AALNC Network News

Choosing Service Providers for Business Relationships

As legal nurse consulting grows, so too will the service providers targeting legal nurse consultants as customers. Some will be legitimate vendors who offer products and services to enhance your businesses, unfortunately others will attempt to scam you and your small business. Are you prepared to identify a scam from the real deal? Included here are tips from the Better Business Bureau to remind you what to look for before engaging in a business relationship with a potential vendor.

Please note: All AALNC promotions, programs and notices will always come directly from AALNC Headquarters and will be clearly marked with the AALNC brand, signature and contact information. In addition, all members should know that a vendor promising discounts to AALNC members has not necessarily entered into an agreement with the association but may be using the AALNC name to legitimize their business. If you ever have a question about a vendor who claims to be endorsed or recognized by AALNC, always contact Headquarters to determine the legitimacy of the claim.

Be an Educated Consumer: Know the Danger Signals of Scams

Think about how you can be a smarter consumer. While schemes and scams take infinite forms, there are basic principles underlying all of them. Knowing the common danger signals and ways to defend yourself can save you time and money. Be alert for these red flags:

A deal that sounds much better than any being advertised by firms you know to be legitimate — offers that are "too good to be true."

A promoter, who is not based locally, provides no telephone number and uses a post office box or mail drop, rather than a full street address.

A promoter name and/or logo that closely mimics that of a respected brand or business.

Pressure words, such as "urgent" or "final deadline," sprinkled throughout the sales literature.

Pressure, threats or harassment, either in writing, during a phone call, in an e-mail message or in a personal contact.

Immediate request or demand for a check, money order or cash to be picked up by a courier, sent to a mail drop or post office box.

Vague answers or none at all, to key questions you ask about the offer.

Insistence that you finalize a deal orally or provide personal financial information (such as your social security number or credit card number), without a written contract or other documentation in writing.

Be your own best protector. Even with all the consumer protection agencies and laws on the books, you must protect yourself. The Better Business Bureau offers these tips:

Take your time deciding; be firm in the face of pressure.

Protect your privacy. Provide personal information only if you know who's collecting it, why and how it's being used.

Read before you sign. Fully understand the contract and make sure it matches what the salesperson told you.

Don't believe it just because you saw it on the Internet. Obtain the company's physical address and phone number, and check the company out with your Better Business Bureau.
If asked to purchase goods sight unseen, compare the prices and warranties with those offered by local firms. Remember that you run a risk of getting inferior merchandise when you order products from unfamiliar businesses without being able to inspect them first.

For more information on how to protect yourself from schemes, scams and fraud contact your local Better Business Bureau or visit the Better Business Bureau's central Web site.
Source: Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc., March 25, 2003
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