Imagine the best offer you’ve ever received (or heard of) by way of e-mail. Now, double, triple or quadruple it.
That’s what you might think you’re getting when you read an offer like a few that have come to our attention recently. They offer “free press passes” that allegedly (word used often by reporters) will admit the bearer, at no charge, to a variety of wonderful events.
Ah, Virginia, did you ever doubt there is a Santa Claus? Free admission to major concerts, gallery and restaurant openings, and a host of other fun things. All you, the person so lucky to be chosen, have to do is write an article for this news and information gathering organization.
Right, thing is, the only information the outfit is interested in gathering is about you. How do we know this? Follow the trail as we uncover what one of these senders of mischievous e-mail is really about.
We begin our search by looking at some of the come-on language: “You don’t need experience as a reporter … only a few people in your area have been selected … if you’re interested in further information, let us know.”
That last one is our favorite. By “letting them know” of your interest — responding to their e-mail, phoning them or otherwise furthering communication — you have taken the step needed for the sender to assert that the two of you have a “business relationship.” From that point on, some legal protections offered to consumers (read, general public) do not apply.
Let’s look more closely at the e-mail from something called FI Media Group. Trying to find its website today would lead you to a stark message stating that the company has been sold and split into a media company and a modeling and talent agency. For more information, the message suggests you “contact your representative,” whoever that may be.
An earlier incarnation of the website claimed the firm had offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Texas and Milan, Italy. Furthering our search, we look at the online directory of websites, Network Solutions, www.networksolutions.com/whois/index.jsp. The only phones listed are for Miami, and those are inoperative. Also, a Google search for James Reid of FI Media Group turns up nothing.
If you did follow instructions in the e-mail, you would see a form asking for all kinds of personal information. If you complied, you might receive that press pass (which likely would admit you to nothing) and in the process, put yourself at risk of identity theft or some other scam.
When considering any offer, ask yourself: Is it really free? Why would a company unknown to me make such an offer? And what are they really after?
Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast CONTACT, Maine’s membership-funded, nonprofit consumer organization. Individual and business memberships are available at modest rates. For assistance with consumer-related issues, including consumer fraud and identity theft, or for more information, write: Consumer Forum, P.O. Box 486, Brewer 04412, go to http://necontact.wordpress.com, or e-mail at contacexdir@live.com.