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01/05/2012

Consumer Fraud Task Force Warns About Pitfalls Of Payday Loans

The Consumer Fraud Task Force is warning consumers about the cost and long-term effects of payday loans.

12/08/2011

BBB Advises Consumers To Prepare Homes, Cars For Winter Weather To Save Money

The BBB advises consumers to prepare homes and vehicles for cold weather to reduce heating costs, to prevent damage and destruction of property or simply to save headaches when snow and ice arrive.

10/12/2011

BBB Alerts Consumers To Potential New Bank Fees After Fed Orders Cut In Debit Card 'Swipe Fee'

The Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to be alert to potential new bank fees in the wake of a government-ordered cut in the fees banks charge merchants to process debit card transactions.

07/21/2011

New Law Bars Contractors From Advertising 'No Deductible" Home Repairs In Missouri

A law signed last month by Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon could keep contractors from promising to pay, refund or discount a project by the amount of insurance deductibles if they do repair work for a customer.

05/11/2011

BBB Advises Consumers To Get A Contract, Set Clear Expectations When Hiring A Lawn Service

Hiring a lawn service can ease the burdens of caring for your yard. The BBB advises consumers to check the service out with the BBB first, then set clear expectations and get a written contract.

04/25/2011

BBB Warns That Scammers May Be Combing Neighborhoods Scarred By Good Friday Tornadoes

Severe weather can cause damage that prompts homeowners to seek repairs in a hurry. The BBB advises consumers to take a deep breath and check contractors out before signing a contract.

05/26/2010

Hiring A Contractor? Check BBB For Tips, Estimates And Reliability Reports

If you've decided it's time to give your home a facelift - or if you need repairs, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can help you find a trustworthy contractor.

06/01/2007

FTC - Mortgage Payments Sending You Reeling? Here's What to Do

The possibility of losing your home because you can't make the mortgage payments can be terrifying. Perhaps you are one of the many consumers who took out a mortgage that had a fixed rate for the first two or three years and then had an adjustable rate. Or maybe you're anticipating an adjustment, and want to know what your payments will be and whether you'll be able to make them. Or maybe you're having trouble making ends meet because of an unrelated financial crisis.

05/01/2007

FTC - Buying a Home: It’s a Big Deal

Whether you’re shopping for appliances or automobiles, groceries or gadgets, travel services or tax preparers, the Internet has changed the way most people gather information about products and services.

03/01/2007

FTC - Understanding Vehicle Financing

With prices averaging more than $28,000 for a new vehicle and $15,000 for a used vehicle, most consumers need financing or leasing to acquire a vehicle. In some cases, buyers use “direct lending:” they obtain a loan directly from a finance company, bank or credit union. In direct lending, a buyer agrees to pay the amount financed, plus an agreed-upon finance charge, over a period of time. Once a buyer and a vehicle dealership enter into a contract to purchase a vehicle, the buyer uses the loan proceeds from the direct lender to pay the dealership for the vehicle. Consumers also may arrange for a vehicle loan over the Internet.

02/01/2007

FTC - Home Equity Credit Lines

Using a credit line to borrow against the equity in your home has become a popular source of consumer credit. And lenders are offering these home equity credit lines in a variety of ways.

01/01/2007

FTC - High-Rate, High-Fee Loans (HOEPA/Section 32 Mortgages)

If you're refinancing your mortgage or applying for a home equity installment loan, you should know about the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994 (HOEPA).

12/01/2006

FTC - Electronic Banking

For many consumers, electronic banking means 24-hour access to cash through an automated teller machine (ATM) or Direct Deposit of paychecks into checking or savings accounts. But electronic banking now involves many different types of transactions.

10/01/2006

FTC - Selling Your Home? Tips for Selecting a Real Estate Professional

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you may be considering using the services of a real estate broker or agent. But before you sign a listing agreement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the agency that works for a competitive marketplace, wants you to be informed about your choices.

12/01/2005

FTC - Knee Deep in Debt

Having trouble paying your bills? Getting dunning notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car?