Hot Tips from the Better Business Bureau

This list is current as of May 30, 2008. Readers should take into consideration the importance of the practice in question and the total performance of the company. For complete information, please visit www.bbb.org.

1. Counterfeit US Treasury checks are being sent. The scam works like this. The consumer gets an email from someone inviting them to become a distributor for flat screen TVs. If the consumer responds, the sender of the email (the crook) claims to work for the US Government and claims that this is all part of the “Stimulus Program.” He is even going to send a check to help get things set up. The check, usually written for around $8,900, looks just like a US Treasury refund check. The consumer is instructed to cash the check, deposit most of it, keep some for set-up and wire the rest back to the “US Government official.” The check is counterfeit! Don’t fall for this crazy scam! If you receive anything like this, please contact Rhonda at the BBB at (866)463-9222 or rgillespie@indybbb.org. Thanks to the Spokane BBB for their investigation.
2. St. Matthews Church sent out another mass mailing, including the “anointed prayer rug.” This organization has chosen not to make available complete annual financial statements, nor has it provided an annual report that includes mission, programs, officers and board. The church annually sends millions of pieces of religious mail nationwide. The mailing indicates the ministry of the church will pray for individuals who send their offerings. St. Matthews Church is not a charity.
3. Icon Marketing appears to be going through Indiana neighborhoods looking for signs indicating the home is protected by a security company. The Icon rep states he is with the homeowner’s current alarm company and wants to “update” the system. One consumer agreed, and then later found she had unknowingly switched her service to Icon. This Utah company has the BBB’s lowest rating.
4. Better Trades.com advertises on TV, inviting consumers to free seminars that will help them to trade in the stock market without risk. The company actually sells online trading workshops. Complainants allege selling practice misrepresentation. This Las Vegas company has the BBB’s lowest rating. If you feel the company has misrepresented anything, please contact Rhonda at (866)463-9222 or rgillespie@indybbb.org.
5. J K Harris & Company, a tax consultant, has over 425 locations in 43 states, including Indiana. The Missouri and Kansas Attorneys General filed suit against this company, alleging consumers paid between $390 and $2,700 for services not delivered. Both suits were amicably settled. 846 complaints have been filed against this South Carolina company, and they have the BBB’s lowest rating.
6. Physical Enhancement Labs sells products online under names such as Hoodia Fusion, Diet Pills USA and C & F Fulfillment Center. A Plainfield consumer took advantage of their “free trial offer.” She received the product but also a bill for the full price. This seems to be a common practice with this company. 737 complaints have been filed against this Oklahoma City, and they have the BBB’s lowest rating.
7. Longwood Industries offers auto Internet advertising. A Terre Haute consumer placed an ad in the Terre Haute Star to sell her car. Longwood called her and offered to list her car on their website for a fee of $150. The consumer called the BBB first and found out this Virginia company has the BBB’s lowest rating. 78 of the 107 complaints involve failure to honor their money-back guarantee.
8. Farmers Lending Group, Morgan Financial Institute and Creedmore Financial are all advance-fee-loan companies hitting Indiana. Thank goodness many consumers are contacting the BBB before sending money to these turkeys. Consumers lose thousands of dollars when they respond to TV, newspaper or Website ads that “guarantee” loans to people with poor credit.
9. United Family Circulation, and possibly others, are selling magazines door-to-door. Complainants are stating sales reps claim to be students trying to earn money. Some sales reps have offered to do odd jobs around the house. 99 complaints have been filed against this Georgia company, and they have the BBB’s lowest rating.
10. Free Medicine Direct provides info on how consumers can apply to pharmaceutical companies for free prescription drugs. The fee is $199. 179 complaints, mostly involving refund issues and selling practices, have been filed against this Florida Free Medicine has the BBB’s lowest rating. Consumers meeting certain financial criteria may obtain free prescriptions through drug manufacturers. company.