Business ProfileforOpen Business Directory, Ltd.

BBB recently received several generally from businesses alleging that Open Business Directory Ltd. is sending or faxing misleading solicitations that appear as requests for updated information for a yellow page directory. After completing the information, they are invoiced for $1,188.00. Some business principal
s pointed out that some of the smaller print is illegible on their faxed copies.

Open Business Directory appears to operate Yellow-Page-USA.com,and it appears that companies are being billed for advertisements on the website.

Copies of solicitations provided by complainants to BBB show that the documents include the "walking fingers" logo and the statement "This is not a bill," in several parts of the mailer. However, in the fine print of the document, they read:

"This is not a bill, invoice or statement of account due. You are under no obligation to make any payments on account of this order unless you accept the terms. This is not a solicitation for the order of good or services or both.

We are not affiliated with your local phone company and the directory is not distributed to all local telephone subscribers. If you already advertise in a local phone company's yellow pages this yellow pages online business directory listing will be in addition to your existing yellow page advertising. This is a new nationwide yellow page listing and you hereby order the above given business listing at the directory www.yellow-page-usa.com for a term of two years at a price of US $1,188 per year.

Payment terms are 14 days from the date of invoice delivered. This contract shall be governed by the laws of the state of (states vary samong documents, but includes Nevada). Termination of this agreement is required in writing to the company address at least three months prior to its expiry otherwise it will renew for another year. Any changes to your business details can be made free of charge any time during the contract period by sending a request by email to info@openbusinessdirectory.com."

Some complainants also allege that an "opt-out" form was completed and sent back to the company, yet they continue to receive invoices via fax.

Many complainants allege that Open Business Directory has threatened to place their bill into collections.

BBB investigation has determined that this company previously operated in Toronto, ON and operated the website YELLOW-PAGE-CANADA.com. Details regarding the previous operation can be viewed at Click here. The company also previously used a Boston, MA address in some mailings.

The company's website contains an address in Moscow, Russia. The order form indicates a Miami address for their "Service Agent." One letter on file with BBB shows that the recipient business was instructed to mail their payment to an address in Switzerland.