800-215-6217

got a call from this number saying it was the Better Business Bureau-----at first i didnt believe it---but sure enough--i checked it out--and it REALLY WAS from the BBB and it WAS LEGIT!!  uh oh!  : )

This is a call from the Better Business Bureau. They called because another company made an inquiry on my company, but the BBB had no info on us. Be advised that, after providing basic info, they will try to up-sell you on becoming an "accredited" BBB member at an annual rate of $500.

Not an upsell - the BBB is a not-for-profit association of business owners that formed the BBB to promote ethical business practices. If you were asked to join an association, i.e., Rotary, the AMA etc. would you call the association fee a sale? By the way, if you were invited to become part of the BBB by becoming Accredited it says a lot for your business style. Congratulations!

I got a call to from someone saying they are from the BBB.  She said her name is Debbie McDonald.  When she called, NO PHONE NUMBER at all showed on my caller ID.  Secondly, she didn't even know my name or the co-owner's name of our business.  She didn't even mention our business name.  As a previous member of the BBB, the dues are only $30 a month x 12 = $360 a year.  There is no congratulations in order just because some telemarketer (for the BBB or not) wants to take on around $140 commission if they get me to sign back on.

I emailed the telephone recording to my local BBB office today and I suspect I will hear within a day or two if this person is for real.  But it is a traditional and accepted business practice to ask for the people by names if you have any idea who you are calling.  It is common courtesy.  The BBB has our names as we are still in A+ rating with the BBB even though we are not accredited members.

Just following up on your post....I recently received a voice message from Debbie McDonald so I'm wondering what ended up happening with your interaction with her and the BBB. What was she after? Were they trying to get you to become accredited? I realize your posting is from quite a few years ago but I'd sure appreciate it if you could tell me what resulted in your communications with her.

Concerned Business Owner