The Truth of Credit

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is one of the few weapons for the consumer. The birth of the Internet makes it easier than ever to file a complaint and make yourself heard. You will be happy to know that most reputable agencies take these complaints seriously. I recently looked up my agency and here is what I found:

 

The BBB has received numerous complaints against this collection agency. Complainants primarily allege that this firm attempted to collect debts in error, provided poor customer service, used improper collection tactics, had rude employees who made harassing phone calls, used vulgarity and made threats to consumers. These allegations are reflected in the complaint statistics below.

 

When considering complaint information, please take into account the company’s size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and the firm’s response to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

 

The BBB processed a total of 241 complaints about the company I work for in the last 36 months, which is our standard reporting period.  Of the total 241 complaints closed in 36 months, 103 were closed in the last year.  

 

**The Agency I work for is quite large. I’m amazed there is only 241 complaints.  If you were to look at some of the other agencies you would see much higher numbers**

  

Here is how you file a complaint:

 

1. Visit BBB.com

 

2. Type in the Zip Code of the company you are filing against (This gets you to the right BBB).

 

3. File your complaint: It’s pretty self explanatory from here.

 

 

What happens when the complaint is filed?

 

The BBB will forward the complaint to the company involved. Because most business firms care about satisfying their customers, complaints generally are resolved and the matter is then closed.  Occasionally, a Bureau may be unable to obtain cooperation with the company. A pattern of unanswered or unresolved complaints becomes a part of the firm’s record, and is reported to inquirers who ask about the company.  In extreme cases, the BBB may refer its file on the company to a law enforcement agency to determine if further action is warranted.

 

What types of complaints does the BBB handle?

 

Complaints involving marketplace activities — Misleading advertising, improper selling practices, non-delivery of goods or services, misrepresentation, unhonored guarantees or warranty, unsatisfactory service, credit/billing problems and contracts not fulfilled are handled by the Better Business Bureau where the company is located.

 

What types of complaints does the Better Business Bureau NOT handle?

 

The Better Business Bureau does not handle complaints about employment practices, discrimination, or the prices charged for goods or services unless they involve misrepresentation. Also, BBBs will not process anonymous complaints. Complainants must provide their names, addresses and phone numbers. Generally, the Better Business Bureau does not handle cases already involved in litigation.

  

Courtesy of http://stlouis.bbb.org/WWWRoot/SitePage.aspx?site=142&id=30365e20-f2a0-4388-b2d2-7be33e2e2ca1

 

The TRUTH is that for most people to go to through the hassle of filing complaint it must have been bad a pretty bad experience. Personally, I salute anyone who sticks up for themselves. However, if you are going to file one of these it’s best to do your homework and make sure it’s a legitimate complaint. 

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