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Will the Better Business Bureau be listed as a Co-Conspirator in Alleged Goldline Fraud?

We rely on Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings to create decisions on which organizations to patronize. We have faith that the information and facts we obtain is dependable and accurate, developed for the benefit of the consumer. What a shock, then, it is to discover that the BBB makes it possible for complaints to become erased and rankings to be elevated, if organizations are willing to pay the correct cost.

Goldline International, a North American precious metals dealer, was a solid selection for buyers of gold and silver bullion, coins, and investments – or so it seemed when examining information provided by the BBB. With an “A” rating, shoppers trusted that Goldline provided solid value for high-quality goods. It wasn’t till the organization was accused of a long list of violations by the Santa Monica City Attorney that the BBB finally downgraded Goldline to its lowest score of “F”, while the public found that Goldline has more than 100 complaints on record.

Goldline has been alleged to have involvement in criminal activity, such as bait and switch schemes, grand theft by false pretense, false advertising, elder abuse, and conspiracy to commit all the above. Some of the alleged fraudulent ploys swindled prospects by pulling them in with gold bullion, then encouraging them to reinvest their money in rare coins, charging excessive commission. The industry regular for coin commission is roughly 15% – some complaints claim that Goldline charged 2000% or more.

How then, with so many complaints, did Goldline achieve its “A” status using the BBB? Why didn’t the BBB analysis process out the alleged scam? It truly is now coming to light that the BBB just isn’t solely for the benefit of buyers. Investigators have reported that BBB ratings can be bought, with greater ranking and removal of complaints offered to the highest bidder.

Consider the following BBB info listed for Southern California’s most well-known precious metals dealers:

Goldline International, Inc. F* Rating 73 Complaints
Monex Deposit Company A+ Rating 69 Complaints
Capital Gold Group, Inc. A- Rating 14 Complaints
Lear Capital Inc A+ Rating 55 Complaints
Merit Financial Services A+ Rating 47 Complaints
*Change from “A” after Santa Monica City Lawyer complaint filed.

These numbers are alarming, as consumers recognize businesses with several complaints are nonetheless rated “A+” using the BBB. The Santa Monica City Attorney has filed charges against Goldline executives, such as former CEO Mark Albarian, current CEO Scott Carter, Robert Fazio, Luis Beeli, Charles Boratgis and Stephanie Howard. BBB executives ought to also be held accountable for their role in permitting the enterprise to practice its alleged cheating, by misleading prospects into believing that Goldline was a reputable organization.

Companies will continue to get away with criminal activity, as long as the BBB is allowed to continue its 80-year-old practice of “pay to play”. Until the public actions forward and demand justice, BBB management will continue to profit whilst shoppers spend. Why aren’t these names on the Santa Monica City Attorney’s list?

Stephen A. Cox (aka Steve Cox) – President/CEO
Beverly Baskin – Senior VP
Genie Barton – Vice President and Director, On the internet Behavioral Marketing Program
Rodney L. Davis – Senior VP Enterprise Programs
Joseph E. Dillon – VP and CFO
Victoria Doran – VP Brand & Digital Media
Chris Garver – Senior VP, Chief Data Officer
Frances Henderson – National Director, Privacy Initiatives
Susan Kearney – Senior VP & Chief Marketing Officer
Wayne J. Keeley – VP & Director, CARU
Elaine Kolish – VP & Director Children’s Food & Bev
Andrea C. Levine – Senior VP, NAD
Brenda Linnington – Director, BBB Military Line
Peter Marimello – VP, Electronic Retail Self Regulation Plan
C. Lee Peeler – EVP & President NARC
Steven Salter – VP, Standards & Services
Anaise Schroeder – VP Human Resources
H. Art Taylor – President & CEO, BBB WGA
Mary Lou Watkins – Senior VP, Chief of Staff
Bennett Weiner – VP, CBBB & COO, BBB WGA
Richard Woods – VP, General Counsel
Vincent L. Gottuso – President, Southland BBB Office
Mary Lou Diaz – Director of Consumer Services, Southland BBB Office
Mr. Tom Bartholomy – President/CEO
Ms. Janet J. Robb – President
Ms. Jan Quintrall – President
Mr. Matthew Fehling – President
Mr. Edward J. Johnson, III – President and CEO

It is now time to take action to protect ourselves. Make your voice heard by taking these methods:

Write towards the BBB: Send your complaint letter to the Council of Better Business Bureau, 4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203-1838 – Phone: 703-276-0100 – Fax: 703-525-8277

Write to your state Attorney General: Their addresses are listed on your state government’s website, or use your internet search engine to locate. Title your complaint Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices by the Better Business Bureau.

Write to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Complaints are easily filed on the web at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/.

This is a violation of every American’s trust. We ought to work together to send our message, and put the Better Business Bureau out of small business.