Definition of Better Business Bureau

organization that works to protect consumers against fraudulent and deceptive business practices, including those used in advertising and sales, by answering and investigating consumer complaints. It was established in 1916 as an outgrowth of the early vigilance committees of a national association later called the American Advertising Federation. The agency operates as a system of local offices, financed by the local business community, and of national offices, funded by dues from more than 100,000 member companies. Membership is composed of business interests in a community, such as retailers, manufacturers, advertising agencies, and media representatives. The Better Business Bureau is a major influence on truth and accuracy in advertising. Its parent organization, the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc., functions to help new industries develop standards for ethical and responsible advertising and also provides information about advertising regulations and recent court decisions and administrative rul ings that affect advertising.