Unmasking the Fraudsters: Local Radio Station Warns Businesses of Deceptive Tactics

In a concerning turn of events, fraudsters in Columbus, Georgia, have been impersonating a local radio station in an attempt to swindle business owners out of their hard-earned money. The scheme involves offering "free advertisement" in exchange for a small donation, leaving unsuspecting victims vulnerable to financial exploitation.

Exposing the Deception: Protecting Businesses from Fraudulent Tactics

The Fraudulent Calls: Impersonating a Trusted Radio Station

Alexis Dodson, a Columbus-based hairstylist specializing in dreadlocks, was one of the victims targeted by the fraudsters. Dodson received a call from someone claiming to be a representative of Davis Broadcasting, a local radio station. The caller, who identified himself as "Justin Lee," informed Dodson that she had won a free advertisement opportunity on the station.Intrigued by the offer, Dodson followed up on the call, only to find that the number went unanswered. Undeterred, the fraudsters then sent Dodson a text message, confirming her identity as the hairstylist and urging her to call back. When Dodson did so, the caller, now identifying himself as "Foxie 105," reiterated the offer of free advertisement and asked if she would like to accept it.

The Deceptive Process: Extracting "Donations" from Unsuspecting Businesses

Eager to take advantage of the opportunity, Dodson agreed to the offer. The caller then proceeded to guide her through a series of steps, including recording a brief message to be played on air. However, the caller then requested that Dodson send a small "donation" in order for the advertisement to be aired.Sensing something amiss, Dodson attempted to send the money through her mobile app, but claimed it was not working. Determined to complete the transaction, she offered to visit the station in person to make the payment. The caller, however, insisted that the station was closed and refused to accept the payment in person.

Exposing the Fraud: Davis Broadcasting Denounces the Scam

Geniece Granville, the Vice President of Davis Broadcasting, confirmed that the call did not originate from their organization. Granville revealed that this was not the first time they had heard of such fraudulent activities, with another mother reporting a similar incident where her daughter was contacted by someone claiming to be part of the Davis Broadcasting team.Granville emphasized that Davis Broadcasting would never engage in business practices of this nature. "We don't do business in that way. Davis Broadcasting prides ourselves in being a business that does things properly in our community. We do have a sales team we'd love to help businesses reach their goals, but we do it in a professional way," she stated.

Protecting Businesses: Raising Awareness and Reporting Suspicious Activities

The exposure of this fraudulent scheme serves as a wake-up call for business owners in the Columbus area. It highlights the importance of vigilance and the need to verify the legitimacy of any offers or requests, especially those claiming to be from trusted local institutions.By sharing this cautionary tale, businesses can be better equipped to identify and avoid falling victim to such deceptive tactics. Furthermore, it is crucial for any business owners who have been targeted or have information about similar scams to report them to the relevant authorities, ensuring that the perpetrators are held accountable and preventing further exploitation.In the face of these fraudulent attempts, the community must come together to safeguard the integrity of local businesses and maintain the trust that is essential for a thriving economic landscape. By staying informed and proactive, business owners can protect themselves and their livelihoods from the clutches of unscrupulous individuals seeking to take advantage of their hard work and success.