Dun and Bradstreet -- Lower "credibility" rating if you don't pay fee -- extortion, unfair trade practice Internet

Dun and Bradstreet Credibility called my family business.  They said they wanted us to be aware that there had recently been three checks on our business.  They said that if we did not know who was checking, the situation could indicate an impending IRS audit, since the IRS frequently checks D&B on a company.

The person went on to say that our credit rating was excellent but that our "Financial Stress Score" rating was lower than the highest rating because we had not recently updated our information.  It turned out that to do so would require that we register and pay a nearly $500 fee.  We were assured that if the fee was paid, our Financial Stress Score would be restored to the highest level.  We also could learn who was getting information about us (e.g., was it the IRS?).

This is extortionate and an unfair trade practice.  It reflects badly on Dun and Bradstreet, which used to be a reputable company. It is broadly affecting many small businesses, and undoubtably many are being intimidated into paying, so as not to have a less than optimal "Financial Stress" rating.  Some attorney general should deal with this, or an attorney should go after them for unfair trade practices.