Don't fall for test prep service pitch

Posted on 5-13-09 | National

The Better Business Bureau says that parents of high school students who are planning to take the SAT and ACT college admissions tests say they are being misled by a test preparation service. Since August, 2008, the BBB has received 67 complaints from families across the U.S., including one in KY, on The SAT and ACT Prep Center out of Coppell, TX. The company has a BBB rating of "F" due to the number of unanswered complaints.

Parents of high school students allege misleading telephone sales and difficulties with refunds for test preparation materials offered by the company. Due to the nature of the complaints and the lack of response from the company to the complaints, the BBB serving Dallas and Northeast Texas has referred information on the business to the Texas Attorney General's office.

Complaints allege telephone sales for The SAT and ACT Prep Center misrepresented that their son or daughter had asked to get test preparation software for the college admission tests through their local high school. After buying the software for $119.99, parents discovered their children had not requested the study materials, and their local high school was not involved with the offer. Complaints on The SAT and ACT Prep Center also allege dissatisfaction with the software; non-delivery of the materials; unauthorized charges of $49.95 for monthly service; and difficulties in obtaining cancellations or refunds.

BBB offers these tips for avoiding deceptive phone pitches:

  • Never give out or confirm personal information over the telephone unless first initiating the call. If someone cold calls stating they are a rep from your child's school or are representing the College Board (aka SAT headquarters), CONFIRM FIRST with the school or association/organization that they are making such calls before giving any information to the cold caller.
  • Beware of deceptive pitches using your child's information or status. Anyone with more information or questions can call their child's school principal to report it so other parents and students can be alerted.
  • If you have said yes to these materials, and have an unresolved issue concerning the way the product was pitched, we urge you to file formal complaints with BBB as well as your state Attorney General's Office.
  • The BBB advises high school students and their families to check out any offers for college preparation or application products or services.