What are BBB standards against which businesses are evaluated?
The BBB Standards for Trust are a comprehensive set of best practices for how businesses should treat the public in a fair and honest manner.
Do BBBs monitor BBB Accredited Businesses for continuing compliance with standards?
Yes. Every BBB Accredited Business is monitored for continuing adherence to BBB standards.
Can BBB recommend a reputable business for me to deal with?
Our basic policy is to refrain from recommending or endorsing any business, product or service. This is done to ensure continued public trust in our fairness.
BBB accredited businesses must meet certain standards to qualify for accredited business status and to remain an accredited business. You can search for accredited businesses by location and/or industry using our online form.
What can BBB do to stop rip-offs and scams?
Although BBB does not have legal and policing powers, we provide information about marketplace fraud through alerts on scams to the public.
BBB works closely with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, providing them with valuable information on potential frauds. Many times we are the first organization to know about a developing scam and alert authorities and the public. When a scam develops in one part of the country, the news travels quickly between BBBs in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico that in turn alert the public in their communities.
Does BBB report on private and small claims court actions against businesses?
Yes, certain ones. BBB reports on actions against businesses and/or their principals brought by government agencies that involve legal or regulatory violations that are relevant to consumers. This information can be found in BBB Business Reviews.
Does BBB report only on accredited businesses?
No. BBBs review accredited and non-accredited businesses alike. Reviews only note a business' accreditation status.
If BBB funding comes from businesses, how does the organization ensure fairness to consumers?
BBB’s value to the business community is based on our marketplace neutrality. Our purpose is not to act as an advocate for businesses or consumers but to act as a mutually trusted intermediary to resolve disputes and provide information to assist consumers in making wise buying decisions. Businesses have supported BBB for more than 90 years because a trustworthy marketplace is in everyone's best interest.
What do BBBs do besides resolve customer complaints?
BBBs do a lot more than help settle disputes. Through the support of their accredited businesses, BBBs work for a trustworthy marketplace by maintaining standards for truthful advertising, investigating and exposing fraud against consumers and businesses and providing information to consumers before they purchase products and services.