Beware Of Rogue Exhibition Company Posing As Organisers Of Optrafair

optrafair 2012

The Association of Event Organisers are attempting to make all potential exhibitors to the optical show Optrafair to be on guard, as a rogue company, trading from Mexico, is beginning to tie in customers to contracts in the guise of the actual shows organisers.

Optra Exhibitions UK London has recently stung a number of companies in the eye care, eye wear and optical manufacturing industry by posing as the shows official organisers. The initial offer, offered with the brand of Optrafair as it's backup, is that of a free listing with the exhibitions directory, with (very) small print detailing that signing up for this sees the customer entering into a legally binding contract for over €3500 across a 3 year period.

As well as the fraud associated with this action for the customer themselves, and the financial implications it brings, the REAL organisers of Optrafair are eager to make sure that the bad publicity does not affect or harm their own standing in the market. The deceitful actions taken by this company centre around taking the opportunity to market for an event that isn't scheduled. As the show does not have an event in 2012, the fraudsters have been eager to take advantage of the lack of real promotional information in trying to obtain potential victims. The massive eye care exhibition is not scheduled until 2013 and will again be held at the NEC, Birmingham.

The Federation of Manufacturing Opticians have also urged businesses, who may be drawn into this scam, to be vigilant. If in doubt, the recommendation is to contact the NEC directly and request contact details for the Optrafair organisers which they will be able to provide.

The AEO have also extended the warning to other fake show guides which may be presented under the names Fairguide and Expo-Guide, companies which again focus on the same form of deceit.