BBB Activity Surges 16 Percent In 2009
Consumers Increasingly Turn To BBB For Reports
Consumers and businesses turned to the BBB in St. Louis more than 4.5 million times last year, a 16 percent increase in activity from 2008. Requests for information on businesses were up 13 percent, and charity information requests soared.
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BBB Warns Consumers To Be Wary Of Sweepstakes
Product Offers Prey On The Elderly, Unsophisticated
 The BBB is warning consumers to be wary of product offers included in sweepstakes mailings. Some elderly or unsophisticated recipients are erroneously led to believe that buying the products will increase their chances of winning.
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Absolute Photography Disappoints Customers
Wedding Photographer Took Payments, Didn't Deliver
An Affton, Mo., wedding photographer who promised her customers “absolutely perfect memories” left many of them with only broken promises and frustration, warns the Better Business Bureau. Some paid Absolute Photography thousands of dollars but got no albums, proofs or photographs.
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Parents Say Baby Love Didn't Deliver Photos
Photography Company Focused On Newborns
 Families who hired Baby Love Photography to shoot photos of their newborn babies say they received precious little for their money. The BBB urges caution in dealing with Baby Love or owner Nicole Manley.
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BBB "Request An Estimate" Links Consumers, Firms
Consumers Get Estimates From Companies They Can Trust
 The St. Louis BBB is launching "Request an Estimate," a free service that allows consumers to get information, estimates and proposals from BBB Accredited Businesses through the BBB website. The service can help BBB Accredited Businesses build their customer base.
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National Deed Service Sells High-Priced Deeds
BBB Says Consumers Seldom Need The Documents
 National Deed Service, Inc., of Northbrook, Ill., sends official-looking letters to consumers urging them to order property deeds - at the hefty price of $59.50. The BBB reminds consumers that it's much cheaper to get the deeds from government offices. Most people don't need to have the documents on hand anyway.
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BBB Seeks Nominations For 2010 TORCH Awards
Consumers May Nominate Their Favorite Firms
 The BBB of Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois is looking for companies and charities that exemplify exceptional ethics in their operations and dedication to serving their customers, employees, suppliers and their communities. Customers may nominate companies and charities or they may nominate themselves.
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BBB Invites You To 'Report A Scam'
New Button On Website Encourages Reports
 Have a tip that should be investigated? Want to alert us to a possible scam?
Now, visitors to our website have the ability to warn the BBB of potential problems with St. Louis area businesses simply by clicking on the “Report A Scam” fingerprint on our homepage.
We hope the“Report A Scam” link will become another tool in protecting consumers and promoting strong, ethical business practices in our region.
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Tax Refund Anticipation Loans Are Costly
Borrowers Pay Fees To Get Their Own Money
 The temptation to get an income tax refund quickly may prompt some taxpayers to take out a refund anticipation loan. However, the loans carry high interest rates and fees, and consumers may get their money in less than two weeks from the Internal Revenue Service.
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BBB Offers Coupon For HBA Home & Garden Show
 The BBB is offering a coupon for a reduced admission price for the 33rd Annual Builders Home & Garden Show at America's Center and the Edward Jones Dome Feb. 25-28. Click on the link below to find the coupon.
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BBB's 'Student of Ethics' Awards Recognize High School Juniors
Three $2,500 Awards Available Each Year
 High school juniors are encouraged to apply for the BBB's "Student of Ethics" award. Three $2,500 awards are given each year for use toward college tuition or other expenses. Applications are due May 14.
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