Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is alerting consumers to Concert Cruise, a Tucson company that consumers say sold them tickets to a cruise featuring R&B artist, R. Kelly, but disappeared with their money when the concert was canceled.

BBB has received 14 complaints from consumers across the U.S. against Concert Cruise in the past four weeks, all who say they are unable to contact the company for a refund of their cruise tickets, which they paid as much as $4,500 for. BBB has been unable to speak with, or indentify, the owner of Concert Cruise, but has been in contact with their attorney.

Concert Cruise, which now appears to be out of business, was operating out of the offices of the Tucson-Southern Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce, located at 1443 Broadway Blvd. in Tucson.

A representative from the chamber could not confirm with BBB who the owner of the company is, but said that one of the employees was Kwevi Quaye, who owns a company called Dispora Group. According to its Facebook page, Dispora Group is “a holding company with interests in architecture, entertainment, media, sports, fashion, real estate development and investment.”

BBB offers these tips to consumers purchasing cruise or concert tickets:

Research the company you’re buying the tickets with. Make sure that the vendor has a proven track record by visiting www.tucson.bbb.org, where you can check to see what sort of complaints the company has, or if there’s a record of the company at all.

Pay with a credit card. Paying with a credit card allows you to challenge the transactions if you’re scammed out of your money. While you may not always be able to get your money back, you stand a much better chance than you would if you pay with a debit card or a checking account.

Purchase directly from cruise line or promoter, if possible: Often the best way to avoid fly-by-night vendors and promoters is to purchase tickets directly from the source. Especially beware of vendors and promoters that ask that you pay via money order or Pay Pal.

For more information on Concert Cruise consumers can contact BBB by calling (520)888-5353, or by email at info@tucson.bbb.org.

Consumers with newly acquired tax refund checks might notice numerous offers and incentives to spend cash right away; Better Business Bureau says to save funds for further review.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, the average 2012 tax refund is roughly $3,000.

BBB warns refund recipients and big spenders to be wary of:

1. Check-cashing businesses that offer special discounts for cashing refunds.
2. “Bring in your tax refund” incentives for deposits or guaranteed credit approval.
3. Conveniently-timed “buy now” advertisements on high-end merchandise, luxury items and other expensive services, such as: furniture; electronics; cars; clothing; jewelry; cosmetic services; and vacations.

“Advertised deals could be exaggerated or misleading. In worst case scenarios, buyers end up in financial hot-water with no recourse for voiding contracts or returning purchases they can’t afford,” says Kim States, BBB President. “In other cases, tax refund checks are lower than anticipated, but consumers have already committed to certain deals or savings plans before knowing exactly how much money they’ll receive.”

After taxes, BBB offers eight smart spending and savings reminders:

• Budget. Wait until returns are received to evaluate how assets will be allocated.
• Spend wisely. Compare deals, review purchase policies and thoroughly research companies before buying.
• Acknowledge asterisks in ads. Make sure to read contracts and fine print carefully. Get verbal promises in writing.
• Track accounts. Make sure deposited checks are applied to accounts. Use credit cards on more expensive merchandise; monitor account activity and contest unauthorized post-transactional charges.
• Dodge debts. Consider using refund cash to cover bills, loans or student expenses.
• Save for safety. Contemplate allocating a portion of the funds in a separate account for unexpected emergency costs.
• Protect purchases. During Financial Literacy Month and year-round, utilize free financial tips and anti-fraud resources at mymoney.gov, consumerfinance.gov,  ftc.gov/moneymatters and saveandinvest.org.
• Capitalize on good credit. Seek free guidance from BBB’s Managing Credit – Made Simpler at bbb.org/credit-management or find articles at www.tucson.bbb.org.

Consumers expecting a tax refund might be looking forward to filing their taxes early this year, but Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona warns to be cautious of tax preparers who claim they can get larger refunds than their competitors.

According to IRS investigators, some preparers may use their clients’ personal information to file falsified returns, and may keep most of the fraudulent refund for themselves while leaving you on the hook.

It’s important to note that the taxpayer is ultimately responsible for the accuracy of all information on a tax return, even if someone else prepares it.  Individuals with fraudulent tax returns can face significant prison time as well as payment of back taxes with interest and penalties.

BBB recommends following these tips from the IRS:

• Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the refund.
• Use a reputable tax professional who signs the tax return and provides you a copy.
• Consider whether the individual or the tax preparation firm will be around to answer questions about the tax return months, or even years, after the return has been filed.
• Check the preparer’s credentials.  Only attorneys, certified public accountants and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers before the IRS in matters including audits, collections and appeals.
• Find out if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that provides its members with continuing educational resources and holds them to a code of ethics. (more…)