March 23, 2012 – Roanoke, VA The BBB in Western VA is urging businesses to be aware of a phone scam circulating in our area.
A caller by the name of Harold Mason is dialing local businesses and claiming to represent "Sunny-FM" in an attempt to sell sponsorships (in the form of radio ads) to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The caller is not affiliated with Sunny FM or Clear Channel Communications.
The caller is actually representing Clear Media Accounting, based in Chicago, IL. The company has an F Rating with the BBB in Chicago for failing to respond to a complaint.
Clear Channel informed the BBB that they are aware of this scam, and know of a local business who was victimized by this scam several months ago after paying up front for a radio spot that never aired.
Victims in other areas of the country report that red flags were raised when the company refused to provide them with an advance copy of the spot.
A simple Google search of this company revealed that they may be scamming people across the country, using various non-profit events and local radio stations to scam businesses out of their money.
If you receive a similar call, make sure to verify the legitimacy of the offer by contacting Sarah Leftwich at Clear Channel Communications by calling 540.725.1220
If you need more information, contact the BBB at (540) 342-3455 or (800) 533-5501. You can also visit www.bbb.org. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/BBB_WesternVA.
