Bureau warns Kansans of false collection agency

The Better Business Bureau has issued a national consumer alert to warn of a scam targeting bereaved families that have recently lost loved ones.

Exodus Collection Services, which bills itself as a debt collection agency for Alliant Bank is sending Alliant Visa Card invoices to people across the nation that have had a recent death in the family. The bereaved report receiving an Alliance Visa Card invoice from Exodus Collection Services addressed to the deceased family member. Invoice amounts range from $138 to more than $700 and, recipients are told to send a check or money order. The office has received a number of inquiries from Kansans.

Families who have received an invoice from Exodus Collection Services can contact the bureau at (785) 232-0455 or by e-mail at info@topeka.bbb.org. Callers are asked to mail a copy of the invoice and the envelope to the BBB, 501 S.E. Jefferson, Suite 24, Topeka 66607.

Human resources: Most firms have policies on office romances

He or she is smart, funny and cute. Only trouble is, he/she sits in the next cubicle. Before asking this ideal person on a date, you might be wise to check with human resources for company policy on workplace dating.

Virtually no firms prohibit office romances, but nearly half ” 45 percent ” set some limits on fraternization, according to 729 human resources managers who responded last month to an online poll conducted by HRnext.com of Old Saybrook, Conn.

Nearly a third, 31 percent, of the respondents agreed that companies ought to “let people have some fun.” Only 3 percent said their companies strictly prohibited office dating, but 10 percent said they’d like to set some rules but were thwarted by upper management. Another 11 percent said their firm was afraid of setting rules.

Motley Fool: Name that company

I have 30,000 restaurants in 121 countries, with about 13,000 in the United States. I serve more than 45 million people each day and employ 1.5 million. Moscow’s Pushkin Square sports one of my busiest stores. Fortune Magazine named me No. 1 for social responsibility. I’m busy cutting fat from my offerings. I use more than 3 million pounds of potatoes per day. My New Tastes Menu is Made for You. My spokesman’s shoes are size 14 1/2 and he helps sick kids. More than 37 percent of my American owner/operators are women and minorities. Who am I?