USE THOSE GIFT CARDS SOONER THAN LATER!
FIRST: Your
BBB warns consumers to redeem those gift card presents
as soon as possible. Unfortunately, some retailers might possibly close or even declare bankruptcy. If so they may not be worth anymore than the plastic they're printed on. And,
while you're at it, get those mail in rebates on their way too.
Gift card note: If a business files for bankruptcy, consumers will need to file claims with the bankruptcy court for the value of the gift card.
Rebate note: When filling out the coupon or rebate form - be sure to follow the instructions. Rebating companies often reject a rebate application if the instructions are not followed exactly.
Furthermore: Almost all rebates expire if they are not mailed within a certain period of time after purchase. Make sure you are aware of those terms.
NEXT: Those homeowners who are having problems paying their mortgages should beware of slogans like, "Please save my home." The Ohio Attorney General is keeping an eye out for so called foreclosure rescue imposters. Not only will victims not get foreclosure protection, but they may wind up being out a huge up front fee for empty promises of services rendered.
The pitch: In one lawsuit the victim alleges receiving a mailing stating "Regardless of your present mortgage or loan situation, we will be able to assist you by arranging a repayment plan to bring your loan current" and "Call Today & Save Your Home." If homeowners are in need of financial guidance in coping with mortgage problems, the
BBB advises contacting
Hope Now Alliance, 1-888-995-4673. It is a national hotline set up by mortgage companies and counseling agencies to screen callers and refer to housing counselors.
NEXT: Hacking airport Wi-Fi. Travelers beware! Poorly secured airport Wi-Fi networks are ripe for snoops. Wireless networks are some of the most easily hacked. Indian terrorists this summer broke into under protected networks to e-mail a warning prior to bomb blasts in Delhi and Ahmadabad.
Retailers are easy prey too. In August the Justice Department indicted 11 members of a retail hacking ring, accusing them of grabbing millions of credit and debit card numbers off networks inside stores run by
TJX Companies, BJ's Wholesale Club, OfficeMax, Barnes & Noble and Forever 21.FINALLY: As you saw in the BBB news, our company letter grade system is now "live!" No longer are businesses rated with a simple satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Our new system assigns letter grades to local businesses ranging from
A+ to F. Why? To more precisely represent the
BBB's confidence that the businesses are conducting themselves with ethical and trustworthy standards, and are resolving customer complaints in good faith. Log on to
www.bbb.org to see
your company's report, and
if we have incorrect information, let us know immediately! Call us at (419) 578-6000 or 800-542-5539 and we'll get it corrected.
Ric Herrold, BBB