HONOLULU (KHON2) — Scams and shady businesses seem to be everywhere these days, especially online. But this week, the Better Business Bureau is reminding us that there are still a lot of good businesses out there doing things the right way. Some are even winning awards for their commitment to ethics and community.

This week, the BBB is celebrating those businesses that go above and beyond at the BBB Torch and Spark Awards. The award program really highlights integrity and ethics in the marketplace.

We’re told every finalist and winner shows what ethical business looks like: honest, transparent, accountable and committed to community. They earn trust the hard way — by doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching.

For consumers, it’s a reminder to look for those same qualities when you spend your money. You don’t just want to make sure a business is REAL – you also want the confidence that they act with integrity.

According to Cameron Nakashima from the BBB, for important or high-impact decisions, find out if the company has additional awards, endorsements or other trust signals, such as referrals from people in your community.

Start your search for BBB Accredited Businesses on their website — it’s free, fast and shows you verified information won’t be found in ads or social media posts. You can also look through BBB’s catalog of past award winners.