Scam Alert - TV show about your B&B?

[muirford]

An old scam has been given a twist to target B&Bs - a caller claiming to be calling for a producer for a new TV series on 'destination tourism' which - guess what - your B&B as the perfect featured centerpiece. It is a hoax.
Yeah, I know - I never thought any one would try to play the 'innkeeper friends hurt while travelling in Canada' scam on me - and then they did!

 

[Morticia]

I got that email quite awhile ago. So I looked it up. Apparently Hugh Downs DOES do these infomercials and other destination style documentaries. I didn't respond because it sounded too odd.

 

[muirford]

You're right - the link says they do come and do filming, for the tune of $20,000 to $30,000 (your dime). Then the distribution of the films is very questionable. They sound like they are doing it for PBS or a major network, but it never really gets there. Like me submitting a press release on our May Day activities to the New York Times - it never does anything for you.
This NYTimes article talks about it in more detail.

 

[Morticia]

You're right - the link says they do come and do filming, for the tune of $20,000 to $30,000 (your dime). Then the distribution of the films is very questionable. They sound like they are doing it for PBS or a major network, but it never really gets there. Like me submitting a press release on our May Day activities to the New York Times - it never does anything for you.
This NYTimes article talks about it in more detail..

Ah, I didn't get any other info because I dumped the email.

 

[Copperhead]

Now they are calling. Received a call this morning - caller ID says "media associate" but did not look before answering as I was expecting a call. Guy starts off asking if you remember Hugh Downs and says he is doing a series of travel documentaries for Public network TV and was in the beginning states of selecting B&B's to be featured.. I knew from reading this forum and another as well as seeing a ad on google that this was about $$.
First asked what was unique of special about our B&B. I went ahead to answer my quick response then he asked how we marketed. So I asked if there was a charge to be featured...and stated if this documentary is being done honestly, then there should be NO charge as viewers would not know that this is a infomercial not a real documentary. And I have no interest in being part of it.
I am not sure if it is a scam (have not researched it) - take you money but no product or viewing, but I am sad that Hugh Downs' name is being used (whethering knowingly or not).
I did a quick search for his name and found this article on the first page -
www.prlog.org/10218402-travel-report-hugh-downs-tiny-hotel-rooms-offer-inexpensive-travel-option.html

 

[happykeeper]

Now they are calling. Received a call this morning - caller ID says "media associate" but did not look before answering as I was expecting a call. Guy starts off asking if you remember Hugh Downs and says he is doing a series of travel documentaries for Public network TV and was in the beginning states of selecting B&B's to be featured.. I knew from reading this forum and another as well as seeing a ad on google that this was about $$.
First asked what was unique of special about our B&B. I went ahead to answer my quick response then he asked how we marketed. So I asked if there was a charge to be featured...and stated if this documentary is being done honestly, then there should be NO charge as viewers would not know that this is a infomercial not a real documentary. And I have no interest in being part of it.
I am not sure if it is a scam (have not researched it) - take you money but no product or viewing, but I am sad that Hugh Downs' name is being used (whethering knowingly or not).
I did a quick search for his name and found this article on the first page -
www.prlog.org/10218402-travel-report-hugh-downs-tiny-hotel-rooms-offer-inexpensive-travel-option.html.

I took a peek- they are a PUBLIC DOCUMENTARY TELEVISION SERIES. Yeah- me too!

 

[seashanty]

hugh downs ... great voice ... from a google search i read he has been paid to lend that voice to infommercials for other products. not saying it's a bad or a good thing. heck, he needs an income. but you hear his voice and see that face and you think 20/20 news type stuff. i haven't seen the show in question.
even so .... the thing about these phone calls is they are pretending to be involved with the hugh downs program and they are NOT.