BBB Releases 'Dirty Dozen' List

The Better Business Bureau released its so-called "dirty dozen" list for the Charlotte area.

Some businesses on the list are accused of taking customers' money but not delivering what was promised.

At the top of the list is LA Weight Loss, which is now out of business.

LA Weight Loss has more than 130 unanswered complaints last year in the Charlotte region alone. That's what the BBB based its list on: unanswered complaints.

In 2008, customers in the Charlotte region filed nearly 15,000 complaints against businesses.

LA Weight Loss closed all 10 of its Charlotte locations in December, part of a nationwide shutdown of the entire chain. Customers complained to the BBB that they were not refunded thousands of dollars.

The Complete Better Business Bureau "Dirty Dozen" List:

L.A. Weight Loss Centers --10 locations in the Southern Piedmont area -- Owner, Mr. Rick Rex --Instead of losing weight, customers lost money when L.A. Weight Loss abruptly closed all 10 Charlotte area locations on Dec. 11, 2008, terminating employees and leaving customers out thousands of dollars. According to published reports, all L.A. Weight Loss Centers nationwide were expected to close by Jan. 4, 2009. L.A. Weight Loss has 133 unanswered complaints in 2008 and 144 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB status: out of business.

Place Settings -- Matthews, N.C. -- Owner, Mr. Robert J. Marossy -- Place Settings is an internet--based business that sells china, crystal and silver and other gifts via www.placesettings.com. Place Settings has 75 unanswered complaints in 2008 and 286 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB grade: F

Netwinner LLC -- Charlotte, N.C. -- Vice president, Mr. Matt Coapman -- Netwinner LLC operates an internet gaming site at www.netwinner.com where online gamers play Banko and Moneywheel to accumulate points to be redeemed for prizes. In May, 2008, citing financial hardship, the company changed the prize structure to eliminate guaranteed cash awards. The gamers cried foul and Netwinner accused the gamers of fraud. Netwinner has 45 unanswered complaints in 2008 and 237 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB grade: F

La Bella Sposa -- Charlotte, N.C. -- Owners, Brian and Shannon Starcher -- A high--end, couture, bridal shop located in Southeast Charlotte, La Bella Sposa abruptly closed in June, 2008 leaving dozens of brides without wedding dresses for which they had paid thousands of dollars. La Bella Sposa has 43 unanswered complaints in 2008 and 46 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB status: out of business.

Guardian Financial Group --Using a fake Charlotte address with telephone numbers in Canada -- Owner, Mr. Lawrence J. Wilkerson (probably a fake name) -- An advance fee loan scam, Guardian Financial Group guaranteed consumers loans in exchange for a fee for "insurance" or "collateral" on the loan. Consumers paid the fee via wire transfer to Canada, but did not receive the loan as promised. Guardian Financial Group has 33 unanswered complaints in 2008 and 33 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB grade: F

Young's F--Body -- Charlotte, N.C. -- Owner, Mr. T.R. Young -- Young's F--Body specializes in performance and restoration, parts and service for 1982--2002 models of Chevrolet Camaros and Pontiac Firebirds. Young's has 26 unanswered complaints in 2008 and 76 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB grade: F

Computer City also dba Deals Direct -- Using a rented mailbox in Matthews, N.C. as an address -- Owner, Ms. Lissa Yan -- Computer City/Deals Direct sells electronics and computers over the internet. Consumers nationwide have filed complaints stating that the merchandise received was not the name brand merchandise purchased. Further, consumers have been unable to reach the company, exchange the merchandise or get a refund. Computer City/Deals Direct has 20 unanswered complaints in 2008 and 40 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB grade: F

Beacon Financial Group -- Using a fake Charlotte address with telephone numbers in Canada -- Owner unknown -- An advance fee loan scam, Beacon Financial Group guaranteed consumers loans in exchange for a fee for "insurance" or "collateral" on the loan. Consumers paid the fee via wire transfer to Canada, but then did not receive the loan as promised. Beacon Financial Group has 18 unanswered complaints in 2008 and 26 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB grade: F

Rolland Elliott Studios -- Charlotte, N.C. -- Owner, Mr. Rolland Elliott -- Rolland Elliott Studios provides photography services. Complainants allege Mr. Elliott did not fulfill the photography services under the terms of their contracts. Rolland Elliott Studios has 16 unanswered complaints in 2008 and 48 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB grade: F

KiS Golf -- Locations in Pineville, N.C. and Concord, N.C. -- Manager, Mr. David Kinard -- KiS Golf filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Dec. 15, 2008 leaving customers out thousands of dollars. KiS Golf sold membership packages which included travel opportunities, custom--made golf clubs and reciprocal play at golf clubs. The average price paid or financed by customers ranged from $4,800 -- $19,000. KiS Golf has 15 unanswered complaints in 2008 and 23 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB status: out of business

Traffic Talk -- Mount Gilead, N.C. -- Owner unknown -- Traffic Talk sells customized accessories and parts for vehicles. This business has 13 unanswered complaints in 2008 and 48 total complaints in the last 36 months. -- BBB grade: F

Bargain Shoppers Express --Using an elderly woman's address in Hickory, N.C. without her knowledge or consent with telephone numbers in Canada. -- Owner unknown -- Bargain Shoppers Express has 11 unanswered complaints in 2008 and 11 total complaints in the last 36 months. BBB status: out of business.

Better Business Bureau Dishonorable Mention:

Weir Builders -- Uses addresses in both Shelby, N.C. and Kings Mountain, N.C. -- Owner, Lawrence Sam Weir, Jr. -- Mr. Weir is a home improvement contractor who also does business under the names Crete Magic, Sun Masters and Weir Grafix. Mr. Weir has had warrants issued for his arrest in Lincoln County and Mecklenburg County for failure to perform work after being paid and was arrested in Lincoln County on June 15, 2008. He has defrauded 25 homeowners in eight counties in N.C. and S.C. out of more than $100,000. Weir Builders has 11 unanswered complaints in 2008 and 17 total complaints in the last 36 months. Status: Out on bail from Lincoln County. Investigations are in progress in Gaston and Cleveland Counties. BBB grade: F