- Report: #46088
Complaint Review: World Wide Source - Alburg Vermont
-
Author Not Confirmed
Why?
World Wide Source
Www.worldwide-source.com Alburg, 05440 Vermont, U.S.A.
Phone:
866-919-9919
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World Wide Source Rip-off Vermont does not want them! Alburg Vermont
*Author of original report: New York's Attorney General Needs to Know About Your Experiences with Pavlos Angelatos, World Wide Source, Ameri-source, American Solutions Information, IT Data Direct if they use a NY "mail drop" as their billing address.
*Author of original report: New York's Attorney General Needs to Know About Your Experiences with Pavlos Angelatos, World Wide Source, Ameri-source, American Solutions Information, IT Data Direct if they use a NY "mail drop" as their billing address.
*Author of original report: New York's Attorney General Needs to Know About Your Experiences with Pavlos Angelatos, World Wide Source, Ameri-source, American Solutions Information, IT Data Direct if they use a NY "mail drop" as their billing address.
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Its About Time
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Its About Time
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Its About Time
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Its About Time
*Author of original report: You Could Block These Area Codes if Scammers from World Wide Source, American Solutions Information, Infomatika, International Business Directories, The Credit Card Scams, and Ameri-source are Pestering You. ((Look at this site)))
*Author of original report: The Federal Trade Commission and Competition Bureau Need to Hear from You!
*Author of original report: Report Them to the Competition Bureau and Phonebusters!
*Author of original report: The Federal Trade Commission is Interested in Stopping this Scam as well!
*Author of original report: "Theyre Baaaack!!!"
*Author of original report: When World Wide Source Calls... Make them answer the questions!
*Author of original report: www.donotcall.gov .."Do Not Call" Registry
*Author of original report: Bothered by 'The Source,' Infotel, Infomatika, IT Data Direct or National Business Information Exchange: Report Them to: www.recol.ca
*Author of original report: Bothered by 'The Source,' Infotel, Infomatika, IT Data Direct or National Business Information Exchange: Report Them to: www.recol.ca
*Author of original report: Bothered by 'The Source,' Infotel, Infomatika, IT Data Direct or National Business Information Exchange: Report Them to: www.recol.ca
*Author of original report: Bothered by 'The Source,' Infotel, Infomatika, IT Data Direct or National Business Information Exchange: Report Them to: www.recol.ca
Look what I found on the State of Vermont Attorney General's Web Site! I wish I had known about the settlement sooner. Even though I've missed the claims deadline, we can still shut them down before they hurt too many others. This is one small business person who'll sleep better tonight!
***
STATE OF VERMONT
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
109 STATE STREET
MONTPELIER 05609-1001
(802) 828-3171
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Elliot Burg, Assistant Attorney General
March 21, 2002 (802) 828-2153
ATTORNEY GENERAL SETTLES CONSUMER FRAUD CLAIMS AGAINST CANADIAN TELEMARKETERS
Vermont Attorney General William H. Sorrell announced today that his office has settled consumer fraud claims against two Montreal-based telemarketers that sell listings in business-to-business directories. W.W.S. World Wide Source Publishing, Inc. ("WWS") and Ameri-Source Publications, Inc. ("Ameri-Source") will together pay a total of $125,000 to the State of Vermont and provide refunds to all of their Vermont customers.
In a lawsuit filed in Chittenden Superior Court in November 2001, the Attorney General alleged that WWS and five of its chief officers had systematically violated the Vermont Consumer Fraud Act in the course of selling listings in a directory called the "American Business Index." According to the Attorney General's complaint, WWS, using a Vermont return address, solicited orders for two-year listings in its directory for $399.95, by means of outbound telemarketing calls to businesses throughout the United States. Over 100 of those customers complained to the State of Vermont.
The court complaint alleged that WWS violated the Consumer Fraud Act by:
Misrepresenting that the company offers renewals of listings in the local Yellow Pages, when in fact it offers primarily new listings in a non-local directory of limited circulation.
Overstating the circulation of the directory as 1 million, when in fact it is closer to 35,000.
Misrepresenting WWS' location by using local Vermont addresses in Alburg and Williston in all dealings with customers.
Billing many customers without their authorization.
![Ripoffreport Report Image]()
This is an actual sample of listings in the 'American Business Index' published by World Wide Source (enclarged so you can read it). Try to find an auto mechanic and you will have to wade through a list of shops that are not organized by location or specialty -- just an alphabetized, very incomplete listing.
Failing to provide customers with their legally-required three-day right to cancel.
Overcharging customers for a directory that is of limited value to most businesses.
Ameri-Source, a company which shares common management and ownership with WWS and uses a return address in New York State, also telemarkets listings in a business-to-business directory.
The Attorney General's settlement is contained in a Consent Decree approved this week by the Chittenden Superior Court. Although they have denied any wrongdoing, under the Consent Decree WWS, Ameri-Source and their President, Pavlos Angelatos, are barred from doing business in or into Vermont, or using a business address or facilities in the state.
Also, by April 1, 2002, WWS and Ameri-Source must send refunds to all of its customers in Vermont; or, where payment records are unavailable, Vermont businesses listed in a directory must be sent a letter offering a refund upon proof of payment.
Finally, the Consent Decree requires WWS to pay the State $79,000 ($59,000 in penalties and $20,000 in fees and costs), and Ameri-Source to pay the State $46,000 ($36,000 in penalties and $10,000 in fees and costs)for a total of $125,000.
In addition, out-of-state customers of WWS will have until September 30, 2002, to send a written complaint to the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) at Morrill Hall, UVM, Burlington, VT 05405, and receive a refund.
Commenting on the settlement, Attorney General Sorrell noted that his office will continue to take tough action against fraudulent telemarketersincluding out-of-state and out-of-country companies that pose as Vermont companies by using a local mailing address. "Companies like this undermine Vermont's good name. We are taking a hard line against fraudulent telemarketing, especially where it hurts Vermont residents or threatens to tarnish the Vermont business community's reputation for honesty."
For further information on the settlement, businesses can contact the Consumer Assistance Program at 1-800-649-2424 or 656-3183 (in Chittenden County)
Robert
Staunton, Virginia
U.S.A.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on World Wide Source
***
STATE OF VERMONT
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
109 STATE STREET
MONTPELIER 05609-1001
(802) 828-3171
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Elliot Burg, Assistant Attorney General
March 21, 2002 (802) 828-2153
ATTORNEY GENERAL SETTLES CONSUMER FRAUD CLAIMS AGAINST CANADIAN TELEMARKETERS
Vermont Attorney General William H. Sorrell announced today that his office has settled consumer fraud claims against two Montreal-based telemarketers that sell listings in business-to-business directories. W.W.S. World Wide Source Publishing, Inc. ("WWS") and Ameri-Source Publications, Inc. ("Ameri-Source") will together pay a total of $125,000 to the State of Vermont and provide refunds to all of their Vermont customers.
In a lawsuit filed in Chittenden Superior Court in November 2001, the Attorney General alleged that WWS and five of its chief officers had systematically violated the Vermont Consumer Fraud Act in the course of selling listings in a directory called the "American Business Index." According to the Attorney General's complaint, WWS, using a Vermont return address, solicited orders for two-year listings in its directory for $399.95, by means of outbound telemarketing calls to businesses throughout the United States. Over 100 of those customers complained to the State of Vermont.
The court complaint alleged that WWS violated the Consumer Fraud Act by:
Misrepresenting that the company offers renewals of listings in the local Yellow Pages, when in fact it offers primarily new listings in a non-local directory of limited circulation.
Overstating the circulation of the directory as 1 million, when in fact it is closer to 35,000.
Misrepresenting WWS' location by using local Vermont addresses in Alburg and Williston in all dealings with customers.
Billing many customers without their authorization.
This is an actual sample of listings in the 'American Business Index' published by World Wide Source (enclarged so you can read it). Try to find an auto mechanic and you will have to wade through a list of shops that are not organized by location or specialty -- just an alphabetized, very incomplete listing.
Failing to provide customers with their legally-required three-day right to cancel.
Overcharging customers for a directory that is of limited value to most businesses.
Ameri-Source, a company which shares common management and ownership with WWS and uses a return address in New York State, also telemarkets listings in a business-to-business directory.
The Attorney General's settlement is contained in a Consent Decree approved this week by the Chittenden Superior Court. Although they have denied any wrongdoing, under the Consent Decree WWS, Ameri-Source and their President, Pavlos Angelatos, are barred from doing business in or into Vermont, or using a business address or facilities in the state.
Also, by April 1, 2002, WWS and Ameri-Source must send refunds to all of its customers in Vermont; or, where payment records are unavailable, Vermont businesses listed in a directory must be sent a letter offering a refund upon proof of payment.
Finally, the Consent Decree requires WWS to pay the State $79,000 ($59,000 in penalties and $20,000 in fees and costs), and Ameri-Source to pay the State $46,000 ($36,000 in penalties and $10,000 in fees and costs)for a total of $125,000.
In addition, out-of-state customers of WWS will have until September 30, 2002, to send a written complaint to the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) at Morrill Hall, UVM, Burlington, VT 05405, and receive a refund.
Commenting on the settlement, Attorney General Sorrell noted that his office will continue to take tough action against fraudulent telemarketersincluding out-of-state and out-of-country companies that pose as Vermont companies by using a local mailing address. "Companies like this undermine Vermont's good name. We are taking a hard line against fraudulent telemarketing, especially where it hurts Vermont residents or threatens to tarnish the Vermont business community's reputation for honesty."
For further information on the settlement, businesses can contact the Consumer Assistance Program at 1-800-649-2424 or 656-3183 (in Chittenden County)
Robert
Staunton, Virginia
U.S.A.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on World Wide Source
18 Updates & Rebuttals
Robert
Staunton,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Bothered by 'The Source,' Infotel, Infomatika, IT Data Direct or National Business Information Exchange: Report Them to: www.recol.ca
#2Author of original report
Thu, April 22, 2004
If World Wide Source or any of its cronies or clones is pestering you, You should report them to your own state's Attorney General as well as the Attorney General of whatever state they "pretend" to be in. You will need their actual address in order to report them. It is: Pavlos Angelatos, President W.W.S. Source Mondiale de Publications, Inc. 2015 Drummond Avenue, Suite #800 Montreal, Quebec H3G 1W7 Canada We've also learned that the Canadian authorities have made it easier to report the scammers by establishing the following webdsite: www.recol.ca Canada's reputation as a haven for scamsters is due in part because the Competition Bureau lacks money to battle international cartels and telemarketing fraud, according to the bureau's commissioner Konrad von Finckenstein, who says his $34-million budget needs an $11-million boost to attack the problems. Telemarketing fraud in Canada is particularly troublesome for other countries, he said. "We need the money to fight telemarketing scams. It's becoming a real growth industry," he said. "As soon as you put one outfit out of business, a new one appears. It's a plague on the landscape. We're seen as a haven for scamsters. They can locate in Canada and pick on victims in the States, Australia, U.K., etc." On October 3, the Federal Solicitor and RCMP Commissioner launched a new Internet-based tool for reporting economic crimes online (RECOL): www.recol.ca. RECOL is a web-based crime reporting centre offering Canadians a single point of entry to make a complaint on frauds and other white-collar crimes. The complaints will be directed to the appropriate law enforcement agencies and other organizations concerned with white-collar crime. Support for people filing complaints to RECOL is provided by PhoneBusters National Call Centre, which was established 10 years ago to combat deceptive telemarketing. Other partners in the development of RECOL include the Ontario Provincial Police and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. The on-line reporting centre was enacted amidst growing accusations that Canada has become a international centre for fraud affecting other countries. Deceptive telemarketing is spreading like a plague in Canada, according to the Canadian Competition Bureau, which works with the police to fight telemarketing fraud as part of its mandate to protect consumers and promote a competitive marketplace. The office has laid 55 charges in connection with deceptive telemarketing in the past few years, and spends half its office's resources fighting it. Canada is becoming a bit of haven for organizations to set up shop and bilk foreigners, including Americans and Europeans, as well as Canadians, through telemarketing scams, says George Bennett, assistant deputy commissioner of competition in the Bureau. He adds that Canadian-based scams are estimated to be netting anywhere between $1 billion to $5 billion from around the world. On any given day, there are 500 to 1,000 boiler rooms operating in Canada. Sources: Federal Solicitor General launches new Internet site for Canadians to report economic crimes. Solicitor General News Release. October 3, 2003. // Lesley Young.Canada becomes fraud haven. Marketing Magazine. August 25/September 1, 2003. // Ken Gray. Von Finckenstein calls for budget increase: Competition Bureau shortfall hurting Canada's reputation. Financial Post (National Post). June 21, 2003: p. FP5.
Robert
Staunton,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Bothered by 'The Source,' Infotel, Infomatika, IT Data Direct or National Business Information Exchange: Report Them to: www.recol.ca
#3Author of original report
Thu, April 22, 2004
If World Wide Source or any of its cronies or clones is pestering you, You should report them to your own state's Attorney General as well as the Attorney General of whatever state they "pretend" to be in. You will need their actual address in order to report them. It is: Pavlos Angelatos, President W.W.S. Source Mondiale de Publications, Inc. 2015 Drummond Avenue, Suite #800 Montreal, Quebec H3G 1W7 Canada We've also learned that the Canadian authorities have made it easier to report the scammers by establishing the following webdsite: www.recol.ca Canada's reputation as a haven for scamsters is due in part because the Competition Bureau lacks money to battle international cartels and telemarketing fraud, according to the bureau's commissioner Konrad von Finckenstein, who says his $34-million budget needs an $11-million boost to attack the problems. Telemarketing fraud in Canada is particularly troublesome for other countries, he said. "We need the money to fight telemarketing scams. It's becoming a real growth industry," he said. "As soon as you put one outfit out of business, a new one appears. It's a plague on the landscape. We're seen as a haven for scamsters. They can locate in Canada and pick on victims in the States, Australia, U.K., etc." On October 3, the Federal Solicitor and RCMP Commissioner launched a new Internet-based tool for reporting economic crimes online (RECOL): www.recol.ca. RECOL is a web-based crime reporting centre offering Canadians a single point of entry to make a complaint on frauds and other white-collar crimes. The complaints will be directed to the appropriate law enforcement agencies and other organizations concerned with white-collar crime. Support for people filing complaints to RECOL is provided by PhoneBusters National Call Centre, which was established 10 years ago to combat deceptive telemarketing. Other partners in the development of RECOL include the Ontario Provincial Police and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. The on-line reporting centre was enacted amidst growing accusations that Canada has become a international centre for fraud affecting other countries. Deceptive telemarketing is spreading like a plague in Canada, according to the Canadian Competition Bureau, which works with the police to fight telemarketing fraud as part of its mandate to protect consumers and promote a competitive marketplace. The office has laid 55 charges in connection with deceptive telemarketing in the past few years, and spends half its office's resources fighting it. Canada is becoming a bit of haven for organizations to set up shop and bilk foreigners, including Americans and Europeans, as well as Canadians, through telemarketing scams, says George Bennett, assistant deputy commissioner of competition in the Bureau. He adds that Canadian-based scams are estimated to be netting anywhere between $1 billion to $5 billion from around the world. On any given day, there are 500 to 1,000 boiler rooms operating in Canada. Sources: Federal Solicitor General launches new Internet site for Canadians to report economic crimes. Solicitor General News Release. October 3, 2003. // Lesley Young.Canada becomes fraud haven. Marketing Magazine. August 25/September 1, 2003. // Ken Gray. Von Finckenstein calls for budget increase: Competition Bureau shortfall hurting Canada's reputation. Financial Post (National Post). June 21, 2003: p. FP5.
Robert
Staunton,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Bothered by 'The Source,' Infotel, Infomatika, IT Data Direct or National Business Information Exchange: Report Them to: www.recol.ca
#4Author of original report
Thu, April 22, 2004
If World Wide Source or any of its cronies or clones is pestering you, You should report them to your own state's Attorney General as well as the Attorney General of whatever state they "pretend" to be in. You will need their actual address in order to report them. It is: Pavlos Angelatos, President W.W.S. Source Mondiale de Publications, Inc. 2015 Drummond Avenue, Suite #800 Montreal, Quebec H3G 1W7 Canada We've also learned that the Canadian authorities have made it easier to report the scammers by establishing the following webdsite: www.recol.ca Canada's reputation as a haven for scamsters is due in part because the Competition Bureau lacks money to battle international cartels and telemarketing fraud, according to the bureau's commissioner Konrad von Finckenstein, who says his $34-million budget needs an $11-million boost to attack the problems. Telemarketing fraud in Canada is particularly troublesome for other countries, he said. "We need the money to fight telemarketing scams. It's becoming a real growth industry," he said. "As soon as you put one outfit out of business, a new one appears. It's a plague on the landscape. We're seen as a haven for scamsters. They can locate in Canada and pick on victims in the States, Australia, U.K., etc." On October 3, the Federal Solicitor and RCMP Commissioner launched a new Internet-based tool for reporting economic crimes online (RECOL): www.recol.ca. RECOL is a web-based crime reporting centre offering Canadians a single point of entry to make a complaint on frauds and other white-collar crimes. The complaints will be directed to the appropriate law enforcement agencies and other organizations concerned with white-collar crime. Support for people filing complaints to RECOL is provided by PhoneBusters National Call Centre, which was established 10 years ago to combat deceptive telemarketing. Other partners in the development of RECOL include the Ontario Provincial Police and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. The on-line reporting centre was enacted amidst growing accusations that Canada has become a international centre for fraud affecting other countries. Deceptive telemarketing is spreading like a plague in Canada, according to the Canadian Competition Bureau, which works with the police to fight telemarketing fraud as part of its mandate to protect consumers and promote a competitive marketplace. The office has laid 55 charges in connection with deceptive telemarketing in the past few years, and spends half its office's resources fighting it. Canada is becoming a bit of haven for organizations to set up shop and bilk foreigners, including Americans and Europeans, as well as Canadians, through telemarketing scams, says George Bennett, assistant deputy commissioner of competition in the Bureau. He adds that Canadian-based scams are estimated to be netting anywhere between $1 billion to $5 billion from around the world. On any given day, there are 500 to 1,000 boiler rooms operating in Canada. Sources: Federal Solicitor General launches new Internet site for Canadians to report economic crimes. Solicitor General News Release. October 3, 2003. // Lesley Young.Canada becomes fraud haven. Marketing Magazine. August 25/September 1, 2003. // Ken Gray. Von Finckenstein calls for budget increase: Competition Bureau shortfall hurting Canada's reputation. Financial Post (National Post). June 21, 2003: p. FP5.
Robert
Staunton,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Bothered by 'The Source,' Infotel, Infomatika, IT Data Direct or National Business Information Exchange: Report Them to: www.recol.ca
#5Author of original report
Thu, April 22, 2004
If World Wide Source or any of its cronies or clones is pestering you, You should report them to your own state's Attorney General as well as the Attorney General of whatever state they "pretend" to be in. You will need their actual address in order to report them. It is: Pavlos Angelatos, President W.W.S. Source Mondiale de Publications, Inc. 2015 Drummond Avenue, Suite #800 Montreal, Quebec H3G 1W7 Canada We've also learned that the Canadian authorities have made it easier to report the scammers by establishing the following webdsite: www.recol.ca Canada's reputation as a haven for scamsters is due in part because the Competition Bureau lacks money to battle international cartels and telemarketing fraud, according to the bureau's commissioner Konrad von Finckenstein, who says his $34-million budget needs an $11-million boost to attack the problems. Telemarketing fraud in Canada is particularly troublesome for other countries, he said. "We need the money to fight telemarketing scams. It's becoming a real growth industry," he said. "As soon as you put one outfit out of business, a new one appears. It's a plague on the landscape. We're seen as a haven for scamsters. They can locate in Canada and pick on victims in the States, Australia, U.K., etc." On October 3, the Federal Solicitor and RCMP Commissioner launched a new Internet-based tool for reporting economic crimes online (RECOL): www.recol.ca. RECOL is a web-based crime reporting centre offering Canadians a single point of entry to make a complaint on frauds and other white-collar crimes. The complaints will be directed to the appropriate law enforcement agencies and other organizations concerned with white-collar crime. Support for people filing complaints to RECOL is provided by PhoneBusters National Call Centre, which was established 10 years ago to combat deceptive telemarketing. Other partners in the development of RECOL include the Ontario Provincial Police and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. The on-line reporting centre was enacted amidst growing accusations that Canada has become a international centre for fraud affecting other countries. Deceptive telemarketing is spreading like a plague in Canada, according to the Canadian Competition Bureau, which works with the police to fight telemarketing fraud as part of its mandate to protect consumers and promote a competitive marketplace. The office has laid 55 charges in connection with deceptive telemarketing in the past few years, and spends half its office's resources fighting it. Canada is becoming a bit of haven for organizations to set up shop and bilk foreigners, including Americans and Europeans, as well as Canadians, through telemarketing scams, says George Bennett, assistant deputy commissioner of competition in the Bureau. He adds that Canadian-based scams are estimated to be netting anywhere between $1 billion to $5 billion from around the world. On any given day, there are 500 to 1,000 boiler rooms operating in Canada. Sources: Federal Solicitor General launches new Internet site for Canadians to report economic crimes. Solicitor General News Release. October 3, 2003. // Lesley Young.Canada becomes fraud haven. Marketing Magazine. August 25/September 1, 2003. // Ken Gray. Von Finckenstein calls for budget increase: Competition Bureau shortfall hurting Canada's reputation. Financial Post (National Post). June 21, 2003: p. FP5.
Robert
Staunton,Virginia,
U.S.A.
You Could Block These Area Codes if Scammers from World Wide Source, American Solutions Information, Infomatika, International Business Directories, The Credit Card Scams, and Ameri-source are Pestering You. ((Look at this site)))
#6Author of original report
Wed, February 25, 2004
Block all phone calls from the Montreal 514 zone today!
There is a second less used code from the suburban Laval area: 450. If you are not a business you could block all calls from Quebec and/or Canada. American telemarketing companies calling from your own country must be more legally accountable. You also need to know that Montreal will soon get a new area code: 438, which will overlay the old 514 one.
Nova Scotia (where "Mark" calls you for "World Wide Source") is 902. Barbados, where IBD calls from is 246.
What a great solution! Unless you are a world wide corporation, you don't need to take calls from these places.
Robert
Staunton,Virginia,
U.S.A.
When World Wide Source Calls... Make them answer the questions!
#7Author of original report
Mon, December 08, 2003
You know, the nice lady from World Wide Source never got to the part about me already having a balance or there already being an order!
I guess the Vermont business sort of got her flustered.
But HAD SHE GONE THERE, well why not ask her, since there is already an order, "what is our PO number for you as a foreign vendor?" Obviously there is none!
Make them answer the questions!
Robert
Staunton,Virginia,
U.S.A.
"Theyre Baaaack!!!"
#8Author of original report
Mon, December 08, 2003
I thought I had finally made World Wide Source's "do not call list" as we had not heard rfrom them in a while. We also possess a letter from World Wide Source "Managemant" [that's how it's signed -- no name, just "Management"] stating that we would be "removed from any future solicitations."
"Management" LIED.
This morning [December 8,2003] a charming young lady called up and our receptionist put her through to me. She identified herself as being with World Wide Source and said she was calling about "our yellow pages advertising with them." "Ah, World Wide Source!," I replied. I assured her we had no advertising with them and did not want or need it, very politely as I'm not going to pick on some poor kid making calls for $10/hr because it's the best job she can find right now. But I'm not above asking a few questions.
"Is this World Wide Source in Alburg Vermont?" I asked, knowing full well they are not allowed to use Vermont "mail drops" any more. "No, we're in Champlain, New York" she said.
"I've got a letter about you from the Vermont Attorney General" I drawled. "I don't know anything about that" she replied. "Ask your boss about it, the Attorney General from Vermont wrote me a letter about you." I reiterated. "But you are in Virginia!" she hastily added. "Yes, and You are either in Quebec or Nova Scotia" I shot back in a bit less than drawl speed. "I'm in Quebec" she stated before she could remember that the script says she's got to be from New York! GOTCHA!
Robert
Staunton,Virginia,
U.S.A.
The Federal Trade Commission and Competition Bureau Need to Hear from You!
#9Author of original report
Wed, July 02, 2003
While the National "Do Not Call" Registry will certainly make the dinner hour more pleasant for millions of Americans, it still allows for "business to business" calls.
You can (and should) request "business to business" callers you do not want to bother you to put you on their "Do Not Call" List individually when they call you. They should then honor your request. Anti-harassment laws give you specific protection in such cases.
Unfortunately, scammers will probably ignore this as they already operate in violation of so many other laws. That is why you MUST report them to the Competition Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, Postal Authorities and the Attorney Generals.
The equation you need to remember is:
Many Complaints Over Time = Action by Law Enforcement Agencies!
Robert
Staunton,Virginia,
U.S.A.
www.donotcall.gov .."Do Not Call" Registry
#10Author of original report
Tue, July 01, 2003
Thank You James,
As you have pointed out, there is now a NATIONAL "Do Not Call" Registry. To join it go to:
http://www.donotcall.gov
Please note that this site is getting so much traffic that you may not be able to access it at first.
The Call Centre industry is complaining about it, but the amount of abuse certainly justifies having this law.
James
Dartmouth,Nova Scotia,
Canada
Its About Time
#11UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, June 28, 2003
well i would like to just comment on some news i saw on my local station yesterday!it seems there was some sort of a law passed only in the U.S to stop telemarketers its a nation wide "do not call list" its is free to list your company or residential phone numbers,now if a telemarketer were to call they could face fines up to $11.000 dollars.i'm not sure if thats per call or not but hey! its about d**n time congrats U.S,now maybe us canadians will get the same law passed to stop these scammers....i only wish i had some phone numbers for everyone so they could join this "do not call list" but from the news,people were joining at a rate of 100 people per second!!!!WOW it just goes to show this was well overdue..just so you know we WILL over come and bring down these scamming telemaketers.....
James
Dartmouth,Nova Scotia,
Canada
Its About Time
#12UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, June 28, 2003
well i would like to just comment on some news i saw on my local station yesterday!it seems there was some sort of a law passed only in the U.S to stop telemarketers its a nation wide "do not call list" its is free to list your company or residential phone numbers,now if a telemarketer were to call they could face fines up to $11.000 dollars.i'm not sure if thats per call or not but hey! its about d**n time congrats U.S,now maybe us canadians will get the same law passed to stop these scammers....i only wish i had some phone numbers for everyone so they could join this "do not call list" but from the news,people were joining at a rate of 100 people per second!!!!WOW it just goes to show this was well overdue..just so you know we WILL over come and bring down these scamming telemaketers.....
James
Dartmouth,Nova Scotia,
Canada
Its About Time
#13UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, June 28, 2003
well i would like to just comment on some news i saw on my local station yesterday!it seems there was some sort of a law passed only in the U.S to stop telemarketers its a nation wide "do not call list" its is free to list your company or residential phone numbers,now if a telemarketer were to call they could face fines up to $11.000 dollars.i'm not sure if thats per call or not but hey! its about d**n time congrats U.S,now maybe us canadians will get the same law passed to stop these scammers....i only wish i had some phone numbers for everyone so they could join this "do not call list" but from the news,people were joining at a rate of 100 people per second!!!!WOW it just goes to show this was well overdue..just so you know we WILL over come and bring down these scamming telemaketers.....
James
Dartmouth,Nova Scotia,
Canada
Its About Time
#14UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, June 28, 2003
well i would like to just comment on some news i saw on my local station yesterday!it seems there was some sort of a law passed only in the U.S to stop telemarketers its a nation wide "do not call list" its is free to list your company or residential phone numbers,now if a telemarketer were to call they could face fines up to $11.000 dollars.i'm not sure if thats per call or not but hey! its about d**n time congrats U.S,now maybe us canadians will get the same law passed to stop these scammers....i only wish i had some phone numbers for everyone so they could join this "do not call list" but from the news,people were joining at a rate of 100 people per second!!!!WOW it just goes to show this was well overdue..just so you know we WILL over come and bring down these scamming telemaketers.....
Robert
Staunton,Virginia,
U.S.A.
The Federal Trade Commission is Interested in Stopping this Scam as well!
#15Author of original report
Fri, June 27, 2003
This article was posted on the Federal Trade Commission's web page. The FTC is working on the problem so contact them with any information or complaints that might help.See STAFF CONTACT information at the end of this article:
For Release: November 15, 2002
Canadian Telemarketers Target U.S. Businesses with Business Directory/Office Supply Scams
The Federal Trade Commission has charged three Canadian telemarketing companies operating boiler rooms in Quebec and Ontario with engaging in fraudulent business practices in the sale of business directories and non-durable office supplies. The defendants employ approximately 400 telemarketers and have injured thousands of U.S. businesses using deceptive practices. The Commission alleges the defendants violated the FTC Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) in the offering and sale of these products. A federal district court judge in Cleveland has entered a temporary restraining order prohibiting the defendants' fraudulent practices and freezing their assets.
"Fraudulent Canadian telemarketers who are preying on U.S. businesses are facing a double whammy, " said J. Howard Beales III, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "We've coordinated our law enforcement action with our Canadian counterparts, which means that cross-border con artists can expect consequences in both countries."
According to the FTC, telemarketers for two of the corporate defendants falsely represent that someone at the business previously ordered a business directory similar to the Yellow Pages. Generally, the telemarketers ask consumers to verify their shipping addresses and use the verified shipping address to claim that a directory had been ordered. Many consumers tell the callers that they did not order and do not want the directory; but they receive one anyway. Consumers seldom learn about the cost of the directory until they receive an invoice for about $300, sometime after the consumer receives the directories. Many consumers pay the invoice in the mistaken belief that they are obligated to pay for it.
The third corporate defendant's telemarketers pitch the sale of non-durable office supplies, such as, printer rolls for automated credit card machines, machine ribbons, credit card machine cleaners, and counterfeit detection pens. This defendant's telemarketers make an initial call to the consumer to obtain the name of an employee associated with purchasing office supplies. The telemarketers also use this opportunity to confirm the shipping address for the business. The defendant's telemarketers then make a second call in which the telemarketers ask for an employee by name. Using the information obtained in the first call, the telemarketer leads the consumer to believe that the telemarketer represents the regular supplier or someone associated with the regular supplier of printer rolls. Consumers agree to accept the shipments because they believe that they previously placed an order. In some cases, consumers state that they do not want office supplies sent to them, but receive them anyway. The defendants later send the consumers invoices for approximately $100 to $200, many times the cost of similar items purchased from legitimate suppliers.
The complaint alleges that the defendants violated the FTC Act by falsely representing that consumers previously ordered non-durable office supplies or business directories and that the defendants were the consumers' regular supplier. The complaint also alleges that some defendants violated the TSR by making false and misleading statements to induce payment for goods or services, failing to disclose the identity of the seller to consumers, and failing to disclose the sales purpose of the calls. The complaint names as defendants: Hanson Publications, Inc. (Hanson), 9069-5057 Quebec, Inc. (Hanson-Quebec), Associated Merchant Paper Supplies, Inc. (AMPS), Albert Mouyal, Adrian P. Towning, and Charles Hamouth.
The FTC investigated this case in conjunction with the Competition Bureau of Canada, which has filed criminal charges against the defendants. The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Connecticut Attorney General's Office also provided assistance in the investigation.
The Commission vote to authorize staff to file a complaint was 5-0. It was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, on November 8, 2002, under seal, and the seal was lifted on November 14, 2002.
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NOTE: The Commission authorizes the filing of a complaint when it has "reason to believe" that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The complaint is not a finding or ruling that the defendants actually has violated the law. The case will be decided by the court.
Copies of the complaint are available from the FTC's Web site at http://www.ftc.gov and also from the FTC's Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580. The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint, or to get free information on any of 150 consumer topics, call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), or use the complaint form at http://www.ftc.gov. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Brenda Mack,
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2182
STAFF CONTACT:
Jon Miller Steiger or John Mendenhall
FTC East Central Region - Cleveland
216-263-3442
(FTC Matter No. 022 3219)
(Civil Action No. 1:02 CV 2205)
(http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2002/11/handson.htm)
Related Documents:
Project BOSS
Hanson Publications, Inc., et al. (Northern Dist. Of Ohio) FTC Matter No. 022 3219, Civil Action No. 1:02 CV 2205
Robert
Staunton,Virginia,
U.S.A.
Report Them to the Competition Bureau and Phonebusters!
#16Author of original report
Wed, June 25, 2003
Dear Former WWS Employees,
Thank you for helping us know who is behind these awful scams. Some of you want to know what to do next and we are grateful for your assistance.
As a citizen of Canada, you should report any and all of these scammers to the Competition Bureau, which enforces the Competition Act. This law covers deceptive telemarketers and has resulted in some serious prosecution of this type of scheme.
http://www.cb-bc.gc.ca/
Is their web site.
Also contact Phonebusters and the Attorney General of the state in the U.S. that they pretend to operate out of. These "mail drops" may change overnight if the authorities crack down on them. Still, Vermont's action shows that if enough complaints come in the Attorney General can shut them down at the phony "local" office.
Robert
Staunton,Virginia,
U.S.A.
New York's Attorney General Needs to Know About Your Experiences with Pavlos Angelatos, World Wide Source, Ameri-source, American Solutions Information, IT Data Direct if they use a NY "mail drop" as their billing address.
#17Author of original report
Fri, April 18, 2003
World Wide Source now uses the following "mail drop" and it is important to let the New York Attorney General know about your experiences with this company. If they get enough complaints they may be inclined to take action similar to the Vermont settlement.
World Wide Source
1080 Military Turnpike
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
If this is the World Wide Source office that is harassing you, contact the New York Attorney General's office immediately:
State of New York
Office of the Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Frauds and Protection
70 Clinton Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Tel: 518.562.3282
Fax: 518.562.3294
Robert
Staunton,Virginia,
U.S.A.
New York's Attorney General Needs to Know About Your Experiences with Pavlos Angelatos, World Wide Source, Ameri-source, American Solutions Information, IT Data Direct if they use a NY "mail drop" as their billing address.
#18Author of original report
Fri, April 18, 2003
World Wide Source now uses the following "mail drop" and it is important to let the New York Attorney General know about your experiences with this company. If they get enough complaints they may be inclined to take action similar to the Vermont settlement.
World Wide Source
1080 Military Turnpike
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
If this is the World Wide Source office that is harassing you, contact the New York Attorney General's office immediately:
State of New York
Office of the Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Frauds and Protection
70 Clinton Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Tel: 518.562.3282
Fax: 518.562.3294
Robert
Staunton,Virginia,
U.S.A.
New York's Attorney General Needs to Know About Your Experiences with Pavlos Angelatos, World Wide Source, Ameri-source, American Solutions Information, IT Data Direct if they use a NY "mail drop" as their billing address.
#19Author of original report
Fri, April 18, 2003
World Wide Source now uses the following "mail drop" and it is important to let the New York Attorney General know about your experiences with this company. If they get enough complaints they may be inclined to take action similar to the Vermont settlement.
World Wide Source
1080 Military Turnpike
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
If this is the World Wide Source office that is harassing you, contact the New York Attorney General's office immediately:
State of New York
Office of the Attorney General
Bureau of Consumer Frauds and Protection
70 Clinton Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Tel: 518.562.3282
Fax: 518.562.3294
