http://tinyurl.com/4skyaqr

love the fact that an ad for a “get you goldline investment kit” was right next to the story.

The Better Business Bureau Put under the Microscope For Pay Scandal

In Southern California, Goldline International Inc. made headlines after the Santa Monica City Attorney filed charges against them over alleged criminal activity including conspiracy, grand theft by false pretense, elder abuse, and bait and switch operations. Charges were brought up against the current CEO Scott Carter and the former CEO of Goldline Mark Alabarian. Two sales people also had charges against them, Charles Boratgis and Stephanie Howard, as well as top executives Robert Fazio and Luis Beeli. The company allegedly took part in a bait and switch operation involving convincing clients to buy gold bullion and then switching them out for overpriced coins. The alleged bait and switch operation lead clients to file complaints that states that Goldline earned over 2000% in commission on these swapped out sales. People familiar with the case have become increasingly aware of the relationship between Goldline and the Better Business Bureau, which gave them an A rating despite the fact that there were many complaints filed against them. By giving them an A rating, the Better Business Bureau acted as an enabler to allow illegal activities to occur. There is much speculation as to whether the Better Business Bureau will be targeted by the District Attorney for their shady business practices.

Several reports have surfaced that confirm that the better Business Bureau (BBB) has accepted money in exchange for a higher rating as well as payment for removing complaints from the BBB’s website. The rating system is supposed to be based on trustworthy business practices and customer satisfaction. The number of complaints against a company should probably raise a red flag to the BBB and cause them to think about the rating. There are several gold dealers in Southern California with high ratings but many complaints filed against them, such as:

Goldline International, Inc – F Rating, 73 Complaints, this was altered from an A to an F after the complaint was filed against them
Monex Deposit Company – A+ Rating, 69 Complaints
Capital Gold Group, Inc – A- Rating, 14 Complaints
Lear Capital Inc – A+ Rating, 55 Complaints
Merit Financial Services – A+ Rating, 47 Complaints

Companies like Monex Deposit Company have the highest rating possible, but also have over sixty complaints against them. The BBB seems to be co-conspiring with corrupt gold dealers in order to keep illegal gold activity possible.

If you are concerned about these suspicious activities, there are steps you can take to bring attention to the shady business behaviors. The executives at the BBB should have charges filed against them if the alleged “pay for play” scheme is real. To file a complaint, you should send a letter directly to the BBB at the following address:
The Council of Better Business Bureau
4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
Phone: 703-276-0100
Fax: 703-525-8277

Take that complaint and also send it to the state Attorney General office, and explain your concern about unfair trading practices in the BBB. You can also send a complaint to the FTC, Federal Trade Commission, by visiting their website at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/.

Tell them that you think these executives from the BBB should be investigated and bring their suspicious actions to light:
Stephen A. Cox (aka Steve Cox) – President/CEO
Beverly Baskin – Senior VP
Genie Barton – Vice President and Director, Online Behavioral Advertising Program
Rodney L. Davis – Senior VP Enterprise Programs
Joseph E. Dillon – VP and CFO
Victoria Doran – VP Brand & Digital Media
Chris Garver – Senior VP, Chief Information Officer
Frances Henderson – National Director, Privacy Initiatives
Susan Kearney – Senior VP & Chief Marketing Officer
Wayne J. Keeley – VP & Director, CARU
Elaine Kolish – VP & Director Children’s Food & Bev
Andrea C. Levine – Senior VP, NAD
Brenda Linnington – Director, BBB Military Line
Peter Marimello – VP, Electronic Retail Self Regulation Program
C. Lee Peeler – EVP & President NARC
Steven Salter – VP, Standards & Services
Anaise Schroeder – VP Human Resources
H. Art Taylor – President & CEO, BBB WGA
Mary Lou Watkins – Senior VP, Chief of Staff
Bennett Weiner – VP, CBBB & COO, BBB WGA
Richard Woods – VP, General Counsel
Vincent L. Gottuso – President, Southland BBB Office
Mary Lou Diaz – Director of Consumer Services, Southland BBB Office
Mr. Tom Bartholomy – President/CEO
Ms. Janet J. Robb – President
Ms. Jan Quintrall – President
Mr. Matthew Fehling – President
Mr. Edward J. Johnson, III – President and CEO