• Report: #167850

Complaint Review: Better Business Bureau - BBB

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  • Submitted: Wednesday, December 14, 2005
  • Last Posting: Friday, March 03, 2006
  • Reported By:Federal Way Washington
Better Business Bureau - BBB
PO BOX 1000 DuPont,Wa 98327 DuPont Washington 98327 U.S.A.

Better Business Bureau ripoff, BBB very tactful getting to use your check on the phone DuPont Washington *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account that was wrongfully taken from you!


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I wanted to be in good standing with my online business with my customers. My purpose was to inquire only on how the BBB worked. I went to their website and filled out a form in regards on how to be a member, I then recieved a phone call and mentioned the situation. I had somewhat an explaination of what BBB does and I would have to pay a fee of $515.00 I mentioned I did not have that money at the time but I was required to give my check number in order to be in their system until I decided to be a fully anniciated member of the BBB. They new I didnt have the funds and I trusted them that this company is well known to protect against fraud I gave them my check number.

On the day of 10/20/05 on my bank account it stated that $515.00 had been deducted from my account. My funds in my bank account created mass bounced checks due to this inciddent.

I am fighting my rights to get my money back. I thought that this company was a good guy and I trusted them for my customers. Indeed they have scammed me due to trust and respect with such a quality name.

Liberty
Federal Way, Washington
U.S.A.

STOP! ..before you think about using the Better Business Bureau (BBB)... CLICK HERE to see how other consumers were victimized by the BBB's false or misleading information. Don't be fooled! It has been reported, when there are thousands of complaints and other investigations underway by authorities, the BBB has no choice but to finally give an UNsatisfactory rating to a BBB member business that is paying the BBB big membership fees every year. When a business is reported that is NOT a BBB member, BBB files WILL more likely show an UNsatisfactory rating, then reportedly shake down that company to become a member of the BBB. One positive thing about the BBB is, either way, if a business has an unsatisfactory rating with the BBB, you can be sure, the business is bad. But what about all those BBB member businesses that had complaints filed against them? Consumers never get to hear about them. What about the BBB advertising to the public? Is this a false and misleading perception they are giving about “consumer confidence” when dealing with a business? Click here to understand more of what consumers and business alike are saying about the BBB. You decide. ..Remember. The BBB membership is not earned, it's paid for!

=============================
EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!

HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:

Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.

According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: “we could not do anything for you” or “you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days”.

If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.

Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!

DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!

Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.

And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.

Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.

If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.

CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD

If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.

Remember… Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report .. The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action.

And good luck… Let us know how you do!

ED Magedson – Founder, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
EDitor@ripoffreport.com
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com

Don't let them get away with it.™
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!

We are not lawyers.
We are not a collection agency.

We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate

WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists

We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...by consumers, for consumers

CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 12/14/2005 2:34:18 AM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/bbb-better-business-bureau/better-business-bure/better-business-bureau-ripoff-9cwed.htm.

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
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Updates & Rebuttals

#1 Update By Author

Update on BBB

AUTHOR: Liberty - Federal Way (U.S.A.)

I go to my bank and did what you recommended, they gave me a form to sighn which is a thing called "Forgery Affidavit of Claimant" this is where the bank sends someone to investigate the recorded messages and such, but I would have to wait a week for the results.

I get a phone call from this woman named Joyce Foly,I am sending you a copy of my email that I sent to the president/ceo THIS IS WHAT I STATED,"Hi, I am very unhappy with what has happened with me and the communications with your staff for the BBB.

1. I only made an email inquiry to the BBB how it worked and to understand the policies. I have not had the intentions yet or decision to follow through with the process.

2. I received a phone call with a woman and she asked for my account number for verifications and trusting the BBB I gave it. I specifically said please do not make a transaction because I could not pay for the membership at that time. I said I dint have $515.00

3.I receive another phone call saying my business is doing good and have had 4 people look at my business. I thought that was odd, I thought that they just wanted to let me know thats how many people look at our sites as an average ballpark,(thought that was a way of saying see you should be a member to get more traffic if you signed up)

4.I get a letter in the mail on December 6th that I paid in full.It states that A signed Membership Agreement is required of all BBB members. ( I am not a member)(I did not want to be a member cause of money issue as stated in number 1) I do not want the Plaque nor do I want the symbol or member packet at all.
I do not understand why the first time I said no they still came again the second time to follow through with a transaction I said no to.

5.I have talked to the woman her name is Gina who was the one that followed up with the membership.I am not sure if she is the one that took my account number.

I did not know they took my account number to actually make a payment considering I said NO several times not to make a transaction because I could not afford to do it. I was only told they needed it for background check on me and my business.

6.I Then called Deborah Schenk what was going on and she told me to contact Joyce Foly promising that she would be in on Thursday the 15th for a phone call. I waited all day for the call but no one called.

7.I go to my bank and let them know what is going on and I had to file for a Forgery Affidavit of Claimant. Doesn't this show that I have no idea what BBB was up to?

8.Today now is Monday Dec.19th I received contact from Joyce Foly and explained the situation to her. I was very nice to her, but she didn't seem to want to help me. She was very snobby sounding to me which I then was getting quite upset. I stated the reason and she kept saying that she cant help me. I told her I never gave access to go ahead and process my money. All my intentions was just to find out about the BBB but I was automatically added as a member. She said she had notes in regards to the information and that I requested to see them myself and send them via fax or mail and that I wanted to see the recorded conversations or a transcript and emails that I have made with these people. I know myself to NOT have made any transaction agreement knowing the state of finance that I am in. She would not let me get access to the informations so I can validate that I am true and faithful to my word.
I have nothing to hide.She just kept saying I can't help you. I said then I will contact your supervisor, manager, and or government for being so untrustworthy and that this company should have not taken an account number without telling what the purpose was it really for. I made a search also who the CEO or President of the company was, and she said , do what I have to and that she will be getting off the phone with me because she said she had no further reason to talk to me.

My last words-
My thoughts of the BBB was great at first because I had to file a complaint from a supplier. As I mentioned anyone can file a complaint to the BBB for bad practices or wrong doing businesses. I was in looking at the site so people can trust me and my store. Of all the places that I thought that would be on my side to help would be BBB. I gave my account number in good faith with the business and instead I was solicited and vulnerable not knowing what the intentions were only to understand they wanted to check a background check on me, and that is all I know. The next thing you know, without my knowing, I am a member.
All I want is my $515.00 back. I don't believer that the BBB is a bad business,I was not ready for what happened at this time.I stated it over and over and over not to make any transaction the first time I mentioned it to the lady I talked to. Having a second phone call assuming oh yes you already had 4 people look you up, well people look my store up anyways so whats the big deal. What has happened caused financial problems now in my account, I have already bounced a few times. As I recalled it looks like on this paper that was sent to me only on Dec.6th I got this copy that stated I Paid in full on 10/20/05 this is the date I said no to the transaction for them not to do(IF you have a recorded message on this day you will hear that.)
I never received any notice on my email or a confirmation for paying for it, and then I get this letter 2 months later????? I check my mail everyday and this is all I have gotten so why am I feeling like I did a disservice when I did nothing wrong?

I just want a reverse transaction and that is all I am asking for is the full amount of $515.00"

As of now,they are not giving my money back.
Please help.
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#2 Update By Author

Ha! I got my money BACK , ALL OF IT!

AUTHOR: Liberty - Federal Way (U.S.A.)

Hi,
Today is March 3rd, and just looked at my account and seemed odd that it looked more, I looked at money that was deposited and it was $515.00.

BBB was not thrilled to hear me file a Forgery Affidavit of Claimant,that made them feel on the edge.

When I last talked to them, they solidly said NO. So I processed the issue and followed throught with the investigation.
I would make a stink and call them every day and mentioned that I am going to get hold of the President of the company.

***Make sure that the BBB company records the conversations you have had with them, that will always help you on your side.

I wish all of you the best, never give up, Dont ever give up. I didnt, neither should you.
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