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BBB The Newsline
JUNE/JULY 2009 ChrisColeman
Chris Coleman
President

Two Advance Fee Loan Companies
Call Iowa Home

It is a well known fact that Midwesterners are perceived as being upfront, honest and trustworthy. For these reasons, it is not surprising that scammers are striking throughout the country by establishing websites claiming to have business headquarters in Central Iowa. Parkside Financial and Moonlight Financial are two advance fee loan companies advertising on the internet and alleging to be from Des Moines. They attract consumers who have poor credit history, are frequently in desperate financial straits and are not able to obtain traditional loans.
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President's Column:
BBB Advice on What do to if a Local
Car Dealer Closes

As the son of a retired car dealer, I have watched closely during these months of turmoil for the industry. It is a sad moment for so many communities and people who have dedicated their life to these institutions. Over the next weeks and months we will learn a lot about the future of this important American industry. In the meantime, you can be proud of your BBB's work to make sure that all these economic issues do not trickle down to warranty nightmares for consumers. The BBB message is "buy, and buy confidently because these companies will honor their warranties."
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Scam Alert:
U.S. Census Be Cooperative, But Cautious!

For years, BBB has educated consumers about not giving out personal information over the telephone or to anyone who shows up at their front door. With the U.S. Census process beginning, BBB advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.
[FULL STORY]

Court Approves GM's Continued Participation
The U.S. Court overseeing General Motor’s bankruptcy has approved GM's request to continue honoring vehicle warranties, including GM's participation in the BBB AUTO LINE program for consumers that need help with any warranty-related dispute with the manufacturer. Twenty-seven of the world’s largest auto brands—including GM makes—participate in Auto Line for disputes arising throughout the country.
[FULL STORY]

New BBB Benefit: BBB Launches TrustBrief
BBB TrustBrief is a FREE weekly e-mail newsletter designed for small businesses owners, employees, and friends. BBB has partnered with SmartBrief, a media company with a mission to save you time and keep you well-informed. BBB TrustBrief editors become your personal research assistants: handpicking, distilling and disseminating the best and most important news stories from a wide range of sources.
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Ad Reviews
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New Members
[FULL STORY]

Anniversaries
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Advance Loan Companies
President's Column
BBB Alert
GM Warranties
New BBB Benefit
Ad Reviews
New Members
Anniversaries
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