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Thousands of small businesses left in the lurch after alleged TV scam

Deborah Knight
Article image for Thousands of small businesses left in the lurch after alleged TV scam

Thousands of Australian small businesses have been left in the dark after falling victim to an alleged TV scam.

While the offer from television marketing company Viewble Media was enticing, it’s left shop owners out of pocket after they signed a three-year deal costing $15,500.

They were allegedly told they would be given a TV that played ads for businesses in their area, as well as having their own ad made.

Viewble Media’s offer also included a $430-cashback scheme for advertising revenue.

The problem is, there were two organisations, both of which had the same directors.

But the organisation set to provide the money back scheme has gone into liquidation.

As a result, the businesses that signed up are on the hook for the payments to the finance companies, which are now pursuing them.

It’s believed key director David Reid has left the country for the Philipines, where his business partner Jason Madon is located.

According to Reid, up to 4000 businesses have been affected, however other reports say more than 20,000.

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell first identified the problems arising from the organisation.

She tells Ross Greenwood close to 500 complaints have been made.

“The number (of complaints) continue to go up by between 10 and 20 a day. We don’t know just how many are out there.

“We’re working closely with the ACCC and with ASIC on this, and also more recently with AFCA (Australia Financial Complaints Authority).”

Deborah Knight
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