Pardon the brief digression from my usual material, but I felt compelled to post this information so that my colleagues, friends and others may benefit from our experiences with these kinds of unethical selling practices and not waste valuable time, effort and energy. I submitted this complaint to the Better Business Bureau after we were lied to by video production company selling advertising space, but portraying themselves as an editorial 'news-entertainment' program:
On 12/15/2008 our offices were contacted by Jason Kusell 561-819-0877 by phone, who identified himself as working for a tv show entitled "Best of South Florida" to my staff, posing as a journalist looking for an interview. He requested time for a phone interview with Dr. Bauman under the premise that our medical practice had been one of several businesses 'selected' to potentially be featured on the local "Best of South Florida" television show.
Having been featured on news programs, we are often contacted by journalists seeking interviews. However, after making the initial appointment, a staff member called Jason back to confirm that this was NOT a solicitation and that NO FEES were required to be involved with the program. Jason assured my staff member that there would absolutely be NO FEE to be involved.
At the time of the "interview" which lasted approximately 20 minutes and included a variety of legitimate questions regarding our practice, Jason then informed us that there would be an 'affiliate fee' in order to participate and be featured. Obviously, these kinds of sales tactics are deceptive, devious, and, frankly, a waste of our time as a small business. I am appalled that Jason would flat out lie on behalf of "Best of...", (or www.bestof-tv.com) which after further research, is actually Crown Entertainment (www.crown-tv.com) AKA/DBA Discover Entertainment Group located on 4723 W Atlantic Ave #A20, Delray Beach, FL 33445 561-819-0877, and use misleading tactics to sell advertising space on the "television show." On behalf of other small businesses that may fall prey to these unethical, time-wasting salespeople and scam artists, like Jason Kusell and the company he works for, we submit this complaint to the Better Business Bureau on 12/17/2008.
Thanks for proving that "The Best of South Florida" is certainly THE WORST of South Florida!
