20/20 Discovers The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a Scam

Posted on November 22, 2010

Ask anyone around; a random stranger, a family member or friend. Where do you turn when you want to determine the quality of a company? Most Americans will answer this question with stark assurance as “The Better Business Bureau” rolls off their lips without hesitation. But the truth is, you should think twice before trusting the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Many people believe that the BBB is a government agency that works for public interests, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The Better Business Bureau is a for-profit organization whose executives make six-figure salaries from bullying companies into paying for BBB notoriety.

The Better Business Bureau is a scam. The shake-down, racketeering business practices of the BBB was brought to public attention on Friday, November 12, 2010 when 20/20 aired their investigative report on the BBB’s fraudulent business practices.

To expose the BBB for the sham that it is, a small group of business owners and bloggers created a phony business called Hamas, named after the well-known terrorist group. The fake company was registered with a non-existent address and the owner was listed as Bill Mitchell, owner of the BBB. After paying the $400.00 membership fee, Hamas received an “A-” BBB rating.

Although the Better Business Bureau denies that you can pay your way into their organization, the truth is that you can. Anyone can be a BBB member as long as you have a valid credit card. The 20/20 special report is riveting and a must-see video for consumers and business owners alike. It’s impossible for reputable companies to get a fair chance with the BBB when anyone can buy an “A”.

American Van Lines chooses not to become a BBB member and we do not endorse this company. The Better Business Bureau is not a reliable source for business validation.

You may be wondering, how then can you validate a business. Every industry is different and their own validating organization. In the moving industry, The American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) is the governing body and they maintain strict membership policies to ensure all of their members adhere to state and government regulations. You cannot open a company today and become an AMSA member tomorrow. Unlike the BBB, moving companies have to prove themselves before being accepted into AMSA. Moving companies are scrutinized, background checks are performed on the owners and shareholders, moving policies are reviewed and the history of the company is investigated.

AMSA’s ProMover division was recently created to help customers identify authentic moving companies. When you see the exclusive ProMover logo, you can be sure you are dealing with a validated mover.

Do not trust the Better Business Bureau. We urge you to watch the following video to see why.