The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is actively seeking consumer marketing materials for TelexFree, a company facing significant legal challenges in Brazil. This appeal, appearing on the BBB website since at least August 24th, targets TelexFree's operations based in Massachusetts.
The BBB characterizes its request as a "routine literature check," yet the specific catalyst for this inquiry remains undisclosed. The agency has asked consumers to submit any advertising or promotional literature received from TelexFree via email or postal mail. Simultaneously, the BBB's online business review for TelexFree states it is "being updated" and that the agency cannot provide information about the company at present.
This request for marketing examples aligns with TelexFree's escalating legal difficulties in Brazil. In the United States, the company's promotional content has included bold claims. A quick online search recently revealed a YouTube video promising "get paid weekly guaranteed" with TelexFree.
Another video, claiming support for TelexFree from the hacktivist group Anonymous, also appeared in search results. YouTube has since removed this particular video, citing violations of its policy against spam, scams, and commercially deceptive content. Anonymous is not known for supporting alleged Ponzi schemes.
The BBB operates as a private, self-regulatory body. It aims for voluntary cooperation from businesses. If the BBB uncovers illegal practices and a business declines to cooperate, it refers the case directly to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
The organization maintains close ties with governmental bodies like the Federal Trade Commission, various consumer protection agencies, and State Attorneys General. It is improbable that US regulators are unaware of TelexFree, particularly after reports of Brazilian TelexFree kingpins instructing their downlines to re-register through US accounts to circumvent Brazilian regulations.