Smart Solutions Promised To Fix Credit, Broke Promises Instead
Customers Told BBB The Company Cost Them Thousands Of Dollars
 Frustrated customers of a St. Louis County financial services company say the business abandoned them after charging them hundreds of dollars each to repair their credit or help them buy homes. One woman said her involvement with Smart Solutions Financial Services ultimately could cost her more than $20,000 if she is forced out of her house.
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Consumers Urged To Know Their Rights When Facing Debt Collectors
Consumer Fraud Task Force Says Some Collectors Use Unethical Practices.
 With complaints over debt collection practices skyrocketing, consumers in Missouri and Illinois are urged to protect themselves against bogus and unscrupulous collectors.
The Consumer Fraud Task Force says that consumers need to know their rights if they are contacted by businesses attempting to recover debts.
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Tornado, Pettis Put Homeowners In Double Jeopardy
Berkeley Inspector Issued Stop-Work Order On Shoddy Repairs
 A mail handler from Berkeley, Mo., says a contractor hired to repair her tornado-damaged home did such poor quality work that she has been unable to move back into the house nearly four months after the Good Friday storm.
The BBB suggests caution when dealing with Pettis Construction Co. or Bruce Pettis.
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Disabled Mother, Daughter Fall Victim To Sweepstakes Scam
BBB Gets Calls Every Day About Lottery, Sweepstakes Fraud
 A disabled maintenance worker from Florissant, Mo., said thieves tricked her into giving them $3,000 after they told her she won two multimillion-dollar sweepstakes prizes, the BBB said. The tale is familiar to BBB customer relations specialists, who get 15 to 20 calls a day about such scams.
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Bone Up On Karat Weights Before Selling Gold
BBB Has Consumer Tips To Help You Get Good Value
 Erratic global markets have some worried investors turning to gold as a safe haven, driving the price to around $1,900 per ounce in commodities markets. With the price of gold at an all-time high, the BBB is advising consumers to do their homework before selling their gold.
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Consumers Can Take Steps To Thwart Copper Theft
Thieves Target Air Conditioners, Gutters, Water Pipes
Copper theft is a serious problem for homeowners and businesses, but there are things people can do to reduce their vulnerability to thieves, the BBB advises.
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Columbia, Mo., Shred Day Is Oct 8
Consumers, Businesses Can Fight ID Theft By Shredding Documents
 Sensitive documents can be a gold mine for identity thieves. The BBB helps you protect your identity with free shredding of up to three boxes of sensitive documents. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon at the Schnucks parking lot in Columbia.
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