Anti-Fraud Bureau

[Artashes]

"Because the customer is not always right." - that's the motto of the Charge Back Bureau (http://www.chargebackbureau.com).

They claim they have over 7,500 businesses-members who have made over 40,000 reports of "bad customers" - those who try services and then ask for a charge back.

Since a charge back is not free, it seems like a great idea to have, having at least a minimal business protection. HOWEVER, it could be biased since there are many customers who just didn't like the service and asked for a charge back. An angry business could report them in the bureau database as a come-back and create a whole new problem for that person!

I know I asked for a refund (thank God it was a huge company), so they had no problems refunding the remaining amount, but I would not want to be in that database if I ever get in a situation where I have to ask for a refund from a bad service company.

What I would like to know - does anybody use them? And if Yes - how do you find them? And what do you think as a customer?

Best,

[kunta]

Well .. look at that.. I wanted to do something just like it. I guess I will sign up.. It seems like a great service and frankly I've dealt with many pain in the ass customers and they deserve to be in that database.

[Artashes]

Kunta, I thought this would be exactly what you planned to do on your own. Well, I guess its already there and I suspect its just one of many similar services.

But still, I still question the validity of such services.

Best,

[kunta]

They do not post credit card numbers there. So I don't think there is any law that prevents a database of fraudulent names.

[Artashes]

Well, if we dig deeper with the law, they may be abusing Human Rights and Freedoms chart and clauses regarding personal freedom, personal privacy and privacy of information as well as discrimination.

The Law will always find you. LOL :D

[kunta]

Good thing you braught that up. But those laws are not international so that all depends on what country that service was started in.

[Artashes]

They are not international, but the fact is - Human Rights charter is almost the same in all countries. There might be slightest differences, but they do not affect major ideas. :)

[kunta]

Many good points you make. Aside from all the contreversy I think that it's a great idea and should be used by all companies. It will save us alot of headaches in the long run.

And I think you agree with me on that point.

[Artashes]

Yes, I do agree that this kind of data is in fact a great tool for businesses. Especially those that act strictly online.

[Voltion]

I'm assuming they are US only, it would be nice to see a UK one.