Beware of Two Conference Pitches in Alaska

Anchorage and Fairbanks consumers beware, businesses have confused consumers in the past

DuPont, WA – Nov. 24, 2008 – Your Better Business Bureau is warning Alaska consumers to be cautious concerning two businesses, StoresOnline, Inc. and National Grants Conference, holding conferences in the state.

StoresOnline, Inc. has confused Anchorage consumers in the past:

The BBB has been informed that StoresOnline, Inc will hold a conference in Anchorage on Nov. 25 at the Hilton Hotel.

StoresOnline, Inc. had 598 complaints with their local BBB in the past 36 months. This year alone, government actions have been taken against this business in five different states.

StoresOnline, Inc., also known as Galaxy Mall Inc., Internet Marketing Conference, Imergent Inc. and Express Village, often advertises their conferences as free. Consumers normally receive a VIP invitation for the conference in the mail offering a free meal and gift. Following the 90-minute conference, attendees are often urged to sign up for a one-day workshop which requires a fee.

National Grants Conference has caused concerns outside Alaska:

National Grants Conference is planning conferences:
- In Anchorage on Nov. 29 at the Sheraton at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- In Fairbanks on Nov. 30 at the West Mark at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- In Anchorage on Dec. 1 at Coast International Inn at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

This company, also known as Proven Methods Seminars, LLC, holds Better Business Bureau’s lowest rating at their local BBB. Companies that hold this low rating do so because we strongly question the company’s reliability for reasons such as that they have failed to respond to complaints, their advertising is grossly misleading, they are not in compliance with the law’s licensing or registration requirements, their complaints contain especially serious allegations, or the company’s industry is known for its fraudulent business practices.

The BBB Reliability Report for this company reports a pattern of complaints from consumers who say they are led to believe they were entering the business’ program at an approximate cost of $1,000. After paying the fees and entering the program they are told they need to purchase additional software ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. Consumers feel the actual costs of the program were misleading.

Advice for Consumers:

Consumers who plan to attend any free seminars or workshops should be aware that in most cases the presenters will promote products and services that are for sale. Products sold at these seminars could include self improvement, investment education materials, home based businesses and marketing plans. Individuals interested in home-based or internet businesses need to consider all aspects and costs of starting and operating a business. Promoters use high-pressure sales pitches that require consumers to buy now or risk missing the opportunity. Consumers must then pay up to thousands of dollars for information that is often available elsewhere for little or no money.

Here are some red flags that may signal a questionable seminar promoter:
- The offer is advertised as being time sensitive.
- The promoters hype the program but provide little detail.
- The representatives are reluctant to answer questions and they give evasive answers.
- Local business people or experts are not endorsing the program.
- Little time is given to read a lengthy contract.
- Promoters will not provide the number of people participating in the program who have achieved the program's claims.
- Promoters are unwilling to provide earning claims in writing.
- Promoters claim that laws regulating the sales of business opportunities do not apply to them.

Taking the time to research a company prior to making a purchase cannot only help avoid frustration, but can also help to avoid being the victim of a scam. Most legitimate seminar businesses are willing to provide descriptions of their programs before a purchase is made. Ask to see data on the percent of program participants who actually achieve the promoter's claims. Read all contracts carefully before signing anything and get all promises or claims in writing. Make sure you understand any cancellation policies or guarantees before making a purchase.

About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
Your Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organization funded by Better Business Bureau accredited businesses. The BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon or 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.