<P> In Canada, CBC News reported in 2010 that Canadian BBBs were downgrading the ratings scores of businesses who stopped paying their dues . For example, a moving business who had an A rating and had been a BBB member for 20 years, dropped to a D ‐ minus rating when they allegedly no longer wanted to pay dues . </P> <P> BBBs have been accused of unduly protecting companies . If a branch does not act reasonably on behalf of a consumer, a complaint may be filed with the Federal Trade Commission . Moreover, recent reports have suggested that the Austin chapter of the Better Business Bureau refused to resolve complaints against companies if customers do not pay a $70 mediation fee . </P> <P> Additionally, while the BBB publishes names of corporations, it withholds the names of individuals lodging complaints . The BBB also publishes the complainant's claim without any attempt at verification . The net result is that the BBB can be used to launch anonymous attacks on businesses with the onus falling on the business to refute any untrue or exaggerated claims made by the complainant . </P> <P> It has been reported that the BBB encourages and solicits money from the very businesses they monitor which, again, raises the question of neutrality . The BBB states that they hold their Accredited businesses to a higher standard, as outlined in their Accreditation standards . This behavior is likely the reason for such backronyms as, "Better for Businesses Bureau" and "Bribes from Businesses Bureau," popular nicknames for the organization presumably stemming from the frustration regarding the above criticisms . </P>

What is the function of the better business bureau