BBB Reports Americans' Trust in Business has Dropped in 13 of 15 Industries
The Council of Better Business Bureaus announced findings from its second BBB/Gallup Trust in Business Index survey, noting American consumers say in a seven-month period their trust in businesses has fallen in 13 of 15 industries measured, with an overall composite Index decline in consumer trust of 14 percent. And nearly half (47 percent) of those surveyed say they have only "some, very little or no trust at all" in companies they do business with in everyday life.
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President's Column: It is always the right time to "Secure Your ID"
We are proud of the effort the BBB has made in recent years to warn people of the danger of on-line efforts to steal your identity. They "pop up" every time you are on the computer. But most people still have their ID stolen the old fashion way. Sometimes we forget that protecting your identity is largely in your own hands. Fifty-six percent of identity theft victims trace the theft to something that was stolen from their own possession.
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Scam Alert: BBB Phony Check Scams Explode
In recent months we have noticed a huge upswing in the number of phony check scams. They all have a variation of the same ploy asking the consumer to deposit a check then forward funds electronically or via Western Union to the scammer. A couple of recent examples are below:
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Integrity Awards Nominations
The Better Business Bureau is currently seeking companies and organizations to be nominated for the BBB Integrity Awards. The Integrity Awards were established to recognize companies and organizations whose business practices and related activities exemplify the BBB's mission and principles.

To nominate a company(s) for an Integrity Award, please complete the information below and mail, email or fax it to the BBB. All companies nominated will be required to complete a formal application. Awards will be presented in April 2009. Nomination deadline is December 19, 2008.
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Ad Reviews
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New Members
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Anniversaries
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DON'T FORGET:
Yellow Page deadlines are approaching so if you are an AIP Accredited Business that regularly makes authorized use of the logo in their advertising or if you are an AIP company that has never advertised and would like to, please give us a call at the member hotline, 515-243-5027. Our logo has changed so we need to provide you with the current logo and review your ad.

OFFICIAL NOTICE
The Annual Meeting of the Members of the Better Business Bureau of Des Moines, Inc., dba: Better Business Bureau serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities, Siouxland Region and the Better Business Bureau Education Foundation, Inc. will be:

November 10, 2008 at 11:45 a.m.
Embassy Club, 801Grand Avenue
40th Floor
Des Moines, IA. 50309