Business Briefs

The Better Business Bureau is warning the public of Web sites impersonating legitimate lenders to steal money from customers. Victims in the U.S. and Canada report losing money, sometimes more than $1,000 each. The Web sites promise loans to anyone, regardless of the person's previous credit history.

After filling out an application, the victims were contacted by a "representative" stating that they were approved for a loan, but that they had to pre-pay a fee.

The loan applicant is told to wire the money or send a money order, usually to a location in Canada. The consumer never receives the loan and cannot recover their money, and also risks having their identity stolen.

Advance fee loan scams are illegal in the U.S. and Canada. Consumers are warned not to use online search terms like "bad credit loans" or "guaranteed loans," to never wire money or send a money order to secure a personal loan, never do business with a lender that guarantees a loan before application, and to use the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org to verify if a Web site can be trusted. If you are victimized, file a complaint with the bureau.

Wal-Mart looking to hire new employees at industrial center

Wal-Mart's one million-square-foot distribution center at the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center is now operating at 100 percent and is looking to add 100 new employees to its work force.

The facility opened late last August and has 672 employees earning $14.50 per hour and $18.50 per hour, depending on shift. Those interested in employment with Wal-Mart can call the center at (775) 356-5000, ext. 5009.

Carson City

Business Bank deposits top $100M

After seven years, the Carson City branch of Business Bank of Nevada (OTCBB: BBNV) reached a milestone in 2006 by topping the $100 million mark in total deposits.

The 1811 East College Parkway branch is the first of the seven full-service Nevada branches to reach that mark, bank officials said Monday.

Business Bank has about 7.5 percent of the overall market share for deposit totals in Carson City, which ranks fifth out of the 23 banks doing business in the capital city.

The bank credits this milestone to the recruitment of experienced bankers, such as: Jerry Gregory, Weldon Larry, Lori Haney and Holly Powell.

The bank has three branches in Las Vegas, one in North Las Vegas, one in Reno and one in Minden. The bank also has loan production offices at Stateline in South Lake Tahoe and in Scottsdale, Ariz.