Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland's September 2023 Market Monitor includes stories on aggressive ERC promoters, brushing scams that affect businesses, and how company's can apply to BBB's Spark Award.

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
SEPTEMBER
2023
EXCLUSIVE MONEY
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INSIDE: • Beware of Aggressive ERC Promoters • New Board Director Spotlight! •
• On Our Radar • What if Your Business Was Used as Part of a Brushing Scam? •
Apply for BBB’s Spark Award
Are you or do you know a business owner 35 years or younger whose new business is
less than three years old? If you do, apply or nominate a business for BBB’s Spark Award.
Winners of BBB’s Spark Award will receive a $2,000 cash prize!
Applying is easy!
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What Is Your Marketing Plan?
Do you have a marketing plan for 2024? It’s not too
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Since January,
Your BBB’s
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Impressions!

2. Followusat:
SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
Greater Cleveland BBB Activity Report:
January thru July
Reports issued on companies: 846,499
Customer complaints closed: 6,491
Customer reviews submitted: 4,496
BBB.org visits: 600,283
Advertising review cases initiated: 43
Investigations Opened: 23
Business Tip: Beware of Aggressive ERC Promoters
The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a
refundable tax credit for businesses and tax-
exempt organizations that had employees
and were affected during the COVID-19
pandemic. The requirements are different
depending on the period for which you
claim the credit. The only way to claim the
Employee Retention Credit is on a federal
tax return.
Misinformation about this credit is all over
the radio, TV, social media, and the internet.
Scammers and aggressive marketers may
lure your company with promises of easy
money and a fast application process.
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 Address
Full 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.
The Market Monitor
Quarterly
200 Treeworth Blvd, Broadview Hts OH, 44147
200 Treeworth Blvd, Broadview Hts OH, 44147
Better Business Bureau, Inc
200 Treeworth Blvd, Broadview Hts OH, 44147
1 0 8 5 5 1 2 2 08/07/2023
$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
4
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.
13. 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
14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below
June 2023
1376 1364
2478
0
0
3854
2478
0
0
3842
0 0
3854 3842
102 26
3956 3868
100% 100%
3868
3956
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation
(Requester Publications Only)
16. Electronic Copy Circulation Average No. Copies
Each Issue During
Previous 12 Months
No. Copies of Single
Issue Published
Nearest to Filing Date
a. Requested and Paid Electronic Copies
b. Total Requested and Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies
(Line 16a)
c. Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15f) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies
(Line 16a)
d. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print & Electronic Copies)
(16b divided by 16c Í 100)
I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are legitimate requests or paid copies.
18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner Date
I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form
or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions
(including civil penalties).
17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the
issue of this publication.
PS Form 3526-R, July 2014 (Page 3 of 4) PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com.
0 0
3854 3842
3854 3842
100% 100%
X
September 2023
08/07/2023
USPS Statement of
Ownership
BBB Board of Directors Spotlight!
Saskia Topazio is the Manager-Gas Operations at Dominion
Energy Ohio. Topazio earned her Bachelor of Business
Administration with a major in International Business from
Texas A&M University followed by a Master of Business
Administration with a concentration in International Business
from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. In her spare time,
she enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, coaching
her daughter’s volleyball rec team, and
anything related to the topic of
Real Estate.
1. Start with TrustSM
- Review a company’s
time in business, customer reviews,
complaints, and other information on
BBB.org to determine if a company is
legit.
2. Get References - A legitimate ERC processor should be able to provide you with
references, case studies, audit protection, and work with experienced tax experts
3. Avoid Hidden Fees - ERC processors should be transparent with their fee structure.
Avoid companies asking for large upfront fees and avoid tax companies that base their
fee on the amount of your refund. Make sure you get the fee structure in writing.
4. Watch for Quick Fixes - While timeliness is important as the ERC deadline approaches,
a company or promoter that claims they can determine your ERC eligibility within
minutes is a Red Flag.
5. Avoid Signs of Aggressive ERC Marketing - Companies using aggressive marketing
may be lying about eligibility, trying to steal taxpayers’ identities, or taking a cut of an
improperly claimed credit. Aggressive marketing tactics include:
• Unsolicited ads, calls, emails, or texts from someone you don’t know.
• Upfront claims that you qualify for the credit before any discussion about your tax
situation.
• Promises of large refunds
• Claims you have nothing to lose. Companies could be audited and have to repay
the credit, interest, and/or penalties if they inappropriately file for the ERC credit.
Visit IRS.gov/erc for more information about eligibility and how to claim the ERC credit.
Examples
of ERC mailings
BBB has received

3. MARKET
MONITOR
THE
SEPTEMBER
2023
On Our Radar
AB Fulfillment
& Leading Optimity:
Consumers contacted BBB after
they became suspicious of job offers they
received from Leading Optimity and AB Fulfillment,
supposedly located in Cleveland, OH. Consumers were led to believe that they
were hired by the business to receive, open, and ship packages. One consumer told
BBB they “worked for [Leading Optimity] for a little over a month now but never received a paycheck, I
shipped out packages via UPS or FedEx. I was supposed to get paid $3000… and still have not received it...’ BBB attempted
to contact the businesses by phone and email to request additional information but was not successful. AB Fulfillment and
Leading Optimity appear to be connected. Both of their websites use language indicating that employee’s “inspection of
the products right before sending them to Amazon warehouse prevents up to 100% of possible problems with the Shipment
Quality Process.” Jobs that offer high compensation and similar descriptions are often indicative of “parcel mule scams.” BBB
advises the public to use caution when considering employment for positions such as these since packages and money sent
to “employees” may have been obtained illegally. Consumers may find themselves unknowingly aiding criminals in money
laundering schemes by participating in reshipment scams.
What if Your Business Was Used as Part of A Brushing Scam?
Recently, a local automotive supplies manufacturer contacted BBB
Serving Greater Cleveland about concerns that their products were
unwillingly and unknowingly used in a “brushing” scam. A brushing
scam occurs when a third-party company ships items to unsuspecting
consumers and then uses the transaction to improve its ranking on
popular e-commerce sites. The local company was alerted to the
activity by senior citizens surprised to receive packages. At first glance,
brushing scams themselves seem innocuous. Consumers may not
be aware they are victims of a brushing scam when they suddenly
start receiving unordered merchandise. However, scammers and
unscrupulous businesses will order products and use a “dummy”
address of a consumer to give the impression that the individual at the
address is a “verified” product buyer on a third-party platform such as
Amazon.com. The scammer repeats until they boost their products’
ratings and sales numbers.
Businesses may be concerned or confused when receiving consumer reports about never-ordered products. Some
consumers may be distressed that they are on the hook for product charges even though, by law, consumers do not have
to pay for items they did not order. That does not mean consumers may still not be confused or worried they are getting
scammed and blame the company they are receiving items from.
What can businesses do? BBB Serving Greater Cleveland recommends companies who believe they are victims of brushing
should:
1. Review Customer Orders - If your company suspects it is involved in a brushing scam, staff should review their recent
order history for any “red flags.” Red flags may include out-of-country IP addresses, IP addresses different from a
consumer’s location, and orders using fake phone numbers or different billing and shipping addresses. Once abusive
accounts and IP addresses are identified, companies can block these from accessing a website.
2. Secure Your eCommerce Website - Companies can help prevent brushing by implementing a few authentication
methods for users placing orders online.
• Use a CAPTCHA Generator - CAPTCHA stands for “Completely Automated Public Turing Test To Tell Computers
and Humans Apart.” Installing a CAPTCHA generator on a company’s e-commerce website can help prevent bots
from using a website to place large amounts of orders for brushing.
• Use Multi-Factor Authentication - Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) on websites. Requiring verification
of a phone number or email address may discourage companies from engaging in brushing because fake
information cannot be easily used.
3. Tell Consumers - Post an alert or notification on a company webpage, social media, or BBB Business Profile and advise
consumers to refuse shipments of unwanted and unopened merchandise.

4. The Market Monitor
Better Business Bureau
200 Treeworth Boulevard
Broadview Heights, OH 44147
Periodicals Postage Paid
The Market Monitor (ISSN 1085-5122). March 2023. Volume 19 No. 3. Published quarterly in March, June, September, and December by Better Business Bureau, Inc. 200 Treeworth Blvd, Broadview Heights, OH 44147,
Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, OH. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Market Monitor, 200 Treeworth Boulevard, Broadview Heights, OH 44147.
SEPTEMBER2023
Looking to hire a new employee? BBB can
help! Email us the following:
• Job Title and Description
• Compensation
• Location (Remote or In-Office)
• Application Deadline
• Include an email/link for application
submissions
BBB will post on our Job Board, Share on
Social Media, Newsletters, etc.
Email listings to KatieH@cleveland.bbb.org.