For Immediate Release: April 16, 2015
April Hot Topics:
1. Vapex commercials have recently been played on Central Indiana radio stations offering free trial offers for their vaping products. This Utah based company currently has an F rating with BBB® of Utah, indicating a pattern of complaints “in which consumers allege signing up to receive a 'free trial' of product and being informed they must pay $49.95 for the starter pack/trial when attempting to cancel within 12 days. BBB has reviewed the business' website, terms and conditions as well as the 'satisfaction guaranteed' claim and made contact with the business to request clarification. To dates the business has not responded to BBB concerns.” According to the company’s refund policy per their website: vapex.in/shipping-returns states the devices and/or accessories must be in an absolutely brand new condition, unused and must be returned with the original sealed box. Therefore, how can it be tried? BBB encourages consumers to research any company through www.bbb.org. Watch closely for pre-checked boxes on website orders, as this may allow a company to continue to send more of the unwanted product. Make sure you are provided written details of the offer for which you are signing up. If you don’t have a clear understanding or proof of the terms of your agreement, think again before signing up. “Free Trials” typically come with a shipping and handling fee, but you’re really handing over your credit card information, which could result in much higher charges after the trial period ends. View the company’s full BBB Business Review here.
2. Spring cleaning? Thinking of having your air ducts cleaned? It is typical to see many coupon offers this time of year for air duct cleaning services. Some of these ads offer almost too-good-to-be-true low prices. Unfortunately, it may be. Potential customers may respond to an advertised price and find it can become greatly inflated with claims of mold and mildew, poor quality air and other unfounded problems. This has been used as a high pressure/scare sales tactic in complaints filed with BBB® Serving Central Indiana in the past. An inadequately trained service provider could potentially damage your ducts or heating and cooling system, resulting in thousands of dollars worth of damages. Check with your usual company that provides your heating and cooling needs to see if they offer this service and their recommendations for your systems. Also, make sure to check out any company you may be considering at www.bbb.org/indy.
3. Lilac Shade, an online retailer specializing in women’s apparel, has recently been given an “F” rating by BBB® Serving Central Indiana due to unanswered complaints and a pattern of complaints. Complaints allege the company does not respond to emails or phone calls, and the consumers do not receive the products that they have ordered from the company and/or do not get a refund. BBB’s efforts to reach out to the business concerning the pattern of complaints have been unsuccessful. The company’s website lists an address of 8847 Commerce Park Place Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46268. However, a drive-by conducted by a BBB employee found the location appeared to be vacant with nothing on the door identifying a current tenant. View the company’s full BBB Business Review here.
4. BBB® Serving Central Indiana recently received inquiries regarding a company called Foliage Consulting, that claimed to be at 201 N Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Callers report being contacted by this company via email offering positions with the company for customer service. In one case, a potential candidate received a check from the company and was informed to deposit the check into her personal account and call after the check was deposited. She was instructed that she would need to purchase a few office items and then wire the remaining money to an individual. BBB has verified the company is not at the address provided. BBB also found the website for the company has been taken down. BBB urges job seekers who may have been notified by any company to not give out any personal information such as a Social Security number or banking information to an unknown third party. Cashing these “checks” which are typically written off of stolen/or invalid accounts, can be very costly to the person cashing it in the event it is cashed. And should you have to pay to get a job? View the full BBB Business Review here. Make sure to check out any kind of offer for employment opportunities with BBB at www.bbb.org.
This list is current as of April 14, 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://go.bbb.org/1CRD5Xp
For Interviews or General Information: Tim Maniscalo, President & CEO BBB Serving Central Indiana – 317-488-2202 (Work) or 317-550-8696 (Cell); TManiscalo@indybbb.org