After a recent investigation, the BBB went public with our concerns about the practices and business model of Essaywritingcompany.com, a Minnesota online firm which offers to write research and term papers, on a for-hire basis, for high school and college students. The company, which up until recently was headquartered in Apple Valley, maintains a website where students can solicit their services. On their website, the company claims to guarantee "A's," and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. However, complaints to the BBB allege the company didn’t meet deadlines, and failed to provide promised refunds in a timely manner.

"In addition to the many ethical considerations, students who hire third parties to do their work for them run the very real risk of getting expelled for submitting work that's not their own," said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of the BBB. "The old adage still holds: students who cheat are not just cheating the system, they're cheating themselves."

A lush, green lawn adds a lot to the appeal of any home. It’s not only beautiful to look at, but also prevents erosion of the soil and can increase property values. However, if you need to redesign your yard or if your lawn is plagued with weeds and pests, you may decide to hire professionals to tackle your landscaping project.

As with any project, the Better Business Bureau suggests getting multiple estimates before selecting a landscaper. Remember, the least expensive option is not necessarily the best choice. On the other hand, be sure not to pay for services you don’t need. Look closely at the proposals you receive; what are the estimates based on? Will the company offer a soil test before beginning service? The BBB offers you some additional tips to consider.

 

Every month, the BBB informs the public of an absolute 'no,' a fraudulent scheme or offer they should be on the lookout for. The absolute no for April involves online scammers. Recently, the world's largest permission-based email marketing provider, Epsilon, suffered a major data breach, resulting in the names of many consumers nationwide – and their email addresses (but not their passwords) – winding up in unknown hands. It's very possible scammers now have this information and opens the opportunity for targeted phishing attacks to customers who expect communications from the many national companies who contract with Epsilon. Being able to send a targeted phishing message to consumers used to receiving communications from companies such as Verizon, Target and Best Buy (just for example) will help online scammers achieve a higher success rate.

Here are some steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim.

 

The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) is warning consumers to be wary of free trial offers for electronic cigarettes. Customers who tried to take advantage of 'free' Internet offers for smokeless cigarettes say they were burned by unexpected charges that totaled $100 or more. Ubiquitous and deceptive online websites for said “free trials” are even deceptively referencing news organizations like ABC and CBS in the promotion of their products.

Nationally, the BBB has received 360 complaints, including 6 from Minnesota consumers, against a Naples, Florida company called Direct E-Cig. The company calls its product a 'revolutionary electronic smoking device designed as a great alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes.' They have failed to respond to 170 of the complaints and have an "F" rating with the BBB.