Bbb avenger
Mesa,#2Consumer Comment
Wed, December 02, 2009
As a business owner, I too have many problems with the way the BBB operates. Like you, I went to Rip Off Reports to file a report about my recent experiences with the BBB (see Rip Off Report #4104671.) Also, like you, I went to the Internet to search for other stories concerning the BBB and to see if anyone had any success in bringing the BBB to justice. Also, like you, I found and found some solace in that I wasn't the only one who felt the way I did about the BBB. To do my part to stop the BBB from continuing its unethical business practices, I started (((Redacted))) I would encourage you to contact me through this website. Maybe we can coordinate efforts in preventing the BBB from doing to other businesses what is it doing to ours. Here are eight things you can do today to force the BBB to live by the same rules in the marketplace the rest of us do, or die. 1. File an unfair business practice/libel complaint with the State Attorney General. Your complaint alone won't get the AG to investigate, but your complaint with a 500 (or so) similar complaints sure would. Please send a copy of your complaint to (((Redacted))). We will keep it in strict confidence. The BEB will use your complaint in a verifiable count of complaints we know have been filed. As appropriate, much like the BBB does now, we may use this information in a future media campaign to build a case that the BBB must be investigated, both on state and federal (FTC) levels. As much as you can get others to do the same, the more likely we can get the AG to investigate. The potential damage to the BBB brand such an investigation alone would cause would be worth the effort. 2. Get involved with public policy committees of your local trade and civic groups, informing group members of BBB tactics and lack of credibility. Local chambers of commerce and your top trade association would be a good place to start. You may not convince everyone, however a significant number will join you in your beliefs and take action accordingly. 3. Work with your local legislators to craft laws that non-profit whistleblowers, like the BBB, must adhere to. For idea of what this language might be, see "A BBB We All Can Live With", an article at (((Redacted)))). 4. Do not buy anything from an accredited BBB business unless there are no viable alternatives. In most areas, there are plenty of companies like yours that have disparaged by the BBB. You can even use BBB online resources to easily find them. When you do, let them know that you chose them partially because they were not members of the BBB. I am doing this now. It is quite fun really. It is good way to make like-minded friends. If you would like, you can write the BEB about your experiences in this regard for possible posting to the BEB website. (For an example, see "Garage door Opens to BBB Questionable Ratings" at (((Redacted))) 5. Do not give the BBB any money for anything and encourage other businesses to do the same. Without businesses signing up, the BBB is dead in the water. 6. Put your story with the BBB on your company website. A good example, complete with logo, is (((Redacted))). Other examples of business owners fighting back againt the BBB are linked at (((Redacted))). 7. Let members of the BBB board of directors know of your story and your unhappiness with the BBB. Let them know that you question their ethics by their continued support of the many questionable practices of the BBB. (If you find a list of the BBB board of directors in our area, please send this information to the BEB. We may post it on the website as well for others to reference as well.) 8. Look for opportunities to inform the general public about what the BBB is all about. Work with local media who have a penchant for exposing contradictory behavior in large corporations, nonprofit or otherwise. The Red Cross took big hits after 9-11 becuase of it high overheard. The BBB is no less vulnerable on the many issues it has created for itself. If we all keep up the pressure the BBB will eventually change or die. If we don't, it will continue to damage hard won reputations like yours. Also, if you don't take every opportunity to defend yourself against the BBB, you will give others the impression the BBB is right about your business. It is a crying shame you have to deal with the BBB in such a manner when you really need to concentrate on surviving the current economic downturn. I can't tell how sorry I am that this happened to you. But it is what is. I hope something here give you something to throw at the BBB's arrogance and stupidity, keeping the BBB at bay. If you decide to work with the BEB in bringing the BBB to heal, I look forward to hearing from you. If not, I still wish you every success. Sincerely, The Better Ethics Bureau KEYWORDS TO FACILITATE INTERNET SEARCHES extortion extort extorts accreditation accredited accredit accredits rip off rating ratings membership torch award ethics ethical district attorney California algorithm attorney general Southland BBB sucks racket blackmail CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.