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Department of Labor Posters

We were contacted today by an individual identifying themselves as a representative of “The Department of Labor”. They told us that government regulations require that we post “Employment and Safety Rules” posters at our inn. My “spidey senses” were tingling as it is not likely that a federal agency was proactively reaching out to a small business about labor posters.

Then came the pitch, these posters cost $199.00 each and at our property 3 were required by the Department of Labor.  Uh huh…

It’s a shame that these folks prey on small businesses.  It makes it difficult for real reputable companies to be able to get through to their potential customers.  Case in point, just last week a magazine contacted us about being the “featured inn” in a story about our area.  Immediately when I got the call I had the tone of “whats this going to cost me”.  Turns out, it was an actual publication and they were actually running a story.  I was probably only seconds away from hanging up with a “thanks anyway”.  It’s unfortunate that we have been conditioned by these scam artists to the point that we almost give up on a real opportunity.  Luckily we didn’t miss this opportunity, but how many “$199 labor posters” are we away from just hanging up on anyone other than a booking…

Coincidentally, I saw a posting about this same topic today on the PAII forums (clearly these folks are working their way down the Inn directories…).  Ingrid, a helpful PAII staffer, did some research on the topic and found that the posters are available online at no charge at the department of labor website or by calling them directly.

If you have been subject to a scam of your own, please let us know so that we can spread the word!

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