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MarketMonitorthe News for Better Business Bureau Accredited Businesses

BBB Serving Greater Cleveland April 2015

INSIDE: Door To Door Reps “Booked” Before DeliveryDynamic Seal Infographic

New Board Member B2B Discounts Spread The News◊

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BBB Launches New “Scam Tracker”

Imposter scams, phony sweepstakes, fraudulent loan and grant offers, fake rental listings, romance ripoffs..the list goes on and on. BBB has launched a new feature that tracks scams reported locally and gives you an easy way to report them to us.

BBB “Scam Tracker” creates an online repository of scams reported by consumers nationwide. You can search by the type or name of the scam and also see what is trending. Details of the scam are included as shown below:

Scam Type - Romance Scam Scam Name - Romance, Online Scam Total Dollars Lost - $3,000.00

Scam DescriptionLove and Seek website. In Cairo Egypt, they told me they were starving and they asked me to send some money. So I did. After 3-4 months, I told them I wanted my money back, and I conversed with them, and I still haven’t had the money back then. Fake love scam.

Have a scam to report? Or just want to see what is happening in our area? Visit bbb.org/scamtracker/cleveland.

Ransomware Alert: Action NeededIn January, a new version of the CryptoWall ransomware began circulating after being dormant for several months. When installed, CryptoWall 3.0 encrypts all your data and then leaves a ransom note. Once infected, you have three unpleasant options: recover from a recent backup, rebuild your systems and live without the lost data, or pay the $500 ransom to get the decryption tools and key. BBB advises: • Have your IT shop review your patching and backup procedures. Your best first defense

from this attack is up-to-date software. Version 3.0 relies on weaknesses in other software on your system. Of particular concern are browsers and plugins to browsers, such as Adobe (Acrobat Reader, Flash Player, Shockwave Player), Java, Windows Media Player, etc.

• The only real recovery option is a recent backup. Version 3.0 will encrypt files on any Windows drive mapped as a letter – that is C:, D:, etc. This includes network shares inside your organization and cloud drives like DropBox if you have them mapped as a letter drive.

• Since this version of CryptoWall will attack any letter mapped drive, it is important to review where your backups reside. If the malware has access to your data and your backup, then there is no recovery path. Consider keeping a copy of your backups off the network, if you do not do so already.

Service to the Community

Greater Cleveland BBB Activity Report From

January - March 2015Reports issued on

companies/charities.................314,480

Customer complaints filed.............1,968

Online Accredited Business Directory listings viewed........................3,815,827

bbb.org/cleveland visits..............245,237

Advertising review cases initiated........89

The Short List Tips to Spring Clean your

Business

Update your website and social media content to remove obsolete services

and add new ones. Check links for “dead ends”.

Review and securely destroy any obsolete documents containing

personally identifying information (payroll records, invoices, etc.)

Hint: Attend BBB’s free shredding events at RadAir

locations in Solon and Parma Heights on April 25th.

Make sure your computer files and data you store for

customers are secure. Update all software and run security

scans.

Review internal and external company policies and

handbooks.

Organize/delete emails. You can use your email program’s searches, labels and filters to

sort through messages.

Review service providers (phones, shipping, printing, etc).

Any changes needed? Can you get better pricing?

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Meet a New DirectorBBB welcomes Jon Lief to the BBB Board of Directors. Jon is President of Lux Gems USA, an online division of Great Lakes Gems.

Jon is a Cleveland State University graduate and co-author (with BBB Director, Hal Becker) of “What You Want – A Fun, Upbeat, and Fresh Approach to Negotiating.”

He is a member of America Jewelers Association, The Ohio Jewelers Guild, and the American Gem Trade Association. Jon

enjoys being an advisor to the Shaker Heights High School track team.

April 2015

In recent weeks, consumers in the Cleveland area have reported the same story to BBB - they paid Millennium Sales in full for magazines or books last Fall but never received their orders.

According to consumers, sales reps for Millennium Sales cited various organizations and individuals would benefit from the book and magazine sales. Some reps claimed sales would benefit Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, orphanages, schools, or would help the rep earn points towards a scholarship. At least three consumers reported receiving additional invoices after they paid in full.

Consumers calling the company receive only a recorded voice message and are unable to leave a message. Millennium Sales has over 370 complaints on file at BBB and an “F” rating.

Traveling Sales Crews Pitfalls - Often, high school and college students and young adults are recruited by traveling sales crews and are transported out of town to knock on doors and sell magazines, candy and other items. They may claim your purchase will help them get a scholarship, pay for educational expenses, or other seemingly worthwhile purpose.

Consumer complaints typically concern non-receipt of ordered items, feeling pressured to purchase, sales misrepresentations and failure to honor cancellations. In Ohio, you have a three day “cooling off” period to cancel a purchase made at your home that costs $25 or more.

If you are solicited at your door, BBB offers the following advice:

• Always research the company with your Better Business Bureau at bbb.org/cleveland before agreeing to purchase.

• Check with your local City Hall to determine if the sales crew has any required permits to solicit door-to-door in your neighborhood.

• Don’t purchase products based solely upon the sales rep’s “hard luck story” or to help him/her win a scholarship or other prize. These sales claims may not be true.

• Victims of fraudulent magazine or book sales can file a complaint with Better Business Bureau at bbb.org/cleveland. You can also contact your local police department and the Ohio Attorney General - who may be able to “throw the book” at them.

Consumers Claim Door-to-Door Reps Sold Books - Then “Booked” Without Delivering

NEW! Office Depot-Discounts up to 10% on many of your office needs, with special pricing on copying and printing. Go to bit.ly/bbbohdepo or call Jessica @ 216-842-7514 for details.

FedEx- Earn up to 26% discounts on shipping and office services with the FedEx Advantage Program. Free to enroll. Go to: advantagemember.visionary.com/6920/ to sign up. Passcode is 39HF6R (case sensitive).

Pre-Employment Background Reports - Online criminal checks for $15.95 each. Other reports also discounted. Call IntelliCorp at (800) 539-3717.

Document Shredding - All Ohio Secure Shred will shred documents on site for $25/month for one container. Also, one-time bulk purge for 10 cents/lb. $50 minimum. Call (330) 659-0840 or (888) 747-3394.

Some member discount programs generate revenue which BBB reinvests

into the organization’s operations.

Mark Your Calendar for our Shred Day Event!

B2B Discounts for BBB Accredited Businesses

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Meet a New DirectorBBB welcomes Jon Lief to the BBB Board of Directors. Jon is President of Lux Gems USA, an online division of Great Lakes Gems.

Jon is a Cleveland State University graduate and co-author (with BBB Director, Hal Becker) of “What You Want – A Fun, Upbeat, and Fresh Approach to Negotiating.”

He is a member of America Jewelers Association, The Ohio Jewelers Guild, and the American Gem Trade Association. Jon

enjoys being an advisor to the Shaker Heights High School track team.

Start Spreading The News

Is your business celebrating a milestone anniversary...or hosting a special event..opening a new location, perhaps?

We will help you spread the news on Facebook and Twitter

#1- Visit bbb.org/cleveland

#2- Find the links at the bottom of the page to our Facebook and Twitter accounts.

#3 Like / follow us, then share your news with us.

We will spread the good word from there.

®

Sign Up For Free BBB Scam Alerts!

Learn about scams within hours of when they break.

Text SCAMto 24587

There is no fee to sign up for BBB Scam Alerts, but your carrier’s text messaging

rates do apply.

The Market MonitorBetter Business Bureau2800 Euclid Ave., 4th Fl.Cleveland, OH 44115-2408

The Market Monitor (ISSN 1085-5122). April 2015. Volume 11 No. 2. Published bimonthly in February, April, June, August, October and December by the Better Business Bureau, Inc. 2800 Euclid Ave., 4th Floor, Cleveland, OH 44115-2408, Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, OH. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Market Monitor, 2800 Euclid Ave., 4th Fl, Cleveland, OH 44115-2408.

Periodicals Postage Paid

April 2015

BBB congratulates the following Accredited Businesses for taking 1st place in their denoted categories at this year’s “Contractor of the Year” awards presented by NARI.

Jemm Construction, LLCResidential Addition Under $50,000Residential Bath $15,000 - $30,000

Hurst Design-Build-RemodelingResidential Addition $100,000 - $175,000Residential Interior $175,000 - $250,000

R.B. Schwartz Inc. Residential Bath $45,000 - $60,000

Absolute Roofing & Construction Inc. Residential Exterior Specialty

Dover Home RemodelersResidential Interior over $250,000

F.A. Makoski Construction Co., Inc. Residential Kitchen $45,000 - $60,000Residential Kitchen $60,000 - $100,000

Investor Education To Fight Fraud

BBB Serving Greater Cleveland (BBB) and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation have partnered to turn consumers into “Fraud Fighters.” The “Trick$ of the Trade” presentation provides insight into the persuasion tactics used by con artists.

Watch compelling stories of victims, learn how to spot fraud and get the tools you need to make sure you aren’t the next victim. This 30-minute audio/visual presentation is being offered at no charge.

Attendees go home with great giveaways, too! If your group would like to schedule a Trick$ of the Trade event, please contact:

Sue McConnell (216) 623-8960 sue@cleveland.bbb.org