"AskTony" column archive

This Web site contains a compilation of more than a thousand consumer finance columns written by Tony Novak from the 1980s through 2006, updated and reformatted for maximum usefulness today. New material will be added beginning in late 2010.

Content is the opinion of the author and does not represent the position of any other person or entity. Information is from sources believed to be reliable but cannot be guaranteed.

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Using BBB to check reliability

originally posted: 11/22/2006 reposted: 9/18/2011

Q: I checked online with the BBB and they've never heard of some of the companies you recommended that are listed on the state insurance exchange page. EyeMed and Careington International are recognized by the BBB but these companies are not members.

A: Each company makes the decision of whether to associate with the Better Business Bureau and it probably does not make sense to make judgements based solely on membership alone. The membership profile is most useful when combined with other information.

I personally decided to affiliate with the BBB back in the 1980s but then let my membership lapse while the BBB's Philadelphia branch underwent a reorganization. My membership is active again and the profile is listed at http://www.bbb.org/washington-dc-eastern-pa/business-reviews/insurance-companies/tony-novak-in-bala-cynwyd-pa-80011516/.

More resources:

Tony Novak Better Business Bureau profile