Business Briefs

Safeway stores raise funds, fight muscular dystrophy

GREENBELT, MD — Baltimore-Washington area Safeway stores this year contributed more than $684,000 to support the Muscular Dystropyh Association’s fight to defeat the disease, as well as related ailments.

The contribution was part of a $9.7 million contribution presented to the association during the 43rd Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. Safeway Executive Vice President Larree Renda made the presentation.

MDA National Chairman and legendary entertainer Jerry Lewis praised Safeway’s “phenomenal” support of MDA’s mission to cure muscle-wasting diseases.

"Safeway’s dedication and hard work has brought the reality of treatments and cures ever closer for ‘my kids.’” he said.

Safeway has been an MDA national sponsor for six years.

For more information, visit mda.org/help/natevents.html.

BBB warns of bogus online job ads

RICHMOND — The Better Business Bureau is investigating complaints about a bogus company that preys on people seeking jobs advertised on the Internet.

A recent complaint within Central Virginia comes from a woman who responded to an online ad for a job posted on the Web site, Craigslist. After e-mailing her resume, the woman received a response indicating that she appeared to be a “good fit” for the position. The company, which identified itself as EMU Recruitment, asked her to send $10 to help cover the cost of a $40-background check. The message said the background check was necessary in order to complete the application process.

“Fortunately, this woman was suspicious about the request and did not send the money. Instead, she reported it to the Better Business Bureau,” said Tom Gallagher, president and CEO of the BBB in Central Virginia.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the perpetrator is believed to be somewhere in Germany, but little else is known.

Gallagher said scams of this kind are nothing new.

“You should not have to pay for a job interview or a background check,” Gallagher said. “People who are seeking jobs online should be wary about any requests for money.”

He also warns that consumers should always exercise care in releasing credit card numbers and other personal information.

Complaints about job recruitment notices should be directed to the BBB — visit http://richmond.bbb.org or call 804-648-0030.

The BBB in Central Virginia serves Richmond and the Tri-Cities, as well as 42 surrounding counties, from Fauquier to Mecklenburg and Northumberland to Amherst. The nonprofit organization was established in 1954 to advance responsible, honest and ethical business practices and to promote customer confidence through self-regulation of business.

— Press releases