Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand ForksSchemes and Ripoffs: how to see if it's a scam

Schemes and Ripoffs: how to see if it's a scam

We're always happy to help you get to the bottom of schemes and rip offs, but there are times when even we can't move fast enough to make sure no one gets between you and your money. That's why this story puts the power in your hands.

by Emily Welker 

We got a letter from a viewer in Jamestown, ND, asking us to do a little investigating into a company that had her a little worried. Brandy Mjoen says she agreed to a deal from a door to door salesman to insulate her attic, at a special rate, as long as they could finish the task while they were in the area. Because there was a bit of time-sensitivity to the deal, and because it was door to door, it got her a little suspicious. Here's how you can get online and look up companies for yourself.

The Better Business Bureau for our region (MN/ND) has a spot on their website where you can search companies by name. The company that had Mjoen concerned is called Eco Insulation. You just type in the name, and see if there are any outstanding complaints against it. The company has a rating of B by the BBB on an A to F scale. This indicates they meet accreditation standards by the BBB, there are no complaints lodged with the BBB against Eco Insulation, and the BBB doesn't have any problems with its advertising practices, or with the type of business it does.

If you want to go even further with your research, the BBB website also provides a special link to the Secretary of State of North Dakota. There, you can also plug in a company name, and check out whether, as a contractor, they're licensed, or whether the company is licensed itself. Eco Insulation is current on both registrations for the state of North Dakota.