Trade Practices Alert

Media Warning!

Subject: North Carolina Helping Hands

Contacts:
BBB of Northwest North Carolina
David W. Dalrymple, President
336-777-3726 office 336-813-8200 mobile
Winston-Salem, NC

The Better Business Bureau has received a rash of inquiries about invoices from North Carolina Helping Hands. Area law firms, executors of wills, and family members of recently deceased have received bills for unspecified services in fees ranging from $92.98 to $103.79. The invoices are fairly plain looking and typically include the name of a recently deceased individual and the person responsible for handling the details of the will. (See sample invoice below)

There is no company contact information listed on the invoice and only a post office box in Greensboro, North Carolina. None of the parties contacting the BBB were familiar with this group nor did they know of any prior commitment to it by the recently deceased individual listed on the invoice. The Bureau does not recommend sending payment to unknown parties without knowledge of a prior financial commitment.

Businesses and consumers, specifically those involved in the handling of the affairs of someone recently deceased are strongly encouraged to review any invoices for services rendered and confirm authenticity.

The BBB is attempting to develop additional information and, if necessary, work with local law enforcement and postal authorities concerning this group. If anyone has knowledge concerning North Carolina Helping Hands, please contact the BBB at 1-800-777-8348 or bbb@nwncbbb.com.

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Sincerely,

David W. Dalrymple
President & CEO

336-777-3726 direct
336-779-6290 fax

The Better Business Bureau of Northwest North Carolina
Please visit our website * http://nwnc.bbb.org

May 27, 2003