Sunday, May 9, 2010

Online Directory Scams?

"Strikingly beautiful" Sonia Klair - shareholder and director of  
NZ Look Ltd 

We were interested to read that internet directories NZ Look, National Business Online and New Zealand Businesses Online are being investigated by the Commerce Commission.

It has been alledged that Sonia Klair and brother, Shallandra Singh have been running dodgy pro-former invoicing scams and making false representation when cold-calling businesses to "renew" directory listings.

A quick look through the online directories would indicate that there are many motel operators  and tourism organisations that have unwittingly handed over money to take part in these listings that are of questionable value.

We published the following post in November 2008 that we have repeated here:
We have posted about the activities of National Business Online (NBO) before - click Here. 

Today we received a phone call from NZ Look, a similar organisation that appears to be using the same sales techniques as NBO. There also appears to be other connections between the two organisations (see links below).

An unsolicited phone call from NZ Look, makes an offer to "renew" our listing in their business directory. I know very well that we have never had a listing with them before. As an "existing customer" I was offered to renew and enhance my listing by adding web, email and business description details for $120.00 for the next 2-years. I guess I should be grateful, as this is somewhat cheaper than the $150.00 offer from NBO. 

This time the sales pitch is performed by a charming lady that has a full grasp of the English language. This is a pleasant change from having to endure the exotic dialects commonly used by other call centre staff. Surprisingly the renewal needs to be confirmed by this afternoon. Oh the pressure! 

Soon after hanging up the phone, the sting arrives in the form of a fax that invites us to complete, sign and fax back to secure listing details. 

Much like NBO, this appears to be is a well worn tactic that dupes and pressures business operators into believing that they, other staff members or previous owners have subscribed to a directory listing. The listing benefit is dubious and the objectives for the company appears to be questionable.

We will not be subscribing to the NZ Look directory and after clicking on the following links below, we advise you to do the same...

3 Comments:


Online business directory said...
Nice site its very interesting site! your site is fantastic.


 
Sarah said...
Hi, Just letting you know that due to legal action from Sonia Klair and her legal team at Davenport West I have had to remove the page at 5nz.com. The first link remains and I find it interesting that you had that type of call from NZ Look.


 
"Motella" said...
Thanks Sarah. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention. It's good to see that social networks can be used to raise people's awareness of these type of activities. With regards to Sonia Klair "The lady doth protest too much, methinks..."

Click the "Get Widget" link below to place this widget on your website or blog!