BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

any of several American and Canadian organizations formed to protect communities from unfair, misleading, or fraudulent advertising and selling practices. Early in the 20th century, advertising executives realized that fraudulent practices by some advertisers were bringing advertising into public disfavour. In response, they established a National Vigilance Committee to police the industry, with subsidiary organizations formed at the local level. The local organizations became known as Better Business Bureaus, and they coordinated their functions through the national Association of Better Business Bureaus. Today, sponsored by all segments of the business community, they investigate and set standards for business practices, receive complaints of improper practices, and conduct educational campaigns alerting the public to methods of deceit and fraud in advertising and selling.