Be aware of these money-making scams

There are several ‘guides’ out there that send exhibitors forms to register to their online guide or to correct their existing data. Often the impression is given that the service is free-of-charge and/or that they are linked to the exhibition you plan on participating in. Here are the three most common of these schemes/scams:

Fair Guide

The Austrian company Construct Data sends out letters suggesting to update your information for their online exhibition guide called Fair Guide (www.fairguide.com). However, the small print indicates that you will need to pay an annual sum of almost € 1.000, for a three year period, once you have signed the letter.

Expo Guide

Expo Guide from Mexico sends letters and accompanying forms to companies asking them to update their data for inclusion in www.expoguide.com. After signing, you will be liable for an annual payment of € 1.181 for a three year period.

World Business Guide

The Company World Business Guide, with contact addresses in Madrid and Utrecht, invites companies to download their data for free. The small print in the contract stipulates that you agree to pay an annual fee of € 995 and that the contract will be automatically prolonged for an additional year, unless you cancel the contract in writing before the last two months of the year.

If you are contacted by any of the above companies, you can notify the Dutch National Advisory Centre for Acquisition Fraud (Steunpunt Acquisitiefraude) and request their advice.