The Better Business Bureau is receiving numerous calls from consumers regarding Web sites that mislead them into sending for a free product or signing up for a free service when in fact it is anything but free.

But who can pass up offers for free information about obtaining government grants for school or business? Or free tips on how to acquire wealth? The BBB advises consumers to first look for the fine print where additional fees are usually listed before signing up for the product or service.

One Web site, for example, says it will send a free CD to show how easy it is to obtain government grants. At the bottom of the page is a difficult-to-read disclaimer stating there’s a $4.97 shipping charge and as a bonus you’re automatically enrolled in its resource site for a monthly fee of $39.95. Should you miss that bit of information, and fail to cancel within 14 days, you could end up paying $495 per year for that “free” CD. Consumers have also filed complaints with the BBB stating that it is almost impossible to cancel within the 14 days because they can’t talk to a live operator, or receive a call back.

According to the BBB that same information about government grants is available with no strings attached at www.grants.gov. The BBB also points out that the Federal Trade Commission prohibits unfair and/or deceptive advertising on the Internet and elsewhere.

When considering a “free” offer, the BBB advises consumers that:

• Disclaimers must be clear and conspicuous. This means a consumer must be able to notice, read or hear, and understand the information.
  
  
• Advertisers should live up to their promises. If a speedy shipping delivery date is advertised, the business must meet that obligation.
  
  
• Advertisers should be able to substantiate advertising claims.
  
  

For more information on the BBB Code of Advertising, to check company reports on members or non-members or to file a complaint, log on to www.mountainstates.bbb.org or call 970-484-1348 or 800-564-0371. It’s just good business!

About the Better Business Bureau
The Mountain States Better Business Bureau is dedicated to fostering fair and honest relationships between businesses and consumers, instilling consumer confidence and contributing to an ethical business environment, in both the traditional and online marketplaces. The first BBB was founded in 1912, and the network of BBBs and the Council of Better Business Bureaus have grown to become the most recognized advocates for promoting ethical business and advertising practices in the United States.

In 2006, the Mountain States BBB provided nearly 572,000 instances of service to consumers and businesses. The BBB’s Internet self-regulation program, BBBOnLine, helps consumers identify online merchants that meet BBB standards through its Reliability and Privacy "trustmark" programs and the BBB Code of Online Business Practices.