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Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Indiana AG sues property management company over Hammond and East Chicago leases
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita said Friday his office sued a management company that runs at least three properties in Hammond and East Chicago, saying they put deceptive or illegal fine print in renters' leases. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Lake Superior Court, accuses IBIN Management, LLC of breaking Indiana's consumer protection laws. The company runs three properties on the 4300 block of Baring Avenue in East Chicago, 200 block of Waltham Street in Hammond, and 900 block of 174th Street in Hammond. Various leases tried to stretch how long it would take to give back security deposits past the 45 days required by state law, had renters pay fees for repairs that landlords should cover, let landlords go into the units without notification, or tried to block renters from seeking damages allowed by state law, among other issues, Rokita said in a release. The lawsuit cites three people who rented in Hammond or East Chicago. Rokita said he is encouraging anyone affected to call his office. 'Hoosiers deserve fair and transparent treatment when renting their homes,' Rokita said in the release. 'This lawsuit sends a clear message: we will hold accountable those who exploit tenants with deceptive lease agreements that misrepresent their rights and obligations. Protecting Indiana consumers is a top priority for our office.' The company has received several one-star reviews dating back to at least 2022 on the Better Business Bureau's website. The agency gave it an F rating for not responding to complaints. A woman who answered a listed number Friday for the company declined comment. It lists a Crown Point post office box as its address in state records. The lawsuit wants a legal injunction to force the company to stop its practices, as well as fines and restitution. 'We are committed to ensuring that landlords and property managers play by the rules,' Rokita said. 'We will continue to stand up for Hoosiers and fight against deceptive practices that harm our communities.' Affected renters can call his office at 1-800-382-5516 or go to
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
4 Ways To Avoid Getting Stuck in Free Promotion Traps
If you've ever signed up for a free trial and then cringed when you saw a charge come through your bank account for a subscription you swore you'd cancel, we're here to help. Free trials are not only offered, they've come to be expected in many cases. In fact, it seems like you can get a free trial for almost anything — a quick Google search turned up 24 free trial opportunities, including Amazon Prime Video, BritBox, Spotify, Discovery, Kindle Unlimited, and more. Consider This: Learn More: Some companies even partner with other companies to promote their products or services when you sign up. For instance, Amazon Prime members receive two free audiobooks and a 30-day free trial from Audible that auto-renews at $14.95 per month after the trial, and certain T-Mobile plans come with Apple TV+ On Us for a promotional period. This all sounds great, but it's all too common for people to forget about the subscription only to be surprised by a charge for a service they don't want or need. GOBankingRates talked with Sarah Keish, a financial expert and founder of RBT Practice Exam, and Melanie McGovern, director of public relations at Better Business Bureau. They recommended these four ways to avoid getting stuck in these free promotion traps. Read the Fine Print and Watch for Pre-Checked Boxes One mistake McGovern sees when it comes to promotional deals is you may not realize you're opting into a subscription. If you're not checking or unchecking boxes or not reading the fine print, you may be agreeing to a trial without realizing it. The Federal Trade Commission also warns of this. By leaving certain boxes checked or unchecked, you may unknowingly be giving the company permission to charge you after the trial. According to Keish, it's important to check the fine print — 'particularly the subsection regarding how long the free trial is and when the billing starts.' Trending Now: Pay Attention to Deals That Require a Credit Card If the deal requires a credit card, McGovern said, 'there's a likelihood that there's a charge associated with the 'free' trial.' Keish backs this up saying, 'Just because it's advertised as 'free' doesn't necessarily mean that it won't eventually cost you.' Entering credit or debit card information means that the company will have the means to charge you when the free trial ends, so you'll have to be extra vigilant about cancelling before the subscription auto-renews. Cancel During the Trial If you wait until the trial is over to cancel it, you run the risk of missing the deadline and watching as the subscription auto-renews. Keish recommends you cancel flat-out — 'yes, even during the trial.' 'In most cases, you can cancel the trial whenever you want and still keep access through the length of the time. If it's a 30-day trial, canceling on Day 1 typically doesn't take away your access — it just halts the auto-renewal,' she said. Do a Periodic Subscription Check Keish recommends taking about five minutes a month to review your accounts and check for unwanted charges. Accounts can include your bank account, credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay accounts. She calls it a 'subscription audit' and makes sure her clients do one each month. If you have a lot on your plate, she said that there are programs like Rocket Money or Trim that can scan your accounts for subscriptions and then help you cancel any unwanted ones. If charges show up that you disagree with, the Better Business Bureau recommends disputing the charge with the company directly, and if that doesn't work, contact your credit card company to dispute the charge. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 10 Cars That Outlast the Average Vehicle 5 Cities You Need To Consider If You're Retiring in 2025 This article originally appeared on 4 Ways To Avoid Getting Stuck in Free Promotion Traps
CTV News
16-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Fraudsters impersonating businesses going bankrupt: BBB
The Better Business Bureau says scammers are taking advantage of businesses in financial turmoil in an attempt to steal personal information. (Pexels/Ekaterina Belinskaya) Scammers are trying another new ploy by using recent bankruptcies and 'going out of business' sales to steal personal data from victims. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says as some high profile and even lesser known retail outlets have recently closed, scammers are also paying attention to the proceedings and crafting fake websites to trick consumers. Officials say the websites use 'advertising that spoofs legitimate businesses' while also creating entirely new and fraudulent businesses to steal from victims. 'Their entire motivation is to steal your credit card and personal information to commit fraud,' said Mary O'Sullivan-Andersen, president and CEO of BBB serving Alberta and East Kootenay. The BBB says the scam usually begins with a post on social media about a business closing its doors. When users click the ad, they are taken to the fake website that looks identical to the original website, but the merchandise is listed at deep, too-good-to-be-true discounts. When items are 'purchased', scammers now have access to the victim's personal information. 'The other variation of this scam are ads and websites being created about completely fictitious businesses,' said O'Sullivan-Andersen. 'The end result is the same - credit card information is entered and money stolen.' To protect against these scams, the BBB offers the following advice: Confirm the website's URL; Instead of clicking on links, go to the business' real website; Use credit cards for online purchases as they possess fraud protection debit cards don't; and Be aware of what information is being requested, especially when that data is not used for sales, such as social insurance numbers. More consumer safety tips can be found online on the BBB website.
Associated Press
15-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
1776 Moving & Storage Trends with Smart Logistics Insights in FL
07/14/2025, Orlando, FL // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // 1776 Moving & Storage is riding the rising wave of innovation that is reshaping how local moves happen in Central Florida. It is transforming the relocation experience by replacing outdated inefficiencies with smart, transparent logistics. As customers demand more control, speed, and digital convenience, the company's service model is redefining what moving companies Orlando FL should deliver. 1776 Moving & Storage is a family-owned and operated Orlando moving company that has reimagined every stage of the relocation journey. With years of moving experience, the company specializes in residential, commercial, apartment, and long-distance relocations, as well as point-to-point intrastate moves across Florida. This Orlando-based company thus is flipping the script on moving day by turning stress into strategy. It also has a logistics-driven strategy. This means that the company delivers streamlined, tech-enabled solutions among residential and commercial clients. Its service offerings include comprehensive packing, secure storage solutions with climate-controlled warehouse space, and international moving services that ensure a seamless experience no matter the destination. Unlike many moving companies Orlando FL residents have experienced, this team's processes ensure speed, clarity, and control from the first to the last box to unload. This defines modern relocation with transparency, structure, and confidence delivered every weekday from 8:00 to 5:00. 'We didn't want to just keep up. We wanted to lead,' said a company spokesperson. 'By embedding smart logistics into our core process, we're ensuring customers experience a move that is not only smooth but entirely predictable.' With more clients turning to innovative movers Orlando FL relies on, this development reflects a larger shift in what today's homeowners and businesses expect from a professional mover. 1776 Moving & Storage's reputation for excellence is further reinforced by its A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, glowing Google reviews from satisfied customers, and recognition by respected industry groups such as the Florida Movers and Warehousemen's Association and the American Society of Interior Designers. These affiliations and recognitions set the standard for what customers can confidently expect next. 1776 Moving & Storage is also fully licensed and insured under Florida Movers Registration IM2099 and US DOT 2303737. The company meets all state and federal regulations to ensure every move is secure and compliant. Based in Orlando, it serves residential and commercial clients throughout Central Florida, including Winter Park, Windermere, and Kissimmee. At a time when reliability, speed, and transparency matter, 1776 Moving & Storage offers a proven model in relocations. In contrast to many moving companies Orlando FL residents have relied on in the past, the team doesn't just deliver boxes, the members deliver a sense of order, direction, and peace of mind. This moving company's continued success shows how smart logistics and human-centered service can transform an industry. It's not just about getting from point A to B; it's about how that journey feels, and who you trust to lead it. To learn more about this Orlando moving company and explore services designed to simplify every stage of your move, visit About 1776 Moving & Storage 1776 Moving & Storage delivers tailored moving solutions that prioritize control, care, and clarity. From high-rise offices to family homes, the team brings unmatched discipline, white-glove handling, and transparent pricing to every project. ### Media Contact 1776 Moving & Storage Address: 4210 L.B. Mcleod Rd, Suite 109, Orlando, FL 32811 Phone: (407) 251-4770 Website: newsroom: Source published by Submit Press Release >> 1776 Moving & Storage Trends with Smart Logistics Insights in FL
USA Today
09-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Planning a home renovation? Avoid costly mistakes with these expert tips from the BBB
Starting a home improvement project can be exciting — but if you jump in without planning, it can also turn into a costly headache. Whether you're remodeling your kitchen, replacing your roof or just sprucing up your backyard, it pays to do your homework first. As with any major investment, asking the right questions early on can save you time, money and stress down the line. The Better Business Bureau recommends considering the following points before hiring a contractor or breaking ground on your next home project. What is my budget — and is it realistic? Begin with a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend. Factor in not only labor and materials but also permits, taxes and unexpected costs. It's wise to include a contingency fund — typically 10% to 20% of your total budget — to cover surprises along the way. Know your limits before getting too far into planning or signing contracts. What do I want — and what do I need? It's easy to dream big, but your project should balance your wants with your home's needs. Define your priorities up front. Are you aiming to increase resale value, improve functionality or simply update your style? A clear vision will help you and your contractor stay aligned and avoid unnecessary changes or added expenses later. Will this project increase my home's value? Some home improvements offer a strong return on investment — others, not so much. Renovations like kitchen updates or energy-efficient upgrades can add value, while overly custom projects may not appeal to future buyers. Do your research and talk to a real estate professional if resale value is a concern. In case you missed it: From tile to toilets, home renovation costs will climb as new tariffs take effect. Who should I hire — and how do I know they're trustworthy? Don't rush to hire the first contractor you find. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations and check the company's BBB Business Profile at to see if they're accredited, how long they've been in business and whether any complaints have been filed. Read reviews and ask for references from recent clients. A reputable contractor should be licensed, insured and willing to put everything in writing. What does the contract include? Never start a project without a signed, written contract. It should outline the scope of work, timeline, materials, payment schedule and warranty information. Review the details carefully and ask questions if something isn't clear. A vague or incomplete contract could leave you unprotected if problems arise. What permits or inspections are required? Many home improvements — including structural, plumbing or electrical work — require permits or inspections from local authorities. Confirm what's needed in your area and make sure your contractor pulls the permits. Skipping this step can lead to fines or issues when selling your home. How will we communicate during the project? Good communication is key to a smooth renovation. Ask how updates will be shared and how often. Will you receive progress reports? Who should you contact with questions or concerns? Setting expectations early helps avoid confusion and keeps everyone on the same page. Am I ready for the disruption? Even small projects can impact your daily life. Consider how the work will affect your schedule, privacy and comfort. Will you need to relocate temporarily? How long will utilities be interrupted? Prepare for the mess, noise and delays that often come with construction — and stay flexible when challenges arise. A successful home project starts with preparation. By asking thoughtful questions and working with trusted professionals, you'll not only get the results you want — you'll also protect your home and your investment. To find vetted contractors in your area and read more homeowner tips, visit For additional guidance on avoiding scams or resolving disputes, check out BBB's resources at or report an issue at Jan Diaz is the President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indiana, which serves 23 counties. Contact the BBB at 800-552-4631 or visit
