Small business owners learn a lesson

ROYAL PALM BEACH, FL -- Michelle and Lloyd Knevelbaard own Grill & Patio Solutions in Royal Palm Beach.

Like most business owners in these tough times, they are looking for ways to maximize profits. 

When Illinois-based International Profit Associates called and guaranteed a 3-to-1 return, they agreed to have them look at their books. 

"My husband asked him, ‘what if we don't make all that money back, what happens?’ They said, ‘well you just call us back and we'll tweak things a bit,’ Michelle said.

After meeting with an I.P.A consultant in person, the Knevelbaard's signed a contract. 

Later, the Knevelbaards had some doubts, so they checked the Better Business Bureau's website, but did not find anything negative about the company.

After digging further, though, they say they found over 400 complaints and two federal lawsuits against the company. 

Monday, when two more I.P.A. consultants showed up at their door, the Knevelbaard's told them they did not want their business anymore.

When the consultants were asked about the complaints and the lawsuit, they denied knowing anything about it. 

International Profit Associates has not been found guilty of anything, but the BBB says business owners should beware, especially now, when businesses are desperate to improve their bottom line.