With the start of the shopping season, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) urges consumers to avoid pitfalls that can dampen the enjoyment of the holidays.

The Better Business Bureau launched its local charity review program in September 2002 in response to a need for the public to have reliable information when making a decision to donate to a charity.

“For a small one-time refundable processing fee of $10 per prescription” the Free Medicine Foundation claims to help consumers with no prescription coverage or inadequate coverage reduce the cost of their medication. Consumers, however, report different experiences with the company.

As winter approaches and the cost of heating homes rises, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) urges consumers to take steps now to make their homes safer and warmer this season.

“While we were on vacation, my 2½ year-old son lost his coveted teddy bear so I went online to find a replacement,” a New Market, Maryland, woman told the Better Business Bureau (BBB). She said she placed an order on peanutgallerygifts.com in August 2008, and the order was to be delivered within 5-7 business days and her credit card was not to be charged until the item was shipped. She said that her card was charged within a day or two and despite leaving many messages for the firm, 10 weeks later she has received no reply, product or refund.