False Advertising Cost Me $209 and 6+ Wks Delays
AVOID - Bait and Switch on Critical Services
I switched to this virtual office provider specifically because they promised in writing via email that they provide utility bills (internet, phone, electric) with your company name (for an extra fee of $40/mo) This was essential for my banking compliance requirements to launch my new business, and I told them exactly this before signing up. In fact, here is their reply to my email:
On Jun 20, 2025, at 2:21 AM, 17thandcentral.com wrote:
Hello!
Thanks for your questions—I’m happy to clarify!
Suite Lease & Address
Yes, your business’s name will be listed with a unique suite number assigned to you that hasn’t been used by any previous client. This ensures your address is exclusive and won’t overlap with others.
Mail Forwarding
Occasional mail forwarding of letters is absolutely included. We do charge a nominal fee for postage, but if it’s just once every couple of months, the cost will be minimal. We’re happy to accommodate your needs as they come.
Utility Bill & Internet Service
The utility bill for internet service is a monthly charge of $40. Once you set up your banking and no longer require the internet service through us, you can certainly cancel it without any penalty.
If you want to review more details, feel free to visit our website here: 17thandcentral.com.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I look forward to helping you get started.
Thank You :)
Lexus Bailey
17th And Central Downtown Executive Suites
1623 Central Ave
Cheyenne, WY 82001
What Actually Happened:
1. Paid $209 to the state for required business address change processing (state fee plus service that processed it for me)
2. Paid 17th & Central Business Suites' service fee (which they later refunded)
3. Waited 1 month for state to process my business address change
ONLY THEN did they admit "we don't actually offer utility bill services...that was a mistake."
Discovered their listed address on Google Maps shows as Wyoming State Capitol Building, not a business office building as they promised.
The Real Cost: $209 wasted on state filing (caused by their false promise)
Had to pay another $209 to the state for second address change to different provider
6+ weeks total delays: 1 month initial wait + 2 weeks trying to resolve + 1+ month restarting with new provider
Missed critical business banking deadlines
Complete restart of business launch timeline
Their Response: Refused responsibility for the $209 state filing fee their false advertising cost me. They know businesses switching virtual offices must file address changes with the state - that's how virtual office services work.
I think what's most shocking isn't the $209, that won't put a dent in my lifestyle, it's that a business cares so little about it's reputation, it's name, that they wouldn't just suck it up and do what's right for the customer. I've owned several businesses/ If my business did this to a customer not only would I, the owner, call them directly and apologize, that $209 check would go out so fast their head would spin. Assuming they could prove they made the payment, I wouldn't think twice about making them whole. This isn't a business that value it's customers. Maybe that's why this is their only trust pilot review.
Red Flags I Should Have Caught:
Address maps to state capitol building
Vague service descriptions on website
Price seemed too good compared to legitimate competitors
Documentation: I have email evidence of their written promise to provide utility bill services.
Bottom Line: This isn't just poor service - it's deliberate misrepresentation that cost me significant time and money. Any business requiring legitimate virtual office services should look elsewhere.