According to year-end statistics, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona provided more than 690,000 instances of service to local consumers in 2012, up 30 percent from 2011.

The increase in service was driven in part by a 64 percent increase in consumer requests for industry specific lists of BBB Accredited Businesses, and a 27 percent increase in consumer requests for specific BBB Business Reviews. Consumers usually request the business “rosters” and Business Reviews when deciding on a company to do business with.

Despite the overall increase in instances of service, complaints filed with BBB were down one percent compared with 2011. Southern Arizona businesses successfully resolved 69 percent of complaints through BBB’s voluntary process, with Accredited Businesses leading the way, resolving 97 percent of their complaints, while non-Accredited Businesses resolved 57 percent of the complaints filed against them.

Based on BBB’s experience in 2012, here are the top five scams or pitfalls that Southern Arizona consumers should be on the lookout for going into 2013:

Deceptive Mail: BBB offices took hundreds of calls in 2012 from recipients of deceptive letters in the mail. Many of these letters had the appearance of a bill or invoice, but were simply solicitations for services or products. There were also reports of letters that told recipients they’d won free airline tickets, but of course, they didn’t. Fraudulent sweepstakes letters also continued to be a prevalent scam.

Auto Repair Services: In 2012 Southern Arizona consumers filed more complaints against auto repair services than any other industry, and only 64 percent of those complaints were resolved. BBB currently gives 36 Southern Arizona auto repair services letter grades of a ‘D’ or an ‘F’ for either not answering or not resolving complaints filed against them. While there are many more auto repair services that resolve their complaints, and maintain ‘A’ grades, BBB strongly recommends that consumers consult www.tucson.bbb.org to find a reliable auto repair service next time your car is on the fritz.

Smartphone Malware: Whether its mobile apps loaded with malware, counterfeit QR codes that take smartphone users to websites that load viruses onto their phones, or Near Field Communication-a technology which allows two devices to exchange data when in the proximity of each other-scammers who use the new technology to remotely steal information from your phone, 2013 promises to see its fill of mobile phone related scams. Consumers should be cautious before downloading any new app or scanning a QR code without ensuring it comes from a legitimate source. If your smartphone has NFC technology make sure you leave it switched off except when you need to use it. This will prevent thieves from breaking into your phone without you knowing it.

Debt/Mortgage Relief: For many Southern Arizona consumers 2012 was yet another tough year financially, and many people are still looking for ways to get out of debt or keep their homes. Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of desperate situations. Bogus mortgage and debt relief programs will continue to pop up in 2013. People will receive offers and solicitations that they think are the answer to prayers, but they will just escalate the problem. Check out mortgage and debt relief programs before doing business with them. And, be extremely wary of checks that show up by surprise in your mailbox.

Internet Shopping: As more consumers turned to the Internet in 2012 to make purchases, complaints about Internet shopping increased as well. Complaints were about non-delivery of items paid for, late delivery and customer service issues. One Southern Arizona-based online company called Blade Empire-which sells knives and swords-tallied 19 unanswered complaints from consumers around the country who say they never received the products they ordered.

For more information on scams and other marketplace issues, consumers can contact BBB by calling (520)888-5353 or by visiting www.tucson.bbb.org.

As National Breast Cancer Awareness month celebrates 25 years of education, many national and local businesses are marketing pink ribbon products and services to support a cure for breast cancer. Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona advises consumers to research donation claims before making a purchase.

BBB encourages consumers to look for companies that discloses a charity name, the amount of a sale going to the charity, the duration of marketing campaigns and, if applicable, the maximum or minimum contribution amount.

“The ultimate goal is for a portion of the purchase to end up in the intended charity’s hands,” said Kim States, BBB President.  “Consumers can ensure this will happen by asking the right questions.”

While most pink ribbon marketing campaigns are trustworthy, consumers can eliminate the possibility of supporting companies that market false donation claims by doing the following:

• Identify the charity receiving the donation. If the product or service is linked to a donation percentage, contact the business or manufacturer to determine exactly where the money is going and what percentage is donated.
• Research the charity through BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance.  If the product or service is in support of an unfamiliar charity, learn more about the organization by reviewing BBB’s charity report online at www.bbb.org/charity.
• Confirm the charity’s corporate partners.  Many national breast cancer charities list the names of corporate partners and sponsors on their websites.

In addition to purchasing products and services, consumers may receive solicitations for general donations over the phone. BBB advises potential donors to be cautious of individuals claiming to represent national breast cancer charities.

According to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month organization (NBCAM), the group does not solicit contributions and has not authorized the use of its name for solicitation purposes. BBB suggests that you contact the charity directly to confirm any telephone solicitations.

Additional charitable giving advice includes:

• Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion, but short on describing what the charity will do.
• If you contribute, do not give cash.  Make a check or money order out to the name of the charitable organization, not to the individual collecting the donation.
• Watch out for excessive pressure for on-the-spot donations.  Be wary of any requests to send a “runner” to pick up your donation.
• Be wary of charities that are reluctant to answer reasonable questions about their operations, finances and programs.  Ask how much of your gift will be used for the activity mentioned in the appeal and how much will go toward other programs and administrative and fundraising costs.

For more information on how to ensure that your donation gets into the right hands, visit BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance at www.bbb.org/charity.