchase:

Ask the store about its return policy.

Can a customer obtain a refund, a store credit, or exchange for unwanted merchandise? If so, check to make sure the return time limit doesn’t start until December 25^th if it is a gift.

Ask for a gift receipt and enclose it with the present.

Most stores require a receipt for returned items, even gifts. Ask for a gift receipt to include with the present. And before you start wrapping, be sure not to remove electronics or similar products from their boxes before wrapping as the original packaging may be required for a return.

Do not assume the regular return policy applies to sales or clearance items.

Some merchants consider sales items to be final, so ask to be sure. If you are the gift-recipient, do not assume you have the right to return or exchange an unwanted present. Like the shopper, you are bound by the merchant’s return policy. Health regulations, which can prohibit the return of hats and intimate apparel, also apply.

Ask about restocking fees.

Some merchants charge a restocking or “open box” fee for returns of electronics products or large-ticket items. Ask if that is their policy. Restocking fees can be as high as 25 per cent of the purchase.

Look for a posted return policy when shopping online.

If returns are permitted, find out what procedures and timeframe need to be followed. Many online retailers will post their return policy on their website. If you can’t find one, ask.

Save your receipts.

Whether you are the giver or the receiver, be sure to save your receipts and you know the return timeframe. You likely don’t have to brave the crowds the day after Christmas, but don’t wait too long to return the item.

Back to Basics in 2011

12/16/2010

Posted on 12/16/2010 by Lynda Pasacreta

As we all wind down to spend a few days with our family and friends over the holidays, many of us are already looking ahead and getting excited about opportunities in 2011.

All of us should be thinking about our customers – how can we keep our great customers we have now and how can we attract good quality customers tomorrow? How do we compete? How do we stay relevant in a rapidly changing marketplace?

I am going back to basics.

In January 2011, I am going to view our business from the inside out. I need to ensure that I have the right team in place to move forward and ensure that I have the right people in the right positions utilizing their talents effectively.

I am starting with the leaders, which includes me. I have arranged a 360 interview through one of our Accredited Businesses, Max Impact, for our senior management team – a process that engages all of our staff and potentially our Board of Directors in ensuring that we are customer focused, operationally sound and moving in the right direction.

We will be putting our whole team through a model of Disney quality customer service training to sharpen our skills on customer centric planning. And we will be wrapping up a well-thought out strategic plan developed by our BBB Board of Directors, team members and our facilitator, Jouta Performance Group, another of our Accredited Businesses.

With a well-trained team, inspirational and motivated leadership, proactive Board of Directors and engaged customers, 2011 promises to be an exciting and fun year.

January will be a busy month for our team as we focus the microscope on ourselves!

We wish you all the best for the holiday season and fantastic success in finding new opportunities in all aspects of your business!

Protect yourself and your debit card from fraud

12/14/2010

Posted on 12/14/2010 by

More and more, Canadians are pulling out their debit cards to make purchases. But even if you’re choosy about which ATMs you use, you can still become a victim of identity thieves who place seamless devices on machines to steal debit card information.

ATM skimming is a growing problem and the Better Business Bureau recommends consumers take a few steps to protect themselves from becoming the next victim, particularly during this busy holiday shopping season.

“Canadians love the convenience and ease of debit cards,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “As a result, fraudsters see users as big targets. They use skimming devices that can be hard to detect and often blend in seamlessly with the ATM.”

According to Interac Association, a debit card services organization, over $142 million was lost to debit card fraud in 2009―an increase of more than $38 million over 2008.

Identity thieves tamper with ATMs in any number of different ways in order to steal debit card numbers and PINs. Skimming devices and cameras can be installed quickly over the keypad or a device over the card reader. ATMs aren’t the only hot spots, Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals in busy retail outlets and restaurants are also targets.

The following are a few ways to fight debit card fraud:

Protect your PIN
When entering your PIN, cover the keypad with your other hand to prevent any cameras from catching your digits. False keypads placed over the real keypad are also a way scammers get PIN numbers so if the keypad looks different, move on and report it.

Give it a wiggle
Skimming devices are often false panels attached to the ATM—such as where you put your card into the machine. If parts of the ATM look damaged or different, give it a wiggle. Also look for new or suspiciously placed cameras and unusual signage. Don’t hesitate to walk away and use another ATM if it doesn’t feel right.

Be picky with your ATMS
Avoid using ATMs in poorly lit or low traffic areas. Experts often recommend choosing a bank ATM over standalone ATMs in public places. Not only do identity thieves attach devices to legitimate ATMs to steal numbers, they will also place their own phony ATMS in public places.

Keep an eye on your statements
The most vigilant person can still fall victim to ATM skimmers, and it’s important to always keep a close eye on your accounts—particularly the itemized breakdown of charges and debits—so that you can quickly report any suspicious activity on your account. Many institutions offer text alert which allows for instant updates on account activity when account transactions occur.

Report Fraud Immediately
Report any fraudulent activity to your bank as soon as you discover it. Consumer protections for debit cards vary but depend largely on when you report the fraudulent activity. If you wait too long to report the fraud, your bank account could be cleaned out and your bank might not reimburse you.

Sell Yourself

12/9/2010

Posted on 12/9/2010 by Lynda Pasacreta

Don’t promote your business by slamming your competitors

Almost daily, I speak with business owners/managers about business practices in our local marketplace.

How a business deals with their competitors and how a business sells their products and services is a hot and highly emotional topic in most of my conversations.

I worked in the telecommunications industry for most of my career in sales. All of our education and experience taught us not to sell by slamming our competitors. It is not the way to compete. It diminishes your company’s credibility, it looks petty and tacky, and it really looks as though you cannot compete on your own merits. It can even make your clients feel foolish if they chose your competitor before speaking with your company and had some bad results from that decision.

There are times when a business needs to shine a bright light of truth on some bad business practices that can hurt their clients, when another company is not being transparent and is operating unethically.

Without seeming petty or tacky, though, your sales people can use this opportunity to educate their clients on problems with poor business practices (such as cash under the table deals eliminating collection of tax, no licensing, no contracts, no guarantees, etc). Showcase your company’s transparency, honesty, integrity and how you differentiate your business from your competitors who choose to operate unethically.

Demonstrate your commitment to your customers from the beginning of the sale to the delivery of the product or service and then follow up to ensure your clients are happy with the service.

Ask yourself a few questions on your own business practices and your approach to selling in a competitive market:

Do you have any business practices that you are not willing to share with your clients? Is there anything that your clients could learn about your business practices that would surprise them or disappoint them?
What are the business practices of your competitors that are fundamentally opposed to your business practices and values? How do those practices differentiate from yours and how can you professionally educate your clients on those differences and on your values?
How do you make sure that you are not just badmouthing your competitors and that instead, you are showcasing the differences in values and good practices with your clients?

By becoming accredited by the Better Business Bureau, business owners have already differentiated themselves from their competition. They have shown that they agree to the BBB’s high standards of building trust, advertising honestly, telling the truth, being transparent, honouring promises, being responsive, safeguarding privacy and embodying integrity.

If you run across a business that you believe is demonstrating bad business practices in the marketplace, give us a call and we can investigate the issue. Our role is to report on all businesses in the marketplace by providing fair and factual information. We cannot report on hearsay. By reporting as much factual information as possible about a business appearing to be operating unethically, we can protect your future clients from bad experiences, loss of hard earned money and your industry’s reputation in the marketplace.

We can be reached by email bbbmail@mbc.bbb.org, or by telephone at 604.682.2711 (toll free 1.888.803.1222) or by fax 604.681.1544

BBB warns of phone calls claiming to fix fake computer problem

12/7/2010

Posted on 12/7/2010 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 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.

“People should think twice when giving out any information – even if the name sounds legitimate,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “Scammers often use familiar or well-established names in order to gain trust, which poses a real danger to the public.”

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. And then comes 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 for 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.

Tis' the season for holiday shopping scams

11/29/2010

Posted on 11/29/2010 by

Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the United States are among the busiest shopping days of the year, and signal for retailers and consumers on both sides of the border the beginning of the holiday shopping season.

“While most of us are getting excited about the holiday season, scammers are getting equally excited at the opportunities available for ripping people off,” says BBB President and CEO Lynda Pasacreta. “We can all help make these holiday scams a ghost of Christmas’ past by not falling for them anymore.”

Consumers can fall into any number of traps over the holidays and become victim to identity thieves, hackers and deceptive merchants online. The Better Business Bureau is warning holiday shoppers and donors to look out for five common scams this season:

Scam shopping sites online

We’re all looking for a great deal online, but some sites offer electronics or luxury goods at prices that are too good to be true. Every holiday season BBB hears from holiday shoppers who paid for a supposedly great deal online, but received nothing in return.

BBB advice: Always look for the BBB seal when shopping online and click on the seal to confirm it is legitimate. When shopping on sites that aren’t household names, check with the BBB before making any purchase. Shop secure sites, making sure to you see the “https” in the url and a lock symbol next to it.

Finding the season’s hottest toys and gadgets online

Every year, holiday shoppers fight over the “must have” toy or gadget of the season. When the item is sold out in stores, you can often find it online through sites like Craigslist or eBay—for a much steeper price. The problem is that some sellers will take your money and run.

BBB Advice: Shop locally on Craigslist and conduct the transaction in person—never wire money as payment. When purchasing items on auctions like eBay, research the seller extensively and always listen to your doubts if the deal doesn’t sound legit.

Identity theft at the mall

While you’re struggling at the mall with bags of presents, identity thieves see an opportunity to steal your wallet and debit or credit card numbers.

BBB Advice: Don’t let yourself get bogged down in purchases and lose track of your wallet. Know where your credit and debit cards are at all times and cover the keypad when entering your pin number while purchasing items or getting money from the ATM.

Bogus charitable pleas

The holidays are a time of giving which creates a great opportunity for scammers to solicit donations to line their own pockets. Also beware of solicitations from charities that don’t necessarily deliver on their promises or are ill-equipped to carry through on their plans.

BBB Advice: Always research a charity before donating. You can ask for their GST number to verify that they are a registered charity through Canada Revenue Agency.

Phishing e-mails

Phishing e-mails are a common way for hackers to get at your personal information or break into your computer. Common phishing e-mails around the holidays include e-cards and messages pretending to be from companies like UPS or Fedex with links to package tracking information.

BBB Advice: Don’t click on any links or open any attachments to e-mails until you have confirmed that they are not malicious. E-mail addresses that don’t match up, typos and grammatical mistakes are common red flags of a malicious phishing e-mail. Also beware of unsolicited e-mails from companies with which you have no association. Make sure you have current antivirus software and that all security patches have been installed on the computer.

For more advice on being a savvy consumer this holiday season, visit us online at www.mbc.bbb.org.

Explaining BBB Ratings and Accreditation

11/23/2010

Posted on 11/23/2010 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 or not a business is accredited does not 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 BBB will not allow a business to maintain their accreditation if they have a rating that falls below a B-minus.

Dispute resolution.
BBB offers dispute resolution for businesses and consumers, and 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. Once again, 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. 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 inquiries@mbc.bbb.org or 604.682.2711, or visit www.bbb.org/bbbinformationcenter.

Fighting Cold and Flu Season in the Workplace

11/16/2010

Posted on 11/16/2010 by
Cold and flu season is setting in and the close quarters of the workplace allow coworkers to easily trade germs. Better Business Bureau recommends that business owners take a few simple steps to prevent illnesses from spreading and promote productivity throughout the workplace.

In Canada, flu season usually runs from November to April. And, according to Public Health Agency of Canada, the flu and its complications send about 20,000 Canadians to hospital every year, and about 4,000 Canadians die.

“Fighting germs around the office is about keeping your employees safe and maintaining productivity throughout the peak cold and flu seasons,” says BBB President and CEO Lynda Pasacreta. “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.
Tissue, 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. It’s a small investment that can pay off big time in savings for lost days due to illness.

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 for 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 and health 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. Remind staff that a healthy lifestyle, including taking walks on breaks and eating healthy lunches, can help strengthen immune systems.

Encourage flu shots.
Check B.C.'s Influenza Vaccine Clinic Locator www.health.gov.bc.ca/flu/ and consider reimbursing some or all of the cost for employees to get a shot on their own time at private clinics.

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.

Don’t fall for false claims.
Scammers prey on fear, particularly when it comes to health risks. It’s important to educate your staff, but don’t instill your workplace with fear. Educate employees to be wary of promotions through websites and emails using words such as “scientific breakthrough” or “miracle cure”. Follow health advice only from a trusted source, and don't believe product claims to prevent or cure swine flu. The Federal government website, www.fightflu.ca, can provide you with current information about prevention, treatment and H1N1 statistics. To report a suspicious ad claim regarding a health product you can file a complaint with the Competition Bureau at www.cb-bc.gc.ca.

BBB offers blushing brides advice for the wedding planning season

11/10/2010

Posted on 11/10/2010 by

With Christmas just around the corner, many people may associate this time of year with the sound of sleigh bells rather than wedding bells. But most weddings occur in the summer, making autumn and winter the busiest seasons for those in the wedding services industry.

The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to be cautious when shopping around at wedding shows in the coming days and weeks, though, as a hasty decision can ruin a wedding day.

“Every couple dreams of the perfect wedding day,” says BBB President and CEO Lynda Pasacreta. “But waiting too late to secure a wedding vendor, choosing the wrong one or spending more than you planned to can lead to heartbreak.”

It’s estimated that weddings make up a $4-billion-a-year industry in Canada, perhaps not so surprising considering that the average wedding costs more than $20,000 (according to a recent Weddingbells readers’ survey) and typically involve numerous business transactions for wedding consultants, clothes, invitations, flowers, photography, reception halls, catering, music, transportation and travel packages.

With so many dollars at stake and big decisions to make, BBB advises engaged couples and their families to make wise choices when wedding planning, offering the following tips to avoid heartache on their wedding day:

Plan ahead. Decide what style of wedding you want (for example, large or small, formal or informal, winter or summer) and begin planning as far ahead as possible. Many services―like florists, caterers and photographers―require six to nine months advance booking.

Consider wedding insurance. Wedding insurance can help take the stress out of any possible wedding mishaps. A wedding vendor might go out of business, you may need to cancel due to bad weather or you may not receive the goods you’ve paid for, such as bridal gowns or a wedding cake. But be sure to check with your vendor first―they might already have you covered.

Don’t be afraid to be a frugal bride. Set a budget for your wedding, and stick to it. Your wedding may be the most important day your life, but there will plenty days to live after it. Don’t start your new life off deep in debt.

Don’t get swept off your feet at the wedding show. Wedding shows are a great way to learn wedding best-practices, but don’t make hasty decisions and choose a vendor on-the-spot. And be careful about what prize draws you are entering―you shouldn’t have to provide your credit card info to complete an entry form for a ‘free’ trip.

Do your homework. You did your research before choosing a life partner, so use the same care in considering the business you choose, whether it’s a wedding consultant, photographer or florist. Start with www.mbc.bbb.org to see a reliability report on the company.

Vows work for marriage, not business―get it in writing. Get a detailed written contract for everything; don’t just rely on verbal promises. Include the sizes, colours, product descriptions, prices and delivery dates.

Don’t get stuck with cold feet, get confirmation from everyone. Confirm all services one or two weeks prior to the event (don’t forget about checking the status with your partner too). You don't want any unpleasant surprises on your wedding day.

To check a list of wedding vendors visit www.mbc.bbb.org.

Cellphone complaints have Canadians calling out wireless providers

11/2/2010

Posted on 11/2/2010 by

Canada’s cell phone industry is one of the most rapidly changing business sectors in the country. New products coupled with new providers have equaled more competition and more choices for consumers.

But billing and contract disputes between consumers and telecommunications companies have led to a 17 per cent rise in complaints, according to the 2009-10 annual report of the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services (CCTS). In its report, CCTS said that 52 per cent of complaints involved wireless services, up from 38 per cent in 2008-09.

The Better Business Bureau of Mainland BC has seen a similar rise. Cellphone complaints received by BBB outnumber those filed against any other industry this year, and have risen nearly 20 per cent over the same time last year.

“Consumers are finding that the marketing hype behind all of these new products, new providers and new plans has not added up to the quality of service they expect,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “They have the right to seek out the best contract, so they should take the time to choose the plan and the product that best suits their needs and their budget.”

Consumers can save themselves grief by doing pre-purchase research before selecting a cellphone provider, switching plans or purchasing a new phone. Deciding on the right one can be overwhelming given the choices available, so Better Business Bureau recommends that consumers first ask themselves the following questions:

Who will be using the phone and why? Will the phone be used primarily for business? If so, you may want to consider how much you may use things like email or web-browsing on your device. The charges associated with data are often higher than those of calling plans. If teenagers or children will be using the phones, you may want to consider text messaging capability or downloadable games.

Where will you be calling to and from? Will you be making mainly local calls, long distance calls, international calls or a combination? Do you anticipate making many calls while on the road or travelling? Unexpected roaming charges can often lead to billing disputes, unless you know what your plan covers.

When will you be using the phone? What time of day and which days of the week will see the heaviest usage? How many minutes a month do you estimate using the phone? Will family members call one another primarily on their cell phones? Selecting the plan that best suits your needs will lead to fewer complaints down the road.

What type of plan meets your budget? Does a local, regional, national or family plan make the most sense? Carefully read the fine print in the brochures and all contract details. Find out what the monthly fees are based on and whether there are additional surcharges (activation fee; roaming charges; rates for extra minutes; fees for voicemail, text messaging, data fees and caller ID features). Plans can be complex, but don’t agree to one until you know what you’re getting into.

How can you take advantage of advertised offers? Consumers should recognize that there’s no such thing as free. If a rebate is offered, what are the exact terms? If extra phones are included in the package, what additional fees apply? Does the contract permit you to switch plans or upgrade phones in the middle of your contract period?

What about “No Contract” offers? Consumers are often looking for no contract offers as way to reassure themselves that they are not locked into a bad deal. You need to be aware that without a fixed agreement, terms can change over time including what your monthly charges are for things like local calling, family plans and long distance.

Consumers can save themselves unexpected surprises by doing their homework before entering into any agreement, including checking the BBB report on the wireless provider at www.mbc.bbb.org.

Phone and lottery scams fraudulently claim to be from trusted organizations

10/29/2010

Posted on 10/29/2010 by

The Better Business Bureau warns of new, and in some cases ongoing, scams that are fraudulently using the names if trusted organizations in order to collect consumer and business information which could result in further telemarketing calls or potentially identity theft.

According to the BBB, several individuals have reported they were contacted over the phone by someone claiming they were with the BBB. The businesses were told that the Better Business Bureau was updating their information, and in some instances, the company was asked to verify if they were moving.

Similarly, consumers have reported that they have been informed, either via phone calls or correspondence, that they had won a lottery and, in order to receive the prize, they must first wire money to continue.

Consumers and businesses should think twice when giving out any information or sending money to a stranger – even if the name sounds legitimate. Scammers often use familiar or well-established names in order to gain trust, which poses a real danger to the public.

Some local organizations whose names have been invoked in these scams include Better Business Bureau, North Van Chamber of Commerce, Prince George Chamber of Commerce and Surrey Crime Prevention Society, amongst others.

Better Business Bureau reminds businesses and consumers that our organization does not run a lottery nor award prizes to consumers. Anyone who receives a call, letter or e-mail about winning the lottery or updating information should consult the following checklist to avoid fraud:

Business Tips

Make sure the story checks out. Always confirm the facts directly with the organization the representative claims to be from—whether it’s Better Business Bureau or any other organization. Use contact information that you found on your own from the organization’s website; don’t rely on phone numbers or web links provided by the representative. Scammers often pretend to be from legitimate businesses or non-profits and a quick call directly to the organization can help set the record straight.

BBB does call businesses, but is transparent unlike scammers. The Better Business Bureau will contact Accredited Business members by phone, but they will freely offer all their contact information during the call. Take down the person’s information and offer to call them back once you verify who they are.

Consumer Tips

Never pay money to get money. Lottery scammers make their money by convincing victims that they have to pay money up front—to cover such costs as taxes or fees—in order to receive their winnings. Because it is extremely difficult for the victim to track or retrieve money sent via wire transfer, scammers will often use this as their payment method of choice.

Do not pay to collect your winnings. Legitimate sweepstakes or contests don't require up front tax payments, or charge insurance, delivery or other fees to collect a prize.

Don’t fall for the phony cheque. Scammers will often send a cheque in the mail to the victim with the instructions that—in order to receive the full prize—he or she must deposit the cheque and wire back a portion of the funds to cover fees or taxes. This gives the victim a false sense of security because the cheque will clear initially, but eventually be discovered as a fake. The money is then taken out of the victim’s account and he or she is out the funds sent to the scammer.

If you have been contacted by someone posing as a Better Business Bureau employee, contact your local BBB and report the incident. For Mainland British Columbia go to: www.mbc.bbb.org or call 604.682.2711 (or toll free 1.888.803.1222).

BBB Announces Torch Awards Recipients

10/26/2010

Posted on 10/26/2010 by

BBB Announces Torch Awards Recipients

What happens when great businesses accomplish great things?

The Better Business Bureau serving Mainland B.C. is pleased to announce the winners of the 3rd annual Torch Awards, which celebrates the achievements of businesses accomplishing great things in our community.

“These companies provide a model for all businesses to follow because they display the highest of integrity with their customers, their staff and their community,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “These are businesses and individuals that have invested significant amounts of money and effort to inspire social change within their industries, and we are proud to celebrate their efforts.”

The winners were chosen by an independent selection committee comprising business ethics experts and announced at a ceremony in Vancouver on October 26 at the Four Seasons Hotel. The event was hosted by CTV’s Mike Killeen and featured a keynote address from Bob Rennie of Rennie Marketing Systems.

British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA), a not-for-profit member services organization with more than 787,000 members in British Columbia and the Yukon, won the Marketplace Excellence Award for its commitment to ethical business practices and providing exceptional service.

The Green Award, presented to a business in recognition of activity which promotes forward-thinking and sustainable business practice, went to Kiwano Marketing, a full-service marketing agency for local, sustainable businesses.

Other winners included Smart Cookies, who won the Consumer Leadership Award for their dedication to educate and help women take control of their finances, and EcoEco, who won the Marketplace Trust Award for spearheading the Red Dot Campaign, which advocates for sustainable advertising practices.

The Torch Award is a symbol of a company’s commitment to honesty and integrity toward customers, employees, shareholders and community, and is the highest achievement the BBB awards to businesses.

“People in British Columbia need companies like these that they can trust,” says Pasacreta. “We commend all those who were Torch Awards finalists, for their commitment to ethics and integrity, and for their efforts in advancing marketplace trust in our community.”

BBB announces finalists for the Torch Awards

10/14/2010

Posted on 10/14/2010 by

What happens when great businesses do great things?

The Better Business Bureau serving Mainland B.C. is pleased to announce the finalists of the 3^rd annual Torch Awards, which celebrates the achievements of businesses accomplishing great things in our community.

"These companies were selected by a panel of experts for being model examples in the marketplace," said Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. "Each company clearly demonstrates superior character and goes the extra mile in its relationships with customers, employees, suppliers, industry peers and in the communities they do business in.”

The Torch Award is a symbol of a company's commitment to honesty and integrity toward customers, employees, shareholders and their community, and is the highest achievement the BBB awards to the business community.

Marketplace Excellence is presented to a business in recognition of their superior commitment to exceptional standards that benefit their consumers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and surrounding communities.

The Marketplace Excellence 2010 finalists are:

BCAA
Papa Plumbing

The Green Award, in partnership with the BC Ethics in Action Society, honours a business for its programs or initiatives which promoted forward-thinking, sustainable business practice.

The Green Award 2010 finalists are:

Lilith Fair
Kiwano Marketing
Whistler Blackcomb

The winners will be selected by an independent panel of business ethics experts and announced at the Torch Awards luncheon on October 26, 2010, at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver.

Also part of the Awards program will be the Advancing Marketplace Trust Award, which is presented to a business in recognition of an action, program, or sustainment activities that significantly and positively contribute to advancing trust in the marketplace.

A Consumer Leadership Award will also be presented to an individual who has significantly advanced marketplace trust through consumer advocacy, protection or education, through a specific action or lifetime achievement.

Keynote speaker for the Torch Awards is Bob Rennie, of Rennie Marketing Systems. And CTV’s Mike Killeen will host the Torch Awards to over 100 business executives this fall.

The Torch Awards is an event open to the public, and media is welcome to attend the event. To learn more, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.mbc.bbb.org/torch.

Not-so-free trials cause flood of complaints

10/12/2010

Posted on 10/12/2010 by

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be wary of free trial offers online for diet pills, acne medication, work at home jobs and teeth whiteners, among other products and services. In this year alone, BBB has received thousands of complaints from consumers who thought they were getting a free trial, but ended up losing often hundreds of dollars in recurring credit or debit card charges.

“Deceptive free trial offers are everywhere online, offering a range of products and services” says Lynda Pasacreta, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau. “The one thing they all have in common is the same model of ripping consumers off under the guise of a no-risk free trial offer.”

Ubiquitous deceptive online ads for “free trials” of various products and services can be found on many popular websites, and often the ads often link to websites of phony news outlets.

One company behind these not-so-free trial offers is Striaex, a Vancouver-based company that largely markets to US citizens. The company has an “F” rating with the BBB, the lowest grade issued. Over the past three years the company received 149 complaints with the overwhelming majority of the complaints going unresolved. The company’s website offers a “free” trial for its Striaex Acne Scar Ointment. On the same website, it states that there is a 30-day, money back guarantee. However, if you click in the guarantee in the fine print it states that it does not apply to the “free” trials. The “free” trial Striaex is offering is 25-days (including delivery time), however consumers who filed complaints allege the company that the product delivery can take upward of 1-3 weeks, which would make it difficult to receive, try the product and return it within the 25-day timeframe.

XM Brands, which has an F rating with BBB, has received nearly 2,000 complaints to the West Palm Beach BBB. The company sells roughly 40 teeth whiteners, acai diet pills and colon cleansers online. Complainants say they agreed to pay anywhere from $1.49 to $3.87 to cover shipping for the product trial but were charged as much as $87 a month, sometimes before they even received their trial in the mail. Complainants report getting the runaround from the company when they request refunds or ask to stop being billed; one consumer claims to have lost more than $860 as a result of recurring charges.

In just four months, Internet Cash Machines racked up more than 460 complaints from people who were interested in working from home, and has received an F grade from the Los Angeles-area BBB. Consumers say that they signed up for a free trial package of information costing $2.95 but were promptly charged as much as $149. Complainants also say they are unable to cancel by phone or email and have no way to prevent the typically $139-149 fee from being deducted from their account.

“Before signing up for any free trial offer, read the fine print carefully and always check the company out with the Better Business Bureau,” says Pasacreta. “You’ll save time and money by avoiding the hassle and recurring charges of some unscrupulous offers.”

Increase in online shopping may expose Canadians to more risk, warns BBB

9/28/2010

Posted on 9/28/2010 by

Increase in online shopping may expose Canadians to more risk, warns BBB

With more Canadians buying more goods and services more often on the internet, the Better Business Bureau is offering tips for consumers to stay secure when shopping online.

“Shopping online is convenient, but not without its risks,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “While the vast majority of people are thrilled with their purchases, others have learned these transactions between buyers and sellers can be hazardous.”

According to the latest Statistics Canada report, Canadians bought $15.1 billion worth of goods and services online last year. That’s up 17 per cent from $12.8 billion over the previous two years. And nearly 40 per cent of adults now shop online, up from 32 per cent two years earlier.

With so many Canadians turning on their computers for their shopping needs, the BBB offers the following tips to help prevent being taken in by unscrupulous online retailers, scammers and hackers:

Use trustworthy websites – Shoppers should start with BBB to check on the seller’s reputation and record for customer satisfaction. Always look for a “trustmark” from BBBOnLine and click on that seal to confirm that it’s valid.

Protect your computer – A computer should always have the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a secure firewall.

Protect your personal information – BBB recommends taking the time to read the site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If there isn’t one posted, it should be taken as a red flag that personal information may be sold to others without permission.

Trust your gut – Offers on websites and in unsolicited e-mails can often sound too good to be true. Consumers should always go with their instincts and not be afraid to pass up a “deal” that might cost them dearly in the end.

Beware of phishing – Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with an order or an account to lure the “buyer” into revealing financial information. If a consumer receives such an e-mail, BBB recommends picking up the phone and calling the contact number on the Web site where the purchase was made to confirm that there really is a problem with the transaction.

Confirm your online purchase is secure – Shoppers should always look in the address box for the “s” in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying. If there are any doubts about a site, BBB recommends right-clicking anywhere on the page and select “Properties.” This will let you see the real URL (Web site address) and the dialog box will reveal if the site is not encrypted.

Pay with a credit card – It’s best to use a credit card, because the shopper can dispute the charges if he or she doesn’t receive the item. Shoppers may also dispute if there are unauthorized charges on their credit card, and many card issuers have “zero liability” policies under which the card holder pays nothing if someone steals the credit card number and uses it.

Keep documentation of your order – After completing the online order process, there may be a final confirmation page or the shopper might receive confirmation by e-mail – BBB recommends saving a copy of the webpage and any e-mails for future reference and as a record of the purchase.

Check your credit card statements often – Don’t wait for paper statements; BBB recommends consumers check their credit card statements for suspicious activity by either calling credit card companies or by checking statements online regularly.

Scammers target job hunters in weak economy, warns Better Business Bureau

9/21/2010

Posted on 9/21/2010 by

As the unemployment rate hovers around eight per cent, the Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are taking advantage by preying on the unemployed. Identifying the common red flags of a scam is one way for job hunters to protect themselves and their wallets.

According to Statistics Canada, the slowing economy is taking a toll on the country's previously strong labour market. In August, the jobless rate rose to 8.1 per cent from 8.0 per cent in July, the first time the rate has been above eight per cent since May.

“The sluggish employment rate means that a lot of people are desperate for work, which creates a great opportunity for scammers,” said Lynda Pasacreta, President and CEO of the BBB. “Scammers set their sights on the unemployed because these people are vulnerable and looking for any decent work opportunities.”

Not thoroughly researching a job opportunity can make a bad situation even worse, and a victim can lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars to any number of job-related scams. BBB recommends looking out for the following seven red flags when searching for a job:

Red Flag: The employer offers the opportunity to become rich without leaving home
While many legitimate businesses allow employees to work from home, there are also a lot of scammers trying to take advantage of senior citizens, stay-at-home moms, students and injured or handicapped people looking to make money conveniently at home. Job hunters should use extreme caution when considering a work-at-home offer and always research the company with their BBB first at www.mbc.bbb.org.

Red Flag: The employer asks for money upfront
Job hunters should never have to pay money up front to be considered for a job. If a potential employer asks for the job hunter to pay the company to cover the costs of testing, training or background checks, it should be considered a red flag. Always research the job thoroughly before opening up your wallet.

Red Flag: The salary and benefits offered seem too good to be true

The adage holds true for job offers: if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Phony employers might brag about exceptionally high salary potential and excellent benefits for little work and no experience necessary in order to lure unsuspecting job hunters into their scam.

Red Flag: Job placement companies that make big promises

Job placement companies often do not charge the job hunters for help finding a job, but are instead paid by companies that need help filling positions. Some job placement companies, however, have been taking money from job hunters and not fulfilling their promises of quick employment. Job hunters reported one job placement firm that claimed to offer work on Craigslist, but later was found to only be a resume writing service. The company charged about $75 for the resume service, but failed to find job hunters work. Always research a job placement company first with BBB before signing any contracts or paying any money. Be extremely cautious about terms like “no experience required,” or “guaranteed work,” and ask for the contract upfront to see what the placement terms are.

Red Flag: The employer requires you to check your credit report
After posting their resumes online or responding to online job listings, many job hunters received what they thought was good news: an e-mail from an interested employer. In order to be considered for the job, the applicant has to check his or her credit report through a recommended website. The truth is, the e-mail is just an attempt to get the job hunter to divulge sensitive financial information or sign up for credit monitoring services.

Red Flag: The employer is quick to ask for personal information such as Social Insurance Number or bank account numbers
Identity thieves employ many different methods for getting personal financial information from job hunters. Spam e-mail might offer a great opportunity and direct the job hunter to a website that is designed to install malware on his or her computer or solicit bank account or Social Insurance Numbers. In other cases, the job hunter might even be asked to submit a resume, find out they’ve been hired and then immediately be asked for bank account information or Social Insurance Numbers.

Red Flag: The job requires you to wire money through Western Union or MoneyGram or receive and forward suspicious goods
Many phony jobs require the employee to cash a cheque sent by the company through the mail and then wire a portion of the money on to another entity. Reasons given for this requirement vary from scam to scam. Whatever the reason though, the cheque might clear the employee’s bank account, but will eventually turn out to be a fake and the employee is out the money he or she wired back to the scammers.

For more advice on avoiding scams and fraud visit www.mbc.bbb.org

Don't get burned by door-to-door heating contractors

9/14/2010

Posted on 9/14/2010 by

Fall is just around the corner, which means that cooler weather is on the way and now is the ideal time to have your furnace serviced or upgraded before the busy winter season starts. The Better Business Bureau warns the public to be cautious about misleading heating contractors who may use scare tactics to convince homeowners to buy a new furnace or authorize expensive, but unneeded, repairs to their existing heating system.

“Every fall we see an increase in consumer inquiries about heating contractors showing up offering everything from duct cleaning to furnace inspections,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “While most furnace companies are reputable, competent, and fair, there are con artists that may try to frighten you into unnecessary installations or repairs using fear as their main tactic.”

Last fall, the BBB received reports of fraudulent heating contractors who tried to frighten consumers into purchasing a new heating system with warnings that their current system was leaking dangerous gases that could explode or poison those inside the house.

From August to September of this year, the BBB has received 3,795 consumer inquiries for heating contractors, compared to 2,907 inquiries from last year. While this has not resulted in a higher number of complaints in the industry, the BBB has noticed consumers reporting that heating contractors are showing up selling door-to-door in B.C. communities. Consumers have also reported receiving calls from heating contractors who offer inexpensive, even free, cleaning services, only to show up with inadequate equipment and recommendations for expensive and unnecessary upgrades.

Before you choose a heating contractor consider the following tips:

Start with the BBB. You can find out helpful information like owners, company addresses, and customer service information by visiting the company’s reliability report at: www.mbc.bbb.org.

Hire heating contractors who:

· Are licensed with the BC Safety Authority; call 1.866.566 SAFE (7233)

· Are or employ certified gas fitters

· Are bonded and insured for liability and property damage

· Can provide you a copy of the gas permit authorizing the company to work on your heating system

· Offer warranties that cover equipment, materials and labour

· Offer maintenance and service after installation and after warranties have expired

· Provide customer references

Get at least two estimates for the work. All bids should be in writing and should provide a full description of the services to be provided and the materials to be used.

Compare more than just cost. Check the size and rated efficiency of the equipment each contractor recommends. Ask each contractor how they arrived at recommending a particular sized system. Check the warranty offered and make certain you understand it.

Report misleading door-to-door sales practices. Consumer Protection BC can help with allegations of misleading door-to-door sales practices. For complaints, contact the Consumer Protection BC at 1.888.564.9963 or go to: www.consumerprotectionbc.ca

BBB Advises Donors on How to Give Wisely to Pakistan Flood Relief.

9/10/2010

Posted on 9/10/2010 by

The devastating aftermath of flooding in Pakistan has led to desperate appeals for money and support, and many Canadians are looking for ways to help by donating to a charity. But the Better Business Bureau warns that fraudulent charities may emerge to try and scam donations from well-meaning Canadians.

“Whenever there is a major natural disaster, be it home or abroad, you can count on the generosity of Canadians to donate time and money to help victims,” said Lynda Pasacreta, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Mainland BC. “But you can also count on the appearance of poorly run and, in some cases, fraudulent charities.”

The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to help Canadians decide how and where to direct donations:

Avoid charities that have sprung up in response to the disaster.

Donating money to established national and international organizations that have the means and experience to deliver aid is the best way to go. Be wary of charities with names that sound like familiar or nationally known organizations. Some phony charities use names that sound or look like those of respected, legitimate organizations.

Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity.

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. The public can go to the Canadian Revenue Agency (www.cra.gc.ca/donors) to research charities and relief organizations to verify their accountability.

Do your homework before donating by text message.

Donating via text message is a quick and easy way to give. In Canada, a charity must include the details of their text campaign on its website, so you can see what you’re signing up for and how funds are being directed. Some charities may offer you a subsequent opportunity to receive update messages from them in the future, however you can choose to opt out from this offer.

If you want to make sure that the charity you’re donating to via text message is legitimate, check with the Mobile Giving Foundation Canada, the organization that administers mobile giving services, at www.mobilegiving.ca.

Be cautious when giving online.

Proceed with caution when giving online, especially in response to spam messages and emails that claim to link to a relief organization.

Be wary of claims that 100 per cent of donations will assist relief victims.

Despite what an organization might claim, charities have fundraising and administrative costs. Even a credit card donation will involve, at a minimum, a processing fee. If a charity claims that 100 per cent of collected funds will be assisting flood victims, the truth is that the organization is still probably incurring fundraising and administrative expenses.

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 get new aid workers to quickly provide assistance. See if the charity’s website clearly describes what they can do to address immediate needs.

The Bottom Line about Business Opportunities

9/8/2010

Posted on 9/8/2010 by

The Better Business Bureau would like to caution people to do their homework and avoid the potential risks involved with fraudulent business schemes.

“We have received a number of inquiries from consumers who are interested in becoming independent distributors of health-related products,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “They don’t know anything about the company, and are desperate to hear that it is legit. Unfortunately, most of the time the income is exaggerated, and ends up being too good to be true.”

These opportunities appear lucrative, but often are more hype than substance. In some cases, the person who wishes to be an independent distributor is compensated through the recruitment of new participants, is required to buy specific quantities of products, or must pay for training courses up-front before starting their business.

Not all business opportunities are fraudulent. Multi-level or "network" marketing plans are a way of selling goods or services through distributors. These plans typically promise that if you sign up as a distributor, you'll receive commissions for your sales and those of the people you recruit to become distributors.

However, the focus of these plans should be selling a viable product, not recruitment or other limitations, such as including your financial contribution, which is common to pyramid schemes.

Joining a multi-level marketing company is legal in Canada, but consumers still have to ask questions to determine if a business opportunity is right for them:

Find out if the investment is worth the risk.

What will be your return on investment after you have purchased product, completed training, and purchased advertising for your website? If there is a representative in your area, ask them about some of your concerns.

Consider the investment required.

Many of these opportunities may not be profitable on a part-time basis. Be sure to ask about the income potential over the short- and long-term, as well as the time commitment required to be profitable. There may be a minimum monthly sales commitment to earn a commission.

Find out if there is training required.

Some business’ offer “e-commerce” training before you can start up as a distributor on the internet. Make sure you understand what is being offered— does your investment only involve start-up training? Are you required to pay more fees to start distributing the product?

Check out any health claims and products.

If you’re interested in becoming an independent distributor of a health-related product, you may be encouraged to use the product. Consumers should check Health Canada’s website (www.hc-sc.gc.ca) to see if the product has been approved for use in Canada. Authorized health products will bear either an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN), or a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label.

Check out the company.

What's the company's track record? What products does it sell? Is the product competitively priced? Is it likely to appeal to a large customer base? Call the BBB or check www.mbc.bbb.org for a copy of the business’ Reliability Report.

Victims should report fraud.

Consumers who suspect they have been the victim of deceptive business practices or who want information on the application of the Competition Act should contact the Competition Bureau at 1-800-348-5358 or online at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca.

Castaway on Exile Island

9/3/2010

Posted on 9/3/2010 by Lynda Pasacreta

I am in a wacky phase in life. I don't know why but I am just all crazy over little children. It could be that my own children blessed me with 3 beautiful granddaughters.

My business discussions come to an immediate halt if a small child or baby comes into my peripheral vision. I keep small toys in my office just in case someone comes in with their little one in tow.

So it was of no surprise when asked by the Children's Wish Foundation to become an event participant for a fundraising challenge named "Exile Island", I jumped on the opportunity immediately. I am pretty sure Tom Leslie, Chapter Event Coordinator, Children’s Wish Foundation, thought maybe I thought I had won a prize. My enthusiasm upon receiving his phone call left him a bit shaky. He had just given me a wonderful gift – I have been given the opportunity to reach out and learn from children that don’t have the quality of life my three granddaughters currently enjoy with such ease. They are often surrounded with ongoing pain, hospital visits, and other challenges that make it hard just to go outside and play.

So if you want to enjoy a really inspiring event, dedicated to children with life-threatening illnesses and their amazing families, join me at the Vancouver Art Gallery, September 22nd at 12 noon. I will be one of 10 “castaways” faced with all types of challenges to get off of “Exile Island”. I will be partnered with a child who has a wish he or she would like fulfilled – we will work together to get through the challenges to be able to grant that wish!

One wish to be granted for these children costs $10,000. Part of my challenge is to raise $10,000 by September 22nd so that I can make their wish come true.

I am halfway there today – September 23rd. Help me get the other half and even more. Visit www.exileisland.ca and click on the Vancouver area. Go to “The Tribes”, select Lynda Pasacreta and donate.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Lynda

Tel us about your issues

8/23/2010

Posted on 8/23/2010 by Lynda Pasacreta
Consumer Protection BC wants to hear about the issues of BC consumers. They have just posted a survey on our website for consumers (www.consumerprotectionbc.ca) and we are directing consumers to take the survey.

Top 7 Back to School Tips for Students

8/19/2010

Posted on 8/19/2010 by

It’s that time again! Students and their parents are preparing for the beginning of a new school year. With the high volume of sales made during this time of year and an increasing number of youth making their own purchases, Consumer Protection BC and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) remind “back-to-schoolers” that it pays to be a smart consumer.

Consider these tips while doing your shopping:

1. Ask about returns and refunds. Shopping for new clothes, accessories and gadgets is one of the highlights of going back to school. When you buy your new gear, ask the store about their return policy and always keep your receipts. Most people don’t know that in BC, stores are not legally required to exchange an item or give you a refund.

2. Read the fine print when getting a credit card. Credit cards can be very useful and we get offers for new cards all the time. Don’t get yourself in a financial jam by signing up right away for a new card. Find out what the new card gives you and definitely make sure you know what the interest rates is, how long any introductory interest rates apply for and when interest begins.

3. Find out the details about your new cell phone plan. You don’t want to sign up for something that you didn’t want. Ask about the time commitment, billing details, replacement costs and how you can get out of the contract if you need to. If you are considering data use for things like social networking sites, email, texting or web-browsing on your device, the charges associated with data are often higher than those of calling plans. Get a copy of the contract and make sure you read all the terms and conditions.

4. Do your research before buying a new computer. Before you get that new computer, decide what your needs will be and what the computer is to be used for, such as word processing, video-calling, graphic/web design or gaming. This will determine the type of hardware and software that will be required and how much you will pay in the end. Shop around for a good price and find out what you have to do (and pay!) if your computer breaks down. Consider leasing to reduce the costs of upgrading your system but make sure you know the details of your contract.

5. Know what to expect with gift cards. It’s true that most gift cards can’t have fees or expiry dates anymore. However if you are buying a mall card for that teen in your life so they can shop on their own, you should know that these cards are allowed to have fees. Make sure you find out the details so that you can make an informed decision. (Note that the law doesn’t apply to pre-loaded credit cards.)

6. Ask yourself if you really need that free gift. Carefully consider offers of free gifts that come with a purchase. Do you need the item you are buying? If not, then this free gift may not be worth the investment in the end.

7. 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.

Consumers have rights and responsibilities under BC law, find out what yours are by visiting the Consumer Protection BC website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca or by contacting your local BBB (www.mbc.bbb.org). The key to being a smart consumer is to know what questions to ask and reading the fine print before entering into any kind of transaction. Happy shopping!

Senior Citizens Targeted With Telephone Scam

8/5/2010

Posted on 8/5/2010 by

Better Business Bureau 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 Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “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.

Learn more about the RCMP Commercial Crime Section who help detect and deter criminal activity within the business and securities community at the local/international level.

BBB tips for selling gold, online or in person

7/27/2010

Posted on 7/27/2010 by

Have you thought about making a few extra dollars by selling some of your gold jewelry? Options to sell your gold online, at in-home ‘gold parties’, or through local jewelers are gaining in popularity, and the Better Business Bureau 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 who are looking to cash in on high gold prices,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “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 jewelry.”

BBB suggests consumers consider the following before selling your gold:

All that glitters is not always gold. 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.

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 mbc.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.

The true price of gold may not be what you receive. If gold is worth $1200 per ounce, you aren't going to be paid $1200 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.

Sometimes less is more. 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.

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 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.

The 2010 Thompson-Okanagan BBB Consumer Guide

7/15/2010

Posted on 7/15/2010 by

Looking for a business you can trust? Better Business Bureau serving Mainland BC is pleased to announce the release of the 2010 Thompson-Okanagan BBB Consumer Guide.

The Consumer Guide gives consumers looking for a particular company, shopping for a product, or browsing for a service, a handy reference guide listing all BBB Accredited Businesses in their communities.

“Whether you are looking for a roofer, mover, or a general contractor, the BBB Consumer Guide offers consumers a quick and easy way to check out a business,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “The past year we saw a spike in businesses using the BBB name and logo without our authorization. Use the Consumer Guide to verify that businesses are legitimate members of the BBB.”

The Consumer Guide will come out July 18 in Vernon and Kelowna and on July 21 in Penticton and Kamloops. The following newspapers will have copies of the Consumer Guide inserted on the days mentioned above:

· Capital News Kelowna

· Morning Star Vernon

· Westerner Penticton

· Kamloops This Week

Copies of the Guide will also be available at community recreation centres in Vernon, Kelowna, Kamloops, Penticton, and Salmon Arm later next week.

If you don’t find one at your door, or community centre you can receive them by sending a 10” x 13” self addressed, postage paid envelope, to the BBB office in Vancouver.

Find information about businesses on www.mbc.bbb.org/consumerguide or call us toll-free at: 1-888-803-1222.

‘Weeding out’ shady contractors: BBB offers tips on how to hire a landscaper

7/9/2010

Posted on 7/9/2010 by

During the summer season consumers plan to hire landscapers to care for their lawn and garden. Better Business Bureau recommends that you weed out shady contractors who are unqualified and have no track record.

“Homeowners want a landscaper who is on time and within budget,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “Due to the high demand during the summer season, it is often difficult to hire quality contractors.”

The BBB has received 47 lawn maintenance complaints since April 1. Consumers have reported having difficulty cancelling service contracts and that there are reports that after yearly contracts end, the contracts are automatically-renewed without the homeowner’s consent.

BBB offers the following tips when choosing a landscaper:

Decide what landscaping you are looking for. Are you seeking a complete yard remodelling, a maintenance contract, or remedy of a problem?
Obtain at least three detailed written estimates of the work you want. Some agreements break down costs, but for most residential work it is common to indicate a lump sum, and then detail what's included in the cost. Additionally, if you have specific instructions on items NOT to be done, (for example, your prize rose bush is to be left alone) these instructions should be noted on the estimate or work order.
Ensure that the landscaper checks for specific health hazards and care of all the items in question.
Allow the landscaper to make suggestions and recommendations for your specific landscape needs. If you see an example of the way you want the job to look like on completion, show it to the landscaper, and question its feasibility for your yard.
Ask for references, and follow up on them. Many companies carry a portfolio of pictures and letters from customers. Try to ensure that the majority of the work is to be done at the same time, so that the age and condition of the yard are similar.
Check out the company’s report at mbc.bbb.org and also check to see if they are listed with the BC Landscape & Nursery Association (BCLNA) at bclna.com. If the company displays either a BBB or BCLNA logo in its marketing or advertising, verify it with each organization independently.
Always obtain any expressed or implied warranty on the company's workmanship in writing.
Specifically request any refund or repair information. Ask questions about whether the company automatically renews the contract each year.
It is a good idea to be on site when the actual landscaping takes place. Oversee the job, and keep in mind that if you become concerned that the job is not what you had originally contracted for, you have the right to tell them to stop whatever it is that they are doing.

If you know a business that is a trust champion? BBB asks the public to nominate ethical businesses for a Torch Award

BBB encourages the consumers to get vocal about good business practice and nominate trustworthy company for a Torch Award. The BBB Torch Awards are open to all BC companies (excluding Vancouver Island) who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to ethics and customer service excellence. BBB also recognizes sustainable initiatives with the Green Award. All companies who receive public nominations must submit an application which will be judged by an independent panel of business leaders. Deadline for business applications and public nominations is July 30, 2010. The Torch Awards gala luncheon is to be held Fall 2010. To learn more, visit: www.mbc.bbb.org/torch

iTunes Hacked: What to do if You Were Affected

7/6/2010

Posted on 7/6/2010 by Lynda Pasacreta
Over the July 4 weekend an apparent hack of the iTunes store, by a vietnamese-based app developer, may have cost a few hundred iTunes users hundreds of dollars.

Apple has since pulled the apps and banned the developer from the iTunes store, according to PC World. It also released this statement about the scam:

The developer Thuat Nguyen and his apps were removed from the App Store for violating the developer Program License Agreement, including fraudulent purchase patterns.

Developers do not receive any iTunes confidential customer data when an app is downloaded.

If your credit card or iTunes password is stolen and used on iTunes we recommend that you contact your financial institution and inquire about canceling the card and issuing a chargeback for any unauthorized transactions. We also recommend that you change your iTunes account password immediately. For more information on best practices for password security visit http://www.apple.com/support/itunes. - Apple statement via Engadget

New cell phone plans got you talking?

6/16/2010

Posted on 6/16/2010 by

With promises of exciting new gadgets, cool new designs and “lower” plans, has the cell phone industry got you buzzing with the excitement of a handy new toy?

Last year, cell phone complaints were one of the top industries most complained about with the BBB registering over 500 complaints. Complaints ranged from issues with the contract, dissatisfaction with customer service and coverage, to people not understanding the final bill compared to advertised cost.

“There are new players on the market and new cell phones that have many consumers excited,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “We are concerned that the marketing hype may not add up to the quality of service that the customer expects.”

Better Business Bureau would like to offer those thinking of switching plans or phones the following tips as a starting point:

Who will be using the phone and why? Will the phone be used primarily for business? If so, you may want to consider how much you may use things like email or web-browsing on your device. The charges associated with data are often higher than those of calling plans. If teenagers or children will be using the phones, you may want to consider text messaging capability or downloadable games.
Where will you be calling to and from? Will you be making mainly local calls, long distance calls, international calls or a combination? Do you anticipate making many calls on the road?
When will you be using the phone? What time of day and which days of the week will see the heaviest usage? How many minutes a month do you estimate using the phone? Will family members call one another primarily on their cell phones?
What type of plan meets your budget? Does a local, regional, national or family plan make the most sense? Carefully read the fine print in the brochures and all contract details. What are the monthly fees based on? What are the surcharges (e.g., activation fee; roaming charges; rates for extra minutes; fees for voicemail, text-messaging, data fees, Caller ID features, etc.)?
How can you take advantage of advertised offers? Check both online and in retail stores for special promotions. If a rebate is offered, what are the exact terms? If extra phones are included in the package, what additional fees apply? Does the contract permit you to switch plans or upgrade phones in the middle of your contract period?
What about “No Contract” offers? Consumers are often looking for "No Contract" offers as a way to reassure themselves that they are not locked into a bad deal. You need to be aware that without a fixed agreement, terms can change over time including what your monthly charges are for things like local calling, family plans, and long distance.
Buying an “unlocked” phone. Consumers who are eager to get the latest devices often go online to shop for things like the iPhone. Be aware you could have additional charges to unlock the phone and in all likelihood will void the manufacturer's warranty.

Finally, don’t make a final decision without checking the cancellation and return policies. There are plans that will permit you to try a phone for a few days without paying a cancellation fee. And, don’t forget to obtain a BBB report (www.mbc.bbb.org) on the wireless provider before making your selection.

Don’t get suckered by ‘clickjacking’ on Facebook

6/2/2010

Posted on 6/2/2010 by

Scammers are now using a new social engineering technique called ‘clickjacking’ to convince social network users to post malicious links on their Facebook status updates.

“Social engineering techniques plays on people’s emotions, be it fear or humour, to do something like sharing or clicking on a website hyperlink,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “When we hear about a fascinating story, the first instinct is to share it with everyone we know without verifying the original source.”

In a report from Sophos, an Internet security company, Facebook users end up downloading viruses that put their computers at risk after clicking shared links (marked by users as ‘Like’ on Facebook) to stories that have attention-grabbing headlines, like:

• "LOL This girl gets OWNED after a POLICE OFFICER reads her STATUS MESSAGE."

• "This man takes a picture of himself EVERYDAY for 8 YEARS!!"

• "The Prom Dress That Got This Girl Suspended From School."

• "This Girl Has An Interesting Way Of Eating A Banana, Check It Out!"

If you have clicked on any of the following links, Sophos suggests going to your Facebook page and do the following:

1) Remove the page from your “Likes and interests” section.

Click “Edit My Profile”, then “show other pages”, and then “Remove Page” … or
Click “Account” in the top right corner, then “Edit friends”, select the “Pages” list, and click the X next to the page

2) Delete the page from your newsfeed - it will probably be in the “Recent Activity” section, but you may need to scroll down a bit to find it.

BBB offers the following advice for staying safe on social networking sites:

· Be extremely wary of messages from friends or strangers that direct the user to another website via a hyperlink.

· Users should always make sure their computer's operating system and antivirus and firewall software are up to date. In some web browsers, you can download security applications that will help to find and warn users about ‘clickjacking’ weblinks.

· Parents should become “friends” of their children. Joining Facebook and monitoring your kids’ activity will help to keep a close eye to what your kids are up to.

For more information on social networking tips, visit BBB’s website: mbc.bbb.org

Moving time? Do not have your own moving day horror story

5/25/2010

Posted on 5/25/2010 by

Planning a move can be a big challenge. Every year the Better Business Bureau hears countless stories about late movers, lost and damaged goods, over-billing, and disputes over the actual weight of goods compared to the estimate.

“Consumers needs to read the terms and conditions before moving day and not rely solely on price when deciding on a mover,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “Some consumer reports tell us about how costs increase halfway through the job. If the customer refuses to pay, their property is then held in storage until the bill paid in full.”

Last year the BBB received 140 complaints about moving companies making the industry rated sixth overall in the number of complaints received.

Start planning ahead several weeks before your targeted moving date. Here are some quick tips to help you with your move:

1. Shop around. Get at least three estimates and keep in mind that the lowest bid may not necessarily be the best service when you consider insurance, training, experience, quality of vehicle, etc.

2. Get a written contract. Make sure you get a contract that spells out the specific terms: the dates and times of your move, holding charges, and over-weight penalties.

3. Ask about insurance. Find out how much insurance the mover has and what it covers. Ask for the insurer’s name and policy number in case you need extra insurance to protect your possessions.

4. Make a list and check it. Make an inventory of the goods to be moved. Personally supervise or have someone trusted with your inventory list watch the loading and unloading of the truck.

5. Report loss or damage. If damage or loss occurs, have the driver make a special note on the inventory and/or delivery receipt, then promptly notify the company in writing, keeping a copy for your own files.

6. If you pack you pay. Remember, if the moving company packs everything, they are responsible; if you pack things, you are on the hook for damages. If you pack, place heavy items on the bottom, lighter ones on top and label boxes.

7. Deal with insured companies. Ask for a clearance letter from the mover stating that they have insurance coverage from WorkSafeBC. If they don’t, you may end up paying for any employee injuries during the move.

Before hiring a moving company, go to www.mbc.bbb.org for a reliability report on the company. If your moving company is not responsive to a complaint you have brought to its attention, consider filing a complaint with the BBB.

BBB Elects New Chairperson and Appoints New Board Members

5/21/2010

Posted on 5/21/2010 by

The Better Business Bureau serving Mainland British Columbia has elected Tom Siba, from BIV Media Group as the new Chairperson for its Board of Directors. Mr. Siba is President of BIV which produces the annual BBB Consumer Guide.

The Better Business Bureau also announced several new Directors who include, James Carter, Carter Chevrolet Ltd. (Northshore), Gary Hutton, Pacific Newspaper Group, Lindsay Matthews, ICBC, and Barry Sharp, AMA Management Ltd.

For long-term commitment to the Better Business Bureau and continued support of its mission to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust, the BBB appointed John Friswell, CCI Renovations and John Vickerstaff, Network Bonding & Insurance Services Inc. as BBB Governors.

The election was voted on by existing BBB Accredited Businesses and made effective at the BBB Annual General Meeting on May 10, 2010.

BBB Board of Directors 2010-2011

Executive:

Chairperson: Tom Siba, BIV Media Group
Vice Chair: Colin MacPhail, BCAA
Secretary/Treasurer: Robert Vincent, Brighter Mechanical Ltd.

Past Chairperson: Elaine Hay, Campbell, Edgar Inc.
Past Chairperson: David Crawford, Edgemont Moving & Storage Ltd.

President and CEO: Lynda Pasacreta, Better Business Bureau

Directors:

Shabir Amarshi, Vancity
James Carter, Carter Chevrolet Ltd. - Northshore
Ray Dennis, Roy Dennis Roofing (2005) Ltd.
Ron Harvie, Vancouver Management Ltd.
Gary Hutton, Pacific Newspaper Group
Bailey Jung, Silver Bullet Shredding
Mark Johnstone, Vancouver Police Department
Cori Maedel, The Jouta Performance Group
Lindsay Matthews, ICBC
Barry Sharp, AMA Management Ltd.
Marv Steier, Tenant Verification Service Inc

Governors:

John Friswell, CCI Renovations
John Vickerstaff, Network Bonding & Insurance Services Inc.

Legal Counsel:

Doug Hopkins, Boughton Law Corporation

Facebook to Offer New Privacy Options to Users

5/20/2010

Posted on 5/20/2010 by Lynda Pasacreta
After a lot of controversy, Facebook is backing away from big plans to make user data more available to the public, and will in the near future offer new privacy options to users, according to The Next Web.

Facebook's user privacy policy has been under fire lately, which has caused boycotts and users to protest the Web site's alleged privacy abuses.

What do you think ... too late to please users?

>> Read more at The Next Web.

Fraudsters out to score some new victims with soccer scam

5/17/2010

Posted on 5/17/2010 by

Fraudsters out to score some new victims with soccer scam

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is less than a month away and scammers are trying their best to take advantage of consumers.

“Soccer is an extremely popular sport and with the World Cup around the corner, we are seeing the foreign lottery scam making a comeback,” says Lynda Pasacreta, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau. “Stick with the BBB’s advice. If is sounds too good to be true, it normally is.”

The scam lottery appears to be from FIFA and a partnership between the South African and Canadian governments. The solicitation attempts to persuade recipients to submit personal information or forward money to receive the prize.

A new variation of the FIFA lottery scam is appearing as a mass email, which has a PDF attachment outlining the prize details. Opening an attachment from an unknown party could expose your computer to malware viruses and lead to identity theft.

In February, FIFA sent out a warning about lottery prize scams associated with their name - there is no World Cup 2010 Lottery affiliated in any way to FIFA.

BBB recommends the following when you receive a foreign lottery letter or email:

· If you're thinking about responding to a foreign lottery, don't do it. This is a scam.

· By responding to just one foreign lottery offer, you've opened the door to many more bogus offers for lottery or investment "opportunities". Your name will be added to "sucker lists" that fraudulent telemarketers buy and sell.

· In both the U.S. and Canada, it's illegal to play a foreign lottery - through the mail or on the telephone or Internet. Don't add insult to injury by inviting federal charges.

Who to turn to when you receive a foreign lottery solicitation:

The Competition Bureau targets telemarketing and mail scams aimed at Canadian and foreign consumers. To file a complaint, call the Competition Bureau at 1-800-348-5358 (available only to callers in Canada) or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre at 1-888-495-8501. Register complaints online about deceptive business practices at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca.

Get more information like this at the BBB website: www.mbc.bbb.org

BBB Student Ethics Award Recipient Announced

5/6/2010

Posted on 5/6/2010 by

Better Business Bureau will recognize ethical businesses and a student from Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School on May 10 as part of their Annual General Meeting.

Grade 12 student, Colin Siu was unanimously selected for Better Business Bureau Student Ethics Award scholarship (valued at $1,700) from the Better Business Bureau of Mainland BC (BBB). This province-wide contest is awarded to a young student with great dedication, leading with integrity, and an academic excellence.

“Colin is dedicated to ethics and is a dynamic individual who balances community involvement and high level academics,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “He puts in hundreds of hours of his own personal time to take the lead in a wide range of activities that have positive local and even global impacts.”

A short-list of Colin Siu’s activities and accomplishments includes:

· Organizer of the 3^rd Annual NOW Environmental Conference for Elementary Students

· Official Leader of the Opposition at the Vancouver Youth Parliament

· Youth Ambassador of BC

· Co-facilitator and organizer for SEVEC’s provincial Living & Learning in a Bilingual Country

· Council member of the Vancouver Foundation Youth Philanthropy

· City of Vancouver Youth Selection Committee member

· St. John’s Ambulance Crusader

In his essay, Colin showed how he is a passionate character builder. He stated that “you cannot force ethics onto others.” Colin instead acts as a “catalyst to encourage others to help find principles which they can live with.”

Colin Siu will receive the Student Ethics Award at a special ceremony on May 10 at the BBB AGM. The BBB Annual General Meeting will be holding a fundraiser Bocce Tournament with BBB Accredited Businesses to raise money for next year’s Student Ethics Award.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s President, Bob Lenarduzzi plans to give the keynote address. Media is welcome to attend.

The not-so shocking truth. Bogus power-saving devices target British Columbians

4/28/2010

Posted on 4/28/2010 by

Looking to save some power on your hydro bill? Better Business Bureau would like to warn consumers about telemarketers who are selling bogus energy saving devices.

Power$aver is a product that company representatives say can help consumers save at least 30 percent off their electricity bills. Electric utilities provider, BC Hydro, does not verify these advertising claims. In fact, there is no evidence that these products can even have moderate energy savings beyond one to two percent, let alone the 30 percent.

“The concern is that these telemarketers are stating they are working for the government and BC Hydro to help reduce hydro-bill fluctuations,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “These products have no affiliation to the any government or BC Hydro. This is just a tactic to help lend credibility to a product with dubious power-saving claims.”

Consumers are required to pay a $150 deposit for these products that appear to be an adapter which plugs into your power outlet. The cost for the product is $249.

According to its website “hydroenergysaver.com,” Power$aver is purportedly based in Montreal.

BBB urges consumers to do their homework before they agree to any energy saving sale’s pitch.

Don’t buy into ad speak. Be wary of any ad claims and testimonials or slick website ads as they can present misleading information. Check with a third-party source to verify claims.

Do your homework. Check for a BBB company Reliability Report at mbc.bbb.org. Never wire or do a money order to a company/person you do know. Find out the physical address of the company before doing business and check to see that the company has an actual office listed at the location. Do not complete an online form for payment unless it is secure and you are sure you know all the terms and conditions.

Don’t be swayed by incentives. Cases like this one often have incentives, like free gas cards to entice consumers into purchase. Often the supposed ‘free’ gas cards either do not arrive or have strings attached making them difficult to redeem.

Get tips on energy saving you can do at home. Join BC Hydro’s Team Power Smart at bchydro.com to set a conservation target for your household. You’ll get access to free tools and resources to help you reduce your energy consumption.

Report misleading advertising. Canada has guidelines for advertising that can be visited at the Competition Bureau website: competitionbureau.gc.ca

BBB Annual General Meeting - Meet Bob Lenarduzzi

4/16/2010

Posted on 4/16/2010 by

Another not-so-typical BBB AGM. Here’s why...

· Meet Bob Lenarduzzi, President, Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

· Enjoy a light lunch while hearing about the Whitecaps’ updates on becoming a part of Major League Soccer and the new renovations of BC Place.

· Stretch your muscles and have some fun over a game or two of bocce with other guests.

· Raise scholarship funds for future leaders—donate to BBB’s Student Ethics Award.

“Bocce,” (pronounced BAH-chee in English or BOH-chay in Italian), is one of the earliest ball rolling games in

history and the second most-played game in the world.

WHEN: Monday, May 10, 11:30am—1:30pm (stay for an hour after for the tournament)

WHERE: Italian Cultural Centre Society

3075 Slocan Street, Vancouver

FEE: BBB Accredited $40/person + GST

Non BBB Accredited $55/person + GST

(price includes light lunch, glass of wine and bocce )

LEARN MORE ABOUT IT, CLICK HERE

Spring cleaning? Don't let your ID get swept away

4/16/2010

Posted on 4/16/2010 by
Spring is here and now is a good time to rid the house of paperwork that has accumulated over the past year. Better Business Bureau (BBB) reminds that when you are doing your spring cleaning make sure to properly shred sensitive documents to avoid ID theft.

“When people think of ID theft they almost immediately focus on hackers and online security,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO serving Mainland BC. “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, IDs, and credit cards.”

Every year thousands of Canadians become victims of preventable ID theft. Often ID theft 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.

Properly destroying sensitive personal and financial documents is a key step in ID theft prevention and BBB offers the following guide on when to shred the following 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.

Shredding Checklist - Don’t just toss it, shred it!

• Documents that include Social Insurance Numbers, birthdates, PIN numbers or passwords
• Banking documents and other financial information
• Leases, contracts or letters that include signatures
• Pre-approved credit card applications
• Medical or dental bills
• Travel itineraries
• Used airline tickets

For more information about identity theft prevention tips please visit the BC Crime Prevention Association