The NSW Minister for Fair Trading, Diane Beamer, today issued a warming to the public about Dean James King and his business Kent Publishing Pty Ltd. Mr King runs a scam targeting business owners who are charged between $384 and $489 for advertising in bogus publications.

Ms Beamer said that while the Office of Fair Trading had received over 80 complaints against Kent Publishing, 33 of those in 2005, the complaints appear to be the tip of the iceberg with many businesses unaware they have been the victim of a scam.

"Kent Publishing employs telemarketers at its call centre in Tweed Heads to ring businesses who advertised in legitimate magazines and trick them into paying for another advertisement in one of Kent’s bogus publications usually by telling unsuspecting victims that it is time to ‘renew’ their advertisement.

Kent claims to publish at least 12 different publications but most are produced either in very small quantities or not at all. The small number of magazines that are printed are usually sent to advertisers who refuse to pay the bill until they get evidence of the magazine and their advertisement.

"Many businesses were pressured into giving away their credit card details over the phone after being told that printing was imminent and their advertisement would not appear in the magazine unless they made immediate payment.

"Complainants who later realised they had been scammed telephoned Kent and left messages which were never answered by Mr King or any of his staff."

The business names or publications titles used by Kent include:

• National Travel and Tourism Guide
• Australian State and National Business Services
• Australian Accommodation & Dining Guide
• The National Business and Trade Guide
• The Unionist
• Media Guide of Australia
• Guide to Australian Associations
• Hotel and Restaurant Guide of Australia
• The All States Annual Report
• Australian State & National Business Services
• National Area Business & Fax Directory
• National Business & Trade Guide

I strongly warn people against dealing with Dean James King and/or Kent Publishing.

It is a breach of the Fair Trading Act to make false and misleading representations in relation to goods and services and assert the right of payment for unsolicited services. It is also an offence to use undue harassment in connection with supply or payment for goods or services. Penalties of up to $110,000 can apply to corporations and $22,000 for individuals who breach the Act.

"The best form of protection against these unwanted approaches is for businesses to maintain good internal controls and practices and to question the legitimacy of anything out of the ordinary.

The Office of Fair Trading publishes a fact sheet for businesses on how to avoid scams – "Dealing with Business Scams" , as well as the booklet "Good Business Matters", both of which can be obtained from the Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or by phoning 13 32 20.

Fair Trading continues to investigate the conduct of both the company and its director. Any person who has had unsatisfactory dealings with either Kent Publishing or Mr Dean James King should contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20.

Media contact: Steve Adams on 9228 4130