The Better Business Bureau (BBB), along with local, state, and federal government agencies declared the week of Feb. 4 Consumer Awareness Week.

The BBB is an organization in the United States and Canada that acts as a conduit between consumers and businesses. While they do not have the authority to enforce business laws, the BBB website has information on illegal business practices and attempts to resolve disputes between businesses and consumers.

The theme of the event was “Read Up, Reach Out, and Be An Informed Consumer.” As Apr. 15 is fast approaching, Consumer Awareness Week focused on giving advice about filing taxes.

According to Doug Broden, president of the San Joaquin Valley BBB, “As tax filing deadlines approach, BBB experience supports the prediction that scam artists will prey upon people’s trust and try to take advantage of confusion over newly-enacted tax breaks, just as they do every year. Reading up, reaching out and becoming an informed consumer this tax season can help people avoid tax schemes and make decisions to better protect their hard-earned dollars and improve their financial situation.”
READ MORE IN THE RIP FEB. 22