Story Created:
Oct 13, 2009 at 4:11 AM CST
Story Updated:
Oct 13, 2009 at 6:39 AM CST
(October 13, 2009)
Main Topic: If you missed our shred day the YWCA will have shredding on October 20th, Tuesday, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. This is an AARP project but all people are welcome – no limit on amount to bring.
Schemes of the week:
Scam targeting consumers: Texas-based The Family Exchange of New Braunfels.
Consumer complaints received by BBB allege that products ordered from The Family Exchange are not delivered in the expected time frame. Additionally, some consumers allege that The Family Exchange does not honor requests for refunds or repairs under the terms of their warranty agreements.
The Family Exchange currently has a BBB rating of F due to 42 complaints filed against the business and their failure to respond to 36 of those complaints.
Most disputes received by BBB come from the company’s additional names of Olson Powersports and Big Time ATV. A BBB investigation has concluded that both of these companies have the same phone number and address and nearly identical Web sites. The Family Exchange lists the same phone number and address; however the physical location in New Braunfels, TX has The Family Exchange listed on the sign at the front.
Scam targeting businesses: BBB of Central Florida has received complaints from businesses in our area about National Business Publishing Corporation located in Winter Park, Florida. The company sells business directories nationwide (in book or online version). Complaints are regarding misleading sales tactics. The complainants report that their businesses were offered a "free copy of the 2009 Edition valued at $500." The offer is most often industry specific (National Contractors Guide, National Roofers Guide, Industry Guide) and received via mail. The fine print reveals that in fact there is no true, free offer. In order to receive a copy of the publication you must pay "$249 for inclusion in the guide." Failure to sign and return the statement generally results in an automatic invoicing for $299. This type of guide is known as a vanity publication.
Main point is that both consumers and businesses should check out companies with BBB BEFORE doing business. You can find us at www.bbb.org.
