Scam advertising companies target licensees
Scam companies offering advertisements in magazines they claim are for the emergency services are stepping up their pursuit of licensees.
The Publican has been inundated with calls from licensees who believe they have been ripped off.
The companies call the pub, often implying the licensee has agreed to advertise in a magazine supporting the local police, fire or ambulance services.
Many licensees pay up, believing that they are supporting the local community, while in some cases the company calls to confirm it is ready to go to press despite the fact the licensee has not agreed to any advert.
Although published, the publication usually turns out not to be the official magazine for the emergency services.
Nicola Berridge, part owner of the Royal Oak in Stoke St. Gregory, Taunton, claims one company contacted her pub claiming they were a magazine for the local police.
"We are new to the pub trade and got a telephone call saying they were calling on behalf of the police. They claimed the previous landlord had advertised with them. We agreed and over a month or so we paid £400. Then they sent an additional bill for £300.
"I got suspicious, so I asked them to send me a copy of the magazine and I never heard from them again."
Ms Berridge also contacted the local police, who knew nothing about the publication.
"It's a bit of a scare tactic using the police," she said. "If they got £400 out of us how much are they making?"
Tenant Malcolm Purvis of the Hop Leaf in Reading had to threaten one company with trading standards and his solicitor after he received nuisance calls demanding payment of £110 for an advert he did not place.
He said: "They phoned and said the advert was ready so we asked for a proof. But we don't agree to any advertising."
Andy Brooks, licensee of the Laughing Fish in Isfield, East Sussex, said he receives calls on a weekly basis from such companies. He said: "I think what they are doing is not illegal but unethical. There is nearly always the implication that you agreed to buy an advert or asked them to call back."
Tony Payne, chief executive of Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, said: "These advertising scams are prevalent as they take licensees to be soft touches.
"Ask these people to send details of their organisation and take advice.
"You have got to be careful, especially if someone calls the pub just to clarify an address."
Have you been approached by these companies or do you think you've been scammed? Email michellep@thepublican.com or call 020 7955 3714.
The Publican says:
"Never agree to anything from sales people on the telephone. Always get everything in writing from anyone who calls you. As for these magazines, check with the emergency services in your area that these are official and reputable."
