Milwaukee, Wis. – Parents of college-bound students are complaining to the BBB that they have been misled by a college admissions test preparation business in Texas.
The Better Business Bureau in Dallas has received 98 complaints against Student Services, Inc., 4343 Sigma Rd., Dallas, Texas in the past twelve months. 31 complaints are unanswered by the business and nine are pending. Its BBB rating is an “F”, the lowest rating possible.
Complaints have been received from across the country, including eleven from Wisconsin.
Complainants allege that telemarketers for Student Services, Inc. call parents and misrepresent that students are interested in buying its college test prep CDs for $142.99 plus shipping, with a monthly Online Scholarship and Grant Assistance service for $24.95 per month. Parents say that after approving the purchase, they learn that students haven’t requested the materials. According to complaints, the return policy is complicated and confusing, and parents aren’t able to get refunds.
“Now is precisely the time that high school students all over the country are preparing to take their college entrance exams,” said Randall Hoth, CEO/president of the Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin. “We advise parents to check out a company before making a payment. Also, check with your child’s guidance counselor or local library, either may have information for free about assistance available to help students prepare for the ACT.”
According to the Better Business Bureau in Dallas, the owner of Student Services, Inc., Frances Stuart, was also an owner of two businesses that also earned “F” ratings with the BBB:
The Student Resource Center, LLC of Dallas, TX was named in 16 complaints with 14 unanswered.
The SAT and ACT Prep Center of Coppell, TX was the subject of 126 complaints, with 89 unanswered. Following a lawsuit by the Texas Attorney General’s office, an Agreed Final Judgment was signed in October, 2010 requiring the company to pay attorneys’ fees and establish a $10,000.00 restitution fund for parents who purchased materials. The business must also refrain from specific misrepresentations.
Maureen S. of LaCrosse, Wis., says, “This is a bogus company that attempts to use the most unsavory tactics to obtain money. They use people’s own children to trick people into buying their product, while claiming they’re a non-profit organization. I have never in my life dealt with such unprofessional, deceptive, underhanded people.”
Student Services, Inc. states on its website, “Nationally Recognized Nonprofit Organization.” However, the status of the business is unclear. The business has registered as a non-profit corporation in Texas, although, it’s unknown whether Student Services, Inc. has applied for federal tax-exempt status as a non-profit organization, or which type of non-profit organization. Not all non-profit organizations are charities.
To check out a business, find BBB Accredited Businesses, see tips and alerts, file a complaint or report misleading advertising, go to wisconsin.bbb.org or contact the Wisconsin BBB at 414-847-6000 (metro Milwaukee), 608-268-2223 (Madison), 920-734-4352 (Appleton) or 1-800-273-1002 (elsewhere in Wisconsin).
About BBB
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. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. Although the first BBB was founded in 1912, the Wisconsin BBB began in 1939. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than four million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit http://www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.
