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Seven Tips for College-Bound Students to Fight Identity Theft
August 13, 2010 Austin, TX – More than 11 million people became victims of identity theft in 2009 according to the 2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report released by Javelin Strategy and Research. Consumers 18 to 24, typically college students or recent graduates, took the longest to detect identity theft (132 days) and were hit harder ($1,156 per complaint) than any other age group. Because they are so susceptible to identity theft, Better Business Bureau recommends college students take a few simple steps to protect themselves on campus. (More) Victims of Fraudulent Discount Health Card Plans to Receive Refunds
August 12, 2010 Austin, TX – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott recently announced a resolution to the state’s enforcement action against Austin-based Affordable Healthcare Options and its other entities AHCO Direct, LLC, AHCO Contract Servicing, Ltd., Maternity Card, Brian James McDonald and Aaron Christopher Bouren. According to AG filings, the company and their additional business names sold fraudulent discount health card plans to expectant women who lacked maternity insurance. Consumers who filed, or plan to file, a complaint with the Attorney General’s office may be eligible to receive refunds. (More) New FTC Regulations Protect Consumers from Debt Relief Companies
August 5, 2010 Austin, TX – The Federal Trade Commission recently announced amendments to the Telemarketing Sales Rule which will prohibit for-profit companies that sell debt relief services over the phone from collecting any advance fees prior to settling or reducing debt. These new regulations offer consumers additional protections when trying to reduce credit card or other unsecured debt. (More) Consumers Say Free Trials from Auction Agency are Anything But Free
July 29, 2010 Austin, TX – BBB has issued an F rating to Auction Agency, an Austin-based company which lists foreclosed homes and automobiles for sale on the Internet. Consumer complaints received by BBB allege Auction Agency represented their service as a free trial, then later assessed charges for unrequested services. Additionally, several disputes allege dissatisfaction with the company’s services. (More) Mobile Payment with Smartphones: Consider Convenience and Safety
July 19, 2010 Austin, TX – Many consumers use smartphones to check email, browse the Internet and stay connected with social media. An emerging trend in application development offers smartphone users the option to use their phones for mobile payments, storing credit or debit information for quick check-out at many retailers. Consumers can now pay for goods and services, transfer money and receive receipts and confirmations from businesses. (More) Consumers Say Local Contractor Not as Sweet as They Claim
July 13, 2010 San Antonio, TX – BBB serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas has issued an F rating to Sweetwater Contractors, a local general contracting company. Disputes received by BBB allege consumers paid up to $3,300 in upfront fees for materials which were never delivered and that the company repeatedly failed to show to complete work. Consumers further allege Sweetwater Contractors is unreachable or unresponsive to attempts to address their concerns. (More)
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