Scamming is a problem across the globe, with the total cost of cybercrime estimated to rise to a staggering $10 trillion by 2025. Scammers are getting smarter, more sophisticated and more aggressive.
Trade and consumer shows are not immune from this worrying trend and exhibitors at shows can represent an attractive target for scammers, who harvest data from websites and directories and pretend to represent the organiser of the event, or companies associated with the event.
We want you to enjoy your exhibition experience and to protect yourself and your company from potential scams. In this short video, we will tell you about the type of scams you should look out for, what makes something look suspicious and what to do if you are a victim of scamming.
Quartz Business Events is a member of the Association of Exhibition Organisers (AEO), an international body serving the collective needs and interests of event organisers and the events industry at large.
"Thank you so much for your email. From reading forum discussions it does seem as if my experience is following the same routine as others in the past."
"There is comfort in knowing I am not the only one to fall victim to this, it makes me feel so embarrassed that I fell for it."
"They threaten legal action, then offer to reduce the payment. It’s reassuring to hear that in your experience no one has actually been taken to court over this. The UKFT said the same."
"I think I will definitely change my contact details for peace of mind."
The official advice from the AEO is to IGNORE SCAMMERS COMPLETELY, and do not communicate with them in any way. Writing letters and responding to emails simply confirms that you exist and are available at the address/email address/number they have for you, and therefore payment can be pursued.
These organisations have also been known to use debt recovery agencies, the same advice stands for these agencies. Do not engage with them.
At Elevate, we hold the privacy and security of our attendees' data in the highest regard. We have strict policies in place regarding the handling and distribution of attendee information, and we never authorise any third party to sell or distribute this data.
If you receive a suspicious email that you suspect is not coming from Elevate – please raise it with out team.
