INDIANAPOLIS – The following list of Hot Topics issued by the Better Business Bureau is current as of Oct. 3, 2006. Readers should take into consideration the importance of the practice in question and the total performance of a company. For complete information, visit the Better Business Bureau online at www.bbb.org.

AVON

Washington State Attorney General, FTC sue online company

The Washington State Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission have filed suit against Popcorn.net/ Movieland.com/Mediacaster.net/Digital Enterprises. The company’s business is online membership that allows consumers to download movies, video clips, classic TV, news and games. More than 400 complaints have been filed against the company. Lawsuits allege that after the three-day trial period, consumers were inundated with browser pop-ups that appeared at least hourly and subject the consumer to a 40-second payment demand that cannot be closed. Other allegations include taking control of a consumer’s computer, misrepresenting the method to uninstall the software and using threats, harassment and intimidation in billing practices. These cases are pending. An Avon consumer had some of the same problems others throughout the nation are reporting. The California company has the BBB’s lowest rating.

INDIANAPOLIS

DNA Lab work promises job interviews, claims hospital affiliation

DNA Lab Work, an Indianapolis company, is calling consumers who have posted resumés online. A company representative tells the consumer there is a position available for a DNA Forensic Tech at a certain hospital and actually gives the hospital’s name. Consumers agree to pay $300 for a study guide and exam. According to complainants, consumers are told by the company representative that if they pass the test, they will be interviewed by the hospital. Consumers are reporting they have not been called for an interview even though they’ve passed the test. Several consumers have checked with the hospital only to find that the hospital does its own hiring and is not affiliated with DNA Lab Work.

BARGERSVILLE

Johnson County woman alerts BBB of employment misrepresentation

Generation Response is advertising online and in Indiana newspapers with want ads that say, “Get Paid To Shop.” Talentcast.com, part of Generation Response, is offering a bulletin board posting service for people who want to promote themselves to the entertainment industry and job placement services. SurplusSupplier.com and MySurplus.com, also operated by Generation Response, offer business opportunities. Complainants allege misrepresentation of employment offers. A Bargersville resident was thinking about signing up and making some extra money. Fortunately, she called the Better Business Bureau first. Dallas-based Generation Response has the BBB’s lowest rating.

PENDLETON

Residents urged to stay clear of advance-fee-loan scams

Southern Lending is running an ad in American Classifieds stating, “Need cash? We are here to help regardless of credit.” A Pendleton consumer is regretting that she fell for the ad. She wired $75 to a Pat Moran in Texas and shared her checking account number so the loan could be directly deposited into her account. The BBB continues to warn Hoosiers about advance-fee-loan scams for years: don’t send money to get money because it won’t happen.

INDIANAPOLIS

Resident’s tip leads BBB to Florida-based company