Warning Issued to Area Businesses Regarding Possible Advertising Scam

A warning has been issued to businesses in the Barrington and Lake Zurich area regarding a Florida-based publishing company that is allegedly selling false advertisements to area businesses, the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce said.

Biltmore Country Club Manager Bill Dewey said Premier Publishing, Inc. based in Boca Raton Fla., is selling print advertisements to businesses, claiming they will be distributed to Biltmore's members.

“We do not do that for anybody,” Dewey said. “We don’t forward anything on regarding our membership.”

According to Better Business Bureau’s website, Premier Publishing, Inc. has been a BBB accredited business since May 27, 2011 and has a B+ rating. The company has had 13 complaints published against them, 10 have been resolved.

Dewey said several people have contacted him over the last few months regarding the issue.

“I just had a husband of a gal come into the club and said she paid the money but was suspect. I explained that I’m truly sorry, but I’m not associated with this company at all,” he said.

Dewey said he has tried calling the company to speak to them directly with no success. Barrington Patch was able to reach Premier Publishing Account Manager Brant Gaston, who refutes these claims.

Gaston said he’s selling advertisements to appear in a free magazine called Golfer’s Digest, which he says is distributed in Biltmore’s pro shop and several other clubs nearby.

“We’re not trying to steal anything...We have a strict sales pitch we by go. We don’t say we’re with the clubs,” Gaston said.

Dewey said there is no such publication available in Biltmore’s pro shop. 

"Don't do any business with these people," he said.