The Better Business Bureau, 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 Web site 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 April 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.”

One thing taxpayers are often swindled into is refund anticipation loans. Usually advertised as quick-refund offers around February, when people receive their W-2 forms, people think it is similar to a paycheck advance and don’t realize it is a loan until the bill comes in.

According to a press release from the BBB, “While fees vary, an average tax refund of $2,000 can carry associated fees for the tax preparation, filing and loan of $250 or more. That works out to an annual interest rate of 521% for a 10-day loan.”

Broden said, “You may get your money a bit quicker than waiting for your IRS refund check, but you incur a steep cost for that service. In effect, you are paying fees and interest to borrow from yourself.”

More information on the Better Business Bureau and on business scams going on in the U.S. and Canada can be found on the BBB website at www.bbb.org.