BBB Marks Centennial As 2012 Begins
BBB CEO Reviews 2011's Progress, 2012 Goals
 Nationwide, the BBB turns 100 years old this year. BBBs will be marking the centennial in a variety of ways. The St. Louis BBB is one of the oldest in the nation and will mark its centennial in 2017. BBB CEO Michelle Corey discusses the St. Louis BBB's accomplishments in 2011 and its plans for 2012.
[FULL STORY]
|
BBB Study: Debt Collection Industry Thrives, Complaints Soar
Collectors Buy Billions Of Dollars In Consumer Debts
 The BBB has released a study titled “They Deal in Billions: A BBB Study of the Debt Collection Industry, Its Soaring Growth and Problems for Consumers.” The study points to problems in the industry and their causes, and outlines the weaknesses in laws and their enforcement.
[FULL STORY]
|
"Student of Ethics" Awards Open To High School Juniors
Deadline To Apply For $2,500 Award Is April 27
 The BBB invites high school juniors to apply for its “Student of Ethics” award, a $2,500 college award that recognizes students who demonstrate high ethics through leadership, community service, personal integrity and academic achievement.
[FULL STORY]
|
Consumer Fraud Task Force Warning On Payday Loans
High-Cost Loans Can Trap Borrowers In Cycle Of Debt
 The Consumer Fraud Task Force, a coalition of government and private agencies, warns consumers to avoid payday loans, which can trap them in a cycle of debt.
[FULL STORY]
|
BBB Warns Consumers About Opportunities Unlimited Publications Puzzles
Entry Fees Can Mount Up With Little Chance Of Winning
< The BBB is warning Missouri and Illinois residents to be cautious when entering puzzle contests sponsored by Opportunities Unlimited Publications, Inc., of North Kansas City, Mo. The contest promotions are mailed around the world and charge entry fees ranging from a few dollars to more than $40 per puzzle, with the cost of playing a complete, four-part game often totaling more than $100.
[FULL STORY]
|
Consumers Tell BBB: Radialabs' 'Free' Face Cream Offer Led To Unexpected Fees
Nearly 200 Complaints Have Been Filed On Florida Company
 Radialabs, a company that touts its wrinkle-reducing face cream as “the fountain of youth in a bottle,” has left a trail of disgruntled customers across Missouri, Illinois and the nation, the BBB warns. Customers were charged $74.95 one or more times if they missed a deadline for returning the sample.
[FULL STORY]
|
Beware Claims, Read Contracts For Diet Products, Gym Memberships
BBB Advice On Losing Weight Without Emptying Your Wallet
 The BBB advises consumers who want to lose weight to beware of exaggerated claims for weight-loss plans or products. The only safe and effective way to lose weight is to eat less or exercise more – or preferably to do both.
[FULL STORY]
|
BBB Warning: eBook Scams Rip Off Readers, Authors & Publishers
Some Books Violate Copyright; Others Are Useless
 The growing popularity of electronic books for devices like the Amazon Kindle, the Barnes & Noble Nook and other devices has inspired scams by unrelated firms that target readers, authors and authorized book publishers, the BBB warns.
[FULL STORY]
|
