Federal Trade Commission Partnerships Questioned

In many reports we see that the Federal Trade Commission has referenced the Better Business Bureau. It appears that the Federal Trade Commission is using this private business as an example and potential justification of their on-going rule making and regulation in many industry sectors and categories. Some feel that any association with the Better Business Bureau is bothersome in that if they are in constant alliance with the Federal Trade Commission then the Federal Trade Commission, is not watching their potential abuses or manipulations in the free market.

We had done a report approximately three years ago to find out exactly what the Better Business Bureau was all about after a decade or more of what we believed were to be questionable practices as they attempted to interact with our Independent Contractors, Company Owned Units, Franchisees, Customers, Consumers, Business Associates and Chambers of Commerce in which we or our associates were members of.

Here is what we found:

We had found what we believe to be Better Business Bureau Fraudulent Sales Practices. We asked our contacts in the 23 states we have set up franchises in if any other small businesses had a problem with the Better Business Bureau and there sales practices? We have for quite some time. Our franchisees are required to join the local Chambers of Commerce as part of their franchise when one exists in their exclusive territory. But as soon as they do the Better Business Bureau calls up and says;

"We have been getting a lot of calls about your service, but we did not know what to tell those customers who inquired about you with The Better Business Bureau?" Then the pitch goes on? "for about $300 plus dollars you will receive?."

I contacted the Washington D.C. head office of the Better Business Bureau and they denied that any such incident has ever occurred and referred me to the fact that they are a 90-year old organization. Maybe, but as it stands have been and probably still are breaking the law. This has occurred five times in sales calls to me personally from Better Business Bureau representatives.

I feel these sales techniques are fraudulent and disreputable. I am also concerned with the "Boomerang" closing techniques when the Better Business Bureau sales person gets a negative response to join.

"We will not be able to tell the people who call us that you are a reputable company."

Implying that the consumer will assume the opposite, that you are disreputable company. This in itself maybe good for Better Business Bureau sales, but it is an extortion technique. Asking small companies to fork over $300 plus dollars is unnecessary and they will receive little if any benefit for their Better Business Bureau membership. Perhaps the plaque displayed may be of value to customers in a store, but the way in which they attempt to sell it is dishonest. The Federal Trade Commission is hereby on notice that these alliances if gone unchecked mean that the Federal Trade Commission is a clear and present danger to the consumer and accessory to fraudulent sales tactics and misrepresentations.

The Better Business Bureau works closely with the Federal Trade Commission and after contacting the Better Business Bureau to make a complaint about their sales tactics, the gentleman in charge told me I was wrong, and that I did not know what I was talking about and that the Better Business Bureau would never do such a thing? Which is also a falsehood since I have experienced it first hand. When I told them that I might have to contact the Federal Trade Commission in this matter, they said go-ahead knowing their strength in alliance with the government. Knowing that they were considered beyond reproach? So the saying: "Absolute power corrupts, absolutely" again has a home at both the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau in my opinion. Maybe you have a different opinion on this; Do you think something should be done about it?

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.worldthinktank.net/wttbbs

trusted cleaning company Lake Forest ..
In The News:

Mac malware campaign uses fake AI chat results to deliver AMOS through terminal commands, security researchers report. Attackers exploit trust in AI-generated cleanup guides.
States require AI disclosure in healthcare as California, Colorado and Utah implement laws mandating transparency when artificial intelligence influences patient care decisions.
ETA sharing on Apple Maps and Google Maps keeps contacts updated automatically while you drive safely. Learn step-by-step instructions for iPhone and Android.
Data removal from brokers protects against AI-powered scams and deepfake threats in 2026. Learn how data brokers sell your personal information to scammers.
Learn how to act against cybercriminals in 2026 with essential security steps like two-factor authentication, software updates and credit freezing.
Choose between OpenAI releasing Sora text-to-video model, the AI race heating up, or Waymo driverless cars launching in cities across the country
Learn how to set up Google Maps and Apple Maps on your phone to automatically remember where you parked. Step-by-step instructions for enabling location services and parking detection.
Phishing scammers use rnicrosoft.com domain to impersonate Microsoft by replacing "m" with "rn" in typosquatting attacks that steal login credentials.
OpenAI announces new teen safety rules for ChatGPT users under 18, blocking romantic roleplay and requiring extra caution on body image topics.
A 2025 data breach at fintech company 700Credit exposes personal information of more than 5.8 million people through compromised third-party integration partner.
Retailers lose $76.5 billion annually to return fraud as nearly 10% of U.S. retail returns involve fraudulent activity, with $850 billion in returns expected in 2025.
ShinyHunters claims responsibility for stealing 94GB of Pornhub user data affecting over 200 million records and demands Bitcoin ransom.
ChatGPT 2025 now connects to Apple Music, Canva, Expedia, TripAdvisor and OpenTable through built-in apps that help users create playlists, design graphics and more.
Apple releases emergency patches for two zero-day vulnerabilities actively exploited in attacks. iPhone and iPad users urged to update immediately.
DoorDash launches Zesty, an AI-powered social app that recommends restaurants through conversational search, now testing in San Francisco and New York.
Cybersecurity firm Infoblox reveals that over 90 percent of parked domains now redirect visitors to scams and malware, making simple typos extremely dangerous.
The Fox News AI Newsletter covers the latest artificial intelligence technology advancements, including the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
GPT-5.2 is now live for all ChatGPT users with improved coding, writing and image interpretation, with Kurt Knutsson offering his review.
New iPhone replacement scam uses pressure tactics and fake carrier calls to steal devices from buyers. Criminals claim shipping errors and demand urgent returns.
Amazon Ring's new facial recognition feature sparks privacy controversy as Electronic Frontier Foundation critics argue the AI upgrade expands surveillance risks.
New Android banking trojan Sturnus steals credentials, reads encrypted messages and controls devices.
Denmark's 3D-printed student village proves automation builds 36 apartments faster than traditional methods. Skovsporet project shows housing future.
Discover Android's new Sound Notifications feature that alerts you to smoke alarms, doorbells, and baby cries even when wearing headphones.
New SantaStealer malware reportedly threatens holiday shoppers with password theft. This Christmas-themed info-stealer targets browsers and crypto wallets.
The Christmas season brings a surge in Netflix phishing scams targeting shoppers with fake emails. Stacey P received convincing scam but verified account first.

Maryland Lawyers and Politicians Want More Regulations

We know that in Maryland, which some call "Merry Land"... Read More

The FIRST FAMILY of the United States

The Randolphs:Peyton Randolph was the first President of the United... Read More

Does America Get It about Terrorism?

I have to be honest. It is time to come... Read More

The Divided Language

I was dismayed to learn the other day, that my... Read More

Pierre Dupont de Nemours

After arranging the Armistice that ended or settled outstanding issues... Read More

Federal Trade Commission Franchising Website Needs Updating

Many times our government regulatory over embellish problems in the... Read More

More Devastating Than a Nuclear Bomb

Despite their signature on the Biological Weapons Convention of 1975,... Read More

Socialist Public Schools In America

Many parents might think it a bit farfetched to compare... Read More

Gas Prices and the Impact of Inflation

Year Item Price Rate of Inflation 03/80 Gasoline (per gallon)... Read More

The Revolt of the Poor: The Demise of Intellectual Property?

Three years ago I published a book of short stories... Read More

Poitical Opinion - No Comment

Publicity is correlative to your position in the community. Seldom... Read More

Accessibility Requirements for Fair Housing

PolicyFederal Fair Housing accessibility requirements for new multifamily buildings should... Read More

RFID: Californias Identity Information Protection Act

Utah introduced a bill designed to limit the use of... Read More

Russian State Administration Gives New Facelift to Oil and Energy Resources

With the world's largest oil and natural gas reserves, second... Read More

Is Inflation Harmful

Q. Should the Government be concerned if the CPI rises... Read More

Fear, Controversy and Chaos in the Media

Most modern day media stories containing fear, controversy and chaos... Read More

Thinking on Energy

Regarding the de-regulation of energy, this is not such a... Read More

Alternative to Land Mines in Middle East

With the recent threats from Bin Laden and Al Queda... Read More

MORAL ARMORS Counterfeit 911: Refuting Michael Moore

Michael Moore asserts the following in his political film Fahrenheit... Read More

A Journey Through History

History repeats itself, goes the cliche. It does so, perhaps,... Read More

Positive People Power - Taking Control By Being Proactive NOT Reactive!

WE MUST PUT A STOP TO THE EVER-INCREASING PRICE OF... Read More

Bill OReilly: You Got This One Wrong!

I like Bill O'Reilly. I do. I have read two... Read More

Military Intelligence, FBI, CIA Intelligence Problems

Well many have complained that the FBI and CIA dropped... Read More

Experts?

ACCREDITATION: - Scholastic regimentation from the post WWII period has... Read More

What could Macedonia Learn from a Tiger? Asian Tigers and Uninterrupted Economic Growth

The first reaction of economies in transition is a sharp... Read More

pet-friendly home cleaners Lincolnshire ..