I have read the posts on IPIU (International Private Investigators Union) at usacomplaints.com. They advertise in various job sites on the internet as having investigator job openings. This is not the case. I went all the way to the final level and all I got was a list of mystery shopping companies. This report should clarify the unethical nature of IPIU:
(From the Vancouver Better Business Bureau at http://www.bbbvan.org/)
As of JAN 20/99: On AUG 25/95 the State of Idaho Attorney General Alan G. Lance announced the settlement of deceptive trade practices claims against Sandpoint businessman, Jeremy Lancaster, doing business as CWN World News and the International Private Investigators Union (IPIU). The agreement comes after an investigation of lancaster's businesses by the Consumer Protection Unit (CPU).
"With regard to CWN World News, Lancaster is alleged to have placed employment advertisements in various newspapers nationwide seeking limousine driver trainees. Relative to ICIU, Lancaster is alleged to have placed newspaper ads nationwide promoting both employment and training opportunities to become private investigators, as members of the International Private Investigators Union.
"When consumers called the local numbers listed in the CWN World News ads, they were instructed to dial a 900 telephone number in order to apply for a position. Upon calling that number, consumers merely received a solicitation to subscribe to 'Limousine and Chauffer Magazine'."CPU investigators believe that Lancaster's telemarketers told people interested in becoming private investigators that the IPIU was headquartered in Washington, D.C. And that the processing center, which purportedly conducted criminal background checks on each candidate, was located in British Columbia, Canada.
In reality, the Washington, D.C. Telephone number provided to consumers was a 'call forwarding' number answered by telemarketers in Sandpoint. The British Columbia address used by Lancaster led consumers to believe that the organization had an international presence. Rather, the B.C. Address was merely a mail drop across the Idaho-Canadian border north of Sandpoint. State investigators were told by ex-employees that Lancaster made the short drive to the mail drop periodically to collect memberships and 'union' dues sent from all over the country.
"Attorney General Lance also alleged, in connection with the private investigators operation, that Lancaster prepared promotional literature advertising a rags-to-riches story of a man who became wealthy and successful after joining the IPIU. The story was printed on the back of a legitimate newspaper article about a successful private investigator in Sandpoint. The flyer deceptively suggested that the rags-to-riches tale was a testimonial provided by the subject of the newspaper article, when, in fact, the individual highlighted in the article had no connection with IPIU.
"Finally, Lance alleged that IPIU promotional materials and practices were designed to lead consumers to believe that IPIU has some official connection with law enforcement agencies and that it has some manner of licensing authority when, in fact, it does not.
"While not admitting to any violations of law, Lancaster agreed, according to terms of the Assurance of Voluntary Compliance filed in Bonner County, to cease the allegedly deceptive and misleading activities listed above, make refunds to consumers requesting them, and pay the State $5,000 for its investigative costs, attorney fees and civil penalties. Of that amount $4,000.00 has been waived so long as Lancaster complies with the terms of the Assurance. After the settlement of the State's claims the Attorney General was informed that Lancaster intends to cease conducting any further business in Idaho.
"Consumers are entitled to, and the market place works best when, the truth is communicated. That did not occur here, and I am pleased we were able to put a stop to the practices at issue, " Lance said.
Lance also stated that consumers who believe they have been defrauded by CWN World News of the International Private Investigators Union may contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit at 1-800-432-3545, in-state toll-free, to request a refund.
For further information, please contact Deputy Attorney General Brett T. DeLange in the Consumer Protection Unit, Statehouse, Room 119, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0010, (208) 334-2424 or, in-state toll-free, 1-800-432-3545.
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