Complaint Review: International Technology Services

TrackFire Employees Question Whether Boss Is Ripping Off Customers

POSTED: 11:44 am EST February 1, 2008
UPDATED: 1:24 pm EST February 1, 2008


LANCASTER, Pa. -- A help-wanted ad in several Susquehanna Valley newspapers is attracting the attention of many people looking for a better job. Now several people who have worked for this company have contacted News 8 urging us to look between the lines of the ad and the man behind the company that placed it.

Eight On Your Side consumer reporter Brian Roche filed this report.
Too Good To Be True?
It's a small classified ad, but it's pretty powerful.

"Seventeen dollars per hour, no experience, will train," reads Linda Poneros, of East Hempfield Township. "And I was thinking 'Wow. Seventeen dollars an hour -- that sounds great.'"


Just a few days after responding to the ad, Poneros was interviewed in a small office just outside of Lancaster. The business is called TrackFire International and it had just opened last August.

"They asked me a few questions, told me they were impressed with me and hired me right on the spot for management," said Poneros.

Sensing it was all a little too good to be true, Poneros did an Internet search. She searched TrackFire International scams and said she found a lot of information about Mark Mingolo.

Roche tracked down Mingolo. He tells prospective employees that he is the regional vice president of TrackFire International. If you search his name on the Internet, you'll find comments from disgruntled consumers and former employees in several states about their dealings with Mingolo (see this page for an example from Google).

News 8 On Your Side searched records of the Better Business Bureau and discovered Mingolo's name listed as president, principal member or owner of businesses in states stretching from Alabama to the Carolinas, and as far north as Connecticut. There were different names for the businesses in each state. Better Business Bureau records showed that many of the businesses are now closed, and phone numbers for the other businesses are either disconnected or constantly busy.

The BBB stated that "previous companies operated by Mark Mingolo have had an unsatisfactory record."

But in each state Mingolo has set up shop, the business model seems to be the same -- selling fire safety equipment with a small army of sales people that are constantly being recruited.

"You could go door to door but he said go to your family and friends because it will be easier to sell," said Rob Moreo, who worked for TrackFire for a few weeks last fall.

Moreo said he sold expensive fire safety packages to people he knew. He said he quit when he realized the products that he was selling were not being delivered.

"Like the worst part about it is I had sold to my grandma, and she doesn't have that kind of money and she figured she was helping me out. It's terrible," said Moreo.

Moreo said TrackFire employees are told that if they sell $2,000 of equipment, they will become office managers and be able to hire other people.

"It sounded like a pyramid scheme," Moreo said.

In the last three weeks, 10 employees of TrackFire International have contacted News 8 On Your Side to say the product they've been selling since last fall is not being delivered. Their estimated sales alone total $27,000.

News 8 On Your Side found Mingolo and asked him about the undelivered goods. He walked away. The following brief exchange took place between Roche and Mingolo.
Roche: "You have nothing to say about the $27,000?"
Mingolo: "No comment guys. No comment."
Roche: "$27,000 of property not delivered?"
Mingolo: "Alright. It was delivered and we with the company are going to stick behind the company. It's a great company. It's awesome."

More than a week ago, News 8 On Your Side contacted TrackFire International trying to find out where the undelivered goods were. Thursday, the company sent News 8 a 40-page fax, which it claims are the records for their delivered shipments. But all the paperwork shows are UPS tracking numbers, which indicate that a package has been delivered at a certain date and time. It does not indicate who shipped the packages, where they were shipped from or what was inside them.

News 8 contacted TrackFire Thursday seeking further proof that the packages contained customer orders, but News 8 did not receive a reply.

Meanwhile the employees who have been talking to News 8 said that some customers have received small portions of their orders but the majority still have not received their merchandise.

Eight On Your Side has learned that several employees and customers of TrackFire have filed complaints with the state attorney general's office and the Manheim Township police regarding the company.
Copyright 2008 by WGAL.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed

THESE CLOWNS ARE NOW OPERATING OUT OF PENNSYLVANIA AS FOLOWS:

TRACKFIRE INTERNATIONAL
780 EDEN ROAD
LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA
(717) 569-4102

SAME OLD SCAM.

Hiring probe leads to charges
Cara Baruzzi, Register Staff
08/18/2006

-HAMDEN - State police have obtained an arrest warrant for a local man who was an office manager for Advanced Safety Solutions LLC, where he allegedly sold illegal safety equipment.

The state has also obtained a temporary injunction to stop the company from doing business, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and state Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez said Thursday.

Police intend to arrest Michael Jenkins, an office manager at Advanced Safety Solutions, which had an office at 3490 Whitney Ave., for selling illegal fire extinguishers.

Criminal charges against other employees and officers of the company are likely forthcoming, Blumenthal said.

Jenkins is the first to face arrest because he recently sold unauthorized fire safety equipment to an investigator from Blumenthal's office, the attorney general said.

What began as an investigation into deceptive hiring practices found that the company also sold illegal fire safety equipment that had not been tested and was mislabeled, he said.

"Failing to secure proper testing and rating for its products, and then purposefully mislabeling them, unconscionably put innocent lives at risk," Blumenthal said, urging anyone who bought products from the company to contact his office.

Though the Hamden office recently closed, New Jersey-based Advanced Safety Solutions has other Connecticut offices in Berlin and New Britain.

The state is also pursuing a civil lawsuit against Advanced Safety Solutions for misrepresentations it made to consumers and management trainees.

The company used "a deceptive marketing and hiring scheme to lure participants as trainees," Rodriguez said in a statement.

Numerous people have complained to the state Better Business Bureau that the company owes them equipment or money, or both.

The company places ads online and in newspapers, offering paid training and good salaries to those interested in becoming office managers. In order to complete the training, employees must sell fire safety equipment to family and friends, as well as pay a $75 nonrefundable background check fee and a $95 fire safety kit fee that is to be returned to them after training.

Consumers did not receive refunds or equipment, the BBB said. The bureau has been investigating Advanced Safety Solutions since June 2005, said bureau President Paulette Hotton. In the past three years, 779 consumers have asked about the company, she said.

The bureau has said the company's regional vice president, Mark Mingolo, previously was president of similar companies that operated in New York, New Jersey, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia.

Cara Baruzzi can be reached at cbaruzzi@nhregister.com or 789-5748.

New Haven Register 2007

SAMANTHA,

MY SOURCES TELL ME THAT MINGOLO HAS SET UP A COMPANY CALLED UNIVERSAL SYNERGY RICHARDSON, TEXAS. PHONE NUMBERS 972 - 480 - 0098 AND 972 - 437 - 9515

I'M ALSO TOLD THAN SEVERAL SPIN-OFFS BY THE NAMES G&M MARKETING, SAFETYPRO iNC. AND SAFETYPLUS, INC. ARE ALSO EITHER IN THE WORKS OR IN OPERATION.

TO WHOMEVER READS THIS: THESE FIRE EQUIPMENT PYRAMID SCHEMES ARE NOTHING BUT SCAMS DESIGNED TO STEAL MONEY FROM YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. REPORT THEM TO YOUR LOCAL BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUS, ATTORNEY GENERALS, FIRE MARSHALS, POLICE AND FBI.

I'M ON IT SAMANTHA, THANKS. THIS IS LIKE A COCKROACH INFESTATION, ISN'T IT?? AND TO THINK THAT THE CLOWN THAT YOU'VE BEEN INTERACTING WITH HERE WAS SUPPOSE TO HAVE BEEN RAISED BY A MINISTER.

FOR ANYONE NOT FOLLOWING THE STRING OF MESSAGES, THESE "FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT COMPANIES" ARE NOTHING BUT SCAMS TO TRY TO GET YOU TO SELL OVERPRICED CRAP TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THEY GENERALLY DON'T SEND THE STUFF THAT WAS BOUGHT. THEY GENERALLY DON'T PAY YOU FOR SALES OR YOUR PROMISED REFUND. THEY GENERALLY WILL NOT PAY STATE OR FEDERAL TAXES ON THE SALES EITHER. THEY LIKELY WILL NOT FOLLOW FEDERAL RULES FOR SHIPPING OZONE DEPLETING CHEMICALS THROUGH THE POSTAL SERVICE EITHER.

WHAT THEY WILL DO: THEY WILL LIKELY PROVIDE YOU WITH ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND PROSTITUTES (ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE UNDERAGE) AT YOUR GRADUATION PARTY, WILL LIKELY TRY TO GET YOU TO SELL ILLEGAL TASERS UNDER THE TABLE, AND WILL LIKELY GET AWAY WITH IT.

I RECOMMEND THAT YOU CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL, CITY FIRE MARSHALL, STATE AND LOCAL POLICE AND LOCAL TV STATION IF YOU'VE BEEN VICTIMIZED BY THEM. AT LEAST IT'LL GET THEM OUT OF YOUR STATE.

Two of the previous 'managers' who worked with the SCHMUCK, now have an office located in Brooklyn, New York. It is run by Jeremy Howard and Elaine Gordon.

The company is currently called, 'Global Intervention'. Same product, same spiel, same b***s***.

HAHAHAHA! I love it! I need a 'hobby'! Have you noticed that I hadn't written since almost a month ago, to the day - of course not...because you are a SCHMUCK, and have an unwarranted, undeserved, self-inflated, overtly egotistical, banal, cocky, opinion of yourself. Emphasis on YOURSELF!

First of all, YOU SHOULD TAKE AS MUCH TIME TO READ WHAT IS WRITTEN, WHO IT IS WRITTEN BY, AND LEARN TO COUNT (as you referred to having TOLD ME FOR THE 100TH TIME...Here's a thought!!! Make believe you are counting someone else's money!) AS YOU DID TO RIP HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE OFF OF THOUSANDS OF THEIR HARD EARNED DOLLARS!

I DID NOT WRITE or PROVIDE THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, BOB DID! (Thank you, Bob!)

Also, please be ASSURED that I have NOT YET TAKEN MY BEST VERBAL SHOT AT YOU! I'M SAVING THAT...AND AGAIN BE ASSURED THAT YOU WILL NOT KNOW WHAT HIT YOU!!!!!

I'm curious though, that you find this to be such 'great entertainment'. You must have quite a sick sense of humor if you 'get off' on other people's misery (thankfully, I was not one of your victims). Apparently, YOU are the one who needs a hobby; or is it just that you are fine-tuning your next scam. As I've previously stated, your day will come....

And NO, hating you is NOT my purpose in life, because YOU aren't worth spit - SAVING & HELPING OTHERS FROM PEOPLE LIKE YOU - IS MY PURPOSE IN LIFE.

As for your 'Hugs & Kisses'....save 'em for Bubba. You're gonna need 'em.

Samantha, I have known about this site for 5 years even before I was ever mentioned on these things and have been laughing hysterically ever since. Again I will ask for the one hundreth time, why are you so consumed with me? You will say, "dont flatter yourself, no one cares about you" yet you keep writing stuff. You are so bored! Go get a boyfriend or something. Let me make this clear, I dont care what you or anyone else thinks about me, I sleep just fine at night. I love to see this stuff, cause it is just simply great entertainment. Just so you have the follow-up info on the article that you posted about the warrant, it ends like this. Nothing happened, no record, no penality. Sorry to burst your bubble, I am sure you have quite an image in your head about all the misery and trouble that was had, but no, no such luck for you. So hurry up and post something back. Take your best shot at me, you always do, and it always brings a smile to my face. I know you will write something cause you are just too consumed not to, hating me I think is your only real purpose in life. Hugs and kisses

State Wins Injunction Against Sale Of Unauthorized Fire Safety Equipment, Issues Arrest Warrant On Company Office Manager

August 17, 2006

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez today announced that the state has won a temporary injunction prohibiting Advanced Safety Solutions, LLC from selling unauthorized fire safety equipment.

The state is also pursuing a civil lawsuit against the company for the violation and other misrepresentations it made to consumers and trainees about electronic defense weapons and its management training program.

A criminal arrest warrant is pending against company office manager Michael Jenkins for selling the illegal fire extinguishers. State police are seeking to execute the warrant.

Advanced Safety Solutions, a New Jersey company with offices in Berlin, New Britain and formerly in Hamden, markets and sells fire safety products including fire extinguishers, fireproofing material, smoke detectors, electronic defense weapons and personal defense pepper and tear gas spray.

The company illegally sold or marketed fire extinguishers and a flame proofing and fire retardant product - 'Flame Pruf' - that were never tested or approved by a nationally recognized laboratory, as required under state law. Advanced Safety Solutions also falsely claimed that Flame Pruf was approved by the California Fire Marshal.

'This company's false claims induced consumers to rely on illegal fire extinguishers to protect their homes and families,' Blumenthal said. 'We have stopped this company from illegally selling devices that could do more harm than good. Their lawbreaking extinguished public safety and public trust more than flames. Failing to secure proper testing and rating for its products, and then purposefully mislabeling them, unconscionably put innocent lives at risk. All consumers who purchased such fire safety equipment should immediately contact my office.

'The company operated - in effect - a pyramid scheme that also victimized trainees who were induced to rely on false promises of high profits.

'Connecticut law requires that fire extinguishers be tested, rated and listed by a nationally recognized laboratory approved by the state fire marshal. Consumers should look for labels that show clearly that the device meets these requirements, including ratings by an approved laboratory such as United Laboratories (UL), using standards from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The label should also indicate the particular type of fire that may occur such as electrical or grease.'

Rodriguez said, 'Advanced Safety Solutions appeared to also be operating a deceptive marketing and hiring scheme to lure participants as trainees with promises of high earnings and rapid advancement to management level positions. The trainees were required to sell this unsafe fire safety equipment to family, friends and neighbors in order for them to be able to meet their sales quotas and be eligible for a promotion. Their whole business model from 'soup to nuts' has the makings of an ideal sham.'

The state's lawsuit also alleges that, even though it is a criminal offense to carry electronic defense weapons, Advanced Safety Solutions falsely told consumers that such weapons could be carried for personal protection, or that permits could be obtained to carry them.

The company also allegedly misled its trainees about several matters, including pay rate amounts, promotions and fees that it charged for background checks.

SAMATHA,

I HAD HEARD THAT THESE IDIOTS SET UP A 'BUSINESS" IN BOSTON, BUT HAVE YET TO FIND THE LOCATION. IF/WHEN I DO, I WILL POST IT AND WILL NOTIFY THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES. PLEASE POST ANY OTHER PLACE WHERE THEY'RE SETTING UP TO SCAM PEOPLE. I CONSIDER IT A PUBLIC SERVICE.

AS FAR AS JENKINS NOT DOING WHAT YOU SAID HE DID, THAT'S HILARIOUS. MY INPUT IS THAT HE HAS BEEN NECK DEEP INTO THE FAKE FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT, ILLEGAL TASERS, RIPPING OFF EMPLOYEES, RIPPING OFF THE IRS AND STATE INCOME TAX FOLKS, PREDATORY SEX WITH YOUNG EMPLOYEES, SUPPLYING DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND STRIPPERS TO EMPLOYEES AT THE "GRADUATION" PARTIES, ETC., ETC., ETC. I BELIEVE THE RHODE ISLAND NEWS FOLKS EVEN CAUGHT HIM ON FILM WHEN HE WAS A SUBJECT OF A NEWSCAST EXPOSING THEIR SCAM.

I'M GLAD HE FOUND THIS SITE AND REALIZES THAT PEOPLE ARE ON TO HIM.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!

First of why the personal attacks. I am not calling you names. I made a simple request to be left out of this. You obviously dont read these things all the way back. In case you did not know, I came into that biz the same way that anyone else does. It was simply a marketing company and a job to me. I did not own it, make ownership decisions, or anything resembling such things. I worked there. Apparently you are under the impression that me or my brother made scads of money. Sorry to burst your bubble. Not sure about all the supposed cash you are reffering to.

As for your accusations on my life. Obviously you dont know me (and thus have no room to talk) cause if you did you would know I have never done drugs in my life and I am far from being sexually predatory. If anything, I had to constantly reject the advances from the females that we used to work with. Maybe you are so mad cause you were one of them, who knows. If anyone was that way, it was not me nor did I know about it, so why do you keep insisting that I did. I will tell you why, because you have bought into the anger that is all over this website. Percieved truth by the masses unfortunately is truth, and that is why sites like this have so many people glued to them, so they know what to think.

But as for my original topic, working in fire safety was simply a job to me. I came for an interview and got hired same as anyone else. I worked in the industry for a while, decided to move on to pursue other things. If you want I can give you a list of all my other jobs I have moved on from too. You are painting me as some evil person, but I guess you are entitled to your opinion. Again I will make my request, I just want my name to be left out of this stuff. I am doing other things, I go to work eveyday, same as you, pursuing the American dream. I am not a convict or a wanted or hunted person. In fact, I was in conn. last weekend and no one shot me or tried to beat me up, or even knew who I was. I am not infamous, I am regular guy going through life doing the best he can. This is my last posting, so go ahead and reply and get in your last angry words in that are full of hate and malice.

Let me give you and everyone some last advice. When things in life for whatever reason upset us, it will continue to do so as long as you harbor it inside. Everyday you think about it, the bitterness grows, and the anger consumes. Its like someone that you love breaking your heart and leaving you. They are not coming back and the more you think about it the more it hurts, I think we all can relate to that. Emotions are a great thing, but can also blind us, and keep us from that feeling of newness. I bet every time you log on to this site you get enraged all over again. Thats not healthy, you will develope ulcers.

"Allen", or should I call you Mike Jenkins/Christopher, or Mike Christopher/Jenkins, or whoever the hell you claim to be today.....

I am not surprised that you and your brother have moved on; probably to far BETTER AND BIGGER THINGS! But, please, give credit where credit is due. You have only been able to accomplish what you would consider ' financial success' by the sweat of your victims, all over the country. Tens of thousands of dollars - IN CASH, and you haven't paid taxes on any of it, either! Hmmmmm.....IRS is gonna love to speak with you, your brother, Mingolo, Backa, Howard, and Gordon!

As a comment regarding your banal statement that you and your brother have 'NOT BEEN IN THE FIRE SAFETY BUSINESS FOR SOME TIME"; it actually has some merit of truth to it, believe it or not. YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN IN THE FIRE SAFETY BUSINESS. You and your brother have been in the business of deceipt, thievery, lying, soliciting drugs to minors, and sexually predatory activities. I am certain your family and your (dare I say...) friends are totally THRILLED with your ACCOMPLISHMENTS! You must make them all, extremely proud! I'll bet your father and mother walk down the street with their heads held up high!

What you don't seem to realize, with all your self-proclaimed and assumed "brilliant" intellect, is that your reputation will precede you for the rest of your life. You (and your brother, collectively) have become quite infamous! Good for you! Just think, the next time someone who has been ripped-off by you and became unwittingly and unwillingly involved in your b.s. "business" sees and/or finds you, you may become the next victim. So much for your 15-minutes of fame; pal, I wouldn't want to walk in your shoes. And, as sick as you are, you probably don't even care -for now.

You have burned thousands of bridges behind you. You cannot do business in CT, Rhode Island, New Jersey, down south, mid-west, or anywhere else you've been the ruination of all of your victim's lives before you are, once again, caught. And, you can change your name to whatever you want - when you are recognized, you're done. As a matter of fact, I'm surprised (as are others) that you are STILL ABLE to walk.

With reference to your displaced 'belief' that people are spending their waking moments talking about you -- PLEASE --- DON'T FLATTER YOURSELF!!!! AND, don't think for one nano-second that anyone lives to talk about you, your brother or that little dwarf bstd. No one gives a flying crap about you, your life or what you are doing today. Your day will come.

First of all, let me say hello to everyone out there that obviously cant get enough this and have made it into to a soap opera of epic proportions. But if you guys would so kindly leave me and my brother out of this it would be great. My brother James and I have not been involoved with the fire safety industry for quite some time yet we keep getting brought up.

If you want to know, my life is great and have moved on to other ventures. Its nice that you seem to be so interested in our lives, but move on, We have. Its almost like the times that you spent with us was the most exciting of your lives and you cant get past it. Like a bunch of old girlfriends or something. Do yourselves a favor, shut off your computers and go outside and enjoy life.

"Bob":

When & where were they in Boston?! After they left Warwick, RI, they headed to Edison, NJ.

We have a pretty good idea where they are currently heading, but haven't heard anything about the Boston area. Please let me know.

Thanks,

Is Mingolo and his merry crew of thieves still operating out of Boston?? If so, can someone please cite where and who we need to contact to get them s**t down there as well.

How about, "Happy Days are Here, Again"!!!!?

Mingolo, Elaine Gordon, Jeremy, Rebecka, the Jenkins twins, and Ana Backa are no longer operating in Edison, New Jersey!

Their office closed down approx. 3-weeks ago, since learning that the appropriate Agencies have clamped down on them (blood suckers), once again!

With the combined efforts, assistance and investigations of the Attorney's General of CT and New Jersey, the NJ Dept. of Labor, the CT Better Business Bureau, and others (to remain anonymous, at this time for security reasons), International Technology Services has closed down in the Edison, NJ area (or should I say, RAN! out of NJ!!!).

Anyone (employee or consumer) who has been ripped-off by these thieves, or has information to share, should contact the NJ Attorney General's office and file a complaint - immediately.

You may also contact Paris Chaney, Investigator (CT BBB), if you have any questions. The number is 203/269-2700, ext. 128.

The Connecticut Better Business Bureau is warning consumers not to fall for "Help Wanted" ads from a fire equipment company that has generated more than 500 phone calls from people complaining about its practices or questioning its legitimacy.

Advanced Safety Solutions LLC, which has a location at 3490 Whitney Ave., owes some of its employees money and equipment and has been collecting sales taxes illegally, according to the bureau.

The bureau has notified several agencies that could potentially pursue legal action against the company, including the state attorney general's office and postal inspectors, said bureau President Paulette Hotton.

State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal confirmed Friday that his office is investigating.

Mark Mingolo, Advanced Safety Solution's regional vice president, could not be reached for comment Friday. He previously was the president of multiple companies nationwide making identical offers, according to the bureau.

The Better Business Bureau first began investigating Advanced Safety Solutions in June 2005 six months after the company formed here in December 2004 and recently revoked its bureau membership.

The company has an "unsatisfactory" record due to its failure to provide the bureau with verifiable company information and its failure to answer a complaint.

Advanced Safety Solutions, which sells safety equipment and clothing, also has locations in Berlin, Conn., Farmington and Warwick, R.I. The company also reported an office in New Britain, but the bureau said it couldn't verify that address.

Callers have told the bureau that the company, which places "Help Wanted" ads online and in Connecticut and Massachusetts newspapers, hires 20 to 30 people every week, offering paid training and good salaries to become office managers.

In order to complete the office manager training, employees must sell fire safety equipment kits to family, friends and neighbors. The company promises eventual office manager salaries of $4,000 to $5,000 a month, according to the bureau.

Some callers have not been paid money they are owed for training, while others said they received merchandise late or not at all, according to the bureau. Some complained about having to use their Social Security numbers as identification on sales receipts.

In addition, the company requires all new hires to pay a $75 nonrefundable background check fee, and a $95 fire safety kit fee to be refunded after training, the bureau said.

The bureau also determined the company is illegally collecting sales tax on fire safety equipment without the proper state permit.

The bureau also found the company has routinely used fire extinguishers containing halon for demonstration purposes, even though by law the ozone-depleting substance may only be used in emergencies. The company also has not properly marked the fire extinguishers for shipping, the bureau found.

In addition to Advanced Safety Solutions, Mingolo previously was the president of similar companies: Executive Safe Life of New York and New Jersey; Safety Technology LLC of Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina; Executive Plus Inc., doing business as Unique World Services of Tennessee and Alabama; and Unique Worldwide Services Inc. of Alabama and Georgia.



New Haven Register 2007

The Connecticut Better Business Bureau is warning consumers not to fall for "Help Wanted" ads from a fire equipment company that has generated more than 500 phone calls from people complaining about its practices or questioning its legitimacy.

Advanced Safety Solutions LLC, which has a location at 3490 Whitney Ave., owes some of its employees money and equipment and has been collecting sales taxes illegally, according to the bureau.

The bureau has notified several agencies that could potentially pursue legal action against the company, including the state attorney general's office and postal inspectors, said bureau President Paulette Hotton.

State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal confirmed Friday that his office is investigating.

Mark Mingolo, Advanced Safety Solution's regional vice president, could not be reached for comment Friday. He previously was the president of multiple companies nationwide making identical offers, according to the bureau.

The Better Business Bureau first began investigating Advanced Safety Solutions in June 2005 six months after the company formed here in December 2004 and recently revoked its bureau membership.

The company has an "unsatisfactory" record due to its failure to provide the bureau with verifiable company information and its failure to answer a complaint.

Advanced Safety Solutions, which sells safety equipment and clothing, also has locations in Berlin, Conn., Farmington and Warwick, R.I. The company also reported an office in New Britain, but the bureau said it couldn't verify that address.

Callers have told the bureau that the company, which places "Help Wanted" ads online and in Connecticut and Massachusetts newspapers, hires 20 to 30 people every week, offering paid training and good salaries to become office managers.

In order to complete the office manager training, employees must sell fire safety equipment kits to family, friends and neighbors. The company promises eventual office manager salaries of $4,000 to $5,000 a month, according to the bureau.

Some callers have not been paid money they are owed for training, while others said they received merchandise late or not at all, according to the bureau. Some complained about having to use their Social Security numbers as identification on sales receipts.

In addition, the company requires all new hires to pay a $75 nonrefundable background check fee, and a $95 fire safety kit fee to be refunded after training, the bureau said.

The bureau also determined the company is illegally collecting sales tax on fire safety equipment without the proper state permit.

The bureau also found the company has routinely used fire extinguishers containing halon for demonstration purposes, even though by law the ozone-depleting substance may only be used in emergencies. The company also has not properly marked the fire extinguishers for shipping, the bureau found.

In addition to Advanced Safety Solutions, Mingolo previously was the president of similar companies: Executive Safe Life of New York and New Jersey; Safety Technology LLC of Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina; Executive Plus Inc., doing business as Unique World Services of Tennessee and Alabama; and Unique Worldwide Services Inc. of Alabama and Georgia.



New Haven Register 2007

The Connecticut Better Business Bureau is warning consumers not to fall for "Help Wanted" ads from a fire equipment company that has generated more than 500 phone calls from people complaining about its practices or questioning its legitimacy.

Advanced Safety Solutions LLC, which has a location at 3490 Whitney Ave., owes some of its employees money and equipment and has been collecting sales taxes illegally, according to the bureau.

The bureau has notified several agencies that could potentially pursue legal action against the company, including the state attorney general's office and postal inspectors, said bureau President Paulette Hotton.

State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal confirmed Friday that his office is investigating.

Mark Mingolo, Advanced Safety Solution's regional vice president, could not be reached for comment Friday. He previously was the president of multiple companies nationwide making identical offers, according to the bureau.

The Better Business Bureau first began investigating Advanced Safety Solutions in June 2005 six months after the company formed here in December 2004 and recently revoked its bureau membership.

The company has an "unsatisfactory" record due to its failure to provide the bureau with verifiable company information and its failure to answer a complaint.

Advanced Safety Solutions, which sells safety equipment and clothing, also has locations in Berlin, Conn., Farmington and Warwick, R.I. The company also reported an office in New Britain, but the bureau said it couldn't verify that address.

Callers have told the bureau that the company, which places "Help Wanted" ads online and in Connecticut and Massachusetts newspapers, hires 20 to 30 people every week, offering paid training and good salaries to become office managers.

In order to complete the office manager training, employees must sell fire safety equipment kits to family, friends and neighbors. The company promises eventual office manager salaries of $4,000 to $5,000 a month, according to the bureau.

Some callers have not been paid money they are owed for training, while others said they received merchandise late or not at all, according to the bureau. Some complained about having to use their Social Security numbers as identification on sales receipts.

In addition, the company requires all new hires to pay a $75 nonrefundable background check fee, and a $95 fire safety kit fee to be refunded after training, the bureau said.

The bureau also determined the company is illegally collecting sales tax on fire safety equipment without the proper state permit.

The bureau also found the company has routinely used fire extinguishers containing halon for demonstration purposes, even though by law the ozone-depleting substance may only be used in emergencies. The company also has not properly marked the fire extinguishers for shipping, the bureau found.

In addition to Advanced Safety Solutions, Mingolo previously was the president of similar companies: Executive Safe Life of New York and New Jersey; Safety Technology LLC of Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina; Executive Plus Inc., doing business as Unique World Services of Tennessee and Alabama; and Unique Worldwide Services Inc. of Alabama and Georgia.



New Haven Register 2007