It has been brought to our attention that scam/phishing companies are targeting both past and present exhibitors of IBC claiming to provide services on our behalf. These scams involve exhibitors being targeted to sign up to show guide/directory services, hotel room bookings or the selling of attendee lists/email data on behalf of IBC. These scam companies are NOT connected to IBC or the event and you risk being forced to pay significant sums of money if you sign up for any of these services.
Here is an example of such practices from the Association of Event Organisers website - Expoguide (aeo.org.uk)
‘Organisations such as Event Fair, FairGuide.com/Construct Data Verlag, Expo Guide (Mexico) and International Fairs Directory (Portugal) are targeting exhibitors with their misleading directory services. Unsuspecting exhibitors who sign and return the form are then contracted into a three-year, non-retractable agreement, which could cost the exhibitor a significant amount of money.’
Other organisations contacting exhibitors that we’ve been notified about are Exhibitors Network that claimed to be working with IBC last year. We have not and never will enter into any agreement with them and they will never be connected to our event. Other similar companies committing these fraudulent acts are listed below but there are many others out there:
Event Fair
Exhibitors Network
Expo Guide
Expo Data
expoinfocart.com
Fairs & Business
globaleventinfo.org
globalexpoliz.com
globaldata.services
International Fairs Directory
List Research Inc.
organizercentre.com
SplashWize
The Trade Lead
For a list of companies/organisations that are connected to IBC2023 as Verified Suppliers are listed in your E-Zone (available from 11 May). Contact us if you need confirmation of any of these companies before 11 May.
The AEO also recommend these steps if you if you fall victim to one of these scams:
‘Our advice is to IGNORE THEM 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.
- ALERT the organiser of your event
- Report it to your local trading standards
- DO NOT PAY ANYTHING
- DO NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE SCAMMERS even when they threaten legal action
- Optional: Complain to the receiving bank that their client Expo Guide (or equivalent), is obtaining money by deception.’
If you receive any suspicious emails connected to the IBC event, please don’t reply and alert IBC by forwarding the email to exhibition@ibc.org.