Unfair Better Business Bureau News, Unfair BBB, Complaints Received by Mechanic's Responds Against the Better Business Bureau

Mechanic’s Responds® BBB Complaint Page

The Following Are Complaints Sent To Or Filed With Mechanic’s Responds® Against the BBB - "Better Business Bureau" From All Over The Country.

Complaints are listed from most recent to oldest.

The Atlanta BBB has NOT responded to any of these complaints to date.

BBB Complaint #7

Received by Mechanic’s Responds® March 10, 2010

Subject: A Serious Blow to BBB Credibility
From: "Scott Jordan" <scottjordan@live.com>
Date: Tue, March 09, 2010 4:46 pm
To: <news@mechanicsresponds.com>

Below is a story titled Bank Held “A” Rating from the BBB When Closed by Feds as posted at www.BetterEthicsBureau.org.

To assist in research efforts, I am sending it to consumer advocates, journalists, business owners/principals and others who have shown interest in BBB operations.

I would be happy to assist further in any matter concerning the BBB, as far as I am able.

Your input, recommendations, and corrections (if any) would also be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Scott Lee Jordan, MS

Founder

Better Ethics Bureau

Bank Held "A" Rating from the BBB When Closed by Feds

March 8, 2010

By Scott Lee Jordan, freelance writer and business owner

Centennial Bank of Ogden Utah held an "A" rating from the BBB at the time it was closed down by federal authorities on March 5, 2010.

Based on research completed by the Better Ethics Bureau, the BBB did not consider Centennial Bank's financial condition when it gave the troubled bank its second-highest rating.

It appears that the BBB rated Centennial as "A" primarily because the bank had been operating more than 7 years and had a favorable complaint record with the BBB.

The "A" rating of Centennial Bank in Ogden, Utah strongly indicates the BBB believes if a business has been around for a long time with little or no complaints it is also financially strong and operationally sound as well. The Centennial Bank fiasco shows once again how flawed this BBB reasoning is.

Closer scrutiny reveals the BBB's rating system actually has little to do with trustworthiness or reliability, and that the BBB is content to let the public find out for itself if a business is truly reliable or not.

Of course, Centennial's "A" casts doubt on all BBB ratings, high or low. Certainly, failing banks with A grades cheapen the value of any other high marks the BBB may publish.

Last week, the Better Ethics Bureau pointed out that the BBB gave passing marks to two other banks that were failing and were eventually closed by federal authorities.

If the BBB cannot get it right with something as important to the public as millions of dollars in life savings and bill paying money, how can it be trusted when it comes to auto mechanics, beauty salons, bait shops or anything other business?

And its rating system isn't the BBB's only problem. Websites such as bbbRoundUp.com, www.BetterEthicsBureau.org, and www.MechanicsResponds.com, and a growing list of journalists, freelance writers, business owners and consumers are exposing a number of ethical and operational problems at the BBB, including its complaint handling system and lack of transparency.

The Better Ethics Bureau warns business owners and consumers alike to be wary of any BBB rating, and the BBB itself, until the BBB corrects these issues and proves to the public it is operating in a trustworthy manner.

Another consequence is that more and more business owners realize that being a member of the BBB may hurt a reputation more than help it. This is partly because the BBB gives A+ ratings only to businesses that pay membership fees, and the public is awakening to this pay-for-play scheme.

Looking ahead, the Better Ethics Bureau believes BBB board members could be named individually in lawsuits for faulty BBB ratings and other BBB deficiencies. As public discontent with the BBB increases, BBB board members will be exposed more and more to culpability issues. The Better Ethics Bureau cautions current and potential BBB board members accordingly. (See BoardSource.org, Richard T. Ingram: Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards for an example list of non-profit board member responsibilities.

As for the depositors of the former Centennial Bank of Ogden, Utah, it looks like Zion National Bank will buy only the FDIC insured deposits, according to the Associated Press story linked below--very unfortunate, particularly if any depositors had relied on the BBB's advice to "Start With Trust".

Author's note: As of Monday, March 8, 2010, the Centennial Bank in Ogden, Utah, was still rated "A" by the BBB.

Associated Press (3/5/10), leva M. Augstums & Marcy Gordon: Banks Shuttered in Fla., Ill, Md., Utah

The Better Ethics Bureau (BEB) is very judicious about sending unsolicited email. Also, it will not release any contact information or the details of any correspondence that is shared with the BEB in private, except any correspondence with or from the BBB, without your expressed consent to do otherwise. However if you wish not to be included on the BEB contact list, please reply to this email with the word ”Unsubscribe” and we will remove your contact information.

BBB Complaint #6

Received by Mechanic’s Responds® February 10, 2010

Subject:

Press Release on Unfairness of BBB Ratings on Debt Settlement Industry

From:

victor <vnpbc7@yahoo.com>

(Add as Preferred Sender)

Date:

Wed, Feb 10, 2010 3:58 am

To:

news@mechanicsresponds.com

Hi. It was refreshing to come across your site. Here's some more data for your arsenal:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/prweb/20100209/bs_prweb/prweb3582444_1

http://debtfreeleague.com/debt_settlement_company_articles.html

As a follow up to the above press release & article, as of yesterday, our company, Debt Free League had an "F" rating.

After the press release went live at 5:00 am PST TODAY, upon speaking to a San Diego BBB rep, our execs learned that our rating had been upgraded to a "D-"

BTW, a "D- to F" rating is the best rating I've confirmed that ANY debt settlement organization can receive. I've also checked on all San Diego "debt settlement" companies which all have "D" and "F" ratings, even the ones like us that have "zero" customer complaints in the past 3 years.

In contrast, here's a credit counseling company with 23 complaints with a "D" rating, and we have an "F" with "ZERO."
http://www.bbb.org/san-diego/business-reviews/credit-and-debt-counseling/credit-counseling-bureau-of-san-diego-inc-in-san-diego-ca-16000869/

Here's 12 complaints with a "B"
http://www.bbb.org/san-diego/business-reviews/credit-debt-consolidation-services/debt-relief-network-inc-in-san-diego-ca-10002176/

BTW, I found the two above companies within the first six top companies listed on my query.

Another INTERESTING DISCOVERY: When you perform a search, the box for searches for only "BBB-accredited" companies is already check marked, so there's a HUGE chance the consumer won't see that, or now any better and perform a query only the accredited companies. See for yourself...

BTW, the reason we were on the line with the BBB rep today was to discuss what we believe to be a frivolous complaint filed with the BBB by a person who completed an online inquiry on our services on two separate times. He spoke to two different reps who he gave different data and thus, received two different quotes. So, he allege we were trying to bait and switch him.

After the initial complaint, we called the BBB for guidance on how to respond being that he was NEVER a customer. The rep advised us as we surmised, "write back indicating he's not a "customer" and the case would be closed. After all, their Business Reliability Reports only indicate a history of "customer" complaints, NOT "non-customer" complaints. Nevertheless, the guy wasn't satisfied and still demanded a reply, so we received a 2nd BBB letter. Upon calling the BBB today, a 2nd rep stated that the first rep erred and that we in fact needed to reply. As you know, if we don't respond, they automatically blacklist your file.

For the life of me, I can't comprehend how there haven't been any libel or defamation of character suits against the BBB. What they're doing to our industry is blatantly WRONG!

If you have any questions, please reach me at 619-699-9429.

VIC

BBB Complaint #5
Received by Mechanic’s Responds® November 2, 2009

On September 1, I launched www.BetterEthicsBureau.org for much the same kind of reasons you started mechanicsresponse.com.

There, mechanicsresponse.com is highly recommended to anyone investigating the BBB.

I authored and posted three articles that I am still tweaking, articles that I will send to media outlets (particularly to reporters who have already wrote unfavorably about the BBB), trade organizations, and civic organizations after they season a little more.

There is also a story about how the BEB came to be.

Please feel free to refer to this website, including copying any links for use at mechanicsresponse.com.

Please let me know directly of anyone suing the BBB, particularly anyone having anyone success suing the BBB, and any new press stories concerning the BBB (from any source) and I will do the same for you.

There is some interest in my local Chamber of Commerce to at least investigate the BBB is doing.

Business is keeping me from pushing this faster, but we all do what we can, don’t we?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Scott Jordan

Jordan Janitorial

BBB Complaint #4

We were members back in 2006, as business was not was it use to be,we did not renew with the Better Business Bureau $300.00 dollars dispite constant phone calls to re join. As time went on I noticed our grade was going down,I called the BBB and asked why would our grade be going down with no complaints,the person told me it was because a member agrees to the mediation process,but if we wanted to re-join we could get our AA rating back.Today I recieved a lead for a termite inspection,when I called the customer she told me that she would not be considering me because I have a F rating with the BBB and the BBB shows that My state license is cancelled.while I had the customer on the phone I checked our state license web site and saw my license was valid and told the customer to check the state web. I advised her that I was not going to held hostage or extorted by the BBB by buying my rating.

I will be calling our Attorney in the morning.

Mountain View Termite Inc.

909.795.7800

BBB Complaint #3

DOES ANYONE KNOW THE BB PRICING IRREGULARITIES ?----I KNOW OF COMPAMIES THAT HAVE 450 TO 700 EMPLOYEES PAYING LESS THAN 400 DOLLARS A YEAR !---MAINLY BECAUSE THEY TELL THEM IT ISN'T WORTH IT----BUT THE BBB TAKES THE MONEY----HOW ABOUT THE POOR 1 MAN SHOP---THEY WANT 390 FROM HIM---TAKE A LOOK AT THE TACTICS THE BBB IS USING-----ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR !----NOT A NATIONAL MEMBER----BUT TO MAKE IT LOOK GOOD THE HOME OFFICE IS A MEMBER OF NEARLY EVERYWHERE !----I KNOW WHY THEY DID IT-----I WORKED THERE AND COULD NOT STAND THE BBB---IT IS EVIDENT THEY ARE ALL ABOUT THE MONEY---------I CAN VERIFY EVERYTHING I SAY-----------DOES ANYONE KNOW OF OTHER PRICING DISCREPANCIES ?----LETTING RELATIVES IN FOR NOTHING !---FOR A CHEAP SERVICE !-------------MY LIFE WAS MADE SO MISERABLE I HAD TO LEAVE-----THEY SAY THAT EVERY BUSINESS SAME SIZE/SAME CLASS PAYS SAME RATE !-----DOESN'T THIS SOUND NOT ONLY UNETHICAL BUT ILLEGAL ? IF YOU ARE A 1 MAN SHOP-----AND WANTED TO DO WHAT THE BBB SAYS "IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO "---AND PAY 390-----AND THE BIG ABC CART CO WITH 475 EMPLOYEES ONLY PAYS 325 ----WOULD YOU BE UPSET ?-----OR HOW ABOUT THE BOARD DIRECTOR THAT WON THE BIG PRIZE AT THE ANNUAL MEMBER PARTY !----EVEN IF IT WAS LEGITIMATE IS THAT A GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICE ?-------------THIS ORGANIZATION NEEDS TO BE DISBANDED !!------------------BOB

BBB Complaint #2

CT BBB rating

BBB - Pay To Play

This page has nothing to do with basement waterproofing

and AAA HOME REPAIR regrets having to post it

However

This content of this of page should not have to be and we would not normally post on our site - but, some things need a stone in the eye and any limited means to that end should be used - this issue is a David / Goliath situation and this is a stone - we may miss the mark but we at least gave it a shot...

This is the reality that trusting consumers should be aware of before counting on the Better Business Bureau and their "START WITH TRUST" information!!!

We know the local BBB and the national BBB are aware of this page - we sent them a printout to be sure - we invite a response from the Better Business Bureau, at any level. to the content of this page and will post any response on this site if we receive one - if sent by Email to - aaahomerepair@sbcglobal.net - we will print it out in its entirity on this same page...

Whenever YOU are ready, BBB, to dispute or rebut anything on this page - the ball is in your court...

Fair enough???

----------------------------------------------------------------------

4-20-2009

A customer recently asked us why we have an A- rating with the CT BBB in view of a perfect 10 year business record???

She (a CPA with anaytical thought capabilities) had searched ALL sources for information on our company and found, as advertised, NO complaints, NO failures and NO litigations - so what's with the A-???

We had not visited the CT BBB site for some time so when we pulled up their site, CT.BBB.com, we were somewhat mystified - our rating was indeed A- ??? -at that point we did some background checking into their self serving "rating" policy they have concocted (to increase their declining revenue base via a process of intimidation) and this page was drafted to address this NEW "rating" policy...

This is our response as presented to that customer and to any other potential customers with respect to these bogus, misleading, self serving the $$$ interests of the BBB, highly questionable and controversial ratings!!!

Also, we got that ladies job and without "a paid for A+ endorsement" from the CT BBB...

--------------------------------------------------------------------

AAA HOME REPAIR was established in 1999 and joined the CT BBB some time thereafter but we decided last year not to renew our membership for 2009 due to some other questionable business ethics (good old boy club issues) on the part of the CT BBB...

Our company still appears on their site but NOT as a bought and paid for A+ "ACCREDITED BUSINESS" - aka "PAY TO PLAY"...

The self serving ($$$) interests of the BBB, not the consumer it professes to inform and protect, is the topic of this page...

The added posts at the end of our post are by others, and there are many more, are yet another reason for our not reuping our CT BBB membership - we agree with those posts...

We do not PAY ANY reporting entity (and that includes the CT BBB) for a "higher rating" - their "highest rating", warranted or not, is now reserved exclusively for "paying members only" of the CT BBB - high sounding "accredited business" is a pseudonym for "PAY TO PLAY", period!!!

We would like nothing more than to once again be part of the ORIGINAL TRUSTWORTHY & ABOVE BOARD BBB SERVICE based on verifiable facts - not this current dollar grabbing marketing scam which PURPOSE is to serve up to unsuspecting consumers an implied superior business by their elevated BBB rating and the BBB's implied endorsement - of course you can only get this marketable rating if you sign up for some big bucks - the BBB couldn't care less what their "real world" rating is - getting the big bucks in the BBB coffers overrules any consumer consideration...

AAA HOME REPAIR and many others do not believe it is the function of the BBB to be in the business, and moreover the position, of "rating" any business other than "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory" and "posting" (for all to see) the "attestable" data for "warranting" any "unsatisfactory" rating...

The BBB is not qualified to "RATE", via their self serving "points" standards or any other criteria, any business...

The BBB should report / list / post any "legitimate consumer complaints" against any company, member or not, with pertaining confirming and attestable data and stop there - AND - also allow the business at issue to post their response on the same page as the complaint - That's how you "START WITH TRUST"...

Their self ordained opening line of "START WITH TRUST" is a paradox - is should read "PAY TO PLAY"...

If this "rating" farce floats what comes next, "sponsered links" - at least that is honest and up front and tells it like it really is, "PAY TO PLAY"...

Once again we invite the BBB to rebut anything on this page , in writing...

We are waiting BBB with breathless anticipation!!!

by, Jack Cimino

owner, AAA HOME REPAIR

Danbury, Ct.

CT lic HIC #578992

www.aaahomerepair.com

www.waterproofingdanburyct.com

Established 1999 - 10 years with no complaints, no failures or no litigations...

   and that warrants an A-???   What's your opinion on that???







This BBB "rating" system does NOT pass the smell test

if you wish to comment (pro or con) - Email - aaahomerepair@sbcglobal.net

BBB Complaint #1

article by jan norman in orange county register has a poll on "Do You Trust Better Business Bureau ratings?".

http://jan.freedomblogging.com/2009/04/27/firms-can-buy-higher-better-business-bureau-rating/12723/

would be nice to get out the vote!

Return To Home Page

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is believed accurate but is not warranted. We encourage all interested parties to verify the information contained herein on their own. The information contained herein was derived from public information sources, from our records, or from Reports or Complaints filed with us.