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CONSUMER WARNINGS!
Travel Fraud Growing
This time of year people are busy making vacation plans. The BBB warns you to be cautious. Telemarketers and Internet pop-up ads often promise "free" vacations that could end up costing you plenty.
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TIPS FOR CONSUMERS
Is Your Teen's Identity Protected?
The parents of teenagers spend many hours teaching them how to drive safely, discussing the importance of an education and warning about the dangers of illegal drugs. Now they can add identity theft to the list of items meriting special attention.
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INVESTMENT SCAMS BILKS INVESTORS OUT OF MILLIONS
Top Ten Threats to Investors in 2005
Many of us work hard to make sure we have enough money set aside for our retirement years. Falling for the wrong investment opportunity can wipe our savings out. Each year investors are cheated out of hundreds of millions of dollars. The North American Securities Administration Associations has released its Top 10 threats to investors in 2005. The list is based on the order of prevalence and seriousness as identified by an annual survey of state securities regulators.
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IS IT BEST TO CALL FOR YOUR FREE CREDIT REPORT?
Under a new federal law, consumers in about half the country can now receive a free copy of their credit report. But, is it best to call or click for that report? The World Privacy Forum recently released a research report that encourages consumers who qualify to call for their free credit report instead of retrieving it online. The organization says calling the toll-free number (877.322.8228) exposes consumers to fewer potential hazards than ordering online.
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BUSINESS CORNER
Enter the BBB International Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics
Entry deadline April 15
Outstanding, upstanding businesses that do the right thing, day in and out, are encouraged to step forward and enter the 2005 BBB International Torch Award competition. The deadline for entering this year's competition is April 15, 2005.
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Disaster Preparedness - Is Your Business Ready If The Worst Should Happen?
Michael Chertoff, the newly appointed Secretary of Homeland Security, recently announced that his Department is working with state, local and private sector partners to "target resources where the risks are greatest." Clearly, Chertoff's greatest risk management challenge is to protect the nation and its infrastructure from terrorist attack.
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Applying for Business Credit
Do you need a loan to help develop or expand your business? Perhaps you'd like to start your own business and you need a loan to help with start-up costs. If so, you should know about a law that protects you against illegal discrimination in business credit.
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Phony Grant Foundations Target Business Owners
There is always a steady stream of business owners on the lookout for easy, low-cost sources of financing. Scam artists know this. That is why advertisements and offers for "free grants" can be particularly tempting.
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CHARITY NEWS
Charity Auctions: What is Tax Deductible for Donors and Bidders?
Just about anything you can image and some things you probably can't end up on the auction block. Online charity auctions offer another way for donors to give back. For example, someone who feels unable to make a money gift can donate season tickets to a sports event. But, what is tax deductible for donors and bidders?
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ASK YOUR ADVOCATE
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