TOM GALLAGHER Metro Business asked Tom Gallagher, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Virginia Inc., how consumers can protect themselves: “Now is the time, more than anytime that I’ve seen in my career, when consumers have to be very sure about the transactions we enter into and how we can protect ourselves and take advantage of all of the rights and protection that we have.

Beware bogus loan and IRS enticements Scams abound. Be on the alert for these, consumers. About four months ago, a Varina resident got a solicitation from a company offering to help her get a mortgage-loan modification. The resident, who was not facing foreclosure but wanted better loan terms, decided to try the company out to see what it could do for her. The company offered its services for $1,000, $500 of it upfront deducted from her bank account.

Donate quickly to receive tax deductions Time is running out. The calendar flips to 2009 the middle of next week. Hurry if you want to help the needy or a family member or your business one last time this year and get a deduction at tax time. Donate your old vehicle now. You can donate your car to any charity that accepts vehicle donations by calling the organization directly.

The Better Business Bureau of Central Virginia reports that it should have listed the Emergency Shelter/Home Again and Good Neighbor Village under “Updating/Review in Progress” and the Virginia Health Care Foundation under “Meet Standards” in its list of charities it reviews for meeting standards. The list was published in last Sunday’s Business section on Page E3.