
BBB Marketplace Survival Guide
Cape Girardeau native Whitney Quick is the new Regional Director of Better Business Bureau in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and is responsible for outreach efforts in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.
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BBB Tips: How to Choose a Tax Preparer
Posted Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at 9:22 AMWith tax season just getting under way, some consumers rush to file taxes as soon as their employers provide a W-2... -
BBB Scam Alert: Employment Scams
Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at 9:27 AMHunting for a job is never easy, which is one good reason to be skeptical of emails or other solicitations appearing out of the blue, offering you employment or promising easy money... -
BBB Tips: New Year's Resolutions
Posted Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at 8:23 AMAre you considering a New Year’s resolution to lose weight or save money for retirement? What about resolving to be a savvy consumer as well?... -
BBB Tips: Weight Loss Scams
Posted Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at 8:00 AMLosing weight is a popular New Year’s resolution, but consumers should use caution when buying diet and weight loss products to aid them on their journey, especially products that advertise a free trial... -
BBB Tip: Planning Home Improvements
Posted Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at 7:46 AMAs 2020 comes to an end, you may be starting to plan home projects for 2021 – especially after spending so much time at home this year. Maybe you want to add a patio or deck, make over your kitchen or renovate a spare bedroom as a home office... -
BBB Tips: Holiday Gift Cards
Posted Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at 8:56 AMAs the number of holiday shopping days ticks down, you may be considering gift cards for friends or relatives who have everything or those who live far away. Gift cards are an easy solution to people who are hard-to-please or already have everything. And they’re everywhere – at the drugstore, supermarket, quick shop and department stores. E-gift card options make it an even easier gift, not to mention a safer one during COVID-19... -
BBB Tips: Holiday Giving 2020
Posted Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at 9:53 AMFor many Americans, giving to charities is almost as important during the holidays as celebrating with family. Consumers should give, but give wisely -- and do their homework before donating... -
BBB Tips: Black Friday & Cyber Monday
Posted Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at 8:47 AMCOVID-19 has upended the world and the economy, with massive changes to retail, which means the holiday shopping season is likely to look very different in 2020. However, the National Retail Federation estimates consumers will still spend an average of nearly $1,000 this year on gifts, decorations and other holiday items. ... -
BBB Tips: Online Selling
Posted Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at 8:28 AMBecause of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers might not be able to hold a yard sale and are looking to sell some unwanted items through other avenues. Consumers planning to sell items online should be careful so they don’t become scam victims... -
Seasonal Job Applicants Need To Start Early, Beware of Scams, BBB Advises
Posted Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at 8:54 AMWith millions of people laid off or furloughed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, competition for season employment this holiday season will be fierce. Shipping companies and online retailers like Amazon have seen their business boom as the pandemic has driven online shopping through the roof, and it is expected they will hire thousands of seasonal employees this holiday season. Some traditional brick-and-mortar retailers also are hiring seasonal workers... -
2020 Holiday Scams
Posted Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at 9:26 AMThe holidays are all about celebrating what’s good, but that doesn’t mean scammers are taking a vacation. Better Business Bureau (BBB) reminds consumers that con artists see busy, over-burdened shoppers as likely targets for their schemes... -
BBB Tips: Heating Contractors
Posted Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at 9:55 AMWhen the temperature drops, the last thing anyone wants is for their furnace to stop working. But when it does, you need a reliable contractor – and fast. Good heating contractors are in high demand during the colder months, so you shouldn’t be surprised if you can’t get it fixed immediately. Rather than get overheated, you need to research companies before you sign a contract for repairs or replacement... -
BBB Tips: Fake Invoice Scam
Posted Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at 10:59 AMDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, fraudsters have found various ways to perpetrate scams. With many people working remotely, the chance of scammers taking advantage of companies through fake invoice scams is high... -
BBB Tips: Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2020
Posted Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at 12:05 PMBreast Cancer Awareness Month brings with it a wave of appeals to donate to breast cancer charities. advises consumers to research charities and cause-related products carefully before making a donation or buying a pink-ribbon product... -
BBB Tips: Take Action During National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Posted Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at 9:10 AMOctober is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time for consumers and businesses to look at their online security measures. Promoted by the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, the month is designed to raise the awareness about the importance of cybersecurity... -
BBB Tips: Consider Many Factors When Hiring a Tutor for Your Child
Posted Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at 8:15 AMWith many school districts turning to virtual learning this year due to COVID-19, parents might be thinking about their children’s tutoring needs... -
BBB Scam Alert: Robocall scams get political
Posted Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at 9:07 AMThe coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many areas of society this year, but it hasn’t put an end to scammers trying to contact you through the telephone... -
Choose Wisely When Hiring a Home Inspector, BBB Advises
Posted Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at 9:59 AMWith home sales through the roof during the COVID-19 pandemic, home inspectors are in high demand, since their work is a critical step in the purchase process. Only a thorough, professional inspection of the home’s physical structure and mechanical condition, from roof to foundation, can uncover the issues you’ll need to watch for as a homeowner and potentially discuss with the seller... -
Be Vigilant About Scams Targeting Seniors, BBB Cautions
Posted Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at 9:11 AMSenior citizens are a prime target for scammers. Many are on a fixed income, but they may have a lifetime of savings in the bank. While you may not be able to see your loved ones right now, please check on them and make sure they are not being taken advantage of by fraudsters... -
Critical Basement Repairs Call for Careful Research on Contractors
Posted Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at 9:13 AMIf your basement is leaking or suffering from foundation issues, it can affect your whole house’s integrity, including structural decay, high humidity levels, and mold and mildew growth. It’s critical that you find a quality and trustworthy contractor to make these repairs -- particularly after a storm, when unscrupulous contractors sometimes prey on homeowners in need...
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