Action 9

Action 9 confronts businessman with history of criminal charges

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When a customer complained about Bejay Barber, Action 9 investigator Jason Stoogenke started looking into the local businessman.

Track record

Six companies: Stoogenke found Barber has had at least six companies, according the the N.C. Secretary of State: Barber Companies Inc., Brand Waters LLC, Charter Bus USA Inc., Highland Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, Roadway Tours LLC, and Universal Music Inc. The Better Business Bureau only has records on one of his businesses: Roadway Tours. It gives it a "No" rating and has an alert that it's out of business.

Bad checks: In 2013, Barber was charged with felonies for passing two bad checks in Mecklenburg County. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor larceny.

Embezzlement: In 2015, he was charged with another felony, embezzlement, in Cabarrus County, tied to his drum and bugle business. Again, he pleaded guilty to a less charge: false advertising.

Attorney general: This year, Mia Shelton reported Barber to the North Carolina Attorney General and Better Business Bureau for his limo service. She's getting married in July. She hired Barber's limo company and then said she had a hard time getting in touch with him for weeks. She eventually did catch up with him and he told her his business "shut down." She was wondering if he would have told her had she not found him to ask. "Can you imagine, you show up for your wedding and there's no limo?" she said. Then, she said, it took about six weeks for Barber to refund her money. She said, fortunately, she still has time to hire a different company.

Bogus address? Plus, Barber gave customers an address in the University area. When Stoogenke went, people there told him Barber never used that space and that Stoogenke wasn't the only one who came looking for him.

Barber's response

Stoogenke caught up with Barber in person. Barber said he's not a scammer, just someone who keeps trying ventures unsuccessfully.

Stoogenke: "It seems like a pattern of behavior. We want to be fair to you. Do you get into a lot of businesses where you just don't follow through?"

Barber: "No, those businesses just like happened all at the same time ... and some things happened ... and just money was owed and we're just wrapping everything up now."

CLICK PLAY: Action 9 confronts Barber

Barber said he's starting a new business, an insurance company called Federal Assurance. When Stoogenke asked Barber if he plans to do a "better job" with the insurance business. Barber said, "Yes."

Advice

  • Do your homework: Research BBB reviews, search web reviews, and check the owner's name on Secretary of State's website (to see how many and what kind of businesses he or she is involved in).
  • Meet face-to-face: Shelton said she found Barber's company on Facebook and hired him without meeting him. Make sure you meet the person you're hiring in person if possible.
  • Be suspicious if the deal that seems too good to be true.
  • Read the contact thoroughly, especially for 1) the refund policy and 2) your rights if the company backs out.