A "Bridal Show" Scams Thousands of People in Massachusetts
A well-orchestrated web-site scam has brought heartache to many would-be brides, grooms and vendors this week in Boston, Massachusetts as reported in the Globe.
The Boston 411 Home & Bridal Show 2010 was cleverly promoted and heavily advertised to be held at the Hynes Convention Center. It was schedued to take place this weekend. The three-day event promised "stunning runway fashion shows," cake tastings and also a talent show.
The promoters also promised that some of the proceeds would be going to aid the earthquake victims in Haiti which also helped to lure people in.
Many are feeling shocked and hurt and wondering just how they could have all been taken in by this scheme.
Victims include around 200 wedding-industry vendors who paid $350 to $4,000 a piece to reserve booths at this wedding convention. In addition, 5,000 people bought tickets ahead of time at $10 to $15 a piece.
Apparently, the con artists began setting the stage for this phony wedding convention in the fall. They have been advertising the event on Twitter and Facebook since September 23.
Payments were taken through their website by PayPal which is more than unnerving to those of us who assume that these types of entities are legitimate.
The total amount they have gotten away with is estimated at $50,000 so far.
The list of people who were duped by the scheme includes wedding planners, a limo company and a local radio personality who unwittingly produced a radio advertisement promoting the gala.
The much-awaited convention was touted to be the bridal event of the season. Unfortunately, it has left many people standing at the altar.
Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel - a Buyer Broker Since 1992
If you have questions about buying a home in Massachusetts please give me a call at 508-881-6230 or Email Me. It will be my pleasure to talk with you.
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