Karaoke Forums

ASCAP BMI SESAC scam -

For those of you that actually care about your venue's livelihood and not just your own -

There is a scam circulating where a representative claiming to be from one of the PROs calls the establishment and demands immediate, over-the-phone payment of licensing fees. They are high pressure and intimidating.

In the Seattle area, they seem to be watching social media for advertisements for "new" DJ and KJ shows. A few weeks later, they start calling the club demanding payment. One of my bars was called 6 times the same day.

This has happened to both of my most recent bar additions and has happened to a couple of other large operations in my area.

The scammers are also name-dropping the DJ/KJ name or DJ/KJ Company name to add credibility to their claim. They are claiming the DJ or KJ registered their business and the bar name with the PROs and this is the follow up call.

I have already had conversations with some of the owners, managers and staff I work with to make sure they are aware. I even suggested they pull up their PRO paperwork just to make sure they are up to date.

_________________
-Chris

We've had this happen too... Cold calling bars around here for music service "payments".

You have already addressed the big clue, pushy people who want to rush payment. its a dead giveaway.