ComplaintsforAmerican Independent Business Coalition

• Initial Complaint

  04/28/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This is a fraudulent company. They have been charging me ***** monthly since 2022 which just came to my attention. I never signed up for this and from looking at other people's reports can tell that they have had similar experiences. I would like full reimbursement.

  Business response

  05/13/2024

  Hello, 

  Please find our response attached.

  ****************************************

• Initial Complaint

  04/22/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company did not cancel my account as I requested at the end of last year/beginning of this year. I have been charged every month this year through April. 4 payments of $239.01 totaling $956.04. I lost control of my login for the company and couldn't change or correct anything on my end and only am being reimbursed 1 of the 4 months. Service fees were to be done as of 2024

  Business response

  05/08/2024

  Hello, 

  Please find our response attached.

  Thanks

• Initial Complaint

  03/11/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was being charged for a membership from you me company that I was not aware of. $89.95 a month. For the last year and I would like be reimbursed for these charges. As I do not approve of them.

  Business response

  03/26/2024

  Hello, 

  Please find our response attached.

  Please accept this as our response to a complaint filed with your bureau by *************************.Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to address the matter.A review of our records found that on January 24, 2023, ***** enrolled in an Executive Diamond level membership with the American Independent Business Coalition (****), through our agent *****************************. The **** provides their members with a number of benefits including, but not limited to, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage and Hospital Indemnity Benefits, as well as Excess Medical Expense Coverage through a ************* Policy issued by our sister company, *********************************** to the **** for the benefit of its members.As a result of your inquiry, a review of the enrollment process was conducted. During the processing of an enrollment, it is the practice of our Company to contact the applicant on a recorded telephone line to verify the information reported on the application. A review of the recorded verification call, with ******************, on January 24, 2023, revealed the following: Our representative advised ****************** the reason for call was to go over the information on her enrollment application, and to thank her for applying to become a member of the American Independent Business Coalition Association. ****************** was advised that the call was being recorded and it would be made a part of her file. Our representative asked if ****************** understood that she was making an application for membership to the ****. ****************** replied Yes ****************** confirmed her banking information from which her initial and ongoing membership dues would be drafted on her requested effective date of February 1, 2023. ****************** confirmed her mailing address and email address on the application were correct. At the conclusion of the call, ****************** was advised that, once her membership enrollment was processed, a Membership Guide would be provided to her by the ****,with detailed information on how to access all of t

   

   

  ***************************************/Manager

• Initial Complaint

  01/10/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On 1/3/2024 I noticed $22.95 was electronically debited from my checking account from a company Amer Ind Bus Col Member Dues. I have never spoke with this company and I most certainly did not give them my banking information. After reading some of the BBB complaints, I am seeing the same several other complaints against them. One in particular is the exact amount that was taken from my account. My bank is telling me they will look into it, I don't have much confidence in that. They also suggest that I close my account and reopen another. I'm not happy with that, having to change all my auto pays and purchase new checks. I would appreciate having the funds returned by this company.

  Customer response

  01/11/2024

  I was able to contact the company that charged my account. It turns out it is connected to a previous **************** policy I had. 

  I did not recognize the charge because it was a membership fee which was included in my Insurance premium that they did not cancel when my policy was canceled.

  I am in contact with them and they are supposed to get back to me in regards to refunding the payment.

  If I do not hear from them I will connect BBB again.

  Thank you and I apologize for any inconvenience.

   

• Initial Complaint

  10/31/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I was not provided the full details of this plan and have been paying for it for 4 months. When I called to get information I wasnt giving forth coming information. The policy is flawed and It doesnt work for my needs. It took over 3 days to reach someone and everyone on this phone was rude. Im writing requesting a full refund of ******.

  Business response

  11/27/2023

  The policy was canceled and the consumer will be reimbursed. It will take 21 days.

  Customer response

  11/28/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  D'antaye Hall

• Initial Complaint

  10/13/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I found a recurring debit from American Independent Business Coalition from my bank account, that I did not authorize. It looks like it started when I signed up for health insurance through my job, but I did not authorize any extra to be withdrawn at that time. The first debit was May 3 2022 for $129.95 and then monthly since then for ***** for a total of $1569.15. I am currently in the process of registering for an account at their website so I can cancel the automatic withdrawals

  Business response

  11/02/2023

  Hello, 

  Please find our response to ********************** inquiry attached.

  Thanks,

  Business response

  11/03/2023

  Please accept this as our response to a complaint filed with your Bureau by ***************************.  We appreciate this opportunity to be of assistance.

  A review of our records found that **************** enrolled in an ***************************** Membership with the American Independent Business Coalition (****), which became effective as of May 1, 2022.  Membership with the **** provides its members with an array of small business solutions, consumer discounts and health programs.  One of the health programs provided by the **** to its members is a ***************** Coverage Benefits - Excess Medical Expense and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Coverage and a ************* Specified Disease/Illness & ************* Accident Insurance issued by ****************************************** to the **** for the benefit of its members.  The plan provides benefits for covered accidental bodily injury on an expense incurred basis up to the benefit limits outlined in the **** Executive Diamond Level Membership Guide (copy enclosed).  The availability of benefits is subject to the definitions, provisions, exclusions and limitations of the coverage.

  It is the ****'s practice to contact their applicants on a recorded telephone line in order to verify the information provided on the Member Enrollment Application and to confirm the applicant's acceptance of their electronic signatures that are provided on the Member Enrollment Application and to confirm the applicant's acceptance of their electronic signatures that are provided by the applicant during the application process.  Our records indicate the recorded telephone verification call was conducted with ****************** on April 12, 2022.  We have reviewed the call and provide the following information:

  During the call ****************** replied "Yes" when asked if she understood that she was making an application for membership to the **** Executive Diamond Level.

  She also acknowledged that she understood Membership Dues are required to maintain membership in the Association.

  ****************** confirmed her home address as being ***********************************************************************, and your email address as being ***************************.

  She verified payment information and gave authorization for both the initial and recurring payment. 

  At the end of the call, ****************** was advised that she would receive the membership guide in the mail that provided detailed information regarding all the benefits included with the membership.  She was advised if she had any questions to contact our ****************************** at **************.

  If/or when an application is submitted, the company sends a "Welcome" email to the email address listed on the application.  The "Welcome" email includes links to the electronic application as well as a link to the Membership Guide for the Membership selected on the application.  Specific to ********************** file, our documentation supports that we sent the "Welcome" email to her at *************************** on April 12, 2022.

  In light of ********************** comments included with her complaint, we've had an opportunity to review our files and found she contacted our company on October 13, 2023, for the first time since she purchased the membership.  During that conversation with our customer service department the request was submitted for a retroactive cancellation of ********************** membership as of the effective date May 1, 2022.  In order to offer the best service, we agreed to honor ********************** request.  The membership was terminated on October 25, 2023, as "not taken" and is considered null and void.  The refund was initiated via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) on that date in the amount of $1,079.40.

  We hope that we have adequately addressed your concerns.  If you have any questions at this time or require additional information, please contact me directly at **************.

   

• Initial Complaint

  09/26/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In April, I called to cancel all policies with the company and they continued to take the payments out of my business checking account. I called multiple times and they said they would send me the voice recording of where I only cancelled one policy and today I called as I have heard nothing and they said they cannot share the voice recording, but I only cancelled one and would not issue a refund. I cancelled all policies effective May 1 as I was going on ******** due to my age.

  Business response

  10/09/2023

  Please find our response to Mr. ******** inquiry attached.

  Thanks, ******* **********

  October 6, 2023
  
  BBB Corporate Office
  *** ** ********* ***** ****
  St. Louis MO *****
  
  
  Attn: Dispute Resolution Department
  
  RE: Insured: *********** ********
  Certificate Number: **********, C, D, U
  Membership Number: **********
  Complaint No.: ********
  
  Dear Sir/Madam:
  
  This is in response to an inquiry filed with the Better Business Bureau by *********** ********. We
  appreciate this opportunity to be of assistance.
  
  A review of our records found that Mr. ******** applied for and was issued coverage under four (4)
  separate plans offered by our Company: An Association Group Specified Diseases/Illnesses Insurance
  Plan, an Association Group Bodily Injury Insurance Plan, an Association Group Fixed Indemnity
  Insurance Certificate, and an Association Group Short Term Accident Disability Income Insurance
  Certificate. The Plans (non-ERISA) were issued effective March 22, 2022. The availability of benefits
  under each of these plans is subject to the definitions, provisions, exclusions and limitations of each
  Plan. The health plans are not a major medical plan, comprehensive medical insurance nor is it eligible
  for mandated benefits under the Affordable Care Act.
  
  A review of our records found that Mr. ******** also enrolled in a membership with the American
  Independent Business Coalition (“AIBC”), which became effective on March 22, 2022, under member
  number **********. The AIBC provides their members with a number of benefits including, but not
  limited to, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage as well as Excess Medical Expense
  Coverage through a Blanket Group Policy issued by our company to the AIBC for the benefit of its
  members.
  
  A review of Mr. ********’ file found that he contacted our Customer Service Department on April 28,
  2023, to cancel the medical plans as he was going on ********. When asked if he only wanted to
  cancel the medical portion and keep the AIBC membership, he stated that he did. He contacted our
  Office on August 4, 2023, and told our Customer Service Department that he had also wanted the AIBC
  membership canceled. We advised him that he had specifically requested to keep the AIBC
  membership. We told him that we would pull the recorded telephone call and review. After reviewing the
  call, we advised him what was on the call. Our telephone calls are proprietary to our Company and can
  only be released through legal request.
  
  In an effort to resolve this matter, and to assist our Insured, we have canceled the AIBC membership
  effective May 1, 2023. All premiums drafted after that date will be refunded to the payor on the account.
  We have notified Mr. ******** of our decision (copy enclosed).
  
  
  
  
  *** ******* ****** • Suite 200 • Fort Worth, Texas ***** • **************
  
  
  Re: *********** ********
  **********
  Page 2
  
  
  Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to address this matter. If you have any questions, please do
  not hesitate to contact me at ************.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  
  ******* **********
  *******
  Consumer Affairs Department
  
  MF/ra
  
  
  *** ******* ****** • Suite 200 • Fort Worth, Texas ***** • **************
  
  *** ******* ******, Suite 200, Fort Worth, Texas *****
  ************
  *** ******* ******, Suite 200, Fort Worth, Texas *****
  ************ *********** ********
  10/06/2023
  Page 2

  Customer response

  10/10/2023

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I told them to cancel ALL policies as they were no longer needed.  I called the ABC coalition number and requested this.  They said there was a voice recording of me saying to cancel only partial and they would send it to me in a file.  I was told this twice and the last time I was told there was not a recording and they would not provide it and they would not let me hear it.  As the proof of  me saying only to cancel some of the policies is on them, I want refunded.  I know what I said.  There was no need for these policies when getting ********.

  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ********** ********

  Business response

  11/01/2023

  Hello, 

  Please find our 2nd response regarding Mr. ********' rejection.

  Thanks, ******* **********

• Initial Complaint

  09/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have been charged the last two months for a membership I do not recall enrolling in. I would like a refund returned to my account.

  Business response

  09/29/2023

  Please find our response attached.

  September 28, 2023
  
  
  BBB Corporate Office
  ***************************
  *******************
  
  
  Re: Complainant: ***********************
  Complaint Number: 20601192
  
  
  Dear Sir/Madam:
  
  Please accept this as our response to the complaint filed with your office by ***********************. We
  appreciate this opportunity to be of assistance to the Bureau.
  
  In her complaint, ************** indicated that she has been charged for the last two months for a
  membership for which she does not recall enrolling. She noted that she would like a refund for
  amounts collected.
  
  By way of history, on July 12, 2023, we received a completed application from ************** for
  coverage under multiple Certificates offered by our Company, all of which are included in our
  SecureAdvantage Suite of Products. In order to purchase the above Plans, ************** was required
  to become a member of the American Independent Business Coalition (****) Association.
  Therefore, she also submitted an enrollment form for a Membership with the **** at the
  Executive Diamond Level.
  
  When an application is submitted, our Company sends a Welcome email to our applicants. This
  email includes a link to the electronic application as well as links to the product brochures,
  including the **** Membership, for the coverage selected on the application. As it pertains to
  **************, on July 6, 2023, our records reflect that the Welcome email was sent to her at
  ********************, the email listed on her application.
  
  In addition, during the Underwriting Process, it is the practice of our Company to contact our
  applicants on a recorded telephone line to verify the information reported on the application.
  According to our records, this call took place with ************** on July 12, 2023. We have reviewed
  the call and provide the following information:
  ************** agreed when the representative informed her that the call was being recorded and
  that we would be relying on her responses and authorizations during the call to confirm the
  information on the application and to use as her electronic signature.
  
  ************************************************************* **************
  
  ***********************
  
  September 28, 2023
  Page 2 of 2
  
  ************** responded Yes when the verification representative asked if she understood that
  each of the plans selected provide the specific benefits as described in each plans brochure
  or health coverage summary that she had received and reviewed with the sales agent.
  ************** confirmed her address as being *****************************************************,
  and her email address as being ********************.
  Toward the end of the verification phone call the representative again reminded **************
  that each of the plans selected would provide the specific benefits as described in the
  brochure that she had received and reviewed with the sales agent.
  
  Based on the information contained in **************** file, the SecureAdvantage Plan coverage and
  the **** Membership were issued correctly, and the monthly premiums and membership dues
  were collected from her bank account in accordance with the authorization during the
  verification call.
  
  As previously explained, in order to have the SecureAdvantage Plan coverage, ************** is
  required to be a member of the ****. Therefore, if she would like to cancel the **** membership,
  she will also have to cancel the SecureAdvantage Plan coverage. If this is how she wants to
  proceed, she can contact our *************************** at **************.
  
  This completes our review of **************** complaint to your Department. If you have any
  questions or need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (817) 878-
  3469 or by email at **********************************.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  
  
  *******************************
  Vice President
  Product & Consumer Affairs
  
  NE/sa
  
  
  
  
  ************************************************************* **************

• Initial Complaint

  09/05/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The other day while going through my bank account, I noticed a charge in the amount of $22.95 that said AMER IND BUS COL Memb Dues. Not recognizing this charge I started looking through past statements and found that I had been being charged from Feb through August every month for the same amount. I never signed up for anything that this alleged company is selling and I definitely have never spoken to anyone regarding any kind of services they are offering. Upon further investigation I came across a list of similar complaints on the BBB website. It seems this is a completely fraudulent company and need to be prosecuted for stealing peoples money without any knowledge from them. I have contacted my bank but expect to get a full refund of all money ($183.60 8 months of charges) from the same people that stole it in the first place. American Independent Business Coalition needs to be held completely accountable for their fraudulent actions.

  Business response

  09/28/2023

  September 21, 2023    Better Business Bureau *** * ******** **** **** *** ****** ** *****     Attn:  Dispute Resolution Department     Re:  Member:             ****** *******            Member ID:        **********  Complaint ID:   ********       Dear Sir/Madam:      Please accept this as our response to a complaint filed with your office by ****** *******.  Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to address the matter.    A review of our records found that on September 13, 2022, ****** ******* applied for and was issued coverage under three (3) Plans offered by our Company: An Association Group Fixed Indemnity Insurance Plan (PremierAdvantage) , a Five Year Term Renewable to Age 70 Group Life Insurance with Group Term Life for Dependents and Critical Illness Accelerated Benefit (MedGuard) and a Dental Insurance Certificate (Secure Dental), which are generally referred to as our PremierAdvantage suite of products.  The application was approved, and the Plans were issued effective November 1, 2022.  Our records indicate that the Dental Insurance Certificate, known as Secure Dental, was cancelled effective February 1, 2023, at the request of Mr. *******.  At the time of application, Mr. ******* also applied for enrollment in a Pearl level membership with the American Independent Business Coalition (AIBC). The AIBC provides their members with a number of benefits including, but not limited to, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage and Hospital Indemnity Benefits, as well as Excess Medical Expense Coverage through a Blanket Group Policy issued by our sister company, National Foundation Life Insurance, to the AIBC for the benefit of its members.   As it relates to Mr. *******’s complaint, membership with the AIBC is required in the State of Tennessee to issue coverage with our Company and must be maintained while all other coverage with our Company is in-force.     ****** *******   **********   September 21, 2023   Page 2    *** ******* ****** * ***** *** * **** ****** ***** ***** * **************

• Initial Complaint

  06/08/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Received a packet in the mail saying I was now a Diamond member. Didn't think anything of figured it was some sort of promotional thing trying to get me to sign up. A couple days later I looked at my bank account and was drafted 129.99 for membership dues. Never authorized $129.99 for membership dues.

  Business response

  07/17/2023

  July 14, 2023
  
  *** ********* ****** *** ** ********* ***** **** *** ****** ** ***** *** ************ ***** ******* ********* ******* ********
  
  Dear Sir/Madam:
  
  Please accept this as our response to the complaint filed with your office by ***** *******. We
  appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance to the Bureau.
  
  By way of history, our records reflect that on May 25, 2023, we received a completed application
  from Mr. ******* for coverage under multiple Policies, included in our SecureAdvantage suite
  of products, offered by our Company, Freedom Life Insurance. In addition, at the same time Mr.
  ******* applied for coverage under the SecureAdvantage Plans, he also enrolled, through our
  Company, in an Executive Diamond Level Membership with the American Independent Business
  Coalition (AIBC).
  
  During the Underwriting Process, it is the practice of our Company to contact our applicants on
  a recorded telephone line to verify the information reported on the application. According to our
  records, this call took place with Mr. ******* on May 25, 2023. During the call, Mr. *******
  confirmed that the bank account information provided on his application was correct, and he
  authorized our Company to draft the bank account for collection of his monthly payments.
  
  According to our evaluation of Mr. *******’s concerns, it appears that he might be confused
  since the Membership is separate from the Policies and is issued by the AIBC instead of Freedom
  Life Insurance Company. In addition, he might also be confused because there are separate bank
  drafts, one for his SecureAdvantage Plan coverage, and the other for his AIBC Membership.
  
  Our review found that we drafted $129.95, which included a one-time $40 initiation fee and the
  monthly Membership dues of $89.95, from Mr. *******’s bank on June 6, 2023 as payment for
  his AIBC Membership. Based on the completed enrollment form and the bank authorization we
  obtained from Mr. ******* we acted in good faith, but Mr. ******* does have the right to cancel
  the Membership at any time.
  
  Please note that it is our Company policy to issue a full refund of premiums or Membership dues
  collected, less any claim payments, if a cancellation request is received within the first 30 days of
  coverage; however, although Mr. *******’s Membership has been in effect for 45 days, we are
  willing to make an exception and issue a full refund for all Membership dues collected if he
  contacts our Customer Service Department at ###-###-#### to request cancellation by the end
  of the month.
  
  We believe that the information provided in this response has addressed Mr. *******’s
  complaint to your office. If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel
  free to contact me directly at ###-###-####.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* *********** *** ******* ******** ******* ********** *****
  
  

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩