How the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is Being Exploited in 2025: A Closer Look at Unethical PracticesIn 2025, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) continues to be a prominent organization that serves as a guide to consumers, helping them make informed decisions about businesses and services. BBB’s mission is to promote trust between consumers and businesses by providing a platform for reviews, accreditation, and resolving disputes. However, not all businesses play by the rules, and some have found ways to exploit BBB’s system for their own gain. This article explores how some companies are using unethical practices to manipulate their BBB ratings, ultimately misleading consumers and damaging the integrity of the BBB.1. Understanding the BBB’s RoleThe BBB serves as a neutral third party to help businesses and consumers interact in a trustworthy manner. Businesses can earn accreditation by meeting specific standards, such as honesty in advertising, resolving consumer complaints, and maintaining ethical business practices. In addition to accreditation, the BBB offers ratings, which range from A+ to F, based on factors like transparency, complaint history, and customer trust.Consumers often rely on the BBB’s rating system to evaluate the reputation of a business before making purchases or entering into agreements. However, with the increasing reliance on the BBB’s platform, some unscrupulous companies have discovered ways to game the system and give the appearance of trustworthiness—while, in reality, they are anything but.2. Manipulating Complaints to Boost BBB RatingsOne of the more common unethical tactics used by companies to manipulate their BBB ratings is the handling of consumer complaints. A business with a poor complaint history can be a major deterrent to potential customers. To maintain or improve their rating, some companies employ strategies to suppress or remove complaints from their record.These methods can include:
