Is this some sort of scam or is it legit?

Orionaut

Orionaut

Orionaut

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Joined
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Posts
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What is the catch?

E-mail received.

Starts...

Are your details correct?
Hello Business Owner,
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It purports to be from the Independent (newspaper)

The email source appears to be "[email protected]"

I am being asked to complete my business profile on the grounds that...!

However important information is missing from your profile. People search for businesses like yours are unlikely to visit an incomplete profile, which results in you losing potential customers. By claiming your business you can add more information and have the ability to update your profile 24/7.
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It finishes with this...

The Independent is an extensive network of online business directories designed to provide your business with maximum online exposure, by adding your details you will be found on each of these well known sites:

<Enter here various news papers, Cut'n Paste didn't work ;)>

Part of the Scoot Network

Need any help? Call our Customer Support Team on 0800 160 1611
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So, what is the catch??
 
I'm not so sure it's from the paper. Scoot list them as partners, but it's likely just an email from Scoot. Here's their blurb.

The Scoot Network is a leading online search company that gives businesses targeted online exposure to ensure that each business maximises its potential to help attract new customers.

Giving you much more than just a name and address, the Scoot Network powers business directories for Scoot, Touch Local, The Independent, The Sun, and The Mirror, giving advertisers the added value of being found on multiple leading search websites.
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It's legit.

Although I don't know of anyone who's first though on finding a business would be to check the sun or independent.

Definitly going to try and sell you more if you sign up.

That they didn't even know your business name suggests you don't have a profile.
 
Thank you for replies so far.

None of the above surprises me. However. What I am wondering is there any particular disadvantage/catch for me from responding to this?

(After all, all small businesses like publicity, expecially if it is "Free"! The question is, is it "Free" or is this something that might come back and bight me in the arse somehow??)
 
Find a business with a similar profile. Get in touch. Try to gauge how much traffic they are actually getting from Scoot. No harm in a free profile, but they'll definitely try to up-sell your more tat.
 
Mynight said:
It's legit.

Although I don't know of anyone who's first though on finding a business would be to check the sun or independent.

Definitely going to try and sell you more if you sign up.

That they didn't even know your business name suggests you don't have a profile.
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They know my business name, I just didn't post that info as part of my post.

As I said, the cut'paste from the e-mail didn't work out.

What I was looking for (and couldn't find, which is why I was asking) was the small print that said that by "Claiming my profile" I "agreed" to entering some sort of contract. I have seen this sort of **** in the past but the buggers are getting really very subtle these days and one has to be really careful!

I see no problem with "Claiming my Profile" if it isn't going to cost me anything, I just want to make sure I dont end up standing into danger.

Which was why I was asking what other peoples responses/experiences of this particular mail might have been (I am NOT going to be the only one! :D )
 
I think the T&Cs are standard for online directories. But here's one point.
3.41 When purchasing a profile management service from us, you give us permission to act as your online marketing agency and claim any listings on third party websites. We in no way guarantee that your profile will be accepted on the third party website or guarantee any placement.
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Basically, if you claim and manage the profile yourself, and largely ignore them, it won't do any harm. They can't do anything on your behalf from the scraped info they do have. It's just a marketing funnel.
 
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Usually when they call it's because 'they're acting on behalf of companies house'. Which they're not, of course.
 
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