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Tosa According to Nick

I'm a software consultant in the Milwaukee area. Among various geeky pursuits, I'm also an amateur triathlete and enjoy rock climbing. I also like to think I'm a political pundit.

Deceptive Business Practices

By Nick Schweitzer
Monday, Jul 14 2008, 04:25 PM

This flyer was taped to my mother's front door today (click for a larger version):

HouseIDFlyer

Talk about deceptive.  I can imagine that some residents (particularly the elderly) would get the impression that this was some sort of official city notice asking for participation in some type of official program.  Pay attention to the "Public Notice" at the top, as well as the line "Your participation is appreciated." in the middle.  It's also written in the third person, starting in the second paragraph with "An Independent Contractor of Address America will begin working on this street..."  Not to mention, it's entitled "Operation House ID".  How official sounding.

This is very deceptive, and I would not trust a company that markets this way further than I could throw its owner.  Address America, Inc. sounds like a shady fly by night company, and I would recommend that you refuse to do business with them.

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Attachment: HouseIDFlyer.jpg
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Comments

nancy   

This sounds like a scam. The police might be interested, especially if they're posting these notices on people's doors.

The ad, however deceptive it may be, does have a point. I used to have to find specific addresses in a former line of work, and it isn't easy - especially at night.

July 14, 2008 4:50 PM

Jennifer101   

My next door neighbor, an 86 year old widow, fell for it last summer. Her sign is nice, but she really felt like she HAD to buy it. I am not sure she would have gotten it if someone would have explained to her that it was not an official notice.

July 14, 2008 8:04 PM

Thomas   

I called this James West guy and left him a voice message to call me at 414-471-8430.

I mentioned that I live at 1700 North 116th Street in Tosa and that I wanted a sign.

Tom

July 15, 2008 9:24 AM

CrustyTheClown   

1700 North 116th?   Hehehehehehe!

July 15, 2008 10:21 AM

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