Consumer Handbook

Hundreds of timeshare owners - from at least 46 states - have lost thousands of dollars each to timeshare exit businesses that set up operations in recent years in and around Springfield, Missouri. That is a key finding of a four-month investigation of the controversial industry by the Better Business Bureau. 

Summer is heating up, and so is the demand for tickets to major concerts, festivals and events. Use caution and do your homework when buying those tickets, especially online. 

Spring and summer are often accompanied by the threat of river flooding in the Midwest, and this year, that threat has translated into historic high river levels. 

In the wake of water damage done to homes, businesses, and other property, consumers must be on the lookout for unscrupulous storm-chasing contractors seeking to cash in on the destruction. Fly-by-night contractors often go door-to-door in the wake of natural disasters, offering to help victims clear debris or patch up homes. 

Seniors are less likely to fall for scams overall, according to the BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report. But here is one scam that’s aimed right at seniors: free medical equipment.

The Better Business Bureau is hearing from consumers – more than 200 since the first of the year – who have been targeted by scammers for “free” back braces.

A new phishing email with fake voicemail messages is so convincing, it almost fooled BBB staff!

This message looks just like an alert for a new voicemail message. But as always, it's really a way to trick you into giving up personal information or downloading malware onto your computer.