Compiled by Zan Deery, Communications/Investigations
For the Week of 1/25/10
zan@spokane.bbb.org 800-356-1007 or 509-455-4200
www.bbb.org
Readers of these tips should take into consideration the importance of the practice in question and the total performance of a company.
For complete information and BBB reports, please visit www.bbb.org
Follow Itsy Bitsy Sprinkle as she chases tips through our service area and collects advice from our sage staff!
Follow Us on Facebook: BBB Serving Eastern Washington, North ID and Montana
Follow Itsy as she Tweets Tips on Twitter: @BBB_ITSY_TIPS
Follow Us on My Space: http://WWW.MYSPACE.COM/SPOKANEBBB
TIP NUMBER ONE
FAKE HAITI RELIEF EMAIL DONATION PITCH
USES “THE BRITISH RED CROSS SOCIETY” AKA
“BRITISH RED CROSS” TO ATTEMPT SCAM
Have you received this email in your INBOX yet? If so, DON’T BELIEVE IT. It is a 419 Letter Type scam attempting to get you to respond. Red Flags are: a randomly sent email using an official-seeming name to get you to wire transfer money to a specific account. Warn your friends and family about this, and educate them to NOT respond to such emails.
-----Original Message-----
From: RED CROSS [mailto:pauvs_ukredcross@rediffmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 10:48 AM
To: info
Subject: SAFE HAITI!!!
The British Red Cross Society
British Red Cross
UK Office
44 Moorfields
London EC2Y 9AL.
Tel: +447031801330
MAKE YOUR DONATIONS NOW.
_____________________________
Dear Reader,
A devastating earthquake measuring 7.3 on the richter scale struck Haiti on 12th January 2010 sending the Haitian Capital Port-Au-Prince into Chaos,killing hundreds and affecting thousands more.Please give what you can today to help thousands of people in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.
Relief aid workers from Red Cross have already been arriving at the Haitian capital with relief materials.
Donations have been grouped into two cartegories:
1:GROUP A {250 British pounds to 1,000 British pounds} 2:Group B { 1,000 British pounds and above}
Donations are to be made payable immediately via western union money transfer or Money Gram International Money Transfer. and directly to our donations account officer as Receiver`s name:
DONATIONS ACCOUNT NAME: Sharon Cole
LOCATION: 44 Moorfields, london EC2Y 9AL
Please provide us via return email the following informations below as they appear on the western union or money gram ineternational money transfer s slip:
1. NAME AND ADDRESS OF SENDER
2. EXACT AMOUNT SENT.
3.MTCN.
Note: At British Red Cross we are committed to protecting your privacy as a Standard practice.We will not share your information unless you have previously indicate that you are happy for us to do so.
Hope to receive your donations soon as thousands needs your help.
please send return email with donations details to:
Your Sincerely,
Paul Vans
For and on behalf of the British Red Cross Society.
TIP NUMBER TWO
National Grocery Relief Program at 800-467-6069 Advertises Survey, Grocery Vouchers on Regional Radio
Getting $1,000 Grocery Vouchers Requires Additional Fees
Radio ads for this group have been running locally stating that a group called Consumer Advocate Response, in cooperation with the National Grocery Relief Program, is conducting surveys in your area for a limited time. Simply call their toll free number to take the survey and be signed up to receive a $1,000 worth of vouchers for free groceries.
BBBs in other areas have gotten many inquiries on this ad, and after doing some research, found out there's a catch to this offer.
FULL STORY HERE:
http://spokane.bbb.org/article/national-grocery-relief-program-at-800-467-6069-advertises-survey-grocery-vouchers-14885
TIP NUMBER FOUR
Home Based Associate Program aka Preferred Platinum Services Network of NJ: BBB Complaints Reflect Not Paying Work-at-Home Workers
Home Based Associate Program
Preferred Platinum Services Network
(732) 696-0049 and (800) 757-8168
P.O. Box 5401
Toms River, NJ 08754
www.mypreferredplatinum.net
BBB complaints allege that this company refuses to pay any compensation for processing the postcards by the associates.
When responding to the complaints, PPSN advises the BBB that, prior to paying the fee, consumers sign the Enrollment Form that discloses that the Home Based Business Opportunity program offers a commission only compensation plan. The company also states that the TERMS & AGREEMENT disclose all details and conditions, and that PPSN never guarantees any specific payment or weekly income simply for participating in the program. According to their policy, if there are any orders generated by the postcard mailed under the associate's PIN number, the associate will receive the appropriate commission check(s).
Some consumers that contacted the BBB expressed concern that they provided all the personal identifiable information including date of birth, SS# and their bank account requested for an optional direct bank deposit for expected payments.
FULL BBB REPORT:
http://www.bbb.org/new-jersey/business-reviews/work-at-home-cos/preferred-platinum-services-network-in-toms-river-nj-25002203
TIP NUMBER FIVE
CAMERA HUNTERS GO CRAZY OVER DELAYED PRODUCTS FROM CAMERA HUNTER AND CRAZY CAMERAS
Thx to WWA AK OR BBB for this Warning
BBB warns consumers hunting for deals on cameras and photography accessories to be cautious of two companies with a pattern of merchandise delivery issues: Camera Hunter and Crazy Cameras.
Camera Hunter: This Tacoma, Wash.-based business received 22 complaints in the past 36 months; 20 of which remain unanswered. While the online retailer promises great deals and cheap shipping, customers report that although charges are made to their credit cards, merchandise arrival is delayed or not delivered at all. Meanwhile, BBB is unable to confirm valid business licensing, and gives this company an "F" rating—BBB's lowest.
Crazy Cameras: Complainants indicate that the business promises 5 to 7 day product delivery, but consumers do not receive orders until 4 to 7 weeks later—despite the immediate credit card charges. When contacting the company for an explanation, consumers' phone calls go answered or they receive a generic e-mail response to cancel orders online. While Crazy Cameras presents the image of a United Kingdom-based company on www.crazycameras.co.uk, they claim a Portland location: 11918 SE Division St, #905. However, this address belongs to 'Mail Room Plus' and #905 is a drop-box number. To date, BBB has not been able to identify a local address for this company or valid Oregon business licensing. With an influx of inquiries and complaints since September 2009, Crazy Cameras has an "F" rating with BBB.
Avoid crooked online camera retailers by using the following online shopping tips:
Look for full contact information. If the business has a Web site or other advertisements, check for an address, e-mail address and phone number. Beware of businesses that try to disguise a post office or drop box number as a physical office or corporate location.
Search online. Look for customer feedback, testimonials and business reviews.
Ask for help. The state licensing agency where the company is located may be able to help determine if the business is properly licensed. Based on where the retailer is located, check with local organizations—like the Chamber of Commerce—to see if they have any information.
Search with BBB. BBB Reliability Reports provide general company background information, complaint history and more. Find reliable retailers by searching BBB’s Accredited Business Directory, where BBB ABs are pre-screened and agree to resolve consumer complaints, if any should arise.
Collect purchase details before you buy. Read about the company's refund, shipping and return policies. If making a purchase online, print out and keep a copy of policies, warranties and the payment confirmation page.
Verify security. Read the privacy policy on the business' Web site and make sure the site is secure before submitting payment information; look for an “s” in “https” in the Web address and a lock box icon next to the Web address bar or in the bottom right of the window.
Pay responsibly. Use a credit card or PayPal for online purchases; most credit cards include built-in consumer protections if the company does not deliver on promised goods.
Shop local. Consider shopping where you can retrieve the product directly and pay in person.
Remember, if it seems too good, it probably is: If a site offers products substantially cheaper than competitors, ask how and why they can make such drastic price cuts to merchandise – are they legitimate and are all parts included? Shop around, well-known companies can provide a pricing benchmark.
BUSINESSES: WATCH FOR GRANT/LOAN OFFERS REQUIRING AN UPFRONT FEE and YELLOW PAGES DIRECTORY PITCHES
1. 411 Yellow Page Direct.com called a Missoula business pitching its services.
Here is the BBB report on this company:
http://www.seflorida.bbb.org/Business-Report/411YellowPageDirectcom-92012170
2. A Spokane Valley business called stating he had a call from Company Funds Corporation and for $7,000 he could get a small business grant of $450,000. It is not legal in the US for a group to ask for an upfront fee to secure a grant or loan.
Here is the BBB report on this company: http://www.vegasbbb.org/bbb_rated_acc_rpt.asp?bbbid=78618&tr=rated&lg=D%2B&ex=15%2C18
BBB ADVICE
When deciding to do business with a grant company, you may want to read some of these useful tips.
Generally, obtaining a grant is a complicated process, requiring documentation and research. The vast majority of grant-making foundations require that applicants for funds meet very specific guidelines that the foundation has established, and that the funds be used for specific projects that the foundation wishes to support.
•Organizations do not usually give out grants for personal debt consolidation, or to pay for other personal needs. Grants are usually given only to serve a social good, such as bringing jobs to an area, training under-employed youth, preserving a bit of history, etc.
•Watch out for phrases like "free grant money." Grants do not have to be repaid; thus there is no need to use the word "free."
•Be wary if you are asked to provide money up-front to an unknown company before the company will provide the services promised.
•Always remember to check out any company you plan to do business with by contacting a regional or state economic development office to see if they know of grant programs for which you might qualify.
•Visit your public library. Ask a librarian to help you find reference books describing foundations and the criteria they use in awarding grants.
•If you are having financial problems, there are local non-profit credit counseling services who may be able to assist you with your problem at no charge.
LATEST CHECK SCAM:
CHURCHILL DOWNS, HOME OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY, NAME BEING MISUSED IN CASH PRIZE DRAWING SCAM
"CHURCHILL DOWNS PRIZE MANAGEMENT INC"
Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, has scammers misusing their good name to purport a cash prize drawing scam.
Consumers have received letters and checks (fake) supposedly from a Churchill Downs Prize Management, Inc. claiming to be a part of a larger prize won in the drawing.
Be advised that Churchill Downs is not involved in this scam, and has nothing to do with it, or any cash prize drawing/cash lottery, lottery, prize or jackpot. The check enclosed is fake and worthless, Do not attempt to cash, or you are at 100% risk for losing whatever you spend of it.
NAMES USED IN THIS SCAM: "GRACE BUTLER", "MONICA BISHOP" THESE NAMES ARE NOT EMPLOYEES OF CHURCHILL DOWNS. THE PHONE NUMBERS PROVIDED INCLUDE AREA CODE 807 (ONTARIO, CANADA) AND 514 (QUEBEC, CANADA).
BBB ADVICE
If you receive such a check, BBB recommends that you contact the US Postal Inspection Service agents in your area and report it.
PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT CHURCHILL DOWNS, AS THEY HAVE NO INVOLVEMENT IN THIS MATTER.
BBB warns consumers that any offer/prize/drawing that involves the transfer of funds via wire service is a scam. Never wire money in response to any offer. Wired funds are not recoverable.