BBB Calls Ads Offering "Free" $2 Bills Misleading
Customers Had To Buy Overpriced Bills To Get "Free" Ones
 Consumers hoping to cash in on an advertised offer of “absolutely free” $2 bills may end up frustrated and disappointed, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns.
The company behind the ad is World Reserve Monetary Exchange, Inc., of Canton, Ohio.
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Tree Sellers Leave Customers Out On A Limb
Cluster Of Firms In West Frankfort, Ill., Have History Of Complaints
 The BBB warns homeowners in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana to be on the alert for traveling landscape workers from West Frankfort, Ill., who appear to be peddling dead or unhealthy trees.
Consumers say the salesmen often offer written guarantees promising to make refunds or replace any dead trees, but then fail to honor the promises.
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Dealer Cost Audio Ignores Hundreds Of Complaints
California Firm Has Many Missouri, Illinois Victims
 More than 1,200 consumers across North America have filed BBB complaints against California-based Dealer Cost Car Audio, many claiming they never received merchandise ordered through the company’s website. The complainants include dozens of customers throughout Missouri and Illinois.
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BBB: Shop Smart To Avoid Post-Holiday Blues
Shoppers Need To Set Budgets, Research Purchases
 With Christmas decorations going up before Halloween, the pressure to spend money on holiday gifts starts well before Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving that traditionally is one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Smart shoppers try to snap up bargains without overspending.
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BBB Guide Helps Donors Make Wise Decisions
Guide, Up-To-Date Charity Reports Are Online
 This is the season for giving, and with donors' dollars stretched to the limit, they may wonder which causes are on the up and up. The Better Business Bureau’s Charity Information Service has a ready source of guidance in the Winter Wise Giving Guide to more than 500 charities in eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois.
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New FTC Rules Protect Homeowners From Mortgage Relief Scams
But Rules Are Too Late For Area Victims Of Residential Relief Foundation
 New rules from the Federal Trade Commission that ban collection of advance fees by companies that promise to rescue struggling homeowners from foreclosure may be too late to help St. Louis area homeowners victimized by a Maryland firm that federal authorities have shut down.
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Why Do Business With A BBB Accredited Business?
BBB Accredited Businesses Have Promised To Uphold Standards Of Trust
 Consumers sometimes ask, “’Why should I do business with a BBB Accredited Business?’”
BBB Accredited Businesses have promised to advertise honestly, tell the truth, honor promises, be responsive and safeguard promises. What’s not to like about that?
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BBB's Top 10 Tips For Shopping Online
Be Smart, Be Safe When Buying Online
 The BBB gets complaints all year from online shoppers who didn't get the merchandise they ordered or got it too late to do them any good. Read our tips to make your Web shopping a safe experience. Better yet, print them out and post them by your computer.
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Preparing Homes For Winter Saves Money, Headaches
Winterization Of Homes, Cars Is Money Well Spent, BBB Advises
 Taking the time to prepare your home and car for cold weather can reduce heating costs, prevent damage and destruction of property or simply save headaches when ice and snow arrive, the BBB advises.
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BBB's Top 5 Holiday Scams To Avoid
Scammers Capitalize On Distraction Of Busy Shoppers
Holidays can be hectic, and scammers are counting on harried consumers letting down their guard, whether shopping on line, juggling packages at the mall or simply reading their e-mail.
The BBB has identified five common scams that consumer should watch out for and avoid as they shop, whether online or in stores.
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