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BBB CONSUMER ALERTS FOR MARCH 2007

In an effort to keep the media and public informed, the Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina offers monthly BBB Consumer Alerts as potential story or interview ideas. Readers should take into consideration the importance of the practice in question and the total performance of a company. This list is current as of release date. Information regarding business or consumer topics reported here can be obtained through the BBB office by contacting info@bbbenc.org.

Foreclosure Assistance Solutions is contacting consumers claiming the company can keep them out of foreclosure. Consumers have complained about service issues and not receiving requested refunds. Over 230 complaints have been filed against this Clearwater, Florida company, and they have an unsatisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau. Consumers needing help in saving their homes from foreclosure should contact the Mortgage & Foreclosure Helpline at (866) 722-9248.
Hate Scams Publications operates out of a post office box in Lafayette, IN. The company advertises in magazines, stating, "Free 240 page guide reveals how to make $1,833 a day with scam reporting. If you hurry, you’ll receive $3,065 in bonuses too!" The "huge manual" was $197, but is now being sold for $25, with a 1 year 100% money back guarantee. The ad also states, "You do not need a computer." One consumer sent his money for the "huge manual," but received instead a CD. When the consumer requested a refund, the company responded, "No offense, but I am not obligated to give you a refund just because you can’t seem to find a computer." This is a work-at-home scheme. The advertiser is the only one making any money!
Financing Alternatives, Inc. offers products such as computers, plasma TVs and jewelry on their layaway purchase program. Three monthly payments must be paid in advance before shipment. If the consumer cancels, there is a $175 fee. Consumers allege delivery delays, refund delays and refund denials. Over 500 complaints have been filed against this Chesapeake, Virginia company, and they have an unsatisfactory rating.
Leading Edge Recovery Solutions is calling consumers to collect on debts. Consumers have complained about rude treatment, including name-calling, by company representatives. On 1-3-06 the Illinois Attorney General filed suit against this company because of allegations that company representatives claimed to be attorneys, told consumers that they would be put in jail if they didn’t pay the bill, or that the company would file a lien against the consumer’s property. The suit also alleges that the company has tried to collect on debts that are as old as 20 years, or not owed at all. 175 complaints have been filed against this Chicago company, and they have an unsatisfactory rating.
United Recovery is also calling consumers to collect on outstanding bills. Consumers allege unethical collection practices and use of intimidation and false information in order to collect debts. In some cases these debts are unverified or unfamiliar. This California company has an unsatisfactory rating.
Excel Telecommunications markets long distance telephone services through independent representatives who participate in a multi-level marketing plan. Over 275 consumers have filed complaints against this company. Most complainants allege that their long distance service was switched without authorization, or that independent agents used misleading selling tactics to recruit others. Other complaints allege problems resolving billing disputes. This Dallas, TX company has an unsatisfactory rating.
CRC, a Jacksonville, NC company, is sending out notices to consumers informing them that they are "entitled to the sum of $100,000 US Dollars." Furthermore, to assure that "there are no out-of-pocket expense applied to you," a very real-looking "cashier’s check" for $2,970.00 is also enclosed. The check seems to be drawn from a Marine Federal Credit Union account, but THIS IS A COUNTERFEIT, WORTHLESS CHECK. If you get a sudden windfall from an unknown party, contact the Better Business Bureau for more information before you take any action!