Warning issued about firm to which woman says she lost $25K

The Better Business Bureau is warning area residents about a business to which an 82-year-old Kettering woman said she has lost more than 25,000 in a work-at-home situation.

The company, Merchant Services 123, has been given an F rating by the BBB after it received six complaints about the company in the past year, the agency said Thursday.

A recent case involves the Kettering woman, according to the BBB. It said the woman signed a contract with Merchant Services 123, which BBB officials said is a work-at-home company offering credit card processing services.

Among the reasons for the F rating, according to the BBB:

-Concerns with the industry in which this business operates

-Length of time business has been operating

-Failure to respond to six complaints filed against businesses

-Advertising issues

To help you avoid becoming a victim of work-at-home opportunities, the BBB suggests you:

-Don't give out personal information, such as your bank account or other personal information, to unfamiliar people or companies.

-Avoid anyone using high-pressure tactics. A legitimate company will give you time to do your research and make an educated decision.

-Never sign anything until you fully understand it. Have a family member or friend look over the paperwork.

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