Just a little shout out to the World Wide Web on a new scam I recently came across. It's "First Class Publications" and their [fake] magazine called "Golf Lynk."
In an arena where red-flags can sometimes be obvious, First Class Publications seemed to take it up a notch (not in a good way).
As of the date I'm writing this, their website, www.firstclasspublications.com is still live and accessible. I would encourage you to look.
First Class Publication's website explains all about the non-existent company, with made-up portfolios of made-up client work, and even fashions testimonials (bottom of homepage) showcasing made-up individuals, titles and locations. Seriously, take a look. It resembles many legitimate sites you’ve visited in the business sector, and raises no red flags upon just looking.
They approached my client about placing an ad in their 2014 golf magazine (Golf Lynk), giving all the normal ad-space information like reach, demos and size specs. They include local information, and name specific local country clubs that would be distributing the publication to its visitors in the Colorado Springs and Denver area.
Unfortunately, my client bought space in the fake 2014 publication. I was even forwarded an email from their "graphics" department with ad delivery specifications. All in all, very normal procedure.
The red-flag came when I sent the ad copy and artwork several weeks ago, but received no confirmation of delivery. Three more emails I sent them were met with silence. I then called the numbers on the signature lines of their initial emails, as well as the one on their site. The calls to those numbers forwarded me to an unsuspecting small business in Delaware having nothing to do with the scam.
As Google-ing the specifics of this scam turned up few results, I decided to put this blog out in hopes that others can steer clear of these scams, and the like.
To your success,
D. Bauer
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