Consumer Alert: BBB warns about “M.O.S.E. Advertising”

WSLS News Staff
Published: March 3, 2008

A 10 On Your Side Consumer Alert, about a business promising to print presentation folders for other businesses.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says M.O.S.E. Advertising is using REMAX Allpoints Realty in its advertising, without the realty company’s permission.

The M.O.S.E. Advertising ad states, “REMAX Allpoints Realty will be recommending participating companies involved in the project to their clients and is thanking you in advance for your participation.“

The BBB says the two companies are in no way affiliated.  The BBB adds that they cannot confirm if any folders have been printed.

M.O.S.E. Advertising claims to be based out of Quebec, Canada.

The BBB says steps you can take to protect your business include:

• Make sure you are fully aware of the services you are purchasing
• Fully understand the distribution channels, whether it is your responsibility, or if they have their own distribution system in place.
• Know where the company is located, and understand its ability to market and distribute nationally or in your local market.
• Check with other customers.  Verify that they received the product in a timely fashion, and that it was as it was represented.
• Check the firm out with the BBB before you purchase
• If you receive a telephone call or an invoice that comes from a publication you have never heard of, or that you don’t remember putting an entry in, don’t pay or give out your details until you have looked into the matter further.

The BBB also reminds businesses and consumers to report fraud attempts to them.  If you’ve been contact by M.O.S.E. Advertising, or received a similar offer, call the BBB serving Western Virginia at (540) 352-3455.