Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota Consumer Newsletter -- February, 2011 February 18, 2011 We’re only a month (or so) away from spring, and it’s been a very long winter for us here in the Upper Midwest. Warmer temperatures will eventually bring relief, but they’ll also bring the prospect of flooding along with them. You’ll want to be sure to read our BBB Tips on Flood Preparation in this month’s issue, so you’ll have all the information you’ll need to be ready for whatever comes our way. National Consumer Protection Week is also coming up March 6-12, and in conjunction with that, the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota is offering five tips to become a more streetwise consumer. We’re also asking your help to expand the audience for our newsletter. If you know someone who might be interested in receiving news from us, tell them they can sign up for our free newsletter at minnesota.bbb.org/consumer-newsletter-sign-up.   BBB Advises Public to Begin Preparing for Spring Flooding With higher than average snowfalls throughout Minnesota and the Red River Valley, the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota is advising residents in affected areas to start preparing now for spring flooding. While there’s no way to predict the severity of floods at this point, many indicators point to a high risk of widespread flooding. The first thing people should consider – even those in low-risk flood zones or areas which have never flooded before – is purchasing flood insurance. To read the rest of this article, click here.   National Consumer Protection Week: The BBB's Top Five Tips to Become a More Streetwise Consumer National Consumer Protection Week, March 6-12, is an annual effort led by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to educate the public on how to protect their pocketbooks. In conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week, the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) offers five tips to become a more streetwise consumer. “In a tough economy, it’s more important than ever to protect the money you have from scammers and bad businesses,” said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of the BBB. “These simple steps will go a long way towards warding off the common scams that steal millions from unsuspecting consumers each and every year.” To read the rest of this article, click here.   Consumer Alert The BBB is issuing a consumer alert in regard to Magazine Service Center, a magazine subscription service operating out of Albertville, Minnesota. This company has had 68 complaints filed against them, but has answered just one of them. Most complainants claim the company charges their credit cards without their authorization. If you receive a call from a magazine sales staff, be sure to ask them to send you the offer in writing before you make a commitment and provide your credit card number – and be sure to contact the BBB if you’re ever charged for services or products you did not purchase!   The BBB Absolute 'No' for February: 'The Microsoft Scam' Every month, the BBB informs the public of an absolute ‘no,’ a fraudulent scheme or offer they should never consider or take part in under any circumstance. The absolute no for February is a scam that’s been dubbed ‘The Microsoft Scam.’ It’s popping up around the country, and was first reported to our BBB in December, when a Twin Cities business owner informed us they had received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Microsoft technician. The caller said the business's computer system was overrun with viruses and they would need remote access to fix the issues. The business owner provided the information which allowed the caller to gain remote access. At that point, the business owner became suspicious and ended the call. The caller, still with remote access, began to harass them using pictures stored in the computer to taunt them. The business owner turned the machine off, which cut the connection. This is a great reminder to be very careful with passwords and information that can compromise the integrity of your computer or computer network. Furthermore, whether you’re a business owner or a consumer, you should be leery of any unexpected calls offering to help you with ‘problems’ with your computer. This is something no computer repair or software company does out of the blue, without first receiving a call from you reporting problems.   Don't Pay for Free Advice on Scholarships for College The Better Business Bureau recommends doing your research before paying a company to find financial aid for college. Millions of people depend on grants and scholarships to pay for college. Navigating the process of applying for financial aid can be confusing and some companies claim they can help, but often only end up providing information and assistance the student can already get for free elsewhere. Every year, the BBB receives complaints from parents who paid money upfront to a company that promised to find scholarships and grants for their child but ultimately didn’t deliver. “Times are tight and many families desperately want to tap into the well of scholarships and grants to help their kids go to college,” said Dana Badgerow, president and CEO of the BBB. “Unfortunately, some companies are trying to take advantage of this situation.” To read the rest of this article, click here.   Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! For the most up-to-date consumer news you can use, follow us on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/thefirstbbb and twitter.com/thefirstbbb! Contact us with your questions! Operators in the BBB Resource Center are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer your questions at (651) 699-1111, toll-free at 1-800-646-6222. You can also check company reports 24 hours a day at www.bbb.org or e-mail inquiries to ask@thefirstbbb.org. Remember, we're your BBB: we're here for you!

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