Copper thieves can wreak havoc on a home or business, dismantling air conditioning units, plumbing and more in hopes of getting scrap to sell. With the cost of scrap metal increasing, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona warns consumers and business owners to take precautions.

Copper thieves have cost residents and businesses thousands of dollars and created an additional challenge for law enforcement, since stolen scrap metal is difficult to track.

The problem has become so rampant in Texas, the Legislature considered seven separate bills concerning copper theft in the 2011 Legislative Session. In 2007, the state began to require scrap metal dealers to register with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Ray Brown, a detective in Texas with the Austin Police Department said copper thieves are difficult to stop because they choose easy targets, like unsecured air conditioning units, which are plentiful in Tucson.

“It’s too easy because sometimes they’ll do it during the day and people think, ‘well it’s just somebody (more…)

As global markets are currently seeing extreme volatility, worried investors are seeking safe havens for their funds. Because the United States has never in its history had its credit rating downgraded, many do not know what to expect. What should be expected, however, are investment-related propositions that may not be so trustworthy.

Investment scams always exist but in times of economic uncertainty and fear, they tend to increase because scammers know that investors are looking for ways to secure their funds.

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona advises investors to take note of the following red flags in any investment pitch. Beware of any company that:

• Contacts you unsolicited. Be suspicious of any unexpected emails, phone calls or letters in the mail from investment firms urging you to respond.
• Requires a large upfront investment. One of the most common complaints BBB receives about investment opportunities from consumers is paying fees and not receiving the promised income. Many times, potential investors pay in advance but are unable to reach the company when concerns arise.
• Promises high returns for low risk. Every investment comes with a level of risk. If the seminar offers an investment plan claiming large returns with little or no risk, beware, even if it (more…)