BBB Consumer Newsletter - November 2024
BBB Midwest Plains
Helping connect consumers with trustworthy businesses. Connect with us on social media: @BBBMidwestPlains.
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?? November is "Thank A Business Month"!
This November, join us in celebrating local businesses that go above and beyond in our communities! BBB Midwest Plains has partnered with the cities of Lincoln, NE; Overland Park, KS; and Sioux Falls, SD, to officially recognize “Thank a Business Month,” with special thanks to Mayors Leirion Gaylor Baird of City of Lincoln – Lincoln, Nebraska , Curt Skoog - OP Mayor of City of Overland Park , and Paul TenHaken of City of Sioux Falls for their support in issuing proclamations.
Looking for ways to show appreciation? Here’s how you can thank a deserving business this month:
Let’s show businesses how much they’re valued this November!
Click here for more information on the BBB "Thank A Business Month" initiative.
?? Now accepting applications for 2025 BBB Student of Integrity Scholarships
The BBB Student of Integrity Scholarship Program celebrates high school seniors who exemplify strong leadership, ethics and integrity. Sponsored by BBB's Education Foundation, these scholarships support students who stand out as ethical leaders in their communities. BBB Midwest Plains is proud to offer 15 scholarships of $2,000 each to students across its service area.
Priority will be given to applicants who qualify for free or reduced lunch and those who are first-generation college students.
?? Scam Alerts
Looking for this season’s hot toy? Beware of scams
Each holiday season brings "must-have" toys that quickly sell out and become scarce. For 2024, popular lists from CNET and Toy Insider feature AI-powered storytelling toys, brain teasers, and even a toy Target checkout. When shopping for children this season, beware of scams selling counterfeit or non-existent versions of popular toys.?Read more.
How to spot and avoid job scams this holiday season
Many college students seek flexible, part-time employment to help cover school expenses. Finding a job can be challenging, and students may feel pressure to find work quickly. If this situation describes you or a student in your life, watch out for scams. BBB Scam Tracker has gotten reports of employment scams impersonating professors and university departments.?Read more.
Don't click on that text! 5 ways to avoid delivery scams
For years now, some consumers have been getting text messages stating that a major delivery carrier needs them to "update delivery preferences" on a package by clicking a link. The problem? The texts are scams, and the links result in the theft of personal information, money, or both. Read more.
?? Local Scam Reporting
Have you encountered a scam? Reporting it through BBB Scam Tracker takes less than 2.5 minutes — and it makes a big difference. Every report strengthens a shared network of information, keeping consumers, businesses, and law enforcement up-to-date on the latest local scams. Together, we can help prevent others from falling victim. Take a look at key insights from October’s reports. The graphs below use information reported to BBB Scam Tracker from people in BBB Midwest Plains' service area.
?? BBB Tips
Pro tips for smart Black Friday shopping
Black Friday, traditionally the single busiest shopping day of the year, arrives a little late this year on November 29, with many stores advertising Black Friday prices much earlier. Instead of setting an alarm to brave crowds for deeply discounted items, dedicated shoppers are expected to look for deals online-- if they haven't already finished their holiday shopping. Retail experts predict increased mobile shopping and tighter budgets in a shorter shopping season.?Read more.
Keep your tax information secure | National Tax Security Awareness Week
BBB annually processes thousands of complaints against tax return preparation services and related businesses (including accountants preparing tax returns). For those complaints, the median disputed amount for which consumers sought BBB’s help was $378. Read more.
How to plan your holiday budget
Supply chain problems, shipping delays, and inflation can make it even tougher to create and stick to a budget during the holidays. This means that planning ahead and knowing your spending limits are more important than ever. Read more.
领英推荐
?? Upcoming Events
2024 Nebraska Elder Justice Training
Webinar: Securing Tomorrow - Your Company's Retirement Benefit Options, featuring Union Bank & Trust
Webinar: Online Reviews 101 - Take Control of Your Online Reputation
Webinar: Online Reviews 101 - Take Control of Your Online Reputation
Webinar: AI Leadership - Empower Your Business
Webinar: Unlock the Benefits of the BBB Response Portal
Scam Prevention at Oak Hills Country Club
Register for upcoming events here.
?? Community News
Omaha City Councilwoman proposes crypto scam warning signs at kiosks
The Douglas County Sheriff, FBI Omaha and Better Business Bureau are now working with business owners to monitor large transactions at crypto kiosks. They are also highlighting the pressure tactics used by bad actors. The Bureau advised, "Ask yourself why this is happening and then look up the information you're being presented with to confirm it. And please reach out for support." Read more.
Scammers target charitable giving in wake of hurricanes
After the disasters of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, millions of people have required help. While there is an instinct to want to assist these folks monetarily, you should keep an eye out for certain organizations. Some fraudulent organizations and scammers use digital means, like social media and advertisement, to take advantage of well-meaning people. Read more.
BBB Midwest Plains shares 3 essential tips for cybersecurity
A recent Better Business Bureau survey found that two-thirds of respondents reported being hacked at least once. The BBB shared three tips with 12 News to help you protect yourself online. Read more.
? Know a business that champions integrity and builds trust in the marketplace?
Let them know about the value of BBB Accreditation and help them start the process to join our community of trustworthy businesses today.
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