EP adopts Busuttil report on Business Directory Scams
The European Parliament today overwhelmingly adopted a report by MEP Simon Busuttil on combating business directory scams. The vote was adopted by 632 votes in favour and four against.
The report will prevent thousands of businesses from falling victim to scams based on misleading advertising whereby they unintentionally sign up to a listing in a business directory costing them up to €1,000 a year.
The report lists a set of concrete measures to achieve a number of objectives, namely raise awareness so that fewer businesses become victims; enable victims to resort to a clearly identifiable authority to make a complaint and seek a remedy; ensure that existing EU laws on misleading advertising scams are adequately enforced in EU countries; and tighten existing EU law to address such scams more directly.
It advises victims not to pay fees requested of them by misleading business directories until they have reported the matter to the authorities and sought advice on how to proceed.
The European Parliament received more than 400 petitions concerning this scam mainly from small businesses across the European Union. Most complaints singled out the directory known as “European City Guide” whereas some others complained about “Construct Data Verlag”, “Deutscher Adressdienst GmbH” and “Nova Channel”.
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EMANUEL BALDACCHINO
Feb 20th 2010, 21:30
MR. BUSUTTIL KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
Joe Vella
Dec 16th 2008, 18:11
@ Victor Caruana
Some of us might be silly, but there is nothing worst then being unpatriotic.
I do not believe that the refference to the word "rapporteur" is meant to mean what you suggested in this case. Simon Busutitl role had nothing to do with reporting back to the EU on a meeting or anything of that nature he had attending.
Simon Busuttil's role had to do more with investigating the issue and at the end report back with his findings and also comes up with recommendations for the EU Parliament to consider in combatting the problem.
Simon Busuttil's credentials are well respected and recognised in the EU. Simon Busuttil have now been intrusted as the Reporteur on sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean region for the Economic Committee of the Euro-Med Parliamentary Assembly.
Among other things the report will: 1) evaluate the current status of tourism in the Mediterranean region and the challenges faced by the industry; 2) come up with specific proposals to support the industry and improve its sustainability.
Jules Woodell
Dec 16th 2008, 17:36
As one of the petitioners and author of stopecg.org a site which fights these scams I wholeheartely welcome this report. Simon Busittil has done a great job. Some posters think it will get buried and forgotten.. that will only happen if people give up now, you need to keep up the pressure on MEPs and the Commission, they now have the power to stop these scams and you have the power to make them act!
victor caruana
Dec 16th 2008, 17:02
Don't be silly. These types of adoptions are nothing more than reports generated by groups of MEP's specifically set up to cover such subjects. Dr. Busuttil happens to be the rapporteur and had to read the report in Parliament - within two minutes time. Whatever the case this does not mean it will be implemented. Maltese shining stars (whoever they are), my foot!
R Gauci
Dec 16th 2008, 15:53
The makku has roared again! Well done Dr Busuttil!
James Depasquale
Dec 16th 2008, 15:38
@ Tanya Dimech
Your incident is definately an unfortunate one, and like you there has been several thousands in Malta!
Here you have the answer. Thanks to Simon Busuttil, you CAN NOT PAY for an unetical scam by the European City Guide.
This is good news and in my view a tangibly feel of the EU working for us!
The EP, through our own voice in Europe, has now challenged these abusive advertising company, telling them ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! You are bound to respect your clients!
Tania Dimech
Dec 16th 2008, 14:27
For those who do not know how the scam works, I had received a form from City Guide asking me to update my business information, such as telephone numbers etc. I had never heard of them before. I automatically arranged my details and signed in haste. I got the impression that it was free. I then started receiving statements calling me to pay up around € 1000 for the entry I had ordered in ECG. The statements were accompanied by heavy covering letters threathened court action amongst other things
David Battistino
Dec 16th 2008, 13:51
This is what little tiny Malta can produce - MEPs like Simon! Prosit and keep up the good work, not only for this Small Island Nation but for the whole EU.
Joe Vella
Dec 16th 2008, 13:24
Simon Busuttil star continue to shine even brighter at the EU.
Simon Busuttile, Well done for all you have done so far.
lgalea
Dec 16th 2008, 13:14
ALex Ellul
They contacted and kept harassing Tania, so my advise still counts especially if they continue to harass her.
ALex Ellul
Dec 16th 2008, 12:48
@I Galea: No need to do what you are recommending, Dr. Busuttil has done it for you, saving us all a lot of time and hassle.
Julian Borg Barthet
Dec 16th 2008, 12:23
@Tania and any others who have been victimised by this scam.
Can you elaborate on how the scam works to benefit the other readers, so that they too may recognise how these companies extort money from businesses?
lgalea
Dec 16th 2008, 12:13
Tania Dimech
You should tell them where to shove their threats and threaten them that you will sue THEM for harassment.
Tania Dimech
Dec 16th 2008, 12:05
This is good news indeed. European City Guide have been hounding for me ages. Even though their correspondence and threats have been going to the dustbin ever since, they have been irritating nonetheless. At least we now have the blessing and backing of the EU and Simon Busuttil who have fought these scammers out.