The certification tests offered by American Sports and Fitness Association are so easy, an 11-year-old passed one on her second try. The online testing and certification program is being used by some trainers as proof of their qualifications. However, anyone who fails the test the first time gets prompting on the correct answers for any questions missed until a passing score is attained.

The millions of senior citizens who fall victim to scams are a growing concern. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) encourages consumers to keep the lines of communication open with their elders to help them avoid scams or stop the drain on their finances.

New rules on credit card interest rate increases and penalty fees are mostly good news for consumers, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009 mandated major changes for the credit card industry. Some changes occurred on Feb. 22. Another round took effect Aug. 22.

Fender benders and other vehicle mishaps result in billions of dollars in property damage, medical and legal bills as well as lost income for motorists every year. The right insurance policy can protect consumers from serious financial losses – and keep them in compliance with laws in states that require motorists to carry insurance.

Dog lovers in Missouri and Illinois should be suspicious of anyone promising to ship them free purebred puppies from the African continent or any foreign country, the BBB warns. The BBB says the thieves typically agree to ship American Kennel Club-registered puppies in exchange for help in paying the cost of transporting the animals. But once the money is wired to the bogus sellers, no puppies are delivered and the money is gone.

The BBB is warning consumers to steer clear of a new scam that promises to improve consumers’ credit scores using a “credit protection number,” or CPN. Scammers get the numbers by using computers to find dormant Social Security numbers – often those assigned to children. They sell the numbers to people who use them to establish phony credit and run up huge debts they will never pay off.

Missouri voters will decide whether to place strict regulations on commercial dog breeders through a ballot initiative in November.Jon Beetem, a Cole County Circuit Court judge, ruled Aug. 13 against objections to the ballot initiative raised by dog breeders. A BBB study of the industry highlighted shortcomings in state regulation.

The BBB will move its offices back to downtown St. Louis in January. After 13 years in St. Louis County, the office moves from Maplewood to One Metropolitan Square. BBB CEO Michelle L. Corey says the move affirms the BBB's commitment to the St. Louis area.

The BBB will honor Monsanto Co. and other outstanding companies and charities at this year's TORCH Award Luncheon on Oct. 29 at the Chase Park Plaza. Tickets, tables and sponsorships are available for the event, which features Monsanto CEO Hugh Grant as the keynote speaker. The TORCH Award recognizes excellence in customer service, employee relations and ethical business practices.