Scammers Target Businesses with False Trade Show Promises

BBB advises businesses and consumers to watch out for trade show scams AUSTIN TexasTrade shows can be a good way to show off your businesss products or services and connect with potential customers. But Better Business Bureau serving Central Coastal Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin advises business owners to gather all the facts about trade show opportunities before making a financial commitment. A trade show scam occurs when companies pay an upfront fee to reserve a space for a trade show or exposition theyre planning to attend. Unfortunately the event is fake and never takes place. When businesses try to contact the company they find theyre unable to reach the trade show organizer and get their money back. In another version of this scam scammers have mailed letters to organizations asking them to update their contact information for a trade show or exhibition they attended or planned to attend according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The letters stated all they needed was to update the form sign it and mail it back. Unfortunately some people didnt notice or read the fine print saying they agreed to pay a yearly hefty fee to be listed in a directory that had no connection to any trade show. Since October 2015 BBB has received more than 100 complaints nationwide from businesses that were dissatisfied with issues such as advertising public turnout or booth placement in a fair trade show or exposition. When considering renting space at a trade show event BBB advises businesses to:

• Do your research. Investigate the organization that is holding the event by visiting bbb.org and viewing their BBB Business Review page. Be wary of any websites promoting trade show events that do not list the name and address of the trade show organizer or promoter.
• Get all details regarding the trade show in writing. This includes booth placement at the event as well as what advertising is taking place beforehand to draw consumers to the venue.
• Read the fine print. Dont assume a letter or form is legitimate because it looks credible or has a logo you recognize. Do your research and be cautious before signing anything.
• Check with the venue and confirm the time and location. Also find out if the event has been held before and if so ask to speak to other businesses who attended.
• Ask to see a booth rental contract before making any financial commitments. Carefully review the terms and conditions as well as exhibitor options if the event is cancelled or rescheduled. Also ask event organizers about add-on costs such as fees for electricity and Internet hookup tables and tablecloths and other charges that may not be included in the booth rental fees.
• Consider paying for the event by credit card. If the services are not rendered as promised it may be possible to request a refund through your credit card provider.

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