For Immediate Release: March 17, 2015
March Hot Topics:
1. “As-Seen-On-TV” marketing company, Allstar Marketing Group, LLC, sellers of Snuggies, Magic Mesh, Perfect Tortilla and Perfect Brownie Pans, has agreed to pay $7.5 million to the FTC for consumer restitution to settle charges in connection with its deceptive “buy-one-get-one-free” promotions. The FTC’s settlement with Allstar was reached alongside actions by the New York State Office of the Attorney General, which announced a separate state case. In addition to the $7.5 million paid to the FTC, Allstar will pay $500,000 to the Attorney General’s Office for penalties, costs, and fees to settle that action. The Attorney General’s Consumer Frauds Bureau launched a probe into the industry after receiving complaints from consumers, including hundreds forwarded to the Attorney General’s Consumer Frauds Bureau by the Better Business Bureau®. According to the Attorney General’s investigation, Allstar ran misleading infomercials on television that featured attractively priced offers for products to lure consumers to place orders either online or over the phone. The company then allegedly used deceptive and confusing ordering processes, which resulted in consumers being charged excessive and unauthorized fees and charges. For more information, visit the FTC's website.
2. Prom and wedding season is upon us and many times that includes booking a limo. BBB® Serving Central Indiana urges consumers to thoroughly check out any limo company they are considering using before making a payment or deposit. Make sure you have good contact information for the business, have a clear understanding of the service and times you are paying for, and that the business has their paperwork in order with the Indiana Department of Revenue http://www.in.gov/dor Consumers should also understand a company’s cancellation/refund policy. BBB receives complaints on limo companies that vary from the limo not showing up on time or at all to consumers alleging being overcharged. Check a company’s BBB Business Review or get a list of BBB Accredited limo companies by visiting www.bbb.org/indy.
3. BBB Auto Line® is a national dispute resolution program that assists consumers who have automobile warranty claims. Free to consumers, BBB Auto Line is a quick and fair way to escalate warranty claims against participating manufacturers that consumers have not been able to resolve themselves either through the dealer or manufacturer directly. For a list of participating manufacturers or more information about the program, find more information here.
This list is current as of March 16, 2015. Readers should take into consideration the importance of the practice in question and the total performance of the company. For complete information, please visit www.bbb.org/indy
Find these Hot Topics on our website: http://www.bbb.org/indy/news-events/news-releases/2015/02/march-hot-topics1/
For Interviews: Tim Maniscalo, President & CEO BBB Serving Central Indiana – 317-488-2202 (Work) or 317-550-8696 (Cell); TManiscalo@indybbb.org
For General Information: Deidra Colvin, Senior Vice President & COO BBB Serving Central Indiana – 317-488-2201 or DColvin@indybbb.org