Doing the right thing, BBB

Contractors need to beware of ‘perfect estimate’ text message

  The first text message sounded legitimate: “I would like to know if you can do a perfect job for my (Full Roof Repair). If yes, kindly get back to me via text asap.” Owner, Jeremy Bauer, of DSF Roofing in Boise, responded accordingly that he would be able to put together a bid, but first needed to inspect the current home and take dimensions. “We can schedule a free roof checkup anytime,” he…

The following tips can protect your company from identity thieves

Protect your business’s bank accounts. Review your commercial banking agreements to determine your protections and reporting requirements. Consider using a two-person authorization or other arrangement with your bank to protect against fraudulent wire transactions. Beware of phishing scams and monitor your bank account(s) frequently. Protect your business identifying information. Guard your…

Oregon AG’s Office puts magazine subscription scam out of business

By Sophies Dichter/blogger for BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington We received big news this week from the Oregon Attorney General’s Office when Ellen Rosenblum announced a $3 million settlement with Publisher’s Payment Processing. Ellen Rosenblum, Oregon State Attorney General According to the AG’s office, the White City company had operated a nationwide scam through a newspaper…

Checkout timeshare buyers in BBB’s directory before signing

When the 81-year-old Boise resident stopped by Better Business Bureau on Wednesday morning, he was concerned about scams involving timeshare and condos. “You know, back when we bought them in the ’60s, they would bring you in and fill you up with liquor to get you to sign,” he says with a smile. “Today, they give you a big meal and get you to sign.” He laughs, and points to his stomach, “All that…

Father’s Day spending in the Top 10 retail arena

Father’s Day is the seventh “  ” in terms of spending in the U.S. A few stats below from the National Retail Federation’s 2015 Father’s Day Spending Survey. 75.4% of Americans plan to celebrate Father’s Day. Average person expected to spend $115.57 on gifts, nearly even with last year’s $113.80. Spending for dad is expected to reach $12.7 billion for greeting cards, special outings, golf lessons,…

Success the Right Way: Three tips on changing to EMV cards

By Robb Hicken/BBB chief storyteller Changes in the way merchants process credit cards are causing a commotion for retailers, creating a huge sales opportunity, and forcing some to make irrational decisions. The change is EMV technology which protects consumers and merchants against counterfeit fraud by encoding cardholder…

Father’s Day: Consider these tips while shopping

Is Dad an adventure seeker? Is he up for the thrill of whitewater rafting or other exciting adventures? How about golf lessons, a fishing trip, or a new learning experience? With Father’s Day around the corner on Sunday, June 21st, Better Business Bureau of Central New England is recommending that shoppers consider the fine print before purchasing adventure activities, classes or gift…

Dr. Smith is back with new iPhone – ah, … er, Apple scam; beware of ID theft

By Robb Hicken/ BBB’s chief storyteller The 39th Anniversary Draws, by Apple Inc UK, is a celebration of the richest company in the world is reaching out to 25,000 mobile numbers, 30 million individual mobile numbers in 450 mobile networks on every continent. Dr. Lawrence Smith, Apple Cash Officer, is working mobile sweepstakes winners in order to hand over millions to unsuspecting wanton…

Accredited Businesses list mined by scam artist; Internet directory and labor posters

In less than a week, Better Business Bureau serving the Snake River Region has been alerted to the misuse of the BBB insignia. Directory listing scam: Several accredited businesses have called to say they have received calls from USdirectory.com, a company out of Hollywood, Fla. The business owner receives a phone call asking to update or confirm the company’s contact information in a business…

ISJA coalition forms to combat identity theft and prevent fraud

A collection of nonprofits, advocacy groups and state government agencies committed to helping Idahoans learn about identity theft and prevent fraud have united to create “Idaho Scam Jam Alliance.” Previously, ISJA members cooperated with local organizations to host Scam Jam conferences across the state. These free, interactive seminars feature expert speakers, educational resources and…

Be certain Internet funding sites legitimate; local support generally stays local

The devastating fire that has Idaho City residents reeling tugs at the heartstrings of anyone who has visited the small business district and restaurants. Fire broke out in a section of decades-old U.S. Forest service modules put into use as a shopping center. Five businesses in all were completely destroyed: Calamity Jayne’s, Sarsaparilla Ice Cream Parlor, a flower shop, an antique store and an…

Look before you hire: 7 tips to screen a legitimate business

Creating and launching a business website that looks completely legitimate takes about 30 minutes. But it takes less than five minutes for a consumer to get scammed by one of these rogue, “fly-by-night” websites that are here today and gone tomorrow—with your money. Double-dealing “brick-and-mortar” businesses continue to exist as well, simply because most consumers aren’t sure how to begin…

Success the Right Way: Two basic rules to great customer service

While walking across the parking lot of a local business, I began to notice screws of every shape and size.  Sheet metal screws are used to hold the ventilation ductwork together. But these screws were dropped or neglected at every step. The farther into the parking lot I went, the more I picked up. Each day the crews at Western…