This document provides a summary of discounts and services available to BBB accredited businesses as well as information on scams targeting businesses and consumers online. It discusses discounts on services like criminal background checks, office supplies, shipping, and coworking space. The document warns that scammers are impersonating the BBB in emails seeking sensitive information. It provides tips to help businesses and consumers protect themselves from online scams and issues with orders from online sellers.

1. N E W S F O R B E T T E R B U S I N E S S B U R E A U A C C R E D I T E D B U S I N E S S E S
MARKET
MONITOR
THE
B E T T E R B U S I N E S S B U R E A U S E R V I N G
G R E A T E R C L E V E L A N D
OCTOBER
2020
B2B DISCOUNTS FOR
BBB ACCREDITED
BUSINESSES
Intellicorp Records, Inc. offers
online criminal checks for
$17.07 each. Other reports also
discounted. Call (800) 539-3717.
Office Depot discount on office
supplies and printing. Contact
Jessica Samp at
(248) 842-7514 or jessica.samp@
officedepot.com. Use SPC Account
#8012 380 6671.
PartnerShip®
offers discounts on
select FedEx®
services including
express packages, ground
packages, and residential delivery,
on both new and existing FedEx®
accounts. Also save at least 70%
on standard and guaranteed LTL
freight shipments with UPS Freight,
YRC Freight, Con-way Freight, and
other reputable carriers, including
competitive pricing on truckload,
expedited, and tradeshow
shipments. Call (800) 599-2902.
Company 119 launched an app
to help you easily get customer
reviews that are sent to your BBB
Business Profile. This is offered free
only to BBB Accredited Businesses.
To sign up, go to maxfeedback.
com/bbb.
Some member discount programs
generate revenue which BBB
reinvests into the organization’s
operations.
INSIDE: OctoberisNationalCybersecurityMonth•ScammersImpersonatingBBB•Online
SellersDeliveringProblems•NewDiscountforAccreditedBusinesses•UpcomingEvents
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
There is no industry, person, or business that is immune to cybersecurity
attacks, which is why National Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a good
reminder to take stock of your online security measures at home and work. Cyber
threats targeting personal and business interests continue, especially targeting
coronavirus related fears. Don’t let cybersecurity awareness be limited only to
October; talk about it with your employees throughout the year, and go to bbb.
org/cybersecurity for more tips and resources.
In the Dark About Dark Patterns?
Internet Deception You Might Not Realize
Have you ever booked a hotel room online
and the website warns you, “Hurry! Only
one room available! It’s in three people’s
carts!” Or maybe you want to close out
a website’s popup asking you to sign up
for their email list to receive coupons and
the only way is to click “No, I like paying
full price.” These are examples of dark
patterns.
Websites and apps use dark patterns to
increase conversion rates and profits by
convincing users to give more information or money than they normally would.
They’re ploys to get users to agree or do things that they might not necessarily
understand; like buy a more expensive product or sign up for something they
aren’t interested in.
While these tactics may be tempting to implement because they’re primarily used
to increase sign-ups and profits, an increase in clicks doesn’t necessarily translate
to better customer experience or consumer loyalty.
In fact, it only erodes consumer trust and loyalty when they realize the deception.
Likewise, as a consumer, it’s important to be able to recognize these dark patterns,
as you have likely already been exposed or may see them on websites in the
future.
Here are some popular dark patterns that you may already be familiar with:
Hidden costs - Just like in the name, this dark pattern tacks on unexpected
charges when you enter your payment.
(Continued Inside)

2. ®
Follow us at:
In the Dark About Dark Patterns? (Continued from Front Page)
Trick questions - This dark pattern typically occurs during check out as well; by
wording questions differently, the website attempts to trick you into signing up
for something or giving more of your info than you intended.
Confirmshaming - One of the most popular dark patterns, this method guilts
the user into doing something. It’s most commonly used to get you to sign up
for a mailing list, but it can also used when you go to unsubscribe or cancel a
service.
Business Beware: Scammers Impersonating BBB
Scammers are attempting to profit from emails that look like they are coming from
BBB. However, the “mail from” box indicates that the email is sent from “Better
Business Notification.” Attempting to loosely associate themselves with BBB, the
sender further refers to themselves as the “Better Business Board.”
A local business in Seven Hills, Ohio, received this email and alerted BBB Serving
Greater Cleveland that these emails appear to be soliciting information concerning
complaint investigations:
BBB never sends emails outside the BBB.org domain, so if you receive this email,
disregard and delete it. This particularly deceptive scam is very similar to business
email compromise and phishing scams in which scammers use malware to gain access
to company email and attempt to obtain access to banking information. Help protect
your business from this scam by following these tips:
Confirm suspicious emails by calling the company directly or checking the company
website. In this case, contact us directly to verify any communications. Look up
contact information rather than use information from the suspicious email.
Don’t click, download, or open anything that comes from a suspicious sender. This
is likely an attempt to gain access to your personal information or install malware on
your computer.
Pay close attention to the email address. One trick of scammers is to use a domain
name that is almost exactly like the company URL, maybe off by just one letter (for
instance, .co instead of .com).
You can verify communications from us by calling 216-241-7678, by email at info@
cleveland.bbb.org, or by Live Chat on bbb.org.
USPS Statement
of Ownership
Reports issued on companies: 1,230,003
Customer complaints closed 5,516
Customer reviews submitted: 4,364
BBB.org/cleveland visits: 2,115,677
Advertising review cases initiated: 54
Investigations Opened: 33
SERVICE TO THE
COMMUNITY
Greater Cleveland BBB Activity
Report: January through August
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation
(Requester Publications Only)
1. Publication Title 2. Publication Number 3. Filing Date
4. Issue Frequency 5. Number of Issues Published Annually 6. Annual Subscription Price
(if any)
8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer)
9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank)
Publisher (Name and complete mailing address)
Editor (Name and complete mailing address)
Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address)
10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the
names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the
names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of
each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.)
11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or
Other Securities. If none, check box.
PS Form 3526-R, July 2014 [Page 1 of 4 (See instructions page 4)] PSN: 7530-09-000-8855
None
7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4®)
_
Contact Person
Telephone (Include area code)
Full Name Complete Mailing Address
Complete Mailing AddressFull Name
12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one)
Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months
Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement.)
The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes:
PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com.
Market Monitor
Bi-Monthly
200 Treeworth Blvd, Broadview Hts OH, 44147
200 Treeworth Blvd, Broadview Hts OH, 44147
200 Treeworth Blvd, Broadview Hts OH, 44147
Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland
2 3 8 7 5 09/01/2016
$12.00
Sue McConnell
(216) 623-8950
200 Treeworth Blvd, Broadview Hts OH, 44147
Sue McConnell c/o BBB
200 Treeworth Blvd, Broadview Hts OH, 44147
Sue McConnell c/o BBB
Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland 200 Treeworth Blvd, Broadview Hts OH, 44147
X
X
6
PS Form 3526-R, July 2014 (Page 2 of 4)
Extent and Nature of Circulation Average No. Copies
Each Issue During
Preceding 12 Months
No. Copies of Single
Issue Published
Nearest to Filing Date
15.
14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below13. Publication Title
a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run)
In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541.
(Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing, and Internet
requests from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions,
employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies.)
d. Non-
requested
Distribution
(By mail
and
outside
the mail)
b. Legitimate
Paid and/or
Requested
Distribution
(By mail
and
outside
the mail)
c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4))
Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541.
(Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing, and Internet
requests from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions,
employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies.)
(1)
(2)
(4) Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS
(e.g., First-Class Mail®)
Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter
Sales, and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS®(3)
Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail (Include pickup stands,
trade shows, showrooms, and other sources)
(4)
(1)
Outside County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 (include
sample copies, requests over 3 years old, requests induced by a premium,
bulk sales and requests including association requests, names obtained
from business directories, lists, and other sources)
(2)
In-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 (include sample
copies, requests over 3 years old, requests induced by a premium, bulk
sales and requests including association requests, names obtained from
business directories, lists, and other sources)
(3)
Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of
Mail (e.g., First-Class Mail, nonrequestor copies mailed in excess of 10%
limit mailed at Standard Mail® or Package Services rates)
Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and e)f.
Total Nonrequested Distribution [Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)]e.
Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4, (page #3))g.
Total (Sum of 15f and g)h.
Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation
(15c divided by 15f times 100)
i.
* If you are claiming electronic copies, go to line 16 on page 3. If you are not claiming electronic copies, skip to line 17 on page 3.
Market Monitor February 2020
4021 4025
1453 1372
2429
0
0
3882
2286
0
0
3658
0 0
3882 3658
139 367
4021 4025
100 100

3. MARKET
MONITOR
THE
OCTOBER
2020
Online Sellers
Delivering Problems
Online shopping’s popularity
only skyrocketed with the onset of the coronavirus
pandemic and mandatory store closures; even as stores
reopen, many consumers opt to continue shopping online.
As that popularity increases, however, so do scammers attempt to
defraud online shoppers and other delivery mishaps. The following
locally-based online sellers have generated “F” ratings with BBB as a result of consumer complaint activity.
Get Up To Parr (dba Sabrina’s Detox Teas) sells detox teas, cleansing supplements,
packages for meal prep, workout, and food plans. This company is owned by Sabrina Parr,
a fitness coach romantically linked to Lamar Odom. Originally the company was reported
to be based in Cleveland, Ohio but is now using a UPS Store mail drop location in Atlanta,
Georgia. Customers tell BBB that Parr took payments on her websites, www.getuptoparr.
com (now defunct) and www.sabrinasdetoxtea.com, in advance for supplements and
packages that were never shipped. BBB started receiving complaints in October 2019
citing concerning problems with orders. Parr has only responded to one of the over 30
complaints from BBB resulting in an “F” rating. Up to Parr’s website is now citing the
coronavirus pandemic as the reason for the delay in its orders. The company’s pattern
of consumer complaints predates the pandemic and consumers report the 10-14 day delivery promise is not being honored.
BBB recently contacted consumers who filed complaints and determined that most had still not received their products or
any refunds from Up To Parr.
Parma-based IRockDecals.com specializes in vinyl decals, but customers tell BBB that orders are never received or they are
sent severely damaged merchandise. The company has failed to respond to the nearly 200 complaints generated in the past
three years. The return policy posted on the website is a hotel in Parma, and mail sent to another Parma address for the
business is undeliverable.
BBB Serving Greater Cleveland recommends consumers keep the following tips in mind in order to protect themselves from
online purchase scams.
• Only buy from reputable stores and websites - The best way to avoid getting scammed is to buy directly from a seller
you know and trust. Check BBB.org to see what other consumers’ experiences have been.
• Be sure the online store has working contact info - If a company
seems legitimate but you aren’t familiar with it, be extra careful with
your personal information. Before offering up your name, address,
and credit card information, make sure the company is legitimate.
A real street address, a working customer service number, and
a positive BBB Business Profile are just a few of the things to be
looking out for to determine if a company is legitimate.
• Be Wary of Stock Photos - BBB has identified many suspected
scam websites reusing the same stock photos and testimonials. Use
websites like tineye.com and Google Image search to reverse search
images online. If the same picture is used across multiple websites,
be skeptical.
7 Steps Businesses Take to Build Trust
During COVID-19
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from COVID-19, it’s that
communication is a must. Having excellent communication with
customers is often easier said than done. With increasing customer
demand, unpredictability across the market, and intensified
competition, many businesses are scrambling to survive.
While many firms cut costs and took advantage of financial
assistance programs during this pandemic, business owners tell BBB
that doing simple, customer-centric tasks can not only create loyalty
but build trust.
Here is what businesses are doing more of or
differently to build trust with customers.
Data from BBB’s COVID-19 Business Impact
Report Find out more at: https://bit.ly/3kjm6Lp

4. The Market Monitor
Better Business Bureau
200 Treeworth Boulevard
Broadview Heights, OH 44147
Periodicals Postage Paid
OCTOBER 2020
New Discount for BBB Accredited Businesses
LaunchHouse is giving BBB Accredited Businesses a FREE
month of flex coworking in Highland Heights.
LaunchHouse is a community where businesses and people
come together and grow. It is more than just a place to work,
it is a place for people to engage and learn from one another
while developing their businesses as careers.
If you are interested in learning more about LaunchHouse
visit: https://launchhouse.com/bbb-discount.
Upcoming Events: Green Lights & Red Flags
Join BBB along with representatives from the FTC, Ohio
Attorney General, Cuyahoga County, FBI, and more! Learn
how you can protect your business from scams and be a
secure entrepreneur.
Thursday, October 29th at 1:00 PM
Visit https://ringcentr.al/3hskwVO to register or email
Pam Anson at pam@cleveland.bbb.org
Keep a Lookout! BBB is hosting a Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion Conference in November. Watch your email for
more information on how to register.
The Market Monitor (ISSN 1085-5122). October 2020. Volume 16 No. 5. Published bimonthly in February, April, June, August, October, and December by the Better Business Bureau, Inc. 200 Treeworth Blvd,
Broadview Heights, OH 44147. Periodicals postage paid at Broadview Heights, OH. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Market Monitor, 200 Treeworth Boulevard, Broadview Heights, OH 44147