SAN ANTONIO -- The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says there is a group targeting business owners with a patriotic spirit. The BBB says someone is calling businesses in Corpus Christi and Ft. Lee in Virginia, claiming to sell ads for a publication that will be distributed to incoming service personnel.
The caller claims they represent a magazine called CFNR Guide or Referral Guide and that magazine will be given to new service personnel in their area. The caller's goal is to get the business owner to agree to buy an ad in that magazine, saying their business will be presented to new military residents of the area.
Once the caller gets the business owner to commit, they get their credit card information, process a charge, then get the money and run. Any attempts to reach the salespeople go unanswered.
As a precaution the BBB suggests five rules: First, checking out the caller through the BBB. Second, ask to see the publication to look at previous advertisers. Third, pay with a credit card. A credit card at least gives you some protection through the issuing company. Fourth, take your time. If the sales person says they need an answer right now, that answer should be no. Finally, don't pay up front. If you have to pay anything, offer a small down payment with the rest after you've seen proof of the advertisement.
