NAHB has been informed that IBS Exhibitors are often targeted by a Slovakian company (and other foreign country locations) with an apparent offer to update your pre-registered, free listing “in our exhibitors' directory.” The offer may look like it comes from the organizers of the International Builders’ Show. It does NOT – IBS and NAHB have absolutely nothing to do with this company or its directory. While the name of the directory “Fair Guide” and the name of the company “Construct Data Publishers” are cleverly located at the bottom of the letter, the name and trademark of the show – “IBS INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS’ SHOW” – are prominently placed at the top of the letter and right above the greeting. Do not be fooled by this unauthorized use of the IBS name and trademark.
The intent of the letter is to get exhibitors to “confirm the accuracy of your details” on an attached form, and then to sign the form at the bottom, right below the fine print, as though you were attesting to the accuracy of the details. The fine print is actually an irrevocable Order to purchase a full-page insertion in the alleged Fair Guide for three (3) years at the price of $1,877 per year. Also in the fine print is an agreement to be bound by Slovakian law, and a statement that the Slovakian company can appoint a third party, like an unscrupulous collection agency, to sue you in your local jurisdiction.
NAHB warns all IBS Exhibitors to read this offer carefully – the apparent offer for a free listing can easily turn into an unintended order to purchase a three-year paid insertion costing over $5,600!