You are not alone !! Response from others:
Ur message received and yes,I share the same sentiment as you on
this 'unscrupulous" tactic used. In fact,I do not know that my
company was listed as one of the "intended advertiser' because I
refused to pay up when they kept chasing for payment.It has been
3-4 months since I last heard from them.
We actually thought it was merely an update of company's
particulars and replied readily.We only came to realise that it
could be a scam after they started to send us invoices for the
intended advertisement fees.I called back and spoke to the
receptionist immediately to inform them that it was a mistake and
we had no intention to advertise at all but thought it was an
update of informations only.I was told to write in ,which I did
with faxes as well as e-mails explaining our stand and request to
de-list our name from the advertisers' list.
As expected,they came back stating that we have entered into a
contract and that legal actions would be taken on us if we do not
comply.I refused to accept their "threats'' and argued back that
why it took them 3 months from the time our first fax reached them
til the time they came back to me with the invoice and in between
this period of time,nobody came to us requesting for company's
profile such as scope of businesses,products listings,pictures
taken for advertising purposes?
It took them another 3 weeks for them to reply with a counter
proposal at a discounted rate of $3400 or $2500 (half page) or
$1478.50 for cancellation fees if I were to decide to cancel
totally!
Of course I did not accept his proposal and still waiting for their
lawyer's letter(if any).That was the last time we heard from
them(25/06/2007).
Anyway,I will also write in to ACRA to complain and thanks for
sharing your experience on this issue.