In an effort to keep the media and public informed, the BBB 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@raleigh.bbb.org.
Consumer Alerts - June 2009
Saint Matthew’s Churches of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has sent mailings to many homes in Raleigh and Wake Forest. The letter offers prayer support and quotes scripture from the bible that emphasizes the power of prayer in gaining wealth. A free cross is offered in the letter to those who respond by returning an enclosed postcard with their prayer requests. The initial letter seems relatively harmless but consumers who follow up and return the postcard begin to receive more propaganda and requests for money in order to fulfill prayer requests. When an unfamiliar organization asks you for a donation, BBB recommends you first gather details about the charity, the nature of its programs and its use of funds. Contact the BBB for a free Reliability Report on any business or charity.
Debt Settlement Companies nationwide are being investigated by New York Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo. Attorney General Cuomo subpoenaed fourteen debt settlement companies in May after they had charged huge fees for misleading plans and left consumers in worse financial shape. The subpoenas requested information about the companies’ fee structure and the results they actually achieved. The 14 companies include: American Debt Foundation, Inc.; American Financial Service; Consumer Debt Solutions; Credit Answers, LLC; Debt Remedy Solutions, LLC; Debt Settlement America; Debt Settlement USA; Debtmerica Relief; DMB Financial, LLC; Freedom Debt Relief; New Era Debt Solutions; New Horizons Debt Relief Inc.; Preferred Financial Services, Inc.; and U.S. Financial Management Inc. (d.b.a. My Debt Negotiation). During these difficult economic times, companies in the debt settlement industry prey upon consumers who are unable to keep up with credit card payments. Some of these companies falsely represent their ability to reduce a consumer’s credit card debt up to 75% by negotiating with creditors. Many of these companies take their fees upfront and do not reimburse the consumer when unable to provide the promised services. Consumers should be hesitant to utilize the services of debt settlement companies who falsely promise to obtain substantial lump sum debt reduction settlements. Never agree to sign a contract with a debt settlement company that requires payment in advance. Always check with the BBB for a Reliability Report on a particular debt settlement company.
Sunshine Computers is based out of Fuquay Varina and offers computer consulting, computer repair and web design services. The company has received a total of 20 complaints in the last 36 months. Most complaints were in relation to repair problems. Once consumers got their computers back that were “fixed” they alleged that parts were missing or original parts had been traded for ones of lesser value. Sunshine Computers is not listed with the North Carolina Secretary of State, Corporate Division. Also, a check with the Wake County Register of Deeds office shows no listing. Their current BBB rating is “D-.”
Google Money Tree, based in Las Vegas, NV, claims to specialize in grants. The BBB has processed 640 complaints in the past 36 months against this company. A Raleigh consumer fell victim to their claims and began to see unauthorized funds drafted out of his bank account monthly. The failure of this company to respond to complaints filed against them provides reason to stay away from their services and claims. The BBB has been unable to confirm that this company has a valid local business license. Google Money Tree currently has the lowest BBB Rating.
NewDiaperClub.com is based in Wilmington, NC and BBB of Coastal Carolina has been inundated with complaints about this company concerning non-delivery of products ordered. The file for NewDiaperClub.com just opened with BBB in April of this year. Numerous attempts to contact the business have received no response as of May 19, 2009. Consumers in Eastern North Carolina may be affected by the nearby company. This company currently has an “F” rating with the BBB.
A call center in Jamaica is claiming to represent the BBB of North Carolina. Beware of phone calls from area code 876 requesting payments to provide assistance with filling out paperwork for a “Stimulus Plan.” Currently the BBB does not have an office nor do we report on any businesses in Jamaica.