Does an “A+” rating and accreditation with the Better Business Bureau really mean what we think (or does filing a BBB complaint accomplish what we intend)??

Recommendations to check Better Business Bureau ratings to avoid scam companies and suggestions (or threats) to file BBB reports when addressing fraudulent business practices are frequently mentioned on message boards and complaint threads as the best option available to consumers.

Immediate BBB database availability does allow consumers to research complaints, business contact information, etc. Finding a specific business within the database, however, is not always easy (or possible), and there can be dilution of complaint histories, as well, with multiple BBB chapters creating different reviews for the same company or treating different P.O. Box addresses as separate businesses. (This is a handy reality in wiping the slate clean for scam companies.)

Additionally, a business’ rating may be questionable since only accredited businesses qualify for “A+” ratings, and “accreditation” is a purchased privilege subject primarily to resolving customer complaints rather than imposing ethical expectations in the first place. All of this requires us to consider every option for researching a company, and then look at the entire picture to make our assessment.

As for filing complaints, we might assume a “clean record” with the BBB is important to every business, but that may not be the case at all. Since most telemarketing purchases are impulse buys with little prospect of victims being aware of negative ratings before the fact, it is possible for a scam company to be completely unconcerned about their rating.

Filing a BBB complaint does at times provide assistance with resolving disputes, however, it will never result in any business actually being held accountable or in punitive consequences being imposed. If that is our intention, filing complaints with the Attorneys General (both your state and theirs) and the Federal Trade Commission remains the best option.

Thanks for visiting theNRSscam blog. Hope something here is helpful.
Good luck to all of us!! D/

With sincere regrets ...

Well, no actually significant developments, but I did receive a follow-up (both a call and a letter) from the Pennsylvania Attorney General. A copy of National Readers Service’s response letter again confirming my daughter’s cancellation with specific mention that she will “never be billed again whatsoever” was forwarded for our records.

Not surprisingly the claim of “representatives … trained in a professional manner to assist our customers” and “all orders … verified with the customers to insure their full understanding of the terms of the agreement” were the focus of the response to the Attorney General. Much as I expected, there was no mention of any of the business practices for which I felt the need to report this company in the first place.

Perhaps the “sincere regret” expressed for any inconvenience caused to myself or my daughter (or at least the resulting attention of the Attorney General) will actually encourage them to abide by their own policies in the future…

“It has always been our policy that under the pay during service agreement, the order is cancelable upon customer request.” [per Christopher Johnson, Customer Service Manager, NRS 1709 S. Braddock #166, Pittsburgh]

If not, hopefully a continuation of official complaints will result in a “genuinely sincere regret” at some point. lol. Best of luck to everyone.

Post links with my entire NRS experience are here.

Thanks for visiting theNRSscam blog. Hope something here is helpful. D/

Where can I find help dealing with a magazine scam?

There is a wealth of telemarketing and magazine scam information from the Federal Trade Commission, National Consumer League and others. A collection of helpful information links can be found here on theNRSscam blog's Spotlight on: Magazine Subscription Scams, as well as, specific suggestions for dealing with a magazine scam.

The Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communication Commission provide assistance in stopping unwanted telemarketing contact through the National Do Not Call list.

Assistance may be available through your Bank or Credit Card Company for reversing and addressing fraudulent debits. In the case of unauthorized debit activity criminal charges can be filed with your local law enforcement agency.

Your local consumer protection organization may be the most qualified to answer specific questions regarding your situation, as well as, to provide potential assistance in arbitrations with a business. The Better Business Bureau provides immediate consumer access to individual business ratings within its database and by filing a complaint they may offer assistance with arbitrations. BBB complaints are accepted whether or not that business is a member. In the case of unacceptable resolution of disputes, seeking legal counsel may be your best option.

While the Federal Trade Commission and Attorneys General do not provide legal advice or intervene on the behalf of individuals, reporting fraudulent business practices may show patterns that increase the likelihood of triggering official investigations.

Spotlight on: Consumer Protection Resources has links for reporting fraudulent business practices, finding consumer protection agencies and organizations, magazine industry and marketing associations, and opting out of unsolicited marketing contact.

Thanks for visiting theNRSscam blog. Hope something here is helpful.
Good luck to all of us!! D/