Verity International Phone Bills

News Release #100100
Issued: 10-02-00
contact: Ken Vander Meeden
616-774-8230 or e mail: bbbceo@iserv.net


Since issuing a consumer alert last month about Verity International LTD, the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan has received hundreds of inquires regarding this questionable phone bill. A San Jose, California PO Box was used as the payment address however the BBB's initial investigation revealed that the company is actually operating out of London, England.

A recent BBB national convention confirmed that this fake billing Internet modem scam has been sent to thousands of unsuspecting consumers in the USA and that the FTC is now involved in tracking down the operators. Ken Vander Meeden, president of the BBB of Western Michigan confirmed, "This scam is widespread, originates offshore and consumers are paying this VERITY bill without even checking the source. Bureaus around the country report bills from $25 to $960 for phone calls made to a Madagascar number, supposedly for a modem Internet connection."

The BBB Advises:

* Do not pay this bill.
* Write a brief letter of complaint explaining your refusal to pay an unknown bill and send it to the BBB of Western Michigan; who will forward the materials for the investigation to the correct agency.
* Include the original billing (or a copy) along with the envelope, as it would be helpful if the U.S. Postal Service is involved with the investigation.

See the BBB website for additional information at www.grandrapids.bbb.org.