Comments on: Awards for sale: Not a rewarding experience

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:08:59 +0000

The US Commerce Association contacted me to inform me that the company I work for won a small business award. Uh, I work for a large multi-national firm with thousands of employees. Not small at all. Suspicions raised, I Googled it, found out it was a fraud and then was shocked to see just how many legitimate small businesses fell for it with out asking any questions. There seem to be three or four of these scams going on. US Commerce Association, Small Business Commerce Association, US Local Business Association. But in a day and age of the Internet, I don’t get why people don’t do a quick Google search before they blindly accept and publicize an award they didn’t apply to, from an organization they haven’t heard of, and that requires them to pay for their award. Three seconds on the Internet would save you so much embarrassment and about $180.

By: Robert

Robert — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:49:49 +0000

And we got ours today….3rd and final notice as well…
The old take-off on the who’s who directory charade….

By: Priscila

Priscila — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:13:40 +0000

I work for a counseling center in Houston and supposedly received the “2009 Houston Award” a few months ago. I just received my “3rd Attempt” notification and decided to google and thankfully ran accross this blog. The email address they used was: info@uscaaward.net. Thank you for the post!

By: James

James — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:47:24 +0000

Just got one over here too. That Ashley Carter gets around!

By: Patrick Byers

Patrick Byers — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:42:11 +0000

Pretty dense over there. They just sent the “Final Notice (3rd Attempt):” email to the Ballard Agency. Yes, the Ballard Agency mentioned in this article.

Crazy irresponsible, folks.

By: Samantha West

Samantha West — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:23:35 +0000

I just received mine, and being suspicious as usual I Googled it and this site popped up.. It never ceases to amaze me, the lengths people will use to try to make a buck. This of course is my 3rd notice, because I continue to ignore it.
Earlier this year, I sent a notification email to you recognizing that Facilities Services Group had been selected for the 2009 Best of Vancouver Award in the Janitor Service category.

In recognition of your achievement, a 2009 Best of Vancouver Award has been designed for display at your place of business. You may arrange to have your award sent directly to Facilities Services Group by following the simple steps on the 2009 Best of Vancouver Award order form. Simply copy and paste this link into your browser to receive your award:
http://vancouver.uscaawards.org/AEBP2-EXSB

Each year, the US Commerce Association (USCA) identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Also, a copy of the press release publicizing the selection of Facilities Services Group has been posted on our website. The USCA hereby grants Facilities Services Group a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, distribute, and display this press release in any media formats and through any media channels.

An Award Code has been assigned to your company that can be used on our website for quick access to your award information and press release.

Your Award Code is: EBP2-EXSB

Sincerely,

Ashley Carter
Selection Committee Chair
US Commerce Association

By: Ron Renolds

Ron Renolds — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:24:51 +0000

I got a rather snippy (almost rude) sounding email today telling me they have made three attempts to present me with my “award” (which they haven’t) and if I did not act soon it would be scrapped and another business here in my town would be selected in my place! LOL! Pretty funny since my friend who also owns a brand new business here in town got the same email and has only had an email address for a couple of months now. Seems all you have to do to win these awards here is to post your email address somewhere on the Internet. That and of course PAY them their “processing” fee of $150. At least it was good for some humor and got a giggle out of me.

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:17:13 +0000

I got also..
Earlier this year, I sent a notification email to you recognizing that Trimart Inc had been selected for the 2009 Best of Cleveland Award in the Contract Haulers category.
In recognition of your achievement, a 2009 Best of Cleveland Award has been designed for display at your place of business. You may arrange to have your award sent directly to Trimart Inc by following the simple steps on the 2009 Best of Cleveland Award order form. Simply copy and paste this link into your browser to receive your award:
http://cleveland.uscaaward.net/ARBN5-2XDB
Each year, the US Commerce Association (USCA) identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Also, a copy of the press release publicizing the selection of Trimart Inc has been posted on our website. The USCA hereby grants Trimart Inc a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, distribute, and display this press release in any media formats and through any media channels.
An Award Code has been assigned to your company that can be used on our website for quick access to your award information and press release.
Your Award Code is: RBN5-2XDB
Sincerely,
Ashley Carter
Selection Committee Chair
US Commerce Association

By: Rich H

Rich H — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:56:13 +0000

We got it too…I simply typed the award into google + “is this legitimate?”, and found this thread. With their cheap website, ready-made press release and absolutely no sign of credibility, let alone an explanation of one wins an award, this is a scam at best. It was sad to see all the small businesses who spent money on the press releases.

By: Marissa Fry

Marissa Fry — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:31:35 +0000

File a formal complaint with the FTC here:
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en

https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/