Business Bulletin: How to navigate consumer help during government shutdown

Q. Is the federal government shutdown affecting operations at BBB? What advice is BBB providing in an effort to help those government employees not receiving a paycheck?

A. Although the name makes some people assume that the Better Business Bureau is a government agency, we are not. BBB is an independent, nonprofit organization. Actually, we are a collaborative of many local BBB nonprofit organizations, based in 160 communities across North America. And despite the partial shutdown of the U.S. government, BBB is open for business.

So what does that mean for consumers? BBB is reviewing marketplace practices, issuing business and charity reports, and processing complaints just as we always have, and proceeding with other dispute resolution actions when warranted. Not much has changed in the way we help consumers on a day-to-day basis.

Sometimes we are not the right organization to assist someone, and we often refer people to agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, the Do Not Call Registry, etc. We are still doing that, but we are also reminding consumers that it may be a while before those agencies re-open and someone can get back to them. Some consumer services performed by the federal government are affected by the shutdown, and portions of those agencies’ websites are not available for the public to access.

BBB remains committed to assisting consumers in finding businesses, brands, and charities they can trust; helping customers resolve disputes with businesses; helping businesses be trustworthy; and educating the public about scams, fraud, and other marketplace issues. Throughout the government shutdown, BBB is “Open for Business”

As a result of the continuing U.S. federal government shutdown, concerns have been raised about federal workers who are not being paid. In addition, some Americans households that rely on food stamps and other federal programs may not be able to receive the assistance they need. For those affected by the government shutdown and considering addressing these and other associated problems through available charitable giving organizations, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following advice:

* Support food banks and other social service charities. Consider donations to local food banks and other social service charities that are expecting to meet increased demands. Keep in mind that some of these welcome both in-kind and cash gifts.

* Be wary of newly created entities. Watch out for new charities created to address these circumstances. While most are probably well-intentioned, they may not be able to deliver quickly on promised assistance.

* Crowdfunding options. Some people in need may post requests for help on crowdfunding sites. It is safest to support those postings for people that you personally know. Not all crowdfunding sites have effective vetting procedures to root out all questionable requests. Also remember to review how the site is administered in terms of transaction fees and when funds are released to the individuals requesting help.

* Donate to BBB Accredited Charities. You can help verify a charity’s trustworthiness by viewing an evaluative report completed by BBB Wise Giving Alliance. Visit Give.org. View local charities at bbb.org/Chattanooga.

Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga

Better Business Bureau links for consumer help

* Find a business: BBB.org

* Look up a charity: Give.org

* File a complaint: BBB.org/Complain

* Submit a customer review: BBB.org/ask/submit-a-review

* Learn about scams: BBB.org/ScamTips

* Report a scam: BBB.org/ScamTracker

* Read consumer news: BBB.org/News

* File an auto warranty complaint: BBB.org/autoline

* Tell us about a bad ad: BBB.org/AdTruth