Melanie
Dartmouth,#2UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, March 06, 2004
I started working for World wide Source in 2001, it is definately true that the company mislead many customers in America. I also worked for American Solution Information which began in April of 2002. Some peoples collection tactics leave much to be desired. I really dont have a whole lot to complain about, 9-5 job, no weekends, good wages. My only beef with this company is its total lack of professionalism. I was recently laid off, and would you believe it took them 3 weeks to provide me with my ROE, which I may add was completly wrong, they owe my boyfriend money (would you believe they didnt pay him for x-mas and new years) and when you call to check on whats owed, of course nobody ever returns your calls. I truely believe the entire place is a joke, Im sure it wont last very long(unless they change their name again)how can it, I dont think anybody has picked up the phone in months.
Ex Employee At Oratel Aka Econotel, Aka Taget Media
HRM,#3UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, January 10, 2004
Mortgage Brokers of the United States beware these people will take your money. They promise you leads and take your money!
Tiffany
Halifax,#4UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, July 15, 2003
I just remembered the website for WWS from my days in sales there- www.worldwide-source.com - and thought you might want to check it out. It is still running so maybe those of you who missed out ordering the publication can still get one- I am just joking, of course. I guess they thought that having a website made them seem more legit......
Robert
Staunton,#5Consumer Comment
Sat, July 12, 2003
Genesta and James, Have you noticed how many names these scammers use for basically the same rip off or a variation of it? Doesn't it seem to be part of the design to confuse both the victim and law enforcement? How do you effectively shut down an entity that simply changes its name and location when people get wise to it? Hopefully more people are doing searches on these companies and arriving at sites like this where they can learn the truth about Mouyal, Angelatos and whoever else is pestering them. Then, armed with the Vermont Settlement and other information, they can effectively tell the scammers to get lost. Rest assured, law enforcement is taking an active interest in these guys, but educating people so they do not get scammed is key! Without victims predators starve.
Genesta
Dartmouth,#6UPDATE Employee
Fri, July 11, 2003
Whom ever said Brad deserves a better job is full of ****. THis guys the worst of the bunch and the fact that they lie to there employees worse than they lie to there clients is bad. Anyhow it is true that they have been firing a lot of people from the Dartmouth location. But just when you think its over for WWS they come back with a scam bigger and better than before. Way to go Ryan Kidney and Palvo, you two are some of the best scam artists in my books. Keep up the good work you scumbags
James
Dartmouth,#7UPDATE EX-employee responds
Fri, July 11, 2003
In response to tiffany`s letter it must have been infotel that was on Breton st in halifax and I will say i am sorry for that bit of info,it is infotel that is closed!!now as far as American Solution Information sure it my be acting as that hence the term ACTING see if you work there you to can see on your pay stub that you are getting paid by Amerisource Publications!! and by no means at all do i want to confuse anyone.I did work there for six months and i know what goes on there,And as far as Econotel goes as long as it is under the wing of Pavlos Angelatos it should be closed as well. I am not a liar nor am i trying to make anyone make judgements on these companies good or bad!but it is obvious that these companies have a VERY bad reputation and you dont need me to tell you that!As far as "I" am concerned these companies have done nothing but bad things to people all across the U.S and for this they should have gone through more court cases than one"that i know of" and should have to pay back more than a couple hundred thousand dollars! He "Pavlos" has really gotten away with the best SCAM! hasn`t he??? But all scams have flaws!So once again I do apologize for giving the wrong info and will try to keep you all updated on any new info as soon as i get it and will try my hardest to make it as accurate as possible.
Tiffany
Halifax,#8UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, July 10, 2003
I am very sure that Econotel is still open- just call 902-482-1040 and they answer 'Econotel' and you can still reach Brad who handles that project. And, as far as I know, the office is located in Purdys' Wharf not on Brenton Street- I have never heard of Brenton Street in relation to this company. I also am pretty sure that the office in Montreal is still open- although very much scaled down- because I heard they are handling some of the mortgage leads project. The Dartmouth office is under the name 'American Solution Information' not 'Amerisource Publications'- call 902-466-1500 to verify this. I am not sure who James from Dartmouth is but he seems to be a bit confused....or maybe he wants to confuse....
Tiffany
Halifax,#9UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, July 10, 2003
I am very sure that Econotel is still open- just call 902-482-1040 and they answer 'Econotel' and you can still reach Brad who handles that project. And, as far as I know, the office is located in Purdys' Wharf not on Brenton Street- I have never heard of Brenton Street in relation to this company. I also am pretty sure that the office in Montreal is still open- although very much scaled down- because I heard they are handling some of the mortgage leads project. The Dartmouth office is under the name 'American Solution Information' not 'Amerisource Publications'- call 902-466-1500 to verify this. I am not sure who James from Dartmouth is but he seems to be a bit confused....or maybe he wants to confuse....
Tiffany
Halifax,#10UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, July 10, 2003
I am very sure that Econotel is still open- just call 902-482-1040 and they answer 'Econotel' and you can still reach Brad who handles that project. And, as far as I know, the office is located in Purdys' Wharf not on Brenton Street- I have never heard of Brenton Street in relation to this company. I also am pretty sure that the office in Montreal is still open- although very much scaled down- because I heard they are handling some of the mortgage leads project. The Dartmouth office is under the name 'American Solution Information' not 'Amerisource Publications'- call 902-466-1500 to verify this. I am not sure who James from Dartmouth is but he seems to be a bit confused....or maybe he wants to confuse....
Tiffany
Halifax,#11UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, July 10, 2003
I am very sure that Econotel is still open- just call 902-482-1040 and they answer 'Econotel' and you can still reach Brad who handles that project. And, as far as I know, the office is located in Purdys' Wharf not on Brenton Street- I have never heard of Brenton Street in relation to this company. I also am pretty sure that the office in Montreal is still open- although very much scaled down- because I heard they are handling some of the mortgage leads project. The Dartmouth office is under the name 'American Solution Information' not 'Amerisource Publications'- call 902-466-1500 to verify this. I am not sure who James from Dartmouth is but he seems to be a bit confused....or maybe he wants to confuse....
James
Dartmouth,#12UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, July 09, 2003
hey its just me again...i`ve been having computer troubles and haven`t been online but...here is another update, It seems that the company known as Econotel on Brenton St in Halifax has closed i went to see what they were all about the other day and a lady had informed me they were gone and "hopefully gone back to Montreal" well what a surprise to me,And there has unfortunatly been 12 more people fired from the Dartmouth office now operating as Amerisource Publications,that is 12 people out of work for nothing!So now i think that leaves them with about 40 people left and i`m sure they will be gone soon too.See when i left they were telling people that there were no more accounts to collect on and that they would be moving on too "better things" well instead they just starting firing people and all my files were passed on too someone else and in that last few months since i`ve left it seems there collection has thined out more and soon there will be no work for anyone there and soon they will close....
James
Montreal,#13UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, July 09, 2003
Hi everyone. My name is James. I used to work at Amerisource, WWS, etc, and was there for around a year at a sale's position. I quit because I realized something fishy was going on. A few days ago, something funny happened to me. I bumped into an old workmate of mine from Amerisource, and I asked him if he had any information on Amerisource or Pavlos. He told me that the Montreal office is completely closed down, and that no one is working there anymore. I don't know how their NS location is doing though. Seems like you guys are indeed working.
Tiffany
Halifax,#14UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, July 08, 2003
I have worked for World Wide Source which then changed its name to American Solution Information. The business changed from sales of a business to business yellow page directory that called clients regarding renewing their current listing in the American Business Index to calling from the subscription department regarding their current listing in the same directory (note: we could say current listing because they were currently listed...on the card we had in our hand and in our database...so, according to management we weren't really lying. The sales call was for a 2 year listing (at least in the Dartmouth office)- there was also sales for a 10-day trial period for, I believe,the same book. Some reps also did sales as Econotel and I believe that 'project' is still going on although I was not involved in that one. When the name changed to American Solution Information, we changed from sales to collections- now we were collecting on the invoices for the listings that were supposedly purchsed by customers and not paid. By the way, if the people who are being contacted by ASI reps mention that they have or are going to contact the attorney general or are going to sue, quite often the 'account' will be cancelled. When the company changed names, everything that had World Wide Source on it had to be shredded or destroyed. Now that collections is slowing down because they are running out of people to call, they are firing alot of employees. They are trying to start several new 'projects'- one being mortgage leads. The reps call people in the U.S. and ask if they would like to be called regarding their mortgage and getting a better rate- once they say yes then their name is sold to someone else who then calls them back. Another 'project' involves something to do with a cleaning company. Another new name that has popped up recently in the Halifax office (there are two offices- one in Dartmouth and one smaller one in Halifax across the harbour)is Ortel or Oratel- this is where Econotel is also being done. The phone number there in Halifax is 902-482-1040 and the person you would be looking for is Brad Harris- you can reach him by punching in the first 4 letters of his name when it prompts you to. Of all the management in N.S. ie. Melinda Leigh and Ryan Kidney, Brad Harris was/is the most upfront and he really deserves a better, honest job. When, as an employee, I would question anything,the answers I got were vague or the questions were avoided. Alot of people are fired for 'lack of performance' which means they weren't bringing in enough money per week and these are usually the ones whose morals get in the way of their job. All these companies are run by the same people- mainly Pavlos in Montreal. As far as I know though, WWS and ASI are not associated with Garo Manoug and Vatche Manoug as I have never heard these two names until I read them here. Who I feel bad for are the people, 'clients' who do pay because they are afraid of ruining their credit rating. The tactics used to sell these directories was very shady and I witnessed some reps blatently lying and misleading the 'customers'. I also have witnessed similar tactics used to try to collect on these invoices. I am sorry for being any part of this business and hope that justice can be done before many more people pay these 'invoices' or are mislead into agreeing to something they don't want or need. This company has used at least 5 different names that I know about and I am sure they will use more.
Robert
Staunton,#15Consumer Comment
Sat, July 05, 2003
Thank You Jimi! I m going to contact Mr. Barbaro pronto. I'm not suprised to hear that the Mouyal brothers are on such terms. Why does this bunch seem to so much resemble a tank full of sharks? Are the brothers Mouyal the first ones to do this scam on any large level? It seems that as much as they have been scammed by Garo and Vatche Manoug, they have been simply imitated by others who may have worked for them in the past. How else do you explain the proliferation of these type of operations -- often run by people like World Wide Source "Management" who can barely compose their own letters. My guess is that this scam is really pretty simple to do. All you need is a telephone, a laser printer (for the invoices) and a data base of businesses which you can buy or get off the internet and you are off and running. The trick comes when you have to make yourself look legitimate so as to get government funding to set up a room full of telescammers in prime commercial office space.
Jimi
Montreal,#16UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, July 03, 2003
Robert, You might want to contact Matthew Barbaro at the New York attorney general's office. [email protected] he's actively working on this. Being American you might get lucky!
Jimi
Montreal,#17UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, July 03, 2003
Robert, The Mouyal brothers actually hate each others guts. They almost shot each other, no joke. Vatche Manoug used to work there, all he did is stole the database of customers and started calling them. No one who gets a call like this know the diffrence between NBIE or IBD or any other accronyme being used. It's pure bull. I'm hearing of another company aswell. National Info-Tech Center, my sources do really really hate these people. I'll get as much info as u need, just be precise on the type of info.. and i'll get it. The complaints have been filed. I am getting ready to play they're game now. The mob is going to after them to collect 'protection' money. good luck.
Robert
Staunton,#18Consumer Comment
Tue, July 01, 2003
Dear Jimi, Something in the back of my very small brain suspected that economic development dollars were being misappropriated by these scammers as they set up their operations in prime commercial real estate! Well, heres a story that should make any taxpayers blood pressure go way up! Remember that this is one of the oldest (if not THE oldest) doing this scam. Also please note that your complaints to the Competition Bureau do make a difference. It just takes time! From CBC Archives: Air Date: April 10, 2001 Producer/Reporter: Peter Walsh | Researchers: Mike Gordon, Colman Jones Marketplace ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This is the tale of a Canadian telemarketer who has been the focus of hundreds of customer complaints and a police investigation. The complaints have been filed by businesses who wound up paying far more for office supplies than they were used to. The company has never been charged. It's still in business with the help of your tax dollars. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ December 2000. Montreal police move in on a huge Canadian telemarketing firm. The complaint: deceptive telemarketing practices aimed at businesses. Here's how it works. May Lee orders office supplies for a Calgary health food store. A telemarketer pretending to be the store's regular supplier sends paper for the credit card machines. But there's a problem. Lee never made an initial order. Another problem: the cost. The store's regular supplier provided paper at one-quarter the price as this new supplier. Now Lee is stuck with paper she doesn't want. What's worse, the company wants her to pay for its return. "I wish there was no MSS," Lee told Marketplace. MSS stands for Merchant Supply Services. It's one of 20 corporate names used by the telemarketer to sell office supplies. Other names the company uses: * Merchant Transaction Supplies * Commercial Business Supplies. * International Business Directories The business is run by Micheal Mouyal from an office tower in Montreal. Mouyal has other offices in Canada, Barbados (now closed), the United States and Britian. He employs 1,200 people. Many say it's an empire built on deception. Mouyal's critics allege customers are fooled into buying overpriced office supplies. The Canadian government gave him your money at the same time authorities in the United States wanted to shut him down. Complaints pile up The are more than 600 consumer complaints against the company. The complaint have piled up so heavily that it's difficult for Gus La Forge to keep track. La Forge is with Phone Busters, a police task force on telephone fraud. He says it's common for a telemarketer to use many different names. Phone Busters has more than 100 complaints about these companies. "They're aggressive and they're out there to make money and they'll do it any which way they can," La Forge told Marketplace. But why buy office paper over the telephone from a supplier you don't normally deal with? Barry Stratton, a former manager at a call centre that operated out of St. John's, says it's really quite simple. You lie. You make people believe you are their regular supplier. "I was presenting a script," Stratton told Marketplace. "I was doing what I was told. It's drama." The scam a dramatization Stratton demonstrated his technique using scripts obtained by Marketplace. The first call is a cold call. "We're doing a nationwide market analysis on which credit card machine is most widely used," Stratton said. The telemarketer asks for the model number of the machine and records the name and address of the person on the phone. Stratton says there was no market survey. A few days later, another telemarketer follows up and talks specifics. "How's the machine operating. Any paper jamming up? Are the receipts printing clearly?" Stratton says the intention was to make people think that the caller was their regular supplier, calling to check on their machine. Then, the telemarketer gets to the point: "As a customer service what we ended up doing for your location in your area is we set aside one box at our old price." Stratton says that's one of many lines used to mislead people. He told Marketplace he took the telemarketing job because he needed the money. Connecticut investigates For years the telemarketer did business out of Connecticut. More than 100 complaints were filed against the company. The state investigated, alleging unfair trade practices. But the investigation ended because the company left the state. That same month, November of 1999, governments in Canada gave the telemarketer public money. The federal government handed over $288,000 under the now discredited HRDC job fund. In Newfoundland, the company qualified for a 10 year corporate tax holiday, a tax break worth $400,000 based on the promise to create jobs. A promise like that gets you the ear of a person like Beaton Tulk, the minister of Industry for Newfoundland. Tulk admits his government's screening missed the Connecticut investigation. "Was there a criminal record? There was none. Was there a good credit rating? Yes the credit rating was good," Tulk told Marketplace. "All those things were put through a very rigorous process and none of those complaints showed up at the time." Newfoundland may have been happy. But 4,000 kilometres away, officials in Florida were not. From Connecticut, the company moved its shipping centre to the sunshine state. Complaints poured in 150 of them. Florida's Division of Consumer Affairs investigated. Their conclusion: "possible instances of unfair and deceptive telemarketing practices." Five years before the federal government gave the company public money, its own Competition Bureau was receiving complaints about the telemarketer. "If someone were to phone us up and ask if we had a compliant against a particular individualwe have a confidentiality clause in our act," the bureau's George Bennet told Marketplace. "We could not reveal to them the fact that we have these kinds of complaintsIt wasn't until late 1999, early 2000 that we really noticed an increase in complaints." Last year, The Competition Bureau put an undercover agent in the telemarketer's Montreal operation. "The telemarketers pretended to be the regular supplier of these products for these companies and they were very clever in the way they did it," Bennet said. In December, the Bureau raided call centres in Toronto, Montreal and St. John's. "They came in and said to everyone don't do anything. Just move away," one employee told news reporters at the time. The St. John's call centre closed in February, leaving more than 100 people out of work. Michael Mouyal is still in business. In 1999, he claimed $48 million in sales. He says his company is growing 40 per cent annually. Michael Mouyal keeps a low profile. He declined to be interviewed for this story. He did send out a press release after the raid in December. He said his business is legitimate and he is co-operating with the Competition Bureau investigation. He also said he is puzzled at all the attention. It's been: * 7 years since the first complaint in Canada * more than a year since the Competition Bureau began its probe * 5 years since the first investigation in the United States. Michael Mouyal has never been charged with any crime. Newfoundland's industry minister, Beaton Tulk, says you're innocent until proven guilty. "The complaints are still complaints. They are not proven in any way under the competition act." The Competition Bureau's George Bennet says the investigation is ongoing. "We expect that we'll come to a conclusion I should say within the next couple of months." Meanwhile, it's business as usual. Press Release Issued by Muyal Group: (Ryan Kidney, please note, if you can provide a response of this caliper or better -- go ahead! But please use your spell-check this time and get your mother to proof-read). Attention Business Editors: Large Teleservice Company Confused in Wake of Investigation Montreal's Mouyal Corporation Issues Statement MONTREAL, Qc, Dec. 7 /CNW/ - The Mouyal Corporate Group issued a statement today regarding the recent invasion of its Canadian offices by the Competition Bureau on allegations of misconduct. The Mouyal Corporate Group has cooperated with Industry Canada to help expedite the investigation process. "Due to these recent events, the Mouyal Group has endured negative publicity which ultimately affected all aspects of their business." Since Industry Canada entered the Group's various offices on Monday, for example, the Group has lost 120 employees. The Mouyal Corporate Group is a 1200 person office supply business which operates in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, France and the Caribbean. "Our mission is to provide top quality retail supplies and business directories to companies in North America and Western Europe", says Michael Mouyal, President of Mouyal Corporate Group. "We do so through a call center formula, a blend of inbound and outbound services. In each facility, the Group offers rigorous training programs and provides a positive work environment. Ultimately, The Mouyal Corporate Group has become unwittingly caught up in the scandal, which as engulfed HRDC for the past six months. They underwent a rigourous, eight month application process and was compelled to provide references, extensive financial projections and a comprehensive business plan before it was considered for the subsidy. Further, the claim that the Group received the $287,000 funding prior to set-up is inaccurate. To date, in accordance with the initial contract which specified the number of employees they needed to hire and maintain, Mouyal Corporate Group has received $62,000. "This is in addition to the fact that we have exceeded the job creation projections", Mouyal states. Mouyal Corporate Group also intends, in the wake of these allegations, to forego the remaining funds, in an effort to distance itself from HRDC's escalating troubles. "The Mouyal Corporate Group is in fact a legitimate teleservices enterprise, despite the allegations of Industry Canada and the media" , says Mouyal. "Each customer we contact has three opportunities to reject our products; first the initial sales call, second, the quality control call and third, at the point the product is shipped". The Mouyal Group operates only on an invoice basis, which the customer receives the bill only after he or she has received the product, in effect allowing him the option of keeping or returning the product". The Group takes an enormous risk - many customers keep goods and refuse to pay - by offering, effectively, a line of credit to an unproven customer. Their return policy is printed unambiguously on each of the packing boxes. In addition, an unsatisfied customer, for any reason, has 30 days to return a product. These processes and policies are all part of a comprehensive Compliance Program, instituted in late 1998 in response to changing legislation on telesales. The Group's compliance with these laws has been unwavering. "I am puzzled concerning the allegations of Industry Canada", says Mouyal. "The reason for this particular reaction is that in July of this year two senior people from Mouyal Corporate met with the Competition Bureau as well as the RCMP and discussed at length our presentations, products, processes and customer service strategies." declares Mouyal. As a precautionary measure the Mouyal Group took the added step to send a copy of our training kit to the Competition Bureau, which comprises all elements of our business. It was indicated that the practices were sufficient and in compliance with the new regulations that were established by Industry Canada. While cooperating fully with Industry Canada, The Mouyal Corporate Group resents the intrusive investigation and media exposure. The business currently has 110,000 active customers, satisfied clients with whom business is conducted each day. The recent media coverage suggests that 600 complaints since 1993 compelled Industry Canada to warrant an investigation. "It is unfortunate that we have been lumped together with other companies that have blemishes on their record", says Mouyal. For further information: Elyce Eisman, Spokesperson, The Mouyal Corporate Group, (514) 369-8017
Crystal
Cb,#19UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, July 01, 2003
To everyone; It's been a couple of years since I've worked there. I was living in Dartmouth, looking for any type of job. There was an add placed in the Cape Breton Post for positions with "World Wide Source". Offering 10$/hr plus commision, 9-5, Monday to Friday, no weekends... It sounded like the perfect job for someone like myself trying to get situated in Dartmouth. Training was 2 days. We used normal telephones, dialed manually. There was no Y-jacking, no shadowing, we just read the script, and were thrown rebuttals from our trainer. If I remember correctly, when I first started there, our script said we were "renewing" listings. "Mr/Mrs Customer, my name is _______ and I'm "your" account representative for your "business-to-business" yellow page listing. We are calling to update your listing, add new features, and renew you for the new edition coming up" The script was something to that effect but I do remember we were allowed to use "renew" in our Pitch. We also were called the "Renewal Department" at first. But, I guess there was some discrepancies, because we soon had to make come changes to our script. I remember the day we were told to do so too. We were not allowed to say "renewal department" We were now "Enrollment/Subscription Dept." We were trained to go about the call as they were once with the Index, and if asked if they have "done this before" our rebuttal was "We do currently have you listed in our previous edition, Sir/Ma'am" not directly saying "yes" But leading them to believe they obviously had. We were told that saying that was perfectly OK. But, That had to change as well, & go to the answer of "I can not give you that information because we don't have access to your personal information, all we have here is a listing"... I remember at a team meeting, after all the script changes were taking place, someone popped the question "So, if someone asks us, 'Is this a cold call?' we basically say 'Yes'..or if someone says 'Have we done/purchased this before?' we say 'No'." It was funny because it was true! They backed up these comments with "Well, we can't lie to them." And that is Also true. I didn't know Ryan personally, when I started working, he was the Operations Manager at the Halifax site. So I can't say anything on him. I actually remember hearing he was a good guy & all that, but, like others mentioned, this was like 2-3 years ago, I guess things have changed. Melinda I did work with, in Dartmouth. But she was a team leader then, and not mine, and I never really got to know her too well. The working environment was great. I met a few good friends working at "WWS". They butter it up nicely the first little while you are there. But let's not get confused...it isn't too nice. Gangsters? Well, I do recall Pavlos and Claude, and the other head Honcho...Martin or Mark or something, I'm sorry I can't remember his name, taking spins around Queens Square in their fancy BMWs blasting music while staying in Dartmouth. But that's how business men like themselves flaunt their money. Money that they're making.. or should we say, stealing. I mean, none of it is legit. The book? There was no book. I think the book they showed us in that little casing in the hall was 4,000 blank pages, covered in the Hard Blue cover of the ABI.. yeah...right. Half the people who purchased this book, didnt get it. I also recall a night at a bar/grill where we had a staff like party. It was the birthday of "World Wide Source" & we all went out to celebrate, and "Martin/Mark" (if that was his name) was hitting on all the girls. Got a little too drunk I guess or was hopped up on something (not sure). This 1 female in particular, Lecia (who may be the same "Lisa" mentioned as a manager and I think may be the same Lecia I am talking about because I do recall her getting a promotion & moving to the Halifax center. I worked with her dialing on the phones, before I left) was harrassed by him, and come Monday, there was an apology letter sent to all employees about the conduct of our Founders, over the weekend. HaHa, just a little something on how unprofessional they could be. I could write for years about this place, but I will simply wrap this up by saying, the people being hired don't know what really goes on, until they are in there, calling people, and then seeing how bad this place can be, and obviously... Has gotten. I am personally surprised its still open to this day, I gave it till last year to close *laughs* I don't think it will be open for long.
Robert
Staunton,#20Consumer Comment
Sat, June 28, 2003
Jimi, It seems this scam may be a 'family affair' not just for the brothers Manoug! You mentioned "MICHAEL MOUYAL" who was the president of 'International Business Directories'. NBIE and others (such as Garo and Vatche) stole the concept for this scam from him. The FTC recently charged the following entities and individuals in a case involving this same type of fraud: Hanson Publications, Inc. (Hanson), 9069-5057 Quebec, Inc. (Hanson-Quebec), Associated Merchant Paper Supplies, Inc. (AMPS), ALBERT MOUYAL, Adrian P. Towning, and Charles Hamouth. MICHAEL MOUYAL and ALBERT MOUYAL, how are they related? I hope the FTC and the Competition Bureau (who are working together to prosecute these types of fraud) are connecting the dots here as well. If you have ANY inside information about these companies, you need to contact the Competition Bureau and provide them with plenty of documentation.
Genesta
Dartmouth,#21UPDATE Employee
Sat, June 28, 2003
Yea thats right, you read the topic. This dumbass knows full well whats been going on In the company for the past 3 years yet he still Is responsibil for the entire dartmouth and halifax operation. When I first met the sorry SOB he was hired as a trainer and knew as much as I did. Now the $$$ has gone to his head and he does not care who he has to screw. Its kinda sad to because he was a good guy untill he fell under the trap of them Montreal Swine whom have ripped off so many of you. A note to the WWS guru, you just wait untill the FBI or RCMP step in because it will be very soon, you find your self out of a job and you realize that WWS may have been paying you alright money, but the money they made off you is crazy and you will be asking for a refund. It probley is Ryan Kidney who is the WWS guru, although i know hes smarter than that its all gone to his head and now they will put him in jail. PLEASE FIGHT TO PUT RYAN KIDNEY IN JAIL ITS THE ONLY WAY HE WILL LEARN
Robert
Staunton,#22Consumer Comment
Fri, June 27, 2003
Jimi, The Maryland Attorney General needs to receive any information you can share about NBIE. Then they may take action to shut down the address they use in their scam to pretend they are a local company. Please contact: J. JOSEPH CURRAN, JR., Attorney General 200 St. Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 USA (410) 576-6300 e-mail: [email protected] fax: (410) 576-6404 web: www.oag.state.md.us/ and file a complaint with his office against National Business Information Exchange. Be sure to mention names (Garo and Vatche Manoug) and give all known addresses they use.
Jimi
Montreal,#23UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, June 26, 2003
Guru, if you can sleep well at night writing the bull u write and beleiving it...good for you. It will eventually catch up to you in another way. So enjoy those hard scammed dollars you earn. Im curious, what's your relationship to the Manoug brothers? I think I'm going to send some collectors to see the Manoug brothers. Let them start paying to people who are even bigger scammers. Guru and the others who read this.... your time will come and you will be taken down. Your politically correct and legally viable answers are only good on a web site. not in court, your day in front of a judge will come soon enough. Do you actually beleive what u write or do think there is an Attorney General who has started doing research already and is reading this? For the rest of the people who want to see these scammers go down....i propose we start some serious work on getting the news to the Attorney Generals... Robert you had already started this by posting web sites and phone numbers. If you get a name of a person to contact and a file going we'll all join. I also have a surprise list of consumers who have been frauded by National Business Information Exchange, I will contact them once we are ready and get some serious attention at the legal level.
Robert
Staunton,#24Consumer Comment
Thu, June 26, 2003
Dear Thelma, Who is responsible and should be charged with this fraud? Ryan Kidney (I bet that WWS Guru is him), Melinda Ley, Pavlos Angelatos and Claude Berthiaume. The employees are supposedly under their supervision, thus "Management" is where the buck stops. In addition to contacting the Competition Bureau, RCMP and Phonebusters it would be well to report these people to LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT agencies as well! It is in a locality's best interest to shut down operations like this as they give a bad name to all the legitimate businesses in the same classification. If they are lying and cheating their customers and employees it is highly likely that they are operating in violation of some local laws as well. LOCAL authorities should then excercise their ability to shut them down at the (World Wide) source. The long range solution is to promote the economic vitality of the Maritime Provinces. Here is a good workforce that is needing to be recognized. Hopefully more businesses will see the benefits of locating useful services in these communities and no one will have to work for a scam "boiler room" in order to feed their children. This could be an added mission of the same people who promote tourism to this beautiful part of the world. It will take time, but it is well worth the effort. Wishing you every success in this!
James
Dartmouth,#25UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, June 25, 2003
well Robert you have a good point!it is very surprising to me that there is even one person at WWS/ASI which like i said before is now amerisource publications that likes there job.See i was just there at the dartmouth office and from speaking with my old team members they all still seem to hate there jobs,now these people all have responibilities as well so they cant unfortunatly just up and quit there jobs....I hate the WWS GURU for lying to people,saying they love there job, you must not feel bad lying and cheating people out of money,maybe someday just maybe you will grow up!cause i did the same thing as you and it sucks to know what YOU are doing to people futhermore why not leave your name next time so the whole world knows who you are!if you love your job that much WHY hide behind a fake name? i think this was really done by ryan kidney or melinda ley the managers,of course they are WWSGURU`s...funny thought maybe the wwsguru should be told he doesnt really work for wws anymore he he he,maybe the guru is unsure of who he works for, maybe the guru is lacking intelligence, maybe he should be told that it is amerisource publications he is working for! look at your pay cheque lately???its ok wws guru you`ve been manipulated when you realise this you will not be that much of a guru...i`m sure of it!
Thelma
Dartmouth,#26UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, June 25, 2003
The people at World Wide Source and Amercian Solution Information LIE. They lied to you and they lied to the employes. I worked for world wide Source for over 1 year at the Dartmouth Nova Scotia location.(902)466-1500. They gave us a script that told us what to say and it was some what deciving. When you ask a question about the BOOK haha you were talked down to and told Don't worry about the book just go make more calls. We were NOT allowed to view the BOOK. We were dazzled by the $10.00 per hour pay and large commissions. Not to mention the cash bonuses that the CREW from Montreal would hand out when they visited. I made calls to our neighbors in the US and I am truly sorry for selling a USELESS product to anyone who may have purchased from me. My sincer appology to you all. But the good news is you can fight them and WIN. I really did not know they were a BAD company when I started working there, everyone was nice and friendly and the office was clean and new. The employee hand book did not show any signs of being a scam. As time went on and the clients I was calling started asking questions I started to ask questions to my supervisors and managment, LIke were we once America Source? Well management dosen't like employes to ask questions they just want SALES. The more unanswered questions I had the more I stared to QUESTION this company and I did some research, This company has been doing this for years to our neighbors the US they just keep changing their name and address. The whole office now knows what a sham this company is and those that are still there are in it for the BUCKS, they know that they can't go to any LEGITIMATE call centre and get this kind of money or the poositions they have in World Wide Source. The management at world wide source like Melinda Lea and Ryan Kidney are not educated for management postions they just know how to keep quite about the BIG SCAM and thats why they got promoted, no one who can actually sell will ever get promoted because they want you to make them MONEY.... The big guys in Montreal want stupid and uncaring people for management postions so they don't ask questions about whats really going on. If they hired trained and edcuated people for these positions the fraud would be found out and not tollerated. They literally buy people by hiring low income familes and single parents who need the money. The idea of taking money from churches and non profit orginizations is sin full to me and I could not do that. I QUIT this place because of what I found out about what they have been doing. I'd like to see management get REAL Jobs and stop lying to consumers and employes. The people in management like Melinda and Ryan Have been with the company for more than 2 years and they KNOW exactly what they are DOING. TO GURU....You are right about people being able to say NO but when a company like World Wide tricks you into beliveing that you did this before that not SALES thats FRAUD. Question For Robert. Can management or employes be charged with fraud? If I can be of any help to you with your fight against this company just ask. I still have the handbook and trianing manuals. Thanks for helping Robert.
Thelma
Dartmouth,#27UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, June 25, 2003
The people at World Wide Source and Amercian Solution Information LIE. They lied to you and they lied to the employes. I worked for world wide Source for over 1 year at the Dartmouth Nova Scotia location.(902)466-1500. They gave us a script that told us what to say and it was some what deciving. When you ask a question about the BOOK haha you were talked down to and told Don't worry about the book just go make more calls. We were NOT allowed to view the BOOK. We were dazzled by the $10.00 per hour pay and large commissions. Not to mention the cash bonuses that the CREW from Montreal would hand out when they visited. I made calls to our neighbors in the US and I am truly sorry for selling a USELESS product to anyone who may have purchased from me. My sincer appology to you all. But the good news is you can fight them and WIN. I really did not know they were a BAD company when I started working there, everyone was nice and friendly and the office was clean and new. The employee hand book did not show any signs of being a scam. As time went on and the clients I was calling started asking questions I started to ask questions to my supervisors and managment, LIke were we once America Source? Well management dosen't like employes to ask questions they just want SALES. The more unanswered questions I had the more I stared to QUESTION this company and I did some research, This company has been doing this for years to our neighbors the US they just keep changing their name and address. The whole office now knows what a sham this company is and those that are still there are in it for the BUCKS, they know that they can't go to any LEGITIMATE call centre and get this kind of money or the poositions they have in World Wide Source. The management at world wide source like Melinda Lea and Ryan Kidney are not educated for management postions they just know how to keep quite about the BIG SCAM and thats why they got promoted, no one who can actually sell will ever get promoted because they want you to make them MONEY.... The big guys in Montreal want stupid and uncaring people for management postions so they don't ask questions about whats really going on. If they hired trained and edcuated people for these positions the fraud would be found out and not tollerated. They literally buy people by hiring low income familes and single parents who need the money. The idea of taking money from churches and non profit orginizations is sin full to me and I could not do that. I QUIT this place because of what I found out about what they have been doing. I'd like to see management get REAL Jobs and stop lying to consumers and employes. The people in management like Melinda and Ryan Have been with the company for more than 2 years and they KNOW exactly what they are DOING. TO GURU....You are right about people being able to say NO but when a company like World Wide tricks you into beliveing that you did this before that not SALES thats FRAUD. Question For Robert. Can management or employes be charged with fraud? If I can be of any help to you with your fight against this company just ask. I still have the handbook and trianing manuals. Thanks for helping Robert.
Thelma
Dartmouth,#28UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, June 25, 2003
The people at World Wide Source and Amercian Solution Information LIE. They lied to you and they lied to the employes. I worked for world wide Source for over 1 year at the Dartmouth Nova Scotia location.(902)466-1500. They gave us a script that told us what to say and it was some what deciving. When you ask a question about the BOOK haha you were talked down to and told Don't worry about the book just go make more calls. We were NOT allowed to view the BOOK. We were dazzled by the $10.00 per hour pay and large commissions. Not to mention the cash bonuses that the CREW from Montreal would hand out when they visited. I made calls to our neighbors in the US and I am truly sorry for selling a USELESS product to anyone who may have purchased from me. My sincer appology to you all. But the good news is you can fight them and WIN. I really did not know they were a BAD company when I started working there, everyone was nice and friendly and the office was clean and new. The employee hand book did not show any signs of being a scam. As time went on and the clients I was calling started asking questions I started to ask questions to my supervisors and managment, LIke were we once America Source? Well management dosen't like employes to ask questions they just want SALES. The more unanswered questions I had the more I stared to QUESTION this company and I did some research, This company has been doing this for years to our neighbors the US they just keep changing their name and address. The whole office now knows what a sham this company is and those that are still there are in it for the BUCKS, they know that they can't go to any LEGITIMATE call centre and get this kind of money or the poositions they have in World Wide Source. The management at world wide source like Melinda Lea and Ryan Kidney are not educated for management postions they just know how to keep quite about the BIG SCAM and thats why they got promoted, no one who can actually sell will ever get promoted because they want you to make them MONEY.... The big guys in Montreal want stupid and uncaring people for management postions so they don't ask questions about whats really going on. If they hired trained and edcuated people for these positions the fraud would be found out and not tollerated. They literally buy people by hiring low income familes and single parents who need the money. The idea of taking money from churches and non profit orginizations is sin full to me and I could not do that. I QUIT this place because of what I found out about what they have been doing. I'd like to see management get REAL Jobs and stop lying to consumers and employes. The people in management like Melinda and Ryan Have been with the company for more than 2 years and they KNOW exactly what they are DOING. TO GURU....You are right about people being able to say NO but when a company like World Wide tricks you into beliveing that you did this before that not SALES thats FRAUD. Question For Robert. Can management or employes be charged with fraud? If I can be of any help to you with your fight against this company just ask. I still have the handbook and trianing manuals. Thanks for helping Robert.
Thelma
Dartmouth,#29UPDATE EX-employee responds
Wed, June 25, 2003
The people at World Wide Source and Amercian Solution Information LIE. They lied to you and they lied to the employes. I worked for world wide Source for over 1 year at the Dartmouth Nova Scotia location.(902)466-1500. They gave us a script that told us what to say and it was some what deciving. When you ask a question about the BOOK haha you were talked down to and told Don't worry about the book just go make more calls. We were NOT allowed to view the BOOK. We were dazzled by the $10.00 per hour pay and large commissions. Not to mention the cash bonuses that the CREW from Montreal would hand out when they visited. I made calls to our neighbors in the US and I am truly sorry for selling a USELESS product to anyone who may have purchased from me. My sincer appology to you all. But the good news is you can fight them and WIN. I really did not know they were a BAD company when I started working there, everyone was nice and friendly and the office was clean and new. The employee hand book did not show any signs of being a scam. As time went on and the clients I was calling started asking questions I started to ask questions to my supervisors and managment, LIke were we once America Source? Well management dosen't like employes to ask questions they just want SALES. The more unanswered questions I had the more I stared to QUESTION this company and I did some research, This company has been doing this for years to our neighbors the US they just keep changing their name and address. The whole office now knows what a sham this company is and those that are still there are in it for the BUCKS, they know that they can't go to any LEGITIMATE call centre and get this kind of money or the poositions they have in World Wide Source. The management at world wide source like Melinda Lea and Ryan Kidney are not educated for management postions they just know how to keep quite about the BIG SCAM and thats why they got promoted, no one who can actually sell will ever get promoted because they want you to make them MONEY.... The big guys in Montreal want stupid and uncaring people for management postions so they don't ask questions about whats really going on. If they hired trained and edcuated people for these positions the fraud would be found out and not tollerated. They literally buy people by hiring low income familes and single parents who need the money. The idea of taking money from churches and non profit orginizations is sin full to me and I could not do that. I QUIT this place because of what I found out about what they have been doing. I'd like to see management get REAL Jobs and stop lying to consumers and employes. The people in management like Melinda and Ryan Have been with the company for more than 2 years and they KNOW exactly what they are DOING. TO GURU....You are right about people being able to say NO but when a company like World Wide tricks you into beliveing that you did this before that not SALES thats FRAUD. Question For Robert. Can management or employes be charged with fraud? If I can be of any help to you with your fight against this company just ask. I still have the handbook and trianing manuals. Thanks for helping Robert.
Robert
Staunton,#30Consumer Comment
Mon, June 23, 2003
Let me get this straight, Mr. WWS Guru, the organization is NOT RESPONSIBLE for the conduct of its employees. Try telling that one to a court of law! Why don't you make an intelligent effort to explain the "benefits" of paying too much ($399.95) for an index directory that a trained librarian can't use instead of boring us with the same crap your people give us over the phone? And if you believe that your rant (complete with misspellings) will make anyone actually pay... oh, excuse me, you still believe (or want us to believe) that World Wide Source is a legitimate company!!!
Wws Guru
Dartmouth,#31UPDATE Employee
Fri, June 20, 2003
fisrt of all if companies wanted to agree to a listing without doing research on the product...no matter what they were told...is there own d**n fault...everyone can say NO THANKYOU and hang up the phone...no gun was ever put to their heads. Second of all if there was misrepreswentation going on it was the fault of the employee...not the employeer...they new what they were doing was wrong and if they wanted to lie and decieve to get a fatter paycheck then they should be sued...the company has actually fired many many people for this proactice and has never admitted any wrongdoing. and who cares who is collecting on the accounts that people didnt pay...YOU DIDNT PAY IT SO SUCK IT UP AND PAY....again its your own fault. Also companies have the standard 3 days right to cancellation...if you didnt take advantage of that then boo h*o for you. stop all the whining and complaining....if you didnt want the product you should have said no and if you didnt want to work there then you should have quit....dont work there getting paid and then complain and try to "shut them down" only after you got fired for either being piss poor on the phone or being unprofessional. so all of you can shut up....we all have free will
Wws Guru
Dartmouth,#32UPDATE Employee
Fri, June 20, 2003
fisrt of all if companies wanted to agree to a listing without doing research on the product...no matter what they were told...is there own d**n fault...everyone can say NO THANKYOU and hang up the phone...no gun was ever put to their heads. Second of all if there was misrepreswentation going on it was the fault of the employee...not the employeer...they new what they were doing was wrong and if they wanted to lie and decieve to get a fatter paycheck then they should be sued...the company has actually fired many many people for this proactice and has never admitted any wrongdoing. and who cares who is collecting on the accounts that people didnt pay...YOU DIDNT PAY IT SO SUCK IT UP AND PAY....again its your own fault. Also companies have the standard 3 days right to cancellation...if you didnt take advantage of that then boo h*o for you. stop all the whining and complaining....if you didnt want the product you should have said no and if you didnt want to work there then you should have quit....dont work there getting paid and then complain and try to "shut them down" only after you got fired for either being piss poor on the phone or being unprofessional. so all of you can shut up....we all have free will
Wws Guru
Dartmouth,#33UPDATE Employee
Fri, June 20, 2003
fisrt of all if companies wanted to agree to a listing without doing research on the product...no matter what they were told...is there own d**n fault...everyone can say NO THANKYOU and hang up the phone...no gun was ever put to their heads. Second of all if there was misrepreswentation going on it was the fault of the employee...not the employeer...they new what they were doing was wrong and if they wanted to lie and decieve to get a fatter paycheck then they should be sued...the company has actually fired many many people for this proactice and has never admitted any wrongdoing. and who cares who is collecting on the accounts that people didnt pay...YOU DIDNT PAY IT SO SUCK IT UP AND PAY....again its your own fault. Also companies have the standard 3 days right to cancellation...if you didnt take advantage of that then boo h*o for you. stop all the whining and complaining....if you didnt want the product you should have said no and if you didnt want to work there then you should have quit....dont work there getting paid and then complain and try to "shut them down" only after you got fired for either being piss poor on the phone or being unprofessional. so all of you can shut up....we all have free will
Wws Guru
Dartmouth,#34UPDATE Employee
Fri, June 20, 2003
fisrt of all if companies wanted to agree to a listing without doing research on the product...no matter what they were told...is there own d**n fault...everyone can say NO THANKYOU and hang up the phone...no gun was ever put to their heads. Second of all if there was misrepreswentation going on it was the fault of the employee...not the employeer...they new what they were doing was wrong and if they wanted to lie and decieve to get a fatter paycheck then they should be sued...the company has actually fired many many people for this proactice and has never admitted any wrongdoing. and who cares who is collecting on the accounts that people didnt pay...YOU DIDNT PAY IT SO SUCK IT UP AND PAY....again its your own fault. Also companies have the standard 3 days right to cancellation...if you didnt take advantage of that then boo h*o for you. stop all the whining and complaining....if you didnt want the product you should have said no and if you didnt want to work there then you should have quit....dont work there getting paid and then complain and try to "shut them down" only after you got fired for either being piss poor on the phone or being unprofessional. so all of you can shut up....we all have free will
James
Dartmouth,#35UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, June 19, 2003
please be aware that the company also known as World Wide Source or American Solution Information located in Dartmouth Nova Scotia is back to its old tricks again, The company has changed its name to Amerisource Publications, sound familiar well if not it should!They are also starting to fire people left and right!which is very good.i really feel for the employees there,just remember they are getting tricked just like you,they are not the bad people!its people like Ryan Kidney & Melinda Ley that are bad and their people in Montreal that are even worse.PLEASE stop them,I worked there for 6 months and i can truly say "I am very sorry for all the trouble I have brought our U.S neighbours"and i am doing my best to shut them down personally!
Robert
Staunton,#36Consumer Comment
Sun, June 08, 2003
Dear Maggie, Thank you for a most informative look inside your former employer. Everyone please note: Maggie makes a good point when she says that most of the poor kids who jumped at a "white collar" job straight out of University are not the criminals here. Kindly tell them you won't talk to them and hang up. As I've pointed out elsewhere there are legitimate call centres in the same town, such as the Sears customer service department. Hopefully those who enjoy such work will find their way to them. In the meantime it is to everybody's advantage to shut down the crooks and promote honest international trade here. Crooks give legitimate companies in the same business classification (such as call centres) a bad name and do not help economic development efforts in the long run.
Maggie
Halifax,#37UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, June 07, 2003
Rip-Off, As a former employee of World Wide Scam, I have to congratulate those businesses who have the determination to take this fraudulent operation down. While I realize those interested in World Wide Source are aware of the basic stats, I though I may provide some insight into the daily operations and atmosphere. I first heard about the call centre when looking for a job after my first year of university. For those unfamiliar with the economy in Nova Scotia, minimum wage is about $6.00/hour, and unskilled/entry level employees are lucky to find anything over $8.00. I was more than excited to learn that I could be making $9.00/hour and be working in a business environment. Both locations in Halifax and Dartmouth are in view of each other and separated only by a 10 min. ferry across the Harbour. I was offered employment in the lucrative Purdys Wharf (http://www.purdyswharf.com/) location. However, we had to keep the shades down because the other businesses did not like the appearance of rows of people in cheap business casual apparel on the phone. It became very apparent early on that not only was WWS trying to pitch a sham onto American Businesses, but also onto their employees. Training took about a day. We were not well versed in the art of customer service or even sales, because whatever we said came off a 6 page script. The first page was your basic sales pitch, we had to state the name of the company the product etc and the rest was answers to rebuttals. Every morning we went to the supply closet and got a stack of 3.5 x 5 cue cards. They were organized by states and then again by type of business. I cursed the day I had a stack of trucking companies from New Jerseythey were a hard sell. We would sit side by side at desks with telephones, and slowly but surely make our way through the cards. The information was purchased I believe, from the states, nonetheless, most cards were duds. We were to organize the cards by: do not call (DNC), call back, and wrong information. One time I made the mistake of calling a Mr. Johnson by his first name as written on the card; Pric. Or at least thats what it said on the card until his wife informed me it was Eric. How professional. The basic trick involved leading whoever was on the other end to believe that they had purchased this before, and that we were calling from the subscription department. Management, in an attempt to make us think this was legit, would tell us that: companies were in the book but they had enjoyed a two year free listing, and since most businesses were so cheap they thought if they said no thanks that they would continue to be listed for free, and that they were actually ripping WWS off! Also, we were told that $400 was not a lot of money for these businesses, who spent thousands of dollars on advertising a year. This was a steal how ironic. We were not allowed to say the word re-new and if they asked about their previous purchase, we would say that for security reasons, we were not authorized to view that information. On paper, everything was legit (well thats how it appeared to me). But, it was not easy to sell the book using the script. And thats where I think a lot of trouble came about. We were offered bonuses based on the level of sales made per week. Once you reached 6 sales/wk, your wage per hour would increase, and continue to do so until you could be making $25/hour for an entire pay period. Not that this was the norm (I never got above 3 sales per week), but for those who were comfortable manipulating the script, it was very enticing. I knew of people who would say that it was the yellow pages etc And every call was not monitored and even if people were caught all they got was a slap on the wrist. They only reason they would let you go was if you didnt meet your sales quota. Businesses where management had changed were great. You were basically guaranteed a Ill do whatever they used to do response. Also, escort services were an easy sell. I wouldnt call churches or non-profit organizations, but they were certainly in the stack. I only got yelled at once. A man apparently had been called 4 times that week by WWS. He accused me of being the scum of the earth, and I should be f#*&^n ashamed. I was. I didnt go back to work and I had been there for 3 weeks. That was about a year ago. World Wide Source is a scam. I was supposed to be in awe of the company president when he visited because I was in the presence of a millionaire. And sadly, many employees were. We were tricked. The agent that calls your business and offers you a $400 phone book is not the bad guy. They are being manipulated, just as they are manipulating you. I suggest if you ever get a chance to talk to one, ask them if theyre going to the Lower Deck or The Split Crow in the near future (popular local restaurants), and to drop off a resume so they can find a job with dignity. Keep in mind, these are often unskilled people who are desperate for $ to feed their kids, pay for school etc... And they are desperate to belive that what they are doing is an acceptable business practice. Not to excuse WWS, but US businesses are not the only victims. I apologize to all those companies who have been scammed by WWS. Good luck to you.
Robert
Staunton,#38Consumer Suggestion
Sat, June 07, 2003
James, As a citizen of Canada, you should report any and all of these scammers to the Competition Bureau, which enforces the Competition Act. This law covers deceptive telemarketers and has resulted in some serious prosecution of this type of scheme. http://www.cb-bc.gc.ca/ Is their web site. Also contact Phonebusters and the Attorney General of the state in the U.S. that they pretend to operate out of. These "mail drops" may change overnight if the authorities crack down on them. Still, Vermont's action shows that if enough complaints come in the Attorney General can shut them down at the phony "local" office.
Jimi
Montreal,#39UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, June 03, 2003
Hello, I can see that the list of people who are getting tired of these guys is growing,excellent we'll get them. Robert, The name you should remember is "Michael Mouyal" He was the president of a similar company called 'International Business Directories'. Vatche Manoug stole a database from that company some time ago and used those established accounts to start this particular boiler room. (I just confirmed this not long ago) Michael Mouyal is now being criminaly prosecuted in both Canada and The US. Apparently these high flyers are pretty well know in Montreal Directories business. The brother's home addresses were listed on another complaint.. we apparently have a few allies doing their own homework. I wonder if they read this? In any case,here is their address: Manoug, Garo 6993 Place de Nevers Montreal, QC H4K 1E4 (514) 333-4065 and Manoug, Vatche 930 rue Drouin Laval, QC H7X 2X4 (450) 689-3780
James
Dartmouth,#40UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, June 02, 2003
I was working with this so called company for 6 months before getting fired! I have a lot of inside information about this company but i am unsure of who to contact? lawyers, BBB,attorney general? if someone would like to leave me some info on what i should do that would be great! in return here are some numbers PLEASE contact them. American Solution Information(902)466-1500 RyanKidney ext.101-branch manager Melinda Ley ext.102-branch manager Leona ext.103-HR dept Kurt ext.104-payroll dept Morgan ext.125-credit card dept Please contact them!
Carrie
Welland,#41UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, June 02, 2003
Both these companies are working out of the same address and office 76 Division St. Welland Ontario Canada. It took me one day to figure out something was terribly wrong so I called up the Better Business Bureau and complained. Several complaints have been made but nothing has been done yet. The owner Terrance Croteau is from Montreal and the businesses are from there also. I would like to have a description of the men you are talking about to compare notes. This guy has dark blonde hair, blue eyes, 5'6'' at most, mid twenties. My cousins friend knows a girl that works there still so I will try and get a picture of this guy. But in the meantime call 905-735-2052 and ask what company you are calling and the girl at the front desk is still not quite sure.
Genesta
Halifax,#42UPDATE Employee
Sun, June 01, 2003
I would be glad to give you all the information i have. There was also a local newspaper here that did a cover story on WWS last week I will try to get a copy of it emaild to me from the paper. I am going to try to get my script and post it on this site I am not sure if i still have it.I honelesty thought that the company was legit for the first 6 months that i worked there and they paid quite good for doing nothing. Ill try to get a picture of their office and send it to Rip-off Report to post with my Report.
Genesta
Halifax,#43UPDATE Employee
Sun, June 01, 2003
I would be glad to give you all the information i have. There was also a local newspaper here that did a cover story on WWS last week I will try to get a copy of it emaild to me from the paper. I am going to try to get my script and post it on this site I am not sure if i still have it.I honelesty thought that the company was legit for the first 6 months that i worked there and they paid quite good for doing nothing. Ill try to get a picture of their office and send it to Rip-off Report to post with my Report.
Robert
Staunton,#44Consumer Comment
Sat, May 31, 2003
Dear Jimi, NBIE needs to be dealt with by the authorities. The Maryland "location" needs to be shut down by the Attorney General there and the FTC and Postal Authorities need to crack down on this whole scam. Vermont's successful settlement with "World Wide Source" should be a model for how we deal with NBIE and everyone else who does this scam. Some general knowledge of the World Wide Source case is essential if we are to effectively deal with Garo and his bunch.
Jimi
Montreal,#45UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, May 29, 2003
We should stop focusing on World Wide Source, they are no longer in the picture, we missed that scam target. The focus should be put on NBIE. Garo Manoug (6993 Place de Nevers, Montreal, QC H4K 1E4,514-333-9399)is running the operation. Most people who havent caught on are still buying because of a 'loader' named SASHA. This guy gets a fixed rate for every scammed person who falls in. Just remember to distinguish between NBIE and whoever Pavlos is. These guys are the best boiler room to take down now to save honnest people. regards
Jimi
Montreal,#46UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, May 29, 2003
We should stop focusing on World Wide Source, they are no longer in the picture, we missed that scam target. The focus should be put on NBIE. Garo Manoug (6993 Place de Nevers, Montreal, QC H4K 1E4,514-333-9399)is running the operation. Most people who havent caught on are still buying because of a 'loader' named SASHA. This guy gets a fixed rate for every scammed person who falls in. Just remember to distinguish between NBIE and whoever Pavlos is. These guys are the best boiler room to take down now to save honnest people. regards
Jimi
Montreal,#47UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, May 29, 2003
We should stop focusing on World Wide Source, they are no longer in the picture, we missed that scam target. The focus should be put on NBIE. Garo Manoug (6993 Place de Nevers, Montreal, QC H4K 1E4,514-333-9399)is running the operation. Most people who havent caught on are still buying because of a 'loader' named SASHA. This guy gets a fixed rate for every scammed person who falls in. Just remember to distinguish between NBIE and whoever Pavlos is. These guys are the best boiler room to take down now to save honnest people. regards
Jimi
Montreal,#48UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, May 29, 2003
We should stop focusing on World Wide Source, they are no longer in the picture, we missed that scam target. The focus should be put on NBIE. Garo Manoug (6993 Place de Nevers, Montreal, QC H4K 1E4,514-333-9399)is running the operation. Most people who havent caught on are still buying because of a 'loader' named SASHA. This guy gets a fixed rate for every scammed person who falls in. Just remember to distinguish between NBIE and whoever Pavlos is. These guys are the best boiler room to take down now to save honnest people. regards
Robert
Staunton,#49Consumer Comment
Tue, May 27, 2003
Dear Genesta, Thank you for letting us look deeper into the world of World Wide Source. The British Business Source story is most interesting. May I ask a few more questions? 1. You say that you were discouraged from actually seeing the book you were selling. Could you tell us how they trained you to sell the product? Do you remember any specific points made to you during training? 2. Were they up front about it being a fraud if you seemed ok with that information? 3. Did you have any knowledge of the Vermont Attorney Generals settlement with World Wide Source? 4. You say Pavlos Angelatos and the crew look like gangsters. Tell us more specifically what they look like. Better yet, send Rip Off Report a picture! 5. Please DO keep us posted as to the future businesses engaged in by World Wide Source or American Solutions Information. If you can give us specific names they go by and activities they engage in it is very helpful. Most small businesses and churches operate on tight budgets and have to meet payroll and our obligations to legitimate suppliers. You are right that some of us ARE NOT AMUSED by criminals who seek to defraud us of the hard-earned money needed for those purposes! Robert, Staunton Virginia Jimi, Any information you can provide on the brothers Manoug and their criminal activities will be most helpful! Dont you find it interesting though, that this scam seems to have so many different people doing it? The basic premise is always the same though: You are asked to confirm an existing directory advertisement. It sounds like one of your legitimate ones perhaps, or you are told that you or someone in your office already approved the listing. Next comes the outrageously overpriced invoice from the mail drop address in the U.S.(you will NEVER get a bill from Canada, but if you DO send them a cheque it WILL most likely be run through a Montreal bank), and you are pestered by the collection agency for $399.95 or a similar amount for a worthless listing in a book or CD that a trained librarian cant use (Ive asked one, believe me). Finally you spend a lot of time learning how to fight these scammers. When you learn that its all bogus, you simply have to convince them that you know what they are doing and what the authorities have already done. You report them to the Attorney General of your state and the state in which the mail drop is located. You call Phonebusters, a Canadian Government Agency: 1.888.495.8501 and by that time the crooks know you wont pay so they move on. And hopefully you warn your neighbors in the business community, because thats what good neighbors do for one another.
Jimi
Montreal,#50Consumer Suggestion
Mon, May 26, 2003
Robert, Garo and Vatche are not related to Pavlos. These guys are a seperate entity. Dont confuse them and other legitimate marketing companies. This is a pure boiler room. They do no research. They stole leads from other companies and rip people off with every phone call its kind of interesting..how long could they or will they go on before anyone does something. Just dont pay the bill and hang up on their bull-sh*t collector whos just a 20 year old getting 20% commission on whatever he brings in. Good luck let me know if u need any personnal info on them regards
Genesta
Halifax,#51UPDATE Employee
Sun, May 25, 2003
I have been reading all the things people have been writing about this company. Robert for Virgina sounds the most upset. Anyway I work for the company and im just going to list a few things past and present that i have not seen mentioned here. 1. World Wide Source used to run this business to business operation targeting England. The name of the book was the British Business Source, same sort of thing however this book from what Im told no longer is in production. It used to be run out of Purdys Wharf in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The reason they stoped running it out of there is they sales people were getting a lot of bad connections and droped calls while calling England. They blamed it on some technical problem that they said ATT or MTT could not fix. They said there were going to move it back to Montreal or Chatgue ( not sure of spelling on that last one). 2. Now this point is more of a laugh than new information but i decided to write it anyhow. At the beginning of every week we would get a stack of leads, between 700-1000 leads. But a lot of them were churches. When i questioned why i church would need listing in a national book i got two anwesers. Churches are businesses and they need people to know where they are and need this kinda advertisment. Businesses make donations to non profit companys all the time and they look through our book to see where they can make a donation to get a tax break. Aint that funny. Also they never wanted us to look at the book or look up peoples ads in the book, There was only one copy of it in an office of 300 and they said it was just a sample. What a crock. 2. Now for information on the collection agency that may call you if you have not paid you bill on time. It is not a collection agency, they are the same emplyoyees that sold the book but just wanted a change in there job. This was run out of the Purdys Wharf office starting in April of 2002. It was funny because some times you would call people who you sold the book to 6 months ago and demand money. You had to bring in 1500 $ in payments a week if i am not mistaken. Any more and they gave you a bonus but i am not certian of the scale, I did not personally do collections, but a lot of people I know did. 3. Now this does not have much to do with the scaming of businesses but Ill throw it in so you people can get a better idea of Pavlos and the Crew. Most of them look like gangsters. In 2002, Im not to sure of the date This guy named George Papas came to the Dartmouth location to inform us that after more than a year of working for his fine company we would have to wait till we were there for 18 months to get dental and medical benefits. We were told that we would have them in 6 months. So they lie to us just like they lie to you. 4. Ill make this my last point but this one has to do with the future of World Wide-Source. They no longer call the company World Wide-Source. Its called Americian Solutions Information, or ASI. Now from what i have heard they will no longer be selling fake advertisments. They are going to get into selling morgatges or information on different banks that will loan you money. Im not to sure on the exact details but i will post more when i get it. Anyhow I dont know if this is going to help anyone but i just felt like writing a rant. Please feel free to ask any questions.
Robert
Staunton,#52Consumer Comment
Sat, May 24, 2003
The Attorney Generals of Vermont and Missouri have cracked down on Pavlos, but his imitators (or spin-offs) also need to be dealt with. If you are the victim of ANY of these fraudulant entities you MUST report them to the postal authorities for mail fraud and to the Attorney General of the state where their "mail drop" is located. The authorities need to make it impossible for these guys to pretend that they are legitimate U.S.companies. If Garo, Vatche, Pavlos, Claude, George and the rest want to call up and honestly offer me the opportunity to be overcharged for a useless directory ad published in Canada and distributed only to those who actually subscribe, I guess that's OK. But I will politely tell them never to call me again. But when these guys resort to Teleterrorism and misrepresentation to defraud small businesses, It gets personal. The authorities need to get tough with these guys!