Consumers say that an “energy-balancing” bracelet widely advertised as an aid to improved flexibility, balance and strength has done nothing to improve their health. The iRenew bracelet is distributed by harvest Trading Group of Norwell, Mass., which has a "D" grade with the BBB.

The BBB is offering mid-Missouri residents a chance to safely dispose of outdated but sensitive documents at a “Shred Day,” Saturday, October 16, at the Columbia Schnucks.
Consumers can shred up to three boxes of documents from 9 a.m. to noon on the parking lot at 1400 Forum Boulevard. Consumers also will receive information on identity theft protection. Sponsors include the BBB, Missouri Attorney General and the Columbia Police Department. Shred-It, a Securit company, is donating the shredding service.

As jack-o-lanterns and witches crop up on lawns and doorsteps, children and adults may be looking for bargains on costumes to wear for Halloween, the second largest commercial holiday in the nation. The BBB advises caution when shopping with seasonal stores and fly-by-night websites for costumes and other merchandise.

An apartment management company in Creve Coeur, Mo., appears to be violating Missouri law by withholding security deposits from Saint Louis University students and their parents without cause. In some cases, the former tenants told the Better Business Bureau (BBB) they were able to get their deposits refunded only after driving to the company offices and threatening legal action.

The BBB has suspended Bellington Realty’s status as an Accredited Business after receiving recent complaints from consumers whose homes were foreclosed on after they bought or leased the properties from the company with lease-purchase or “wraparound” mortgage agreements.

The BBB has revoked the accreditation of B & B Fencing LLC, 1770 Gravois Road, High Ridge, Mo., for violations of the BBB’s Accreditation Agreement.

Grant

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.

The St. Louis BBB won this year's Myers Memorial Award at the BBB Assembly, held in late September in Hawaii. This BBB's entry focused on how to turn your BBB into a news producer, taking our investigations to the media and spreading the news through our own publications and electronic media.