BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
OF WESTERN MICHIGAN, INC
CONSUMER ALERT
News Release #20120313
Issued: March 13, 2012
Contact: Phil Catlett, President
Email: bbbpresident@iserv.net
616.774.8236 - 800.684.3222
www.bbb.org
Two important consumer alerts today:
#1 Michigan’s Attorney General alleges that from July 2006 through January 2012 API Worldwide Holdings and its operators ran a Ponzi scheme promising huge returns on investments. Jeffrey L Ripley, 41, of Sparta, and Danny Lee VanLiere, 60, of Grand Rapids, allegedly defrauded at least 140 victims of approximately $9 million by selling fake securities. The two men allegedly promised high returns on money invested, but never delivered on their promises to victims. Investigation revealed that victims were allegedly defrauded of amounts ranging from $3,000 to $600,000 each. AG Bill Schuette asks any citizens who believe they may be a victim of the alleged API Worldwide investment scam to contact the Attorney General’s Corporate Oversight Division at (517) 373-1160.
#2 WOOD-TV ran an important story recently about the safety of used cars that were involved in accidents. Many of them don’t have operating air bags, and sellers of used cars are required to provide that information to the buyer. Buyers of used cars should consult Car Fax to see vehicle histories. You can see the entire story by going to the WOOD-TV website: http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/target_8/do-the-air-bags-on-your-used-car-work
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About BBB
The regional Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan services 38 counties in western Michigan. Our office is located in the Trust Building, 40 Pearl ST NW STE 354, Grand Rapids MI 49503. 616.774.8236 (Voice) 616.774.2014 (Fax) 800.684.3222 (Toll Free west Michigan ONLY).
The BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Business Reviews, charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, the BBB offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 116 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.
