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Looking for a Job? BBB advice on finding help for the hunt

The unemployment rate in the U.S. is currently at 5.0 percent, but revised projections from the Federal Reserve forecast that rate increasing to 5.5-5.7 percent in the coming months. This means more businesses will be handing out pink slips as they cope with a declining economy and individuals will be forced to rethink and cautiously approach career moves. With an uncertain economy and employment outlook, Better Business Bureau is offering guidance to job seekers to help them understand the kinds of career counseling and job placement assistance available and ensure they enlist the aid of trustworthy organizations.

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 3.8 million job openings in the U.S. in February 2008. Even though that sounds like a lot of jobs, there are more than 7.6 million Americans who are currently unemployed and looking for work—approximately 800,000 more than were unemployed this time last year. Industries in which jobs were lost have generally remained consistent, mainly centered in areas hard hit by the housing downturn: construction, manufacturing and retail trade. Jobs have recently been added in health care and professional and technical services.

“With the unemployment rate projected to rise, millions of Americans may soon be struggling to find work,” said Steve Cox, BBB spokesperson. “There are many places job hunters can go for help landing a job, but they need to make sure they’re using an organization they can trust – this is as easy as checking the business out at BBB.org.”

Public Employment Service (a.k.a Job Service) is a federally-funded and state-operated program that is available in all 50 states. Not only does this service have nearly 1,700 offices across the country providing free assistance to job hunters, it also manages America's Job Bank (AJB) which lists hundreds of thousands of job opportunities. For more information visit: http://www.jobbankinfo.org/

Temporary (or Temp) Services place employees at companies which are looking for temporary help. Job seekers do not pay the temp service. Temporary placement is one way unemployed workers can supplement their income while looking for a more permanent job, and temporary positions can sometimes evolve into full-time positions.

Employment Agencies search for employees to fill permanent full or part-time positions at businesses. Typically, businesses pay for the service of the employment agency but, in some cases, the job hunter might be on the hook for fees.

Executive or Career Counseling Services help job hunters evaluate their career path and provide guidance on resume writing, interview techniques and presentation. Career counselors may even help job seekers identify businesses at which to apply. Counseling services typical charge individuals as much as several thousand dollars for this service and typically don’t guarantee job placement.

BBB offers the following advice for job hunters when enlisting the help of an agency or counselor to find a new job:

* Always check out a job placement or career counseling organization with BBB first. Job hunters can visit www.bbb.org to view reliability reports that show not only how many complaints a company has received, but also if they work to resolve disputes with clients.

* In some cases, state laws apply to job placement companies or career counselors so job seekers should make sure they’ve enlisted the help of a company that meets all licensing requirements. BBB also recommends visiting the National Board for Certified Counselors online at, www.nbcc.org, to search for certified professionals.

* Job hunters should carefully review any contracts for counseling or placement services, making sure all oral promises are included, even if that means taking the contract home and having a trusted friend or relative also review the document.

* Job seekers should be wary of paying upfront fees to a placement agency and be extremely cautious when giving out credit card or bank account information.

For additional BBB advice on finding a job, including tips and techniques for writing a resume and performing well in job interviews, go to www.bbb.org.

BBB Consumer Alert: Phony Escrow Companies Defraud Car-Buyers Out of Thousands

BBB is issuing an alert to warn online car shoppers that scammers are posing as phony escrow services in order to defraud consumers out of thousands of dollars.

Internet thieves are now using escrow service fronts with some new twists to steal money and personal identities. The scope and cost of Internet fraud is stunning. For 2007, the Internet Crime Complaint Center processed 219,553 complaints and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that nearly $526 million was lost via Internet fraud. FTC also reports that 28 percent of online fraud victims sent funds to scammers via hard to track wire transfer services – a favorite tactic of fake escrow services.

The purpose of an escrow service is to create a safe environment where both the buyer and seller feel comfortable exchanging money and goods knowing they can’t be taken advantage of. Unfortunately, scammers have realized they can cash in on this type of transaction by creating a facade of trustworthiness as an escrow company.

Escrow fraud is typically perpetrated through online auctions or classified Web sites. Both eBay and Craigslist have posted warnings to consumers about escrow fraud on their Web sites, but BBB notes, shoppers continue to fall for the scam as the cons become more sophisticated.

Victims of escrow fraud are often shopping online for big-ticket items such as a used car when they come across a deal that is often too-good-to-be-true – perhaps several thousand dollars below the Blue Book cost. When the buyer and seller make contact, the seller recommends using a specific third-party escrow company in order to protect both of their interests. The escrow company contacts the consumers and requires that they wire the payment for the item through Western Union or MoneyGram and then the car will be delivered. After wiring the money, buyers don’t receive the car and usually never hear from the seller or the phony escrow service again.

Recent complaints to the Golden Gate show that escrow fraud scammers are taking increasingly sophisticated steps to instill a sense trust in their victims. Scammers, using the name “Best Auto Trades,” created a complete Web site that explained the escrow process in detail, required the buyer to register through the Web site, and even provided a transaction number and the supposed escrow officer’s contact info.

Fraudsters are also not above appealing to car buyers’ emotions. The seller justified the low cost by claiming it was his son’s, who was recently killed in Iraq. Victims were told that the car was in the possession of USA-Transports – a fake, supposedly Chicago-based service - and that they needed to work with the company to arrange payment and delivery. Some victims thought they were wiring money to USA-Transports to cover shipping fees and other victims were told by USA-Transports to wire payment to a third party that would serve as an escrow service. Despite the fact that USA-Transports provided a tracking number and even called to confirm the scheduled delivery, the car never arrived.

Escrow fraudsters are even resorting to stealing the identity of legitimate companies in order to rip off consumers. Global Payments, Inc. an Atlanta-based business that provides electronic transaction processing, but does not provide escrow services for person-to-person transactions, recently discovered that their identity – including their logo - was being used to perpetuate escrow fraud through Craigslist. The real Global Payments, Inc., has received more than fifty e-mail inquiries from consumers who responded to the Craigslist ad wanting to know why they hadn’t received the car they paid for or wanting to make sure the company did provide escrow service.

Perpetrators of escrow fraud have learned that every detail they provide and every step they require the buyer to take creates a greater sense of trust in the company, These scammers know that the more intricate and complicated the process, the more legitimate it will seem.”

BBB Advice on Avoiding Escrow Fraud

* Buyers should be leery if the seller pressures them into using a particular escrow service and should always check the company out first at www.bbb.org.

* While escrow scammers might devise a company name and set up their own Web site to back up their fraudulent activities, many are resorting to simply stealing the identity of a legitimate company. After checking with BBB, buyers should contact the supposed escrow company directly to ensure it has not been a victim of corporate identity theft.

* A legitimate escrow site will not ask to do a person-to-person money transfer using Western Union. Legitimate escrow companies ask that buyers wire money from their bank account to the company’s bank, and will provide a routing number and account number for their financial institution.

* A buyer should confirm that the escrow service is licensed and bonded with the appropriate state agency (usually the state in which the escrow service is located) and avoid using an offshore escrow company.

BBB Advice on Steps to Take After Getting a Pink Slip

With most leading economic indicators pointing toward continued tough times, businesses are cutting back and many Americans, after years of working for the same company, are suddenly finding themselves out of work. Given that most job search processes take three to six months, getting back on your feet again isn’t only about polishing and distributing resumes, but also requires a good grasp on handling benefits and managing a budget. Whether it is a layoff, a severance package or some other form of business restructuring, Better Business Bureau is offering step-by-step advice for people who have recently been given the pink slip.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in April 2008, private-sector employment experienced declines for the fifth month in a row, with 29,000 jobs lost. In recent months the hardest hit industries have been construction (-64,000) and manufacturing (-46,000), shedding a total of 110,000 jobs. The nation’s unemployment rate is now at five percent which means there are currently 7.6 million Americans looking for work.

Every day we hear about another major corporation contending with the current downturn in the economy by cutting back and laying off hundreds and even thousands of employees. And with credit markets tightening, not only are many Americans already struggling to keep their homes from entering into foreclosure, but now they have to deal with staying afloat without the steady income their job provided.

BBB offers the following advice on dealing with losing a job and acting quickly to get back on the right track toward finding a new one:

Say Goodbye to the Old Job

While receiving word that you’ve been let go can be extremely emotional and can make it hard to keep a clear head, employees need to make sure they understand the terms of the situation including any benefits they are eligible for. Many companies provide a severance package and, by law, employees are entitled to any accrued vacation. Laid-off employees should also ask their former employer for references - if they left on relatively good terms - to help with their job search.

Line up Unemployment Benefits and Health Insurance

It’s important to get the ball rolling immediately by applying for unemployment benefits through the state unemployment office since it can take up to three weeks to start receiving checks. Eligibility requirements vary by state and typically take into account wages earned, length of employment, and reason for unemployment.

If the employee received health insurance under their former employee, he or she can apply for coverage under the Comprehensive Omnibus Budget Resolution Act (COBRA). COBRA provides up to 18 months of health insurance after being laid off. A company’s Human Resources department will have application information or employees can go to the U.S. Department of Labor Web site at www.dol.gov.

Evaluate Family Finances and Cut Wasteful Spending

Having and managing a budget is crucial to success in unemployed situations - if the employee didn’t have a family budget, now is the time to make one. Money will be tight and evaluating expenses, including finding ways to cut costs, will help a family get through the lean times. The worst thing to do is to ignore bills as they keep piling up. BBB recommends keeping in contact with lenders to explain the current unforeseen situation and potentially work together to find solutions for weathering the financial storm.

Keep Busy

Job hunters should take inventory of their career and consider the opportunity to change occupations or relocate to a new city. Being laid off can be a discouraging time to start looking for a new job, but it is not the time to let the grass grow underfoot. BBB recommends filling the down time in a job hunt by volunteering, learning new skills or taking continuing education classes. Remember that many experts consider looking for a job a full-time job in and of itself.

For more trustworthy advice on finding a new job, including enlisting the help of an employment service, polishing a resume and job interview tips go to www.bbb.org.

Advice on Determining When to Do-It-Yourself or Hire a Professional

By the BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Spring is the season of warmer weather, budding flowers and home improvements. Whether it’s hanging new wallpaper or adding an addition to the house, many homeowners are faced with the decision to either hire a professional or do it themselves. Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers advice for determining whether a home improvement project is a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) or a get-a-professional job.

According to the 2008 Remodelestimates.com Remodeling Sentiment Report, 87 percent of those surveyed said that cost was their biggest concern when it comes to home remodeling projects. A third of respondents said they were planning to keep costs down by not hiring a contractor at all and another 46 percent said they would cut costs by doing at least some of the work themselves.

“Although homeownership rates have stayed between 66 and 69 percent over the last 10 years, the DIY-movement has exploded in the last decade as many of the nation’s 75 million homeowners have realized the amount of money that can be saved by doing home improvement projects on their own,” said Steve Cox, BBB spokesperson. “While labor can easily total more than half the cost for major projects, homeowners need to balance the desire to save money with the need for a job well done.”

For homeowners planning to take on major projects around the house this spring, BBB offers the following advice to help them make informed decisions on whether or not they need to enlist the help of professionals.

Know what you’re getting into

Cosmetic changes, such as painting or wallpaper are easy DIY projects. Structural changes, such as plumbing, wiring, or framing are typically best left to the professionals. Even moving a bathroom sink a few inches can become a huge hassle involving re-routing the plumbing, painting, caulking, and tiling. BBB recommends that DIYers do some research on the project and realistically consider what they can do well, and ask for advice from friends and family to ensure they understand the scope of the project.

Hiring a professional

If the project requires specialized skills, could take an extensive amount of time or calls for additional manpower, hiring a contractor may be the best option. BBB recommends obtaining at least three detailed estimates. Homeowners should compare the estimates and negotiate on issues that are important to them because changing plans once the project is underway often involves additional expenses.

Divide the work

One way homeowners can defray costs is to work with a contractor to determine what they can do on their own. Demolition work on the front end and clean-up or cosmetic work such as painting or putting up wallpaper on the back end are DIY projects that can keep costs down while the homeowner still reaps the benefit of having an expert for the “heavy lifting” that requires more skill.

Weigh the costs

While hiring professionals is an added expense to any project, they often have relationships with suppliers and can usually get materials for much cheaper than a homeowner can. For DIYers, BBB recommends comparison shopping. Saving money requires research, both online and with visits to home improvement and specialty supply stores. Homeowners can check out suppliers free online with BBB Reliability ReportsTM at www.bbb.org.

Get the right tools for the job

Some DIY jobs can be done with as little as a screwdriver or a hammer, but most require specialized tools and equipment that add to the cost of the project. To achieve the desired results, it’s important to use the right tools, which can mean renting large equipment and machinery as well as buying new tools and accessories.

For more trustworthy BBB advice on DIY projects, and to find reliable information on choosing and working with contractors, go to www.bbb.org.

Money-saving Home Improvements through Energy Efficiency

The U.S. average cost per gallon of gasoline is at an all-time high of more than $3.60 per gallon, and headed toward $4.00 by summer. Increased energy costs are taking a toll on the nation not only at the pump, but also in homes. Even natural gas, long seen as the cheap alternative to petroleum products is creeping toward $11.00 per thousand cubic feet (MCF) – in a $4.00 gasoline environment, consumers are likely to see natural gas selling for the equivalent of about $2.00 per gallon. For people wanting to cut energy costs around the house, Better Business Bureau (BBB) has advice on home improvements that can take a bite out of the energy bill.

The average American household spends $1,400 a year on energy bills, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. What many households don’t realize is that they are paying more than they need to, and by making a few basic home improvements, they can bring down the cost of their bills every month.

“The Consumer Price Index increased by 4 percent in March of 2008 over the previous year and was mostly due to a 17 percent increase in energy costs,” said Steve Cox, BBB spokesperson. “When it comes to improvements around the house, being ‘greener’ and conserving energy is not only good for the environment, but it also has an impact on a household’s bottom line.”

BBB offers the following home improvement advice to help reduce energy costs:

Look toward the windows

While replacing old windows with more energy-efficient options requires an upfront investment, homeowners will reap the benefits of this improvement for years to come. Some energy-efficient windows are designed for warmer climates with coatings that prevent heat absorption. Homeowners in cooler climates should consider installing storm windows which can reduce heat loss through windows by 25 to 50 percent.

Stop the leaks

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are many culprits for air leaks around the house that contribute to inflated heating and cooling bills: 31 percent of air is leaked through floors, walls and ceilings, 15 percent from ductwork, 14 percent from the fireplace, 13 percent from plumbing penetrations and 11 percent from doors. In fact, only 20 percent of homes built before 1980 are well-insulated. Applying weather stripping to windows and doors is an easy do-it-yourself project for most homeowners. For a more comprehensive attack on air leaks in the house, homeowners can also call in a professional.

Out with the old, in with the green

Appliances account for 20 percent of homeowners’ energy bills. When shopping for new appliances, heaters, or air conditioners, BBB advises consumers to look for the Energy Star logo – the federal government’s label for energy efficiency. While such purchases can be initially expensive, a new, energy efficient air conditioner, for example, could save up to 50 percent on the utility bill for cooling.

Money does grow on trees

By planting tress and shrubs homeowners can create shade in the summer and windbreaks in the winter. Not only do they add aesthetic value, but carefully positioned trees can save up to 25 percent of the energy a typical household uses for cooling. Trees and shrubs can also be planted near an air conditioning unit to conserve energy. A shaded air conditioner will use as much as 10 percent less energy.

Add Insulation

Even though winter seems like a long way away, now is the time to consider improvements that will pay off when the temperature drops. For instance, air ducts that aren’t insulated can lose up to 60 percent of heated air, and BBB Accredited Business, Owens Corning, notes that an estimated 60 million American homes are under-insulated. The Department of Energy recommends 15.5 inches of fiberglass blanket insulation or about 18 inches of blown insulation for attics.

For more objective advice from BBB on home energy efficiency, other home improvement project issues and to find trustworthy contractors for your project, go to www.bbb.org.

Advice on Hiring Contractors for Home Improvements and Remodeling

With the National Association of Realtors' reporting current pending home sales down 21.4 percent from the first quarter of 2007, and Standard & Poor’s citing the steepest decline in home values in the 20-year history of its housing index, many homeowners are now choosing to remodel their current home rather than selling in an effort to hold home values in the turbulent U.S. housing market. To execute the strategy successfully, most projects require professional help and Better Business Bureau (BBB) is offering advice and guidance on finding trustworthy contractors who can help make the strategy pay off.

According to the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI), homeowners spent $306.7 billion on remodeling projects in 2007. Despite substantial declines in other U.S. housing market indicators, HIRI expects only a modest decline in home improvement spending in 2008, and estimates the amount of money spent by homeowners will exceed $302 billion.

Many homeowners feel that finding a trustworthy contractor is a difficult task. According to the recently released BBB/Gallup Trust in Business Survey, 73 percent of respondents indicated that they didn’t have a great deal or a lot of trust in contractors.

“Homeowners often don’t know where to begin looking for reliable help for home improvement projects, but finding a trustworthy contractor doesn’t have to be a difficult task,” said Steve Cox, BBB spokesperson. “While asking friends and family for references is advised, homeowners can start their research easily and quickly online with free BBB Reliability ReportsTM that provide an unbiased assessment on many types of contractors operating in their community.”

For homeowners looking to make renovations, BBB offers the following advice on how to choose a contractor they can trust:

Start with trust

Most homeowners have heard of, and in some cases experienced, shady contractors that ask for payment up front, perform shoddy work, and then refuse refunds or redress of issues. BBB encourages homeowners to do their homework – starting online at www.bbb.org where they can search BBB’s online directory for BBB-accredited contractors and remodeling businesses in their area.

Get references

BBB recommends homeowners ask all contractors for local references and then take the next step by finding out if those customers were satisfied with the contractor’s work. If possible, homeowners should visit and inspect completed projects.

Ask the experts

BBB advises that homeowners find out if a contractor is a member of a professional association which has standards or a code of ethics. All BBB Accredited Businesses have agreed to uphold BBB standards for ethics in the marketplace. Homeowners can also check with BBB to learn how long a contractor has been in business and if the firm has been responsive to any complaints filed with BBB.

Compare costs

Homeowners should solicit at least three bids from prospective contractors based upon the same building specifications, materials, labor and time needed to complete the project. Homeowners need to discuss bids in detail with each contractor, making certain they understand the reasons for any variations in the prices and not automatically making a decision based on lowest price. Cost differences may include issues such as quality of materials, craftsmanship and subcontracting for specialized labor.

Check on insurance

BBB reminds homeowners to ask contractors if the company is insured against claims covering worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability in case of accidents. Further, BBB advises people to then call to verify the contractor’s insurance coverage after obtaining the name of the carrier and agency.

Are they bonded/licensed?

Contractors must typically meet licensing and bonding requirements set by the state, county or city housing authority. Homeowners should confirm the contractor meets all requirements and can legally operate in the state.

Given the tough housing market, it’s important that homeowners make smart, informed decision affecting their most valuable investment – their homes. For advice they can trust on finding reliable professionals to help with home improvement and remodeling projects, homeowners can turn to www.bbb.org.

Job Seekers Complain to BBB on National Commercial Cleaning

The BBB warns job seekers that National Commercial Cleaning, 3030 LBJ Frwy., Suite 700, Dallas, claims to offer work cleaning federal buildings, but charges applicants for a background check and then discloses that the work is on a contractor basis. Before opening in Dallas, the business operated in Chicago and Houston, where there are similar reports.

Applicants are complaining to BBB that the Help Wanted ads for National Commercial Cleaning are misleading; calls to the company aren’t returned; and the background check is minimal.

National Commercial Cleaning runs Help Wanted ads in Texas offering $17 an hour plus benefits for cleaning federal buildings. According to complaints to BBB, the company charges $64.50 for a background check and then tells applicants that the work is on a contract basis. In the complaints, job applicants are requesting refunds.

A man complained: “I was promised a job as a floor technician. They have an ad for the job. They took my application and told me that I needed to bring in $64.50 for a background check. They told me that I was to begin work the following week. They mailed me a bogus background check that they had blacked out where it came from. They also offered me a contract but that wasn’t what they told me when I applied for the job.” This complaint is pending.

Since BBB opened file this month on National Commercial Cleaning, the company has been the subject of three complaints alleging that the Help Wanted ads are misleading. One complaint is closed as unresolved, and two complaints are pending.

Complaints allege that when job applicants went to the company’s location, they were asked to pay for a background check with a money order to First American Scan.

Complaints also allege that job applicants can’t get back in touch with the business. One complaint states, “They tell you that you will receive a letter within 48-72 hours stating if you passed the background test if you’re hired … Also, when you try to call and contact them they don’t answer the phone.” This complaint is pending.

One complaint says the background check “was a public record background check downloaded from a Web site. He used a black marker to cross out the Web site … I could have printed that out myself.” This complaint says the letter from the company states the applicant “needed to get DBA documents, property insurance and bonding documents” to become a contractor. “He told us that this was a detail cleaning position and not a contractor position,” the complaint says. This complaint is closed as unresolved.

On the company’s Web site, nationcommericalcleaning.com, some of the links aren’t active at all, and some go to a Yahoo page.

BBB in Chicago reports that National Commercial Cleaning rented a room for 3 days in September, 2007, where the business conducted employment interviews. However, the business is no longer at the address. According to customer reports in Chicago, National Commercial Cleaning charged advance fees from prospective employees for alleged background checks. The business has been the subject of one customer complaint, which remains unanswered. The business operated for 3 days from an address which belongs to a college campus. The business is no longer at that address, and the business has no affiliation with the college.

BBB in Houston reports that according to customer reports, National Commercial Cleaning charged advance fees from prospective employees for alleged background checks. Once applicants have completed the background check they are asked to obtain a DBA and bonding documents. Customers report that when a refund is requested the company states that a refund will take up to three months. The business has been the subject of one customer complaint, which remains unanswered.

For job seekers, BBB advises caution with any offer for employment where the applicant is asked to pay up front. This could be a sign that the offer is for an independent contractor, not an employee. BBB does not handle employee complaints, however, BBB does take complaints on misleading advertising, including Help Wanted advertising. To check on a business or to file a complaint, start at www.bbb.org.

Top Five Ways to Prevent ID Theft Online

The good news is that ID theft is on the decline. The bad news is that ID theft still affected 8.1 million Americans last year, according to Javelin Strategy and Research – down 3.6 percent from 8.4 million in the previous year’s study. The average amount lost per individual as a result of ID theft last year was about $5,500, for a total of $45 billion. Despite the decline in reported ID theft, Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that thieves and hackers still lurk online and is offering advice consumer can use to protect their personal and financial information.

ID theft prevention should always be on an individual’s mind when they are online, When it comes to protecting your identity, an ounce of prevention is worth far more than the amount of money, energy, and agony that goes into getting your life back to normal after your financial and personal information has been stolen.

BBB recommends consumers take the following fives steps to prevent ID theft whenever they are online:

1. Don’t fall for a phishing e-mail.

Phishing—using e-mail or phone calls to pose as a trustworthy organization in order to coerce sensitive information from victims—is on the rise. According to a survey for Gartner, Inc., 3.6 million U.S. adults lost money in phishing attacks in the 12 months ending in August 2007, as compared with the 2.3 million who did so the year before. The amount of money lost totaled $3.2 billion.

Phishing e-mails can look legitimate with graphics and official logos of banks, government agencies, or credit card companies. The e-mails usually include hyperlinks that direct the victim to a Web site designed to install viruses and malware or solicit bank account or Social Security numbers.

In order to prevent ID theft through phishing e-mails, computer users should completely delete unsolicited e-mails from banks, credit unions, investment firms and government agencies with which they do not already have an established relationship. If the recipient does have an existing relationship with the supposed originator of the e-mail, BBB recommends calling the organization to confirm whether or not the e-mail is legitimate before taking any further action. The IRS and other government agencies do not use e-mail to contact consumers about any issues or problems that require action on the part of the recipient, so e-mails purporting to be from government agencies should be deleted immediately.

2. Create strong passwords and protect them.

Developing a habit of regularly changing passwords makes it much more difficult for ID thieves to steal personal information. Some passwords, however, are stronger than others. Attributes of a secure password include a combination of numbers, capitalized letters and even symbols. Consumers should never use sensitive information for a password such as their Social Security number, mother’s maiden name or birthday.

3. Be safe and secure when on the go.

Computer users on the go should be wary of entering passwords or sensitive information into a computer that isn’t theirs, such as at an Internet café, library, computer lab or airport kiosk. Hackers can actually record their target’s keystrokes to learn passwords and other information.

Wi-Fi networks, either on the road or in the consumer’s own house, present even more opportunities for ID thieves. The easiest way to protect a Wi-Fi network at home is to not broadcast the Service Set Identifier (more information on this topic is available at www.us.bbb.org). A safe rule of thumb is to avoid exchanging sensitive information through the Internet when using a public Wi-Fi connection and to simply wait until a trusted network can be used.

4. Guard personal computers with anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall protection.

Opinions vary, but the amount of time it takes for an unprotected personal computer to become infected with a virus or malware can range from four to thirty-four minutes. That’s why a computer must have good anti-virus software, as well as anti-spyware and firewall protection. Consumers can purchase protective software, but there are also a number of reputable, free programs available for download online. BBB advises consumers to do their research into a company beforehand to make sure it provides legitimate, reliable software. Also, many operating systems already provide firewall protection so users should always make sure this protection is enabled.

After acquiring security software, users must keep the programs updated. Operating systems also require patches and other additional updates that computer users need to install in order to maintain security.

5. Only transfer information over a secure server.

When it comes to giving out personal information online, consumers should only do so on a secure server. On a secure server, the information is encrypted as it is being transmitted; that way, others can’t read it if they should intercept it.

BBB advises consumers to make sure they are on a secure server by checking the URL of the page when asked to give any personal information. An unsecured URL will look like this: http://www.###.com. A secure server will have an “s” either in front of or following the “http”, and it will look like this: https://www.###.com or shttp://www.###.com.

For more trustworthy information on preventing ID theft, as well as BBB advice on what to do if your identity is stolen, go to www.bbb.org.

Spring-Cleaning? Prevent ID Theft by Following BBB Advice on What to Keep and What to Shred

Spring is here and now is a good time to rid the house of paperwork that has accumulated over the past year. Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that, when it comes to reviewing and cleaning out financial records, failing to shred sensitive documents can put everyone at risk of ID theft.

Last year alone 8.1 million Americans became victims of ID theft resulting in the loss of $45 billion according to a 2008 report from Javelin Strategy and Research. The report notes that, contrary to popular belief, only 12 percent of ID theft is perpetrated online. The vast majority of ID theft occurs when the thief has direct contact with the victim’s personal information such as through a stolen or lost wallet, or by rifling through the victim’s mailbox or trash.

When people think of ID theft they almost immediately focus on hackers and online security. But the truth is most ID theft happens when people have failed to secure or properly destroy important financial information including paper documents, IDs, and credit cards.

Properly destroying sensitive personal and financial documents is a key step in ID theft prevention and BBB offers the following guide on when to shred the following documents:

Canceled checks

Canceled checks with no long-term significance for tax or other purposes can be destroyed after one year. However, canceled checks that support tax returns, such as charitable contributions or tax payments, should be held for at least seven years – long enough to cover the six-year tax assessment period. BBB advises that consumers indefinitely keep any canceled checks and related receipts or documents for a home purchase or sale, renovations or other improvements to owned property, and non-deductible contributions to an Individual Retirement Account.

Deposit, ATM, credit card and debit card receipts

Consumers should save credit, debit, and ATM receipts until the transaction appears on their statement and they have verified that the information is accurate.

Credit card and bank account statements

Credit card and bank account statements with no tax or other long-term significance can be discarded after a year; remaining statements should be kept for up to seven years. If a consumer receives a detailed annual statement, they should keep it and shred the corresponding monthly statements.

Credit card contracts and other loan agreements

Credit card contracts and loan agreements should be kept for as long as the account is active in case the consumer has a dispute with their lender over the terms of the contract.

Documentation of a purchase or sale of stocks, bonds and other investments

Investors should retain documentation of a purchase or sale for as long as they own the investment and then seven years beyond that time. Monthly retirement and monthly investment account statements can be shredded annually after being reconciled with the year-end statement.

Paycheck Stubs

Paycheck stubs can be shredded yearly after the income has been reconciled with a W-2 or other tax forms.

Utility or monthly bills

Monthly bills should be shredded the year after being received by the consumer. This way, if it’s a power bill, for example, consumers can compare this month’s bill to last year’s bill for any major changes before shredding it.

Shred-it Checklist - Don’t just toss it, shred it!

* Documents that include Social Security numbers, birthdates, PIN numbers or passwords

* Banking documents and other financial information

* Leases, contracts or letters that include signatures

* Pre-approved credit card applications

* Medical or dental bills

* Travel itineraries

* Used airline tickets

For more trustworthy advice from BBB on preventing ID theft and for guidance on what to do if your identity is stolen, go to www.bbb.org.

BBB Small Business Advice on Dealing with a Data Breach

The Identity Theft Resource Center lists more than 79 million records reported compromised in the United States in 2007—almost a fourfold increase from the nearly 20 million records reported compromised in 2006. The cause of the data breaches ranged in sophistication from the expert work of computer hackers to the negligent handling of sensitive information on the part of company employees.

So far 2008 looks a lot like 2007. There have already been major data breaches at some very recognizable companies such as MTV and T. Rowe Price. However, just because a business isn’t part of the Fortune 500 doesn’t mean it is safe from the risk of a security breach, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) wants small businesses to be prepared to handle a breach if the business’ or customers’ financial information is stolen.

While breaches at major corporations make the news, many small businesses also find themselves victims of security breaches. Sensitive financial information on both a business and its customers can be compromised by poor handling of computer or paper data or stolen by thieves and hackers, and small business owners must be prepared to respond quickly to lessen the damage done.

Regardless of how a data breach occurs, responding quickly can help a business regain trust and retain its customer base. BBB offers the following steps and guidance for small business owners in the event they experience a security breach:

Notify Customers

Currently, 39 states including Texas, have laws that require customer notification in the event personal data is lost, stolen, or inadvertently disclosed, and these laws may expand to a national level soon. Many states require companies to notify their customers of any data breach. Other states require notification when harm to potential victims is likely. Even if the law does not require it, businesses should strongly consider the advantages of giving notice to customers whose information was compromised.

If a business chooses to inform customers about a security breach, it should:

* Describe the nature of the incident;

* Inform them what has been done to address the problem; and

* Advise them on what the company will do in the future to further reduce the chance of future security breaches.

Notify Law Enforcement and Other Authorities

If a breach occurs, it is important that the business alert appropriate law enforcement officials immediately so they can investigate the incident. This could include local police, state authorities, or even the FBI. BBB recommends that companies check with their legal advisors for counsel now, so that in the event a breach does happen, the business is prepared to contact the appropriate local law enforcement agency quickly.

BBB also recommends alerting the three national consumer reporting agencies: Equifax (www.equifax.com, TransUnion (www.transunion.com) and Experian (www.experian.com).

Businesses should also alert the bank or company hired to process payment cards. It’s important that the compromised accounts are watched or closed to prevent fraud from occurring on them. Unfortunately, businesses could be liable for any resulting fraud, so quick notification to payment card companies can help.

Customer Support

If a breach occurs, BBB advises that businesses:

* Encourage customers to monitor their credit reports for signs of identity theft. If a business can afford the expense, it should consider paying for a credit monitoring service for affected customers for a designated period of time (generally 6-12 months).

* Recommend that any customer experiencing or suspecting identity theft alerts the business, files a police report, and notifies the three national consumer reporting agencies.

For more BBB advice on ID theft prevention and for trustworthy advice on many other issues affecting small businesses, go to www.bbb.org.

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