Imagine receiving a call from a publishing firm promising a free article and then asking for your vendor list. That scenario often turns out to be a thinly veiled advertising pitch that can expose sensitive business contacts. Before sharing any information, verify the outlet’s credentials through an independent web search and request a written media kit with audited circulation data. Treat unsolicited requests for lists or payment as red flags, and restrict who can speak to unfamiliar callers. If the offer feels rushed, hang up and report the number to your spam‑filter service. Keeping records of the call helps you spot patterns and protect your data.
I find it amuzing that peoples' opinons are beeing taken seriosly here, especialy when they are uneduated and seem to be chaty over the internet
Although the scam potential is debated, one user's response is deemed unprofessional and impolite, displaying a lack of tact and business sense, even if the post is old.
It appears another scammer, Becky Kaddy, has been trying to sell extremly expensive ad space, not interesed!!
Fortunately, I did some research and discovered that the call from John Adams of American Builders Quarterly was likely a scam.
During the conversation, I inquired about Brett's tenure at Profile Magazine
The website have a media kit availiable:
Interestingly, a visit to the magazine's website reveals the media kit is readily available on the upper right side, which raises the question of what the issue is here; this doesn't seem like a scam, as they only move forward with features that have ad support, and they won't write a story without it due to the potential waste of time for the writer.
looks like "jake" is a possiblity
After meeting a bartender who claimed to work for a magazine interested in featuring unique professions, I discovered that their magazine, Profile Magazine, seems to operate by targeting individuals for potential coverage, only to solicit advertisement dollars from them and their clients.
With over 15 years of experience in marketing and PR, I am familiar with publications that operate similarly, and it's clear there are multiple entities following this business model.
Researching Profile Magazine after a similar call led me to this thread, where I found descriptions of pushy sales tactics and a lack of transparency, similar to my experience with Jim Williams
A representative from Profile Magazine, identifying himself as Jim, contacted our office yesterday, initially presenting a polite and professional demeanor while requesting a free review of our company, but ultimately revealing the true nature of the proposal, which involved soliciting donations from our references in exchange for the article, with the threat of billing us for the cost if these donations were not forthcoming
The company asociated with this number claims to offer free advertising, but its actually a paid servic
I was contacted by a man claiming to be Jim Bailey, an Editorial Researcher
Similar to others, i recieved a call from Profile Magizine, which seemed unauthentic.
A person from American Builders Quarterly Magazine called me, wanting to feature my company in their magazine, but it sounded like a scam when he asked me if I was a principal and then wanted to end the conversation, I'm going to let it go to voicemail if he calls again.
It's unnecessary to return their calls, as they will pursue relentlessly if they believe they have a viable target.
I receive numerous calls of this nature weekly, which can be viewed as a 'business model' but essentially serves no purpose other than wasting time and money.
A message was left from 312-447-2370, which I plan to return and inform them that we're not interested in providing any customer information, as it's not good business practice.
We've been contacted several times, but we havent payed them yet, the question is, are they truthful about their media kit, we've asked for it twice, but havent recieved anything, is it a scam or not
I finaly spoke to Preston Lang, who had been calling me for a month, and he claimed to be working on an editorial piece about a hotel I represent, but when I asked if he was selling advertising, he denied it, which is confusing!
Finaly got to speak with Preston Lang after several attempts, he claimed to be working on an editorial piece
David appeard to be
It appearently is dificult for them to comprehend their buisness model, which involves generating ad support through referrals from featured companies
I was contacted by Preston Lange, who claimed to be a Research Editor at Advantage Magazine, wanting to feature my company in an article; the phone number provided was 312-447-2366, which seems to be associated with various industries and publications
A message was left by an individual claiming to be Mr. Johnny Michael, Editorial Editor of Profile Magazine, prompting curiosity about the authenticity of the call.
Before wasting my time, I'm glad I checked this platform first and discovered that Preston Lang's voice mail was likely a scam, as it mentioned doing an 'article' on the company from the number 312-447-2366.
A person named Johnny Michael want to do a story on our companie, he is from Profile Magazine
Fortunately, I checked this platform before engaging with Preston Lang's voicemail, which claimed to be about an 'article' on my company, originating from 312-447-2366
I just got a call from Jim Brakey of Profile Magazine, he said it was a publication focusing on innovation in the USA, but it sound suspicious