March 25, 2008 NECN Investigates: Joe Perkins puts his own spin on the story Play video

(NECN ) - A follow up to an NECN investigation we brought you last week. We focus on Joe Perkins - an estate liquidator in Massachusetts -- accused by many of taking advantage of them during one of the most difficult times of their lives. Following our report, Perkins tried to put his own spin on the story.

NECN's Josh McElveen explains.

Script:

These complaints ..... You already know.

"He raped my parents legacy"

"He preys on people when they're at their lowest.."

"Do I think he took advantage...absolutely... no question about."

These people are all one time customers of "I Sold Grandma's Stuff," an estate liquidation service operated in southeastern Massachusetts, by 57-year-old Joe Perkins. Each says that at the conclusion of the liquidation, Perkins disappeared without handing over the money generated by the sale of their families' possessions.

But in the hours following the airing of our investigation into Perkins' business practices, more of his customers came forward.

This Mansfield, Massachusetts viewer writes..."I just wanted to comment that Joe Perkins pulled the same scam on my mother ...of course we have never seen a dime of our money."

Another man writes, "this shady character lived in Dennis on the Cape for a good while and hurt many people..."

Yes...Joe Perkins has established quite a dubious reputation with many of his customers. But following our profile, which exposed his questionable,

On his website, we find a new entry on the home page. Perkins says "For 17 years, we have provided hundreds of clients with our service....which was featured on New England Cable News."

Audacious? Perhaps, but it's a move the Better Business Bureau explains comes with a clear motive.

"These business owners do rely on the fact that consumers are not going to take the time out and do the research..do the due diligence..to make an educated decision...So, when they see a well-known name like NECN, They may just say 'hey that's great."

Paula Flemming of the BBB also tells us that since we started our investigation, the bureau has tried to resolve additional complaints from Perkins customers.

Flemming: "We have had three complaints surrounding contract issues...and three no responses... "

Flemming also warns consumers that Perkins could simply change the name of his operation.

"It is a common trend, that we have seen throughout our history. We see businesses open up in one name, they unfortunately rip people off, they close down, and open up under another business name.."

The moral of the Joe Perkins story -- before you make an important financial decision, do your homework.. And never judge a book by its cover, or in this case, it's webpage.