The BBB has survied for decades soley on their misleading name. They are neither Better nor a Bureau - not a government bureau as most consumers mistakenly believe. The BBB is an unusual not-for-profit franchise.

Local offices buy a franchise and the financial benefits go to the local President who is usually paid well over $250, 000 and gets huge bonuses based on how many businesses he can make fall victim to his telemarketing scheme.

The scam is easy, when anyone asks them about a business they call the business implying that consumers wants the business to be evaluated. Then the business is offered an approval by paying a huge membershp fee. Or they can pay more to become Accredited Member.

The trouble with the BBB is that it ONLY allows complaints, so no alternate views can be considered. In 2009 the BBB switches to a grading system but they won't tell anyone how it is determined and businesses can't earn an A+ without being members. That's kind of like a teacher who won't give a kid a A+ unless he is of the same race.