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 BBB iPhone App Coming Soon   Millions of  consumers and companies rely on the BBB to research local businesses.  Now the power of the BBB is available at your fingertips when traveling  or on the go. | 
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 BBB AUTO LINEŽ We offer the largest auto warranty dispute resolution program in the  United States. Most manufacturers participate in BBB AUTO LINEŽ to provide their customers an additional independent resource to resolve warranty disputes. | 
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 File a Complaint  Need help solving a marketplace dispute? Let us lend our expertise.  Filing a complaint is fast, easy and can be done for all types of  businesses. | 
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 BBB Military LineŽ We bring BBB services, including educational materials, to military  personnel, retirees, Department of Defense civilians and their families. | 
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 Tips  We offer expert advice on how to be a smart consumer in today's fast-paced, ever-changing marketplace. | 
 |  BBB created Managing Credit - Made Simpler to give customized  credit management guidance to different types of credit users, based on their specific needs and  perspectives.
 
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                  | |  BBB Advice on Student Security - What Every College Student Should Know BBB recommends students take the following precautions to secure their identity   As college students get settled on campus, fighting fraud may not be  at the top of their list of priorities. College students are susceptible  to identity theft, however, and Better Business Bureau recommends that  they take seven simple steps to protect themselves on campus.   In 2010, 8.1 million Americans - or 3.5 percent of the population -  became victims of identity theft, according to the 2011 Identity Fraud  Survey conducted by Javelin Strategy & Research and sponsored by  BBB. The average mean cost of identity theft is $631 and the average  time to resolve identity fraud is 33 hours - valuable study time.Click here to learn more. | 
 | SCAM ALERTS      BBB Advises Homeowners to be on the Lookout for Fly-By-Night "Storm Chasers"  BBB urges homeowners to do their research before hiring a home contractor after a storm  Your home and wallet may take a serious beating when a big storm like  Hurricane Irene hits and Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to  be wary of fly-by-night "storm chasers," as well as fraudulent  charities promising to provide relief.   Storm chasers and other door-to-door salespeople often peddle dubious  deals that may cost homeowners thousands of dollars and create serious  headaches. BBB recommends doing your research to avoid getting taken  advantage of by untrustworthy home contractors. Click here to learn more.   | 
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Do Your Research before Driving into an Auto Repair Scam BBB cautions consumers to watch out for auto repair rip-offs     What do you do when your windshield wipers stop working, your left  taillight burns out, and your brakes give out? Some may opt to fix the  problem themselves, but many turn to the services and handiwork of auto  repairmen. While most auto repairmen are honest and forthcoming,  consumers need to be on the lookout for those that are trying to make a  quick buck. Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to do their  research be fore turning their car over to an auto repair service.   When your vehicle needs repairs, you don't need a crash course in  auto mechanics, but you should know how to find a reliable shop and  mechanic. It's important for consumers to be on the lookout for scams  like overcharging on repairs, charging for labor that was never  performed, and performing shoddy work. In 2010, BBB received a whopping  12,682 complaints against auto repair mechanics. In this year alone, BBB  has already received nearly 11,000 complaints. Click here to learn more.   | 
 |  CONSUMER TIPS   BBB Advice for Making "Golden" Gold Transactions BBB urges consumers to do their homework before trading their gold for cash    As global markets are currently seeing rapid declines, worried investors  are seeking safe havens for their funds. Many are looking to new  investment plans to help their money grow. With the price of gold at an  all time high of more than $1,700 per ounce, Better Business Bureau is  advising consumers to do their homework before making tempting gold  transactions.   Whether through an online venue, an at home "gold  party," or your local jeweler, many consumers are looking to sell their  gold jewelry for some quick cash. However, not just any dealer can be  trusted. In just this year alone, BBB has already received more than 500  complaints against gold, silver and platinum dealers, a number that is  well on its way to reaching 2010's 581 total complaints. Click here to learn more.  | 
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As students across the nation make their way back to school, many will  carry cell phones, iPads, iPods, laptops and other electronic devices  everywhere from the classroom to the car. Better Business Bureau reminds  students and their parents to talk about ways to keep electronics out  of the wrong hands.
 College campuses, cafeterias, local hang  outs and even classrooms can be an easy target for those looking to  snatch expensive electronic devices. Not only can thieves steal your  personal property, they could gain access to sensitive information such  as emails, text messages, calendars, photos and even social media  network logins. Click here to learn more.
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