Read the Small Print
Please make sure your customers know to check the small print before signing anything related to your events. Exhibitors are being targeted by companies claiming to be, or work with, event organisers. They use existing event branding and may appear genuine.
Organisations such as Event Fair, FairGuide.com/Construct Data Verlag, Expo Guide (Mexico) and International Fairs Directory (Portugal) are targeting exhibitors with their misleading directory services. Unsuspecting exhibitors who sign and return the form are then contracted into a three-year, non-retractable agreement, which could cost the exhibitor a significant amount of money,
It is, however, not just directories. We have been informed that exhibitors have also been targeted by email from companies claiming to sell show data and by alleged hotel companies. It is therefore extremely important that your customers remain vigilant when signing documents seemingly related to your events. Many ESSA Members include information on their websites, in exhibitor manuals and at exhibitor days, we would encourage this practice and any other means of customer communication that is relevant to your business.
If you or your customers fall victim to this scam:
Our advice is to IGNORE THEM COMPLETELY, and not communicate with them in any way. Writing letters simply confirms that you exist and are available at the address/email address/number they have for you, and therefore payment can be pursued.
1) Report it to your local trading standards
2) DO NOT PAY ANYTHING
3) DO NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE SCAMMERS even when they threaten legal action
4) Optional: Complain to the receiving bank that their client Expo Guide (or equivalent), is obtaining money by deception.
These organisations have also been known to use debt recovery agencies, the same advice stands for these agencies.
