We just ran across an article in Indiana’s KPCNews.com. Here are the top six businesses that spark frequent consumer complaints to the Better Business Bureau, according to KPCNews.com. Vonage leads the way.
1. Vonage advertises “Get unlimited local and long distance calling for only $24.99 a month.” The BBB strongly suggests that consumers read the very lengthy terms and conditions before signing up. Of the 8,920 complaints that have been filed against this company, 1,763 were regarding service issues and 2,233 were from consumers requesting refunds.
2. Epic Financial Management is advertising its debt negotiation services on Indiana TV. The company states, “… our financial advisers have been helping people rid themselves of debt for over 10 years.” The BBB could find no evidence of this company operating for more than three years. Complaints to the BBB generally are that Epic failed to perform as agreed, and that creditors continued to call. This California company has the BBB’s lowest rating.
3. The Gaia Movement is one of over 20 names used by this charity. The organization is putting out large, green containers in Indianapolis and Anderson that resemble trash recycling bins. Signs on the bins indicate that the resale of the clothing is used to educate and finance environmental projects around the world. According to Gaia’s 2006 IRS 990, 28% of the revenue generated from the resold clothing is spent on programs. The BBB recommends at least 65%.
4. Cosco/Dorel Juvenile Group manufactures children’s car seats, strollers, toys, etc. Recent complaints concern their battery-operated riding toy vehicles breaking down, not holding a charge and inability to repair in a timely fashion. So far 67 complaints have been filed. They have the BBB’s lowest rating.
5. Dependable Locksmith, 24-Hour Emergency Locksmith, Millennium Locksmith, Speedway Locksmith, and USA Total Security are just a few of the 17 names used by this New York-based company. In 2006 the Ohio Attorney General sued them for false advertising, unauthorized repairs and other business practices that violated consumer protection laws and rules. They want you to think they are a locally based company when they aren’t. So far 310 complaints have been filed against this company. They have the BBB’s lowest rating.
6. Greatest Kept Secrets, “an exclusive organization,” is sending letters that say, “We’ve discovered something special about you.” This “secret society” is made up of “some of the world’s most famous and powerful people.” The secrets include how to lose weight, win at gambling, become a millionaire, be successful in business, eliminate all addictions, have the power to cure and know what others are thinking. It’s free now, but what you will end up paying later?