The Better Business Bureau of Southern Alberta is advising of a baited business directory scheme.
YPcom.ca is sending out $4.50 cheques to businesses in Western Canada to promote its directory.
The catch? When the cheque is cashed, the fine print says the business is authorizing the directory listing for a $37.95 monthly fee.
YPcom.ca, which has a Calgary address, is owned by YP.Net, Inc. of Mesa, Ariz. In June 2001, YP.Net and several affiliates settled U.S. Federal Trade Commission charges that their tactics were deceptive and violated federal law.
YP.Net has an unsatisfactory rating with the BBB of Central and Northern Arizona due to a pattern of complaints about the company’s advertising through cheques that, when deposited, authorized the company to bill the depositor for services.
The BBB cautions businesses to carefully read the fine print on all solicitations.
Web watch:
www.betterbusinessbureau.ca
