by: Dean Phillips
The Better Business Bureau recently issued a national alert to warn consumers and businesses about two questionable operations that are falsely using the BBB name to scam victims.
One business is perpetrating an advance fee loan scam that targets consumers and businesses with poor credit records. It has provided as a reference fictitious BBB phone numbers that are answered by representatives who falsely claim to be with the Better Business Bureau and provide a positive report on the business in question.
The other entity, which appears to be a telemarketer, is contacting local businesses, falsely stating to be from the BBB and calling about a complaint or to update BBB files. The telemarketer proceeds to ask questions that have nothing to do with BBB business and leaves as a contact number 1.800.CALL.BBB.
"Bureaus across the country are reporting calls from victims. These scammers are falsely using the Better Business Bureau name to try to gain credibility with potential victims," said Ken Hunter, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. "We urge people to double-check with their local BBB whenever they receive a dubious phone call or see the BBB name tied to a questionable promotion. We’re easy to find in the telephone directory or on the web at http://www.bbb.org."
A company called Kirkland Russell and Thomson (KRT), supposedly located in Houston, advertises loans to individuals and businesses. KRT representatives claim that the business is a member of the BBB and suggest that interested customers call fictitious phone numbers for the "Southwestern Division of the BBB in Oklahoma City" and the BBB of Metropolitan Houston to request the company’s BBB report.
"The company is using the BBB name as a shill for its business. These are not the phone numbers of the BBB's in Oklahoma City and Houston. And, neither Bureau has issued a satisfactory report on KRT. The company has produced and is distributing a fake, glowing BBB reliability report," Hunter warns.
According to complaints to the BBB, KRT tells customers that they have been approved for a loan and must send a fee for "insurance." KRT asks that the fee, often about $2,000, be wired to various addresses in Canada and New York. Consumers are required to submit personal information, such as Social Security number, bank account number and pay stubs.
"People have not received their loan, nor have they had their money refunded," the BBB in Houston states. Consumers in Texas, Oklahoma, Florida and other states have been targeted.
BBB staff members have confirmed that there is no business by the name of Kirkland Russell and Thomas at the company-provided address in Houston. The Council of Better Business Bureaus sent a letter to KRT Financial Group regarding BBB trademark infringement and false advertising; it has not received a response.
The BBB warns individuals and businesses not to pay in advance for a loan and to never send personal financial information to unknown businesses.
BBB members in Arkansas, California, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Washington have reported that they were contacted by an individual posing as a BBB employee.
The callers generally claim to be phoning about a BBB complaint or to "update" BBB files. They attempt to solicit information that is not normally required in order to conduct business with or be a member of the BBB. The callers ask for names of various managers (the head of finance or information technology) and the number of work stations at that business location. Businesses have reported that the callers became rude and used threatening language when questioned about the BBB’s need for such information or the nature of the complaint.
The callers leave a 1.800.CALL.BBB (225-5222) as their contact phone number. That phone number, which is NOT owned by the BBB, is constantly busy. Some businesses report that the caller gave the name "Dave Sebastian". Other names that have been used are Claude Ashley and Frank. One caller spoke with a foreign accent.
"Businesses need to be aware that any representatives from the BBB would clearly identify themselves and leave a working phone number. We seek the voluntary cooperation of businesses to resolve disputes and would not hesitate to provide details concerning a complaint," Hunter said. "If you receive a call from anyone representing the BBB and are unsure as to their authenticity, we urge you not to disclose any information and to contact your local BBB immediately."