Combined Insurance Company

I have been paying into combined insurance for years, konwing we were getting married and starting a familyI signed up for hospital and short term disability with combinedWhen I went to start my claim come to find out that the hospitalization part is hospitalized by accident not pregnancySo that was a waste paying in for thatI was hospitalized because of complications with pregnancySo when I did deliver I called them the same day to start my claimIt's now been over a month and still no check I call every week and of course they need this and that from drOffice or from meThey give me every excuse for not paying meThey also didn't update me on my claim and the information I needed until I called them weekly to find out -very upset customer - would not recommend this company

Contacted Dent Magic to get an estimate on repairing our Mazda CXthat a pick axe may have fallen in our garage and put a pretty good dent and crease above the passenger side wheel wellDent Magic removed the dent and crease to where we nor our friends could even tell where it was on the car We are extremely happy with Dent Magic and the work they did and the price was unbelievable...under $and they had it fixed in a little over an hour I've waited longer than that for an oil change We would highly recommend them This was our first time and it is unbelievable how great the work was that they did

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2015/08/21) */
August 21,
Revdex.com
N WABASH AVE STE
CHICAGO IL XXXXX-XXXX
RE: YOUR CASE #: ***
CONSUMER: ***
Dear Sir/Madam:
Thank you for your correspondence, referenced
above
Please be advised that we have contacted Ms*** directly and provided a written response, addressing the concerns expressed in her inquiry to your officeDue to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), it is our goal to protect all confidential *** health information, specifically regarding claimsAs such, we are unable to provide additional information to you at this time
Should you have any questions, or if we may be of further assistance, please let us know
Sincerely,
***
*** Insurance Company of America
Consumer Service Investigations
Direct:(XXX)XXX-XXXX
Toll Free:XXX)XXX-XXXX/Ext XXXXX
FAX:(XXX)XXX-XXXX
Case #XXXXXXX
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 7, 2015/08/21) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
Not all of it has been paid out yetAs soon as Revdex.com report then they started process of claims not all claims have been paid out and then we have a disagreement that my claims have to do with a elective surgery that does not pay which is correct but I then followed up with a sickness and they are stating they don't need to pay this as it was from a elective my sickness is stated from doctor as doctors note show this is still a sickness and it needs to be paid out on policy since I carry a sickness policy I understand they will not pay for the elective surgery but that has no effect on the after effectsThey paid on some of them as if they were paying out on a policy that should not be paid out on but they were doing it on there kindness, that does not work in the real worldalso there is a dispute on the amount that needs to be paid They paid out on a minor then a major my procedure was a major not a minor it was done in a ambulatory settings you don't do a procedure like I had in a doctors office where there is Novocain and a surgical needle injected in body to drain fluidso we still have the difference on this situation and I also don't feel I'm being treated as any other customer as They state I need to be with certain people as I'm a employee of theirs which years that was not the issue at all I was able to call speak with call center and get info on claim now I'm not allowed As employee of company I have to have it handled different if this was the case why was this not in my employee contract and why years go by and its now different this is discrimination and I pay for my policies as any other clientI want fairness and claims be paid out as policy shows
Final Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2015/08/28) */
August 28,
Revdex.com
N WABASH AVE STE
CHICAGO IL XXXXX-XXXX
RE: YOUR CASE #: XXXXXXXX
CONSUMER: ***
Dear Sir/Madam:
Thank you for your follow up correspondence regarding the additional information you received from Ms*** on August 21,
Our Claims department has further reviewed Ms***'s additional inquiry and concerns, and mailed an explanation letter todayWe have asked Ms*** to contact the adjustor directly if she should have any further questions
If we may be of further assistance, please let us know
Sincerely,
***
*** Insurance Company of America
Consumer Service Investigations
Direct: (XXX)XXX-XXXX
Toll Free: XXX XXX-XXXX/Ext XXXXX
FAX: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Case#XXXXXXX/XXXXXXX

In accordance with our Privacy Pledge it is our goal to protect all confidential policyholder information while continuing to provide
high quality service to our customers
As the disclosure of Mr***’s information is strictly prohibited, we are unable to provide any further information to
you at this timeHowever, be assured that we have mailed correspondence directly to Mrs***-*** addressing
the concerns expressed in her inquiry to you. She should receive our letter within the next 5-business days
If you have any questions, or if we may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us
Sincerely,
*** ***, Senior Coordinator
Combined Life Insurance Company of New York
Consumer Service Investigations
(toll free) 1-800-951- (fax) 1-312-351-

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2014/05/23) */
See attached response

October 20,
Revdex.com Serving Chicago & Northern Illinois
N Wabash Ave Suite
Chicago IL 60611-
*** *** *** ***
*** *** ***
To whom it may concern:
Thank you for your correspondence regarding
your complaint *** referenced above
In accordance with our Privacy Pledge and as well as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), it is our goal to protect all confidential policyholder health information, specifically regarding claimsAs such, our Claim department has responded directly to our customer as her inquiry was regarding her claimPlease be advised that on October 16, 2015, a letter was sent to *** ***, addressing the concerns expressed in her letter to your office
Should you have any questions, or if we may be of further assistance, please let us know
Sincerely,
*** ***
*** *** *** *** ** *** ***
*** *** ***
*** ***
*** *** ***
*** *** ***
*** ***

they are very efficient and I have had very good experiences when submitting claimsI would highly recommend them to anyone seeking supplemental insurance, Great company!

A complete investigation was previously conducted based on Mr***’s inquiries to our Office as well as to your organizationAs explained in our August 18th response, since the disclosure of Mr***’s policy benefits and claim information is strictly prohibited, we are unable to provide you with any further information regarding this matter. However, be assured that we have forwarded a response directly to Mr*** on this date, addressing his concerns and providing our final determinationIf you have any questions, please let us knowSincerely,
Tamara ***, Senior Coordinator
Combined Insurance Company of America
Consumer Service Investigations
(toll free) 1-800-225-(fax) 1-312-351-

I am not happy at all with this company You pay for the additional insurance in time of need, you submit all the paperwork not once, not twice but three times and they still keep sending the same letter of request
They rob people of their money and when they need to pay out they have some kind of excuse and their customer service people though nice play the " Oh I do not know why this is happening"
This company is a fraud and should be shut down by the government Their sales reps mislead you to believe they will honor claims with seven days that is a bunch of bull All the money paid into this company for what---NOTHING

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 7, 2014/03/11) */
Dear Ms***
Our response to your inquiry is attached
*** F* ***
Senior Compliance Coordinator
Consumer Service Investigations
Toll Free: XXX-XXX-XXXX, ExtXXXXX
Direct: XXX-XXX-XXXX
Fax: XXX-XXX-XXXX
E-mail:
***@Combined.com

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2015/01/05) */
January 5,
*** ***
Revdex.com
Lower Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL
Re: Your Case #XXXXXXXX
Dear Ms***
This letter is being written in response to your inquiry, which we received on
December 29,
In cases where a policy is in danger of lapsing, outgoing calls are made to a customer in order to discuss possible payment options, which may simply include collecting a payment over the telephone or securing a correct credit card or bank account number for automatic draft purposesThe telephone number of the outgoing unit responsible for making such calls is the toll-free number Ms*** referenced in her inquiry to your office
In cases where a policy appears to be nearing a state of lapse, our call center will make outgoing calls on business days in the period of one month, with up to three calls on each of the daysHowever, they are also required to leave voicemail messagesThat being said, Ms***' statement to your office regarding the lack of voicemail messages and the frequency of calls concerned usLet me assure you, we forwarded a formal report to call center management regarding this matter and we have asked them to take any necessary corrective action
According to our records, Ms***' telephone number was added to our internal "Do Not Call" list in response to her December 17, call to our call centerMs*** mentioned that she received another call the very next day, December 18, While it can take up to hours before a number is removed from our system, according to our records, no further calls were made after December 18, 2014, so it appears that her number was successfully added to our "Do Not Call" list
While we regret any concern or inconvenience that Ms*** may have experienced as a result of this situation, we are thankful that she brought this matter to our attention as inquiries of this nature enable us to identify areas in need of improvement
We trust that this letter satisfactorily responds to your inquiryIf you have any questions, or if I can be of further assistance, please let me know
Sincerely,
*** *** Senior Coordinator
Combined Insurance Company of America
Consumer Service Investigations
Direct: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Toll Free: (XXX) XXX-XXXX / Ext XXXXX
FAX: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Case #XXXXXXX

In accordance with our Privacy Pledge as well as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability...

Act) regulations, it is our goal to protect all confidential policyholder information, specifically regarding claims, while continuing to provide high quality service to our customers.
 
As the disclosure of Mr. [redacted] claim information is strictly prohibited, we are unable to provide any further information to you at this time. However, be assured that we have mailed correspondence directly to Mr. [redacted], addressing the concerns expressed in his inquiry to you.  He should receive our letter within the next 5-10 business days.
 
If you have any questions, or if we may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
 
Sincerely,
[redacted] L. [redacted], Senior Coordinator
Combined Insurance Company of America
Consumer Service Investigations
(toll free) 1-[redacted]

October 20, 2015
Revdex.com
330 N. Wabash Avenue, Suite 3120
Chicago, IL 60611-7621
Complaint ID#: [redacted]
Dear Revdex.com:
This letter is being written in response to your email of October 13, 2015.
While our...

policies have been traditionally sold in person by way of door-to-door sales, our home office is also reaching out to customers as well. In brief, we contact current and past customers in order to discuss new policies. However, it is not our intention to overwhelm or alienate a customer.
Based on Ms. [redacted]' report, it appears that we were rather aggressive in our approach. Please ask Ms. [redacted] to accept our apologies for any concern or inconvenience she may have experienced as a result of this situation.
In accordance with Ms. [redacted]' request, we have taken steps to discontinue all future contact with her. Specifically, we have informed sales management that all field agent contact is to be stopped and we have also flagged her former policy record to prevent telephone and mail contact with her.
While we trust that this letter satisfactorily responds to your inquiry, if you have any questions, or if I can be of further assistance, please let me know.
Sincerely,
[redacted], Senior Coordinator
Combined Insurance Company of America
Consumer Service Investigations
Direct: ([redacted]
Toll Free: ([redacted] [redacted]
FAX: ([redacted]
Case #[redacted]

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2014/02/14) */
February 12, 2014
Revdex.com
330 N. Wabash Avenue
Suite 3120
Chicago, IL 60611
Re: Your Case #: XXXXXXXX
Consumer: [redacted]
Dear Revdex.com:
This letter is being provided in response to your...

inquiry of February 7, 2014.
Ms. [redacted] owns an Income Protection Policy #TXXXXXXX that provides benefits for total disability while the insured is totally disabled and under the regular care of a physician. She also owns an Accident Protector Policy #TXXXXXXX and an Accident and Sickness Protector Policy #TXXXXXXX.
Our Claim Department received Ms. [redacted]'s claim on August 22, 2013. A payment was promptly issued on August 26, 2013. The payment provided the emergency room benefit under policy numbers TXXXXXXX and TXXXXXXX, the emergency room follow up visit under policy number TXXXXXXX and total disability benefits under policy number TXXXXXXX.
Our Claim Department subsequently issued payments on September 17, 2013, September 27, 2013, November 5, 2013, December 6, 2013, February 4, 2014 and February 10, 2014 for additional total disability benefits and two more emergency room follow up visits.
On the statement completed and signed by her physician on January 28, 2014, he indicated that Ms. [redacted] remained totally disabled, but that she would not be following up with him until April 17, 2014. He also stated that she was scheduled to return to work on April 21, 2014. Based on his statement, our Claim Department provided total disability to January 28, 2014 as it is our company's procedure to pay disability benefits to the date a doctor signs a claim form.
In phone conversations our Claim Department had with Ms. [redacted] on February 5, 2014 and February 7, 2014, Ms. [redacted] asked that we pay disability benefits to the date we were going to process the payment, February 7, 2014. Our Claim Department made a decision to grant Ms. [redacted]'s request. A benefit check was issued on February 10, 2014 covering total disability to February 7, 2014.

However, in order for our Claim Department to review her claim for additional disability benefits, they will require verification of treatment between February 7, 2014 and April 2014. Ms. [redacted] indicated that she was going to wait until April 2014 and submit this additional information to our company.

In her statement to your office, Ms. [redacted] stated that all of our Customer Service Call Center
representatives were rude and disrespectful. She also reported that a supervisor told her that she did not care about Ms. [redacted]'s issues as she had her own.
We reviewed several of the conversations Ms. [redacted] had during the first week of February 2014. While we did not hear or detect rude and/or disrespectful behavior, we did note that Ms. [redacted] appeared frustrated and she commented to one representative in particular that he was not understanding the point she was trying to make. In that particular call, she asked to be transferred to a manager. He transferred her to [redacted] in our [redacted] Claim Department.
During the conversation with Ms. [redacted] Ms. [redacted] stated that she used to be insured through [redacted] and that she never had challenges with claims through them. She also stated that [redacted] once paid her three months of disability into the future. Ms. Gariepy said that she didn't care about [redacted] procedures as she had to focus her concerns on our claims and procedures. While she never told Ms. [redacted] that she didn't care about her issue, we discussed this matter with Ms. [redacted] Please extend our apologies to Ms. [redacted] for any concern or inconvenience she may have experienced as a result of this situation.
While we did not detect any rude and/or disrespectful treatment, if Ms. [redacted] is referring to a particular incident during a call she made prior to February 2014, please ask her to provide our office with the representative's name and/or the date of the call to our company so that we may research the matter and take any necessary corrective action.
In closing, while Ms. [redacted] stated that another insurance company provided disability benefits into the future, as we discussed above, our procedure is to pay disability benefits to the date a doctor signs a claim form. However, in cases where it appears that the insured will remain totally disabled beyond the date the form was signed, our Claim Department encloses a new claim form with the benefit check.
We trust that this letter satisfactorily responds to her inquiry.
If you have any questions, or if we can be of further assistance, please let us know.
Sincerely,
[redacted] Senior Coordinator
Combined Life Insurance Company of [redacted]
Consumer Service Investigations
Direct: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Toll Free: (XXX) XXX-XXXX / Ext XXXXX
FAX: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Case # XXXXXXX
Final Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2014/02/14) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
This reply seems very much like an attack on my credibility. The issue was not to pay into the future as I told the rep it was to pay until the date that the adjuster signed off on the claim. It was stated that it was at the adjuster discretion and that's not right if it's policy then let it be policy but Ok I will make an appointment to follow up with my doc so that my disability can continue until he seems necessary. If needs be I will submit a continuance claim form. For the record that manager was not professional with me or my disability situation. I hope I will not have any negative handling with my claims in the future because I had to file this claim with Revdex.com.

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2014/07/03) */
As the details of Mr. [redacted]'s claim are protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), we are unable to release any information to your organization. However, be assured that our Claim Department spoke...

with Mr. [redacted] on this day, Thursday, July 3, 2014, and they will be writing to him directly to further address his concerns.
If you have any questions, or if we may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
[redacted] L. [redacted]
Senior Compliance Coordinator
Combined Insurance Company of America
Consumer Service Investigations, Case XXXXXXX
(direct line) X-XXX-XXX-XXXX
(toll free) X-XXX-XXX-XXXX Ext. XXXXX
(fax) X-XXX-XXX-XXXX

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2015/05/13) */
May 13, 2015
Revdex.com
330 N. Wabash Avenue Suite 3120
Chicago, IL 60611-7621
Re: Your Complaint Number: XXXXXXXX
Consumer: [redacted]
Dear Ms. [redacted]:
This letter is being written in response to your...

inquiry of May 7, 2015.
The policy Ms. [redacted] discussed in her inquiry to your office was issued on November 10, 2014. As her loss occurred within the first year of the policy issue date, our Claim Department began a standard pre-existing condition investigation. Such investigations begin by writing to the insured for a signed and dated authorization and often include a request for a list of physician's names.
After her claim was initially received in our mail room on March 3, 2015, the adjustor wrote to Ms. [redacted] and asked her for a signed authorization and a list of physician's names. The requested information was received on March 30, 2015 and on April 2, 2015 letters were mailed to two of her doctors. At that time, a courtesy letter was mailed to Ms. [redacted] regarding the claim status.
After sending a second request letter to one of her doctors on April 20, 2015 and an additional request by fax to the same doctor on April 21, 2015, the records from that doctor were received on April 24, 2015. On May 1, 2015, the claim file was sent to our Medical Director for review.
On May 8, 2015, a claim benefit check was issued under the new policy. However, in reviewing the file for this response, a claim manager noted that an incorrect benefit was provided. An additional payment was issued to Ms. [redacted]. The combined total of the initial (incorrect) payment and the additional payment served to provide the maximum benefit payable for her loss under her new policy. (It is also important to note that an additional benefit was provided under another policy. The additional benefit was included in the initial benefit check of May 8, 2015.)
Ms. [redacted] also indicated that she was receiving multiple emails. These emails were sent through our Vodafone system, a system that was designed to provide automatic claim updates. The Vodafone case was closed on May 13, 2015, so Ms. [redacted] will not be receiving any more emails regarding her claim.
We regret that Ms. [redacted] believed that her claim was being delayed intentionally. Please assure her that a routine claim investigation took place because her loss happened to be within the first year of the policy's issue date. Once the response was received from her doctor, the records were forwarded to our Medical Director for review and her claim was paid.
While we trust that this letter satisfactorily responds to her inquiry, if you have any questions, or if I can be of further assistance, please let me know.
Sincerely,
[redacted] Binder, Senior Coordinator
Combined Life Insurance Company of New York
Consumer Service Investigations
Direct: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Toll Free: (XXX) XXX-XXXX / Ext XXXXX
FAX: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Case #XXXXXXX

I met with an agent and decided to open 2 policies. It was explained to agent to post date initial payment of policies so that there would be enough funds in the account. I was assured that this could be done that way and I didn't have to worry. Unfortunately that didn't happen, My account was charged the same day for each policy amount thus resulting an overdraft charge of $35 for each transaction!! Furious this mishap, I contact the agent he ststes he pur the check in to be post dated. He doesn't know what happened. So then I call the company to cancel the policies and get a quick refund. Since my entire transactions with the company was done electronically, including my signature for the policies, I figured my money would be returned to me the same way. NOT!!! Not only do they not refund electronically, I was informed that I can expect to receive a check in the mail 7-10 business days!!! 12 business days I have yet to receive a refund.!!! No answer from the agent, I call the company. To my disdain, I am told that my the request on my refund just went in yesterday and whoever told me I was suppose to receive a check 7-10 business days was wrong. Needless to say I will never use nor recommend this company. Hopefully "my check is in the mail" or im gonna have to file further complaints!!

October 30, 2015Revdex.com330 N. Wabash Avenue, Suite 3120Chicago, IL 60611-7621Complainant ID #:       94576058Consumer:                 ...

Justin
[redacted]Dear Revdex.com Customer Relations Advocate:This letter is being written in response to
your inquiry of October 27, 2015.Privacy concerns prevent us from discussing
the details regarding Mr. [redacted]’ inquiry. However, we are able to state that
he will be receiving two separate responses from our company. Our department
will respond to his refund request concerns. However, as we are not in a
position to discuss the concerns he raised regarding his employment, our Human
Resources department will respond to that portion of his inquiry.We are mailing our response to the Post
Office box he referenced in his letter. If you
have any questions, or if we can be of further assistance, please let us know.Sincerely,Paul [redacted], Senior CoordinatorCombined Insurance Company of AmericaConsumer Service InvestigationsDirect: [redacted]Toll Free: (800) 663-2422 / Ext 18731                 FAX: (312) 351-6910  
                                                                        ...⇄ Case #4760174NOTE: WE TRIED TO UPLOAD THE ABOVE LETTER TO YOUR WEBSITE ON 10-30-15, BUT THE SITE WAS DOWN.

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2014/09/23) */
September 23, 2014
Revdex.com CHICAGO & NORTHERN ILLINOIS
ATTENTION: MS [redacted]
RE: YOUR CASE#: XXXXXXXX
CONSUMER: [redacted]
Dear Ms. [redacted]
Thank you for your correspondence dated September 16, 2014 referenced...

above.
Please be advised that we have responded directly to Ms. [redacted] regarding the concerns expressed in her complaint to your office. Our Claims department sent her a letter on September 22, 2014.
Should you have any questions or if we can be of further assistance, please let us know.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Combined Insurance Company of America
Consumer Service Investigations
Direct: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Toll Free: (XXX)XXX-XXXX/Ext XXXXX
FAX:(XXX)XXX-XXXX
Case #XXXXXXX

Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 7, 2014/09/23) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
They have not send me any information. I just contacted them at X-XXX-XXX-XXXX and spoke briefly with Maria Simon. She advised me the call was being recorder,however as I spoke with her I realized she wasn't at all familiar with the case. She asked how did I get this number and I told her to disregard and I discontinued the conversation. I stoke with several other people that work for combined insurance and it seems this is how they handle claims. The advertise quick and easy claim processing but the run you away and takes 6 to 10 months to complete. They state the goal is to assist you while you are home recovering and not able to make money. however, they do not. I filed this claim on 4/25/2014 and suffered a relapse in June due to Combined run around and explanation of benefits. I am contacting news, and various other avenues to bring attention to how the middle class is being treated by companies such as combined. We are only trying to protect our families but seem to be getting railroaded and used.THEY HAVE SENT NOTHING AND CONTINUE TO GIVE ME THE RUN AROUND AS OF TODAY
Final Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2014/09/24) */
September 24, 2014
Revdex.com CHICAGO & NORTHERN ILLINOIS
ATTENTION: MS LUCILLE GARCIA
RE: CASE#: XXXXXXXX
CONSUMER: [redacted]
Dear Ms. Garcia,
Thank you for your follow up correspondence regarding Ms. [redacted]'s rebuttal.
As indicated in our correspondence to your office yesterday, our Claims department has sent a letter dated September 22, 2014 directly to Ms. [redacted] regarding the concerns expressed in her complaint. Regrettably, due to HIPAA, we cannot provide information to your office regarding Ms. [redacted]'s claim. Please advise her to allow a couple of days to receive our mail.
When Ms. [redacted] called yesterday, I tried to establish the caller/call but she discontinued the conversation. I have called Ms. [redacted] this afternoon and left her a message to return my call.
I will be happy to provide her with the information explained in our Claims' letter if she has not already received it.

If we can be of further assistance, please let us know.
Sincerely,

Maria Simon
Combined Insurance Company of America
Consumer Service Investigations
Direct: (XXX) XXX-XXXX/Toll Free: (XXX) XXX-XXXX /Ext XXXXX
FAX: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
Case#XXXXXXX

I have been out of work since 3-14-16, so I waited for the tine period to put in the claim I had all the forms they sent me to be filled out by the dr. After which I waited to see when will I receive a payment to my surprise I never received a payment but more forms to be filled out this went on a for a while I called and every time they said u need to have the forms filled out by your dr. This situation is still unresolved I made it known to them every 2 weeks religiously they took their payment out from my bank account without fail I hav yet to receive any othet pay ment frm them my car note is now backed up may lose my vehicle. Im kind of upset wth my bank [redacted] because thats where I was introduced to this non paying company. After posting my experience wth combined insurance on [redacted] in a matter or 3 minutes I had 20 sumthing ppl inbox me and said they are the worst I responded wish I would have known that b 4 hand they also referred me to other companies such as [redacted] etc. I tell my co workers and other customers at [redacted] to run when they are approached by thus company its been 1 hell of an experience. I hav not received any thing but more forms to he filled out so I just gave up and will cancel the life insurance policy also I can only imagine what will happen if I passed away. I believe in karma whole heartedly and they will suffer lost due to there shady business practices.