Though this report dates back to 2013, CUTVNews is still actively soliciting with offers similar to the one described below, as the more than 200 comments on this post attest.
Writer Beware has received reports that authors are receiving phone solicitations from an outfit called Close-up TV News, which describes itself as
…a premiere news magazine TV program spotlighting the most successful businesses across America. CUTVNews has featured thousands of industry leaders on our shows. We are a professional News Magazine Show, viewed by millions who continue to be captivated by our intellectual, informative and entertaining storytelling style. Join us! Viewers are eager to watch and learn about your specific business or profession.
In fact, Close-up TV News is pay-to-play (see the disclaimer on its website). It produces faux news segments for a fee, which businesses can then use to promote themselves. Several of the testimonials from satisfied customers confirm this–for instance, this one, this one, and this one, all of which refer to the videos as “promotional” or “advertisements”–as does this summary of a recent indictment against a pair of timeshare telemarketers, who allegedly used a Close-up TV News segment to further their scheme to defraud consumers.
Done in the format of a news segment for the fictional “Close Up TV News,” the segment was hosted by an actor who played the host of the “People’s Court.” In this fake news segment, the reporter described Creative Vacation Solutions as “remarkably effective” in putting buyers and sellers of timeshare units together. Johnson and Todd played the role of a happy couple who owned a timeshare unit that was purportedly sold by CVS.
(Close-up TV News was not charged in connection with the alleged scam.)
From what I can determine, authors aren’t being solicited for the fake news segments, but for Close-up Talk Radio, Close-up TV News’s Blog Talk Radio channel. Authors are told that they are one of just three who’ve been chosen from a carefully-selected list of 30 writers, with the goal of finding a single author to receive huge promotion and marketing support, including several Close-up Talk Radio interviews, during the month of March. It’s promised that this marketing and promo will make them a best-seller.
The catch? Close-up claims it will “invest” $40,000 of its own resources in scripts for the interviews, email blasts, and other promotion…but the author must share the burden by kicking in $5,000. And authors must make up their minds fast! The promo happens in March, and Close-up needs an answer ASAP.
If the fee isn’t a tipoff, the supposed time pressure should be. Pay-to-play schemes don’t want you to make a considered decision; they want you to feel rushed, so you’ll be more likely to make an impulse decision.
Close-up is not unique. Many other pay-to-play media schemes are out there–for instance, Global Talk Radio, where guests pay to be interviewed on Internet radio, and The Balancing Act, the pay-to-play ($5,900) Lifetime TV show. But Close-up’s recent solicitations are certainly among the more deceptive I’ve heard about.
Writer beware. Even if they don’t try to fool you into buying, this sort of thing is not a good use of your money.
I, too, received a voicemail from Frank Mitchell at 516-320-1485. The message sounded strangely like AI, quick google search landed me to this blog. I am a coach specializing in recovery from chronic pain.
I’m an ADHD coach and just received a similar call and follow up text message. The voicemail said they’re featuring coaches. lol
Just received a call from Frank Mitchell about a series on coaching. Sounded suspicious so glad this blog gave me some good insight. When it sounds too good to be true…….
I just got a call from Frank Mitchell (no longer Michael I guess) about doing a segment on different types of coaches, and they may be interested in featuring me. So glad I did not pick up that call.
I just got a call from Lorraine Ryan, Media Coordinator for CUTV, this morning.
OK I just got a call from her just now.
I talked with her as well. She was going to give me the non-profit rate of $1250.
I got a call March 6 from Frank Mitchell from close-up Radio. Thankfully I didn’t pick up and he left me a msg. He said they were doing a segment on different coaches and wanted me to give him a call back the phone number he left was 516-320-1485. He also said that he was interested in learning my story and that they reached out to me because they think I might be a good candidate for this series. I’m so glad I use Google and found this article because he is named in the comments so I avoided a big scam and I hope you all do too.
in solidarity
I received a call from Bobby Bond and left his number 631-876-2369 on January 11, 202, who would give me a 30-minute scripted show for $1,500.00 and 2 shows for $2,500.00. Look it over and build a blog for Empowered Woman segment. This would be added on to your website as a blog, it would go viral on the internet. He is a scam! Terrible person who just wants your money. Stay away from Bobby Bond.
http://www.SandraCurryKeller.com
It is unfortunate that small minded people like yourself can make baseless accusations with absolutely no knowledge of what you are spewing! We charge a fee for our services and mention that immediately.
Every service is completed for our clients and have thousands of very satisfied clients The bad thing about the internet is that people like you can make outrageous claims with no proof! Very glad we saved our audience from promoting someone like yourself. 99% of people on Writers Beware are not clients of ours!!!
You just called me AGAIN after you have been asked FOR YEARS to stop. Time to block you.
I am so grateful for this blog. Yes they are still at it I just got a call today from Bobby using all the fast paced jargon and flattery to engage me into spending $1,500. Same story as all the other “Empowered Women”. Bobby asking “Are you an empowered woman?” “Do you want to grow your business” $1,500 is just a drop in the bucket “What are you waiting for” Blah Blah Blah. I am glad I went on line to make sure of the validity. Thank You everyone who took the time to comment!!
Thank you for this post! I’m a CPA and Frank said they are doing a series on Financial Professionals. Alexis is to call me back tomorrow. I won’t be here!
CUTVNews is shady like a 300-year-old oak tree. The red flags were there. I couldn’t see them because of the stars in my eyes. To their credit, the contracts were straightforward and executed to a “t.” No runarounds; phone calls returned promptly. BUT… Did they really have “millions of listeners?” Were the radio and video interviews advertised? Were copies of both distributed, and to whom? (Note the latter two were not included in the contracts.) The press release. Not the best example, but I didn’t know that at the time. Oh, it was released, but I understood (although they never said) the release would be targeted. I’m almost sure there are spec fic readers who subscribe to Field & Stream. If so, I’m sure there are only a few of them. Legally, then (and in the strictest sense of the term) CUTVNews isn’t fraudulent. But it sure is a scam. Older and wiser. My rule today is if I receive a cold call, don’t answer. Or hang up. If I receive a cold email, delete.
I run a tax business. I received a call yesterday from a fast-talking, salesman type (which immediately raised my antennas). They’re going to call back today since I had no time yesterday. I’ll tell them thanks and no thanks.
Angela
Solicited today for a series on coaches as I’m a health coach. Good thing I know how to use google!
I wish I would have seen this further. I was one of the silly people that said “yes” to this scam. And they’re sneaky F’ers… the contract is for marketing materials, which they produce (though lower quality), so if you fight it they’ll say “we produced all materials as per the contract.” As for promoting you, there are what look like bots running my YouTube show over and over so they say my show is getting distributed, when in reality I haven’t received any word of a speaking opportunity. I’ve spoken with other smart women who have also fallen for this; we’re trying to work through how to stop anyone else from doing so.
I almost got swept up in this scam, but thankfully was able to reach out to a past client of theirs to get the full story – I ran the other way. As with many of the other 1 star review on here I was approached for a “empowering women” segment – and was in the running with three other women to work with this PR person, Chris Johnson who supposedly worked for NBC but had a generic cutvbusiness@gmail account. Big promises, lots of urgency, HUGE $15K investment – and crappy contract without any significant details that would normally be in a PR contract of this sort…like how much Chris Johnson the publicist would be getting paid.
They said the same thing to me that the did to the woman I reached out to (who worked with them a year ago) that Marshall Goldsmith was “just retiring” and this supposed publicist Chris Johnson was looking for someone to fill the space and become the next big leadership speaker. When Chris Johnson called me back once, he called me his Superstar – but then realized he thought he was calling me, not some other woman named Tracy. Absolutely wild.
They talk a big game and push you to move faster before you have a chance to think about it saying “C’mon, don’t you want to take things to the next level?” “The studio is covering 90% of the cost” “Just trust me, if I don’t book you my family doesn’t eat”, but aren’t forthcoming with things like invoices, legal details, and legitimate communication.
Run away. Run away fast. And don’t look back.
Yup, still at it, LOL. I got a call and voice message today. He actually reached out to me a few years ago. I didn’t go for it then. This time he was combining the business owner and spiritual/psychic approach. I’ve been in professional healing for 25 years. I instantly recognized his voice, even after all the years ago that we spoke.
Aloha. Also got one of these today. A Frank Mitchell 516-320-1485. They are putting together a thing on holistic practitioners for radio. A “30 minute business news radio segment.” So glad I found this site Thanks!! Apparently they’ve done it to authors too. There’s a thread on this over at Goodreads. Gah.
I received the same message just today so apparently he is still at it.
Frank & Bobby are still at it. Current target – EMDR therapists. I am so thankful I found this thread. I won’t waste my time tomorrow being gaslit!
Same story different day here. Asking me to “invest” $2500 for two 30 minute segments. Putting the pressure on me and trying to make me feel as though this is a one time chance. Pandering to my ego “oh you’ve definitely got one of the most amazing stories!”
02/28/2022
They're still at it! The Empowered Women series must be the longest in history!! Also, there may be a focus on EMDR providers or maybe it's just coincidental –(NOT). I'll keep my money. Thank you everyone~
Paula
LCSW
Watch out for this email, she is really asking for you to pay.
My name is Kate Nash and I am an executive producer at Close up television. We are currently interviewing for our empowered women radio series and we are highlighting women from different aspects of coaching. I would love to speak with you at your convenience. Look forward to talking.
Sincerely,
Kate Nash
Executive Producer
Close Up Television
631-850-4035
Katenash@closeuptelevision.com
Thanks for sharing! I got a call today from Bobby Banks and got the scripted info that others have posted.
To the purported CU TV News clients who are attempting to comment-bomb this post: if you want to send compliments to CU TV News personnel, do so on their website, not on this one.
Audrey Herrick
"I have been working with Host Jim Masters for a few months now doing radio and television interviews. His calm, grounded presence sets the tone for relaxed and sincere discussions. He easily relates to situations that I am presenting. Jim remembers experiences I have talked about previously and will weave them in and out of our discussion topics. He is professional, sincere and kindhearted–well suited for his role in communicating people's stories which help enrich the lives of all listeners/viewers.
Audrey Herrick
CEO, Healer, Workshop Presenter, Speaker at Awaken with Audrey
Wow, CUTV has been at this a long time! I talked with "Bobby Bond" (apparently he's got a new identity), who laid out the whole "interview with Empowered Women". And the comments I just read here were spot-on, so they're still running that scam. When you're a coach and someone asks how you came to be a coach, etc. you tend to go right into your story because we know that prospective clients want to know if you understand what they're dealing with. It's fun to talk about your business. And then…just as I was thinking "and how much is this going to cost me?" Bobby dropped the hammer to the tune of $1500. Of course, he wanted to get the "ball rolling" right away and wanted to schedule me with the producer and scriptwriters, etc. and when I told him I discuss all financial investments with my husband he was understanding, etc. and what time tomorrow morning could he call me. And when someone asks you if you "are into growing your business", you of course reply that you want your business to grow. I learned a long time ago that if something sounds too good to be true, 99% of the time it isn't. So tomorrow morning my phone will ring once or twice before the number blocking goes into effect. I for sure am an Empowered Woman who doesn't need to pay money to be heard and who knows how to effectively use the internet to uncover disreputable companies and their representatives. Thanks for this site and saving me the
trouble of throwing $1500 into the wind.
They're still at it – just got a call for my business.
Thanks for maintaining this blog!
So glad I found this site. Alexis called me this morning. So glad I didn't answer!!
This is still going on. Received a message yesterday and decided to Google "is Close-up radio legit?". Thank you to all who have posted. DELETED
They are still at it. A woman named Alexis Nicole called this morning and left a message saying they may want to have their celebrity host interview me for their Empowered Women show. I am glad I found this blog before wasting any time calling them back.
Most people don't charge to interview guests on a radio show as you are sharing your expertise to help them engage their listeners. This is a scam to get business owners to pay CUTV to market their business. Sad to see people get taken in by them.
I got a voicemail today from Close-Up Television & Radio. I'm in Canada and I'm a Life Coach. Thank you for posting this here and all of the other comments. Here's a transcript of the voicemail I received, in case you're interested and want to compare notes:
"Hi Louise , I'd like you to call me. I am Robert Couri. I am the executive producer at Close-Up Radio. I'm currently interviewing several people in your field and I am going to be choosing one of you to be featured on two of our promotional 30-minute radio shows. Our website, http://www.closeuptelevision.com. Please find me, 786-916-3564, and I will expect you call."
It's 2020 and I have been getting these calls for several years. I wish they would just go away.
Frank Mitchell called our law firm saying he was working on a 30-minute radio series profiling different legal services for Close Up Radio. Was a little skeptical since the number had a NY area code and we practice law in another state.
They are still at it; my call came earlier this week. I wondered how a “business” show found and desired me, who’s not that high up on the radar scale (yet). The message sounded fishy so I googled Close Up Radio. As soon as I saw a quasi famous name (Doug Llewelyn) I immediately guessed pay to play. All these comments let me know it’s much worse – actual scam territory. I appreciate the info and am glad I didn’t waste any more time, energy and especially money with them.
Wow! So this thread began in 2013 and here it is, March 17th, 2020 and these calls are still being made! I got a call from a Bobby Banks today with the "Empowered Women" ploy ("we've partnered with Blogtalk Radio", etc etc). Happy to have found this thread. Thanks, all!
They are well aware of this blog post. I guess I can expect another cease-and-desist…
I now expect to hear from them at least once a year. Got another call a couple weeks ago and this guy was quite pushy. I told him it's a scam and there is a website where we all discuss their phony offers. He was "offended" so I just hung up. Obviously there are people who don't investigate; hence, them still being able to scam.
I got a call today from “Bobby” who pitched me a feature on Close Up TV. So they must still be making money; they’re still in business! Buyer beware, indeed.
They tried to target my boss this morning. I did not answer the call, they left a message and we saw this site.
They just hit me up today. When they got to the $ I hung up on them. These predators are out there praying on the public.
I finally answered the call yesterday. He said all the same things to me he said to others, but the price was $1200 which is what I spend on advertising. After listening to the interview sample, I wasn't impressed, Doug Lewellyn sounded very uninterested and too scripted. When I told the producer I need to think it through and do my research he got annoyed and said he would call back in 2 hours, I said no, I need a week, he agreed but was annoyed and quickly hung up. We'll see if he follows up next week, when he does I'll be declining his service after reading all these comments!
Just got a call about Empowering Women Series as well. Thank you for this! Fortunately, he gave me the wrong site address it was just CUTV.com which did not seem like what he was talking about, so I got suspicious right away. Glad I looked into it and glad there's things like this to help each other out!
Brenda Baker called and left a message this past week 631-850-3313. I didn't think much of it as we have gotten a lot of coverage for our business, and she had not mentioned the pay for play in her voicemail. I called back today and left a message for her, as I just wanted to know how she had heard of our small business in metro dc from New York……. If she calls me back this week we can have some fun. I, too, saw the BBB logo on their site.
I got a call from Alexis Rose (probably not her name) with the same pitch, but only after two phone calls. $1500 for one show, $2500 for two. "The producers must have heard you on a podcast." What a waste of time.
Thanks for this website, folks.
Alexis Rose is the name of a character from Schitt’s Creek 😂 Nice try, scammers!
I, too, recently got a voicemail from "Frank Michael," although his name shows up on Caller I.D. as "Frank Dudash." He said CUTV news "might" be interested in interviewing me. He used my name over and over (perhaps to convince me it wasn't a robocall?)I knew right away it was a scam. I won't be calling back. Folks, just a reminder, whether you are an author or any other type of business person: you should never have to pay to be interviewed. This is not how legitimate news or entertainment media work. Writers, beware.
I had a call from Bobby Banks today – he is still at it! Sounded too good to be true… and I am glad I found this thread. Won't be returning that call!
I took the day off yesterday from work and returned to find a message from "Frank Michael" calling for 'blogger and author Norman Cowie,' which tells me he found my website, but nowhere on my website do I list where I work during my daytime job or any phone number. Of course, he could easily find where I work on my LinkedIn page, but again, no phone number. so this guy did some digging. In his message, he claimed they are working on a radio series 'currently focusing on different types of authors, and we may be interested in featuring you on an upcoming radio show.." Anyway, if someone else wants his number, it's 516-502-8267. I'm not calling him back. Thanks to everyone who posted warnings about this.
I received this call today from a Frank Michael–not his real name as a different last name showed up on my phone ID–anyway, he pushed for me to talk to his "producer" a woman named Anne immediately, but I was suspicious and told him to send me an email. He did so stating that "Anne" would be calling me tomorrow. Lots of luck, Anne. As a long-time journalist, I can smell a skunk for miles. I did a little on-line search and reached this site. I'm hoping no other writers get taken in –I'm thinking of contacting Snopes.
Just got a call from a Frank Michael for a 30 minute business radio show, I believe this is the same thing. Going to call back to confirm, and because I enjoy messing with scammers. Unfortunately for him I am listed on the do not call list, so just calling me was a bad idea on his part. Already enough info to report him to the Feds.
Greetings,
Bobby Banks is now targeting another field. Hypnosis & Regression therapy.
Bobby Banks left a voice message via my practice number today. Wanting to do an interview for Empowered Business Women that do various healing modalities.
My practice is Your Soul Recovery, I do Quantum Healing Hypnosis Therapy /Beyond Quantum Healing / Past Life / Present Life / Future Life & Life Coaching.
I do Regression sessions for Soul Journey of Remembrance. You are here for a purpose and it is time to be empowered and step into the Remembrance of Why you planned this life. What is your Purpose? Why are you here? I do session 1 to 1 in person and virtual sessions, I have do sessions all over the world.
He gave his spill 'pay to play'. Having been a business owner for many years I advised that I would pass his number on to my attorney to discuss the propitiation he was presenting
to confirm the validated of his request and that was the end of that! NO MORE CALLS!
Be careful EVERYONE….LOVE & LIGHT to all 😉
LA Donna @ Your Soul Recovery yoursoulrecovery.com
Joy'l Jenkins LCSW
This lady Donna Cushiner called me to set up interviews, 30 minute videos and other promotional offers. It sound to go to be true that someone want to know my story on how I got where I am today. They said they found my name on ENDRIA site. I run my own Mental Health Clinic, which I supervise everyone in the office. She had me go to different webs site of CUTV (https://www.cutvnews.com/) and check it out. The web page even had the BBB on it. The link to me to a different website that was not the BBB. For a radio interviews, video interview and the other press releases is quit expensive.
For 2 shows $2500 each, 3 show for $ 1150 each but if I did 4 show it was only a thousand for each show. She wanted me to pay through paypal tonight for it.
My office manager asked before all the phone calls if this was a sale pitch and they said No.
What a joke.
Well I am not paying that much for spot on their show. If they want me so badly they can do it for free.
Thanks for sharing. People need to know.
BEWARE, I was scammed!
This is my personal experience. I got pitched by Bobby Banks back in 2015. He took payment over the phone but reassured me that I could cancel and get a full refund as I wanted to speak with my business coach at the time. I decided that then was not the right time to be doing a radio interview and was directed to speak with Louis Ceparano directly to arrange my refund. After an email exchange with Lou requesting my refund, he told me he could refund my card at anytime unfortunately that didn’t not happen. After many attempts to get in touch with Lou and countless voice messages left, Lou refused to answer my calls nor refund my money. I haven’t had the choice to go forward with the paid radio interview either as I was unable to get through to this guy. At one point I was calling everyday only to reach a recording and have to leave messages. So I acknowledge some people have successfully used this service but unfortunately for me, to this day I have been scammed out of money. I know a lot of time has passed but if anyone reading this has a reputable contact at CUTV, or had successfully resolved similar issues as mine, I’d appreciate any tips or referrals.
Do your due diligence and do not pay up front trusting you will be refunded.
Thank you,
J
Thank you for this. Frank Michael called our clinic saying they are doing a show profiling Mental Health Professionals and was considering featuring two of our team (two separate calls received). We are in Alberta, Canada – his number was from Florida, USA. It seemed fishy and this website helped to confirm it was. Thanks again.
I had my call today for the Empowering Women series. I was told by Avi that I was one of 10 psychics under consideration. It "felt" bad right away. Have heard this pay-for-play pitch before. Asked "why me?" and was told I was recommended as passionate about what I do and then he said, "You're a medium, right?" I said no, I work mostly corporate events and that I've had the scam pitch before, but I would check out the site and get back to him if interested. I checked by immediately listening to a couple minutes on several interviews (none of which inspired any comments on their pages) and by Googling reviews and this is just one of many pages of complaints. Hope we all save others from making a costly mistake.
Peace.
Wow. Received this same call yesterday from "Frank Michael" who wanted me to speak with the "Anne Silar" the "Executive Producer" of "cutvnews.com". Sounded extremely fishy from the start. Frank didn't even know what the "cu" in "cutvnews" stoop for, and he claimed to be the assistant to the executive producer, lol.
Glad I googled and saved myself the trouble.
They're still at it! I found this post after agreeing to the initial interview, so I was ready for the pitch–a mere $1,500 laid down on my side with the promise of fame and glory on theirs. Everyone should read the Yelp review; it's absolutely heartbreaking. What a destructive organization! Thank you so much for this post: it saved me a ton of time I would have wasted preparing for a real interview.
They've called us in the past, before 2013 maybe, roped us in pretty far but we smelled the scam in well in time. They have called us at least once since that first time, and just again in February of 2019.
Hi, Jeff,
Your comment appears to be addressed to CUTV. May I suggest that you leave it at their website?
Dear Lou (and Team),
(I did not have Ann Siler’s email – so please pass on to her)
I am grateful to all who helped recruit, schedule, prepare and conduct my radio interview today with Jim. I was kept well informed, provided all the details on what would happen when. I very much enjoyed my time with Jim – a true professional – and enjoyed our 30 minute discussion on what I do and have to offer others.
Many thanks to all. CUTV is a professional run organization – that is abundantly clear from my experience so far!!
I have a book coming out in the coming months. Jim shared with me additional opportunities that may be of interest to me that I will explore in the coming months as well. Ann and I are looking at a second radio interview once I get closer to the book publishing as that would be the focus on that engagement. My first objective is to get this next book to the printing press!!
I will be anxious to see metrics on who listened to the interview, who read the press release, who hit the link to my web site from the CUTV broadcast, and any other feedback on how this interview may have been exposed to others.
I loaded it up on my web site minutes ago – so I am cookin right now!
Again, my thanks to all.
Jeff
JEFF FOLEY | President | Loral Mountain Solutions, LLC
Brigadier General, US Army (Retired)
(m) 706.414.9373
http://www.loralmountain.com
CERTIFIED EXECUTIVE COACH – MARSHALL GOLDSMITH
"Why not check out the radio shows and hear our interviews and see how truly inspiring they are?" This statement was written in the first person, which gives me the impression that this is coming from someone involved with CUTV news. As far as professionalism goes, generally the best course of action is to state your opinion, and then to move on. Your contributions to this has come across with a tone of combativeness, confrontation, and hostility, of which I may add- accomplishes nothing.
For the sake of professionalism I will add my name.
K. Maloy
I don't know what you mean? All I can say is if YOU and others decide that you don't want to take part with CUTV News that is certainly your option and no one is knocking you for it. But if professional hard working women like myself and thousands of other wish to partake and share their voice on this platform that CUTV news provides why write such a blog to deter and make them feel less than they are? It's not fair to all these wonderful people don't you know? Why not check out the radio shows and hear our interviews and see how truly inspiring they are?
Anonymouses,
If you read my blog post, you'll be better able to accurately describe it.
The timing of your comments is interesting. I'm guessing you'll know what I mean.
As I mentioned on my previous comment I prefer to remain anonymous to protect my business and not be involved in any drama. I can assure you I have been a guest several times on Cutv News radio. Logically speaking they have done over a thousand interviews with Doug and Jim. How is it possible that no one has ever had a "good" experience? If this were truly a scam why would these people do many shows with Cutv News and continue to do interviews? How can your blog make any sense then?
I can assure you that I have been a guest on Cutv News and this is fact a genuine testimonial. As I mentioned on my previous comment I too wish to remain anonymous as not to be involved in drama. Victoria, if you check out their website there have been over a thousand interviews with Doug and Jim. Logically speaking, you don't think ANY of these people ever had a "good" experience?????? If they really have not then why would these guests be doing over 10 shows each? So your blog about this radio show being a scam does not make any sense.
I allow anonymous comments on this blog because there's often good reason for someone making a complaint or reporting a bad experience to be nervous about using their real name. There's really no reason, on the other hand, for someone who's providing a genuine testimonial to be anonymous–unless, of course, the testimonial is really just cover for an attack.
You've commented twice now, Anonymous. Your comments haven't been deleted or altered. It's a bit early to be crying censorship.
In response to your comment about why I did not identify myself it should be pretty obvious. Being that I am a business women it would not be in my best interest to become involved in any drama that could be upsetting to my clients or the shows itself. I came on here to share my amazing experience on such a wonderful radio show. Victoria, if your intent is just to "let" people know that this business is a "scam" then why get so defensive and not "allow" people that were actually on the show to speak the truth and praise their work?
victoria it seems like most people on your blog remain anonymous lol from anonymous
I agree.
Unknown 1/21,
Given the very positive experiences you say you've had, I'm wondering why you aren't willing to comment under your own name?
Since Cutv News has been one of the most positive experiences of my life I'm really flabbergasted by these negative reviews. I did a few shows with them and I'm planning to do more. Doug and Jim are masterful reporters!! The writers wrote an amazing press release and I took part in the entire script it was exciting and fun. They are so professional and they bent over backwards and went over and beyond!!! Not only that , after my shows I was approached for speaking engagements and my book sales are way up and so are my clients!! Also cutv news is very particular who they feature they only want quality top notch business people featuredlook who their guests are!! Like Marshall Goldsmith Barbara Coloroso!! All exceptional people making a difference in the world!! So why would someone write such a false blog? Upon researching I noticed that the person who started this blog was never asked to be a guest on the show so how can she judge? Apparently a good friend of hers was the one cutv news approached. The problem? She is upset that their is a slight cost. Well this is a business radio show and cutv news pays most of the cost..those selected pay a very small fee. Please be realistic of course they have to charge something. Dont u all charge for your services or are you free??? They are a media company and they have celebrity news reporters and writers that need to be paid. Bet if this was zero cost this blog would not exist would it? That's not right. These are awesome kind hearted people who are all about making a positive change for humanity and have provided a wonderful platform for amazing people to empower others. By creating this blog you are not being respectful to the very wonderful people that are making such a wonderful contribution to society. Every day we hear terrible things in the world and u are putting down a news radio show that features humanitarians doctors coaches authors sharing their voice to service others in need..Please listen to their shows and the amazing quality they deliver. No one on this blog has been a guest just angry that a media company is not giving u free services and that's not realistic or kind. The writer of this blog was never a guest so logically speaking how can she slander such a wonderful company??
I got the call today, stating that Donna would call me back today or tomorrow to interview me for a mental health broadcast. Glad I checked their site to know that it's a hoax.
I just received this email.
"CUTV News Radio with veteran award-winning broadcast TV and radio hosts/media personalities Jim Masters and Doug Llewelyn is an exciting, informative, entertaining, thought-provoking and empowering broadcast series featuring LIVE episodes daily. Please visit our website, http://www.cutvnews.com, click on Talk Radio and listen to some of our interviews."
We would like to include you in an upcoming segment representing the field of Business & Executive Coach, please give us a call as soon as possible or send an email with a good day and time to reach you."
At first, I thought CUTV was CUNY TV. Having been in journalism this sounded OK for a radio show until I got the follow-up email. Something seemed off, and I checked out its site. That's when I Googled "What is CUTV?" and found this blog site. Linking the disclaimer to your site was helpful as it led me back to the site I was on.
Thanks, for this posting.
WOW! Bob Banks has been at it for a LONG TIME! You would think he'd give up by now! Just got my call today. It sounded so canned that I deleted it right away – but then I googled his name (and Close-Up Radio). Um – BLOCK.
Interestingly, just got the same call from Mr. Michael. Exactly the same script as the one above. Seems the ruse is effective enough for them to continue it years later. So grateful for this site, and the comments others have left. Saves me from calling him back.
Thank you for your warnings, just got a message from Bobby banks with the same story… glad I goggled it.
Same story here.
He sounds like a salesman. First tip-off.
I did return his call and he took over 3 weeks to get back, leaving me another message saying there was a voicemail glitch.
Deception is always disappointing to hear about!
Have had a few vm's from Frank Michael over the last month about the show on coaches. Talked to him asked him for their website, he gave a url that was for a news show in Colombia, haha. It wasn't until we searched Frank Michael that we found this page to read. It always sounded weird from the beginning, good to find this page and see what it really is. I think we will ignore the call from Kate Dash. Funny that we didnt find other web pages speaking the truth about this!
Got a call yesterday, August 14, 2018 and let it go to voicemail. The message was from a man identifying himself as Frank Michael, "calling from the assignment desk of CUTV News, a 30-minute business radio show. We're putting together a series of shows focsed on different types of coaches and might be interested in featuring you in an upcoming show." Seemed a little fishy so did some web searches and found this site.
Thanks to you, I won't be calling back. Thanks for these posts!
I just picked up a voicemail from “Kate Dash” at CUTV, who said that I had been referred for a series they’re doing on women’s empowerment. I had a hunch it might be pay-to-play, so I googled and found this site – glad I did! I won’t waste my time calling back.
Still going on- got a phone call from Frank Michael on August 7th, 2018 about being featured on a holistic radio show. Wouldn't you think they would have a real job by now?!
Frank called me today. I'm a creativity coach, writer and artist. They wanted to do a radio show on the arts. That would be awesome right? Thank you so much for this blog! You saved me a phone call and sales pitch. I choose very carefully how I spend marketing dollars.
I just got a call from them and I am not even a writer?
Hey. Just got my second call from them. First time was about a year ago. I think they cycle trough numbers hoping you have become an idiot? Lol. It's definitely a numbers game to them.
I just got a call from Alexis Rose (631) 850-4039 CUTV News/Blog Talk Radio, offering to interview the business owner. I'm glad I found this post. We have been contacted by a few of these "radio shows" that charge the interviewee with ZERO ROI.
Mine came as an email from my website asking me to call them with an urgent sound to the email. But most of the time this sort of thing comes thru my publicist so I’m very wary and googled and your article came up. Thanks so much!
Thank you very much for posting this. As others have stated, they're also approaching counselors and coaches. They sent my business an email, but I was immediately skeptical, as the address at the bottom of their email, shows that they're located thousands of miles away, and in a different country than mine.
So I did a search of their name, plus the word 'scam', and your post was the first thing to come up. I'm glad I did, and really glad of the excellent help you provide!
Just got one of these messages from "Fank Michaels" for this on my phone. Thank you for making it so easy to confirm my feeling that it is a scam. One giveaway I have found; when you google the person's name and the first thing that comes up are obituaries…a classic way to "steal" an alias.
I just got the call from Bobby Banks… Empowered Women. Most real offers will email you first and disclose any and all info.. and dont make you pay. Tha is for the heads up!
Just got a cal from Alexis Rose-it seems they want to host me for the empowered woman series!!! Thanks for being here and the "heads".
Thanks! I got a call on behalf of Donna Kushner. Appreciate this heads up.
Wow, I'm glad I Googled this! I was contacted by Kate Dash this morning. I will be filing her number under spam. (A related scam is the National Association of Professional Women.)
Just spent 45 minutes on the phone with Alexis Rose about doing an interview for the empowered women series. Would love to do it, but not for $1,500. I wonder if there is anyone out there who went with them and got business as a result of the interview. Well, it won't be me.
BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE!!!
This company attempted to conduct business with me and absolutely wasted my time.
The business model is broken and a scam:
THEY SELL ADVERTISING (CRAPPY ADVERTISING AT THAT) AND DISGUISE THE SALE AS A NEWS SEGMENT INTERVIEW.
They say how they want you on one of their (fake)news segments (crappy youtube videos)since "you are a top performer in your field"…they tell this to everyone they speak to in order to garnish sales. Bunch of washed up cold callers selling (crummy, unseen) advertising, purporting to have taken an interest in you and your business field. Hopefully they'll be out of business soon. Going to try and spread the word and report this to as many people as I can.
If a company wants to advertise themselves, they will do it on their own, without needing this shady, overpriced, back-doored "media package"
LEGITIMATE Media companies will give YOU a stipend to be on their segments, not the other way around. USE LOGIC, PEOPLE!!!
DO NOT GIVE THIS COMPANY A DIME!!!!!
Just received this fishy email today. Found your site during my research, and decided to share.
***
Dear Rev. Laura,
CUTV News Radio with veteran award-winning broadcast TV and Radio Hosts/ Media Personalities Jim Masters and Doug Llewelyn is an exciting, informative, entertaining, thought provoking and empowering broadcast series featuring LIVE episodes daily. Please visit our website, http://www.cutvnews.com, click on Talk Radio and listen to some of our interviews.
If interested in being on an upcoming segment representing the field of Spiritual Growth, please give me a call as soon as possible or email me with a good day, time and number to reach you.
Sincerely,
Anne Silar
Executive Producer
CUTV News
http://www.cutvnews.com
annesilar@cutvnews.com
631-850-3546
150 Broadhollow Road, Suite 312
Melville, N.Y. 11747
Glad I found this sight as I researched who and what Bobby Banks is. I'm pretty good, but I'm not "one of the top professionals" in my field! LOL
I just got a call from Alexis Rose, telling me they are doing a series on women empowering women and wanted to include me in their line up. She sounded legit until she wanted me to hand over $1500 for the interview. I asked her to give me a few days to think about this first. She then knocked down the price to $1250 with $500 down. After hanging up I called a few local radio and television stations who told me legitimate media organizations do not charge the interviewee a fee for giving their story. I then googled the organization and found this site. NO money passed on this one!
I received a voicemail from Kate Dash on Apr 13, 2018. I was referred and they are doing a series on authors and empowered women. I didn't call back. Yesterday I received a call from the office of Donna Kushner. Today I found all these posts. I too am grateful that these are still on here and continue to grow as many years have gone by. I can pay my publisher for more marketing or do more myself for free. I have been on syndicated radio before, and it didn't cost a thing. Thanks again!
Be careful – because they will offer a free session as well. I went as far to complete the free session, but I never saw it published.
Yes, I just got called today by one of their reps' assistants – seemed totally legit at first. I had just come back from a weekend in Houston, at a big history thing, where I was one of the author exhibitors. First caller left a callback number to a so-called "producer" – and interesting pitch … until money was mentioned. Yeah, nope, nope, nope. A legit news outlet has time to fill, an ongoing need to find new and interesting content … such outlets desperately scrape for content, they don't ask for money for an interview. Otherwise, that's called "advertising" and Celia don't play that game.
I've worked in sales, although of a much more subtle sort, and where at least we offered a free consult before.
I too was contacted by A woman named Anne Silar from CUTV news. All sounded great until the pitch about it being a 30 minute, commercial free interview, and because of that, I would need to pay $1500. Then she dropped the price to $1,250…. We booked the time for the script writer to call me etc etc and and finally, "and now I need your CC information." With that my gut screamed that something was OFF. I told her that I do not give my CC over the phone and would need an invoice first. She told me "but your CC is protected by your CC company." I told her "I've had people try to scam me too many times." She reluctantly agreed. With that, man, I knew something was fishy.
When the email came through with the invoice, I decided to do a little researching….. and found this website along with others. Yes, people do get "interviewed", but what it really is, is YOU paying for an interview to put on your website. Ironically, I got a call from a friend of mine who felt this urgent need to call me right then. I tell her what happened. Turns out they have called her TWICE….. Also, the President of the Company is tied to Close Up TV News scams…. No thank you. Thank God I listened to my gut and didn't waste my money.
Needless to say, I emailed back saying that I would not be moving forward with the "interview".
Got a call from Alexis Rose today saying she was interested in my background in leadership and coaching. After “interviewing” me to see if I would be a good fit, she exclaimed how wonderful I would be for the show and that they don’t just pick anyone. She really played on surfacing my values and vision. Then came the pitch: $1500 for 1 :30 minute interview and $2500 for 2. I told her I would check them out first as something in my gut didn’t feel right. I wanted it to be legit but this thread reveals the truth. She is supposed to call back on Thursday. Creepy! Amazing the lengths of deceit and manipulation people will go to for money. These predators are the wretched of the earth. Thanks all for posting here!
They just called me in northern Canada and said I was one of 5 women chosen to do a piece on empowered women. I asked what this was and how they found me? He got really angry and asked "if I could handle growth." He told me it would cost me $1500 to which I replied "that's funny, usually I get paid to be on radio shows!" And he got very angry and hung-up. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!! Ahhhh always ask questions folks
Yes, still happening. I received a call last week from Donna and today from Bobby Banks who left a message saying they wanted to do a spot on empowered women and executive coaches. I've gotten so many marketing calls lately that I'm in the habit of checking the person out before returning calls (which is a pain and takes time, but better than the frustration on the phone). Happy I saw this post!
Oh yes,I got the call from Donna this week. I called news on your side. They sent me this link. Wow, I am so happy I checked into this. At this stage in my life I don't need this pressure to make decision now. Donna wanted my credit card over the phone NOW. Glad I didn't give it to her. My business makes good money via local news ads and word of mouth.
Just received the call "from the office of Donna Kushner an online celebrity-hosted podcast" reaching out to coaches. So its,still happening.3/20/2018
I'm also grateful for this post and all of your comments. I have two types of service/consulting businesses. Yesterday I had this voice mail: "Hi, Erika. How are you? This is Alexis Rose. I'm with CU TV news radio, Blog Talk Radio, and we're doing the series on the empowered women professional, and we may like to have you come on our show so can you get back to me at 631-850-4039 extension 410? Thanks a lot."
EXCITING, RIGHT?! OMG! DId I do the happy dance? Yes. Did I even "squeeee!" a bit? I did. And something didn't sit right. I had called and provided a specific time frame I was available to talk today, and Alexis called me early, early this morning, not in my time frame (I didn't answer). Now I'm doubting even calling back again, as I googled this morning and found your site and this post. Thank you.
My goodness – if nothing else, this blog just saved me hours of research and distraction – THANK YOU! I received a voice mail this morning from Bobby Banks on the "empowered women" idea, and he also name-dropped Marshall Goldsmith (since I'm a coach). So relieved this post exists. I wonder what happens when Bobby Googles himself – because this was the top hit for my search "Bobby Banks Blog Talk Radio". 🙂
Just got a call from this guy. I won’t be responding needless to say. So grateful this amazing info was here!
Thanks so much! 'Bobby Banks' is still at it! I always research before returning 'iffy' phone calls, and here you are with the exact wording from the message that was left. I could have easily been drawn to returning this call otherwise. Certainly hope these folks are taken to court and nailed SOON. . .
I wish I'd seen this blog a long time ago–before I was contacted in June 2016.
In the first sales calls, I was sold online radio show interviews by big names for $2,500, which they did deliver (but which didn't produce any return on investment). Then, when they seemed legitimate and honest because of the big names they had interviewing me, they sold me things they never delivered for a lot more money.
In further sales calls, I was sold (by someone who said he worked for NBC…and I believe he does) explicit numbers of paid speaking engagements to large audiences (of more than 1000 people each), for which I paid thousands of dollars (and for which I was to be paid $6,000 to $8,000 each). After initially being sold "8-12 speaking engagements" in front of audiences of "a 1,000 people or better", for which I would be "paid $6,000-$8,000 apiece", for $7,500, I was told in another sales call a couple of days later (after I'd already paid) that I couldn't get these speaking engagements unless I had press kits, for which I had to pay another $5,500, and that I would actually get "12-20 speaking engagements" in front of audiences of "1,000 people or better" and for which I would be "paid $6,000-$8,000 apiece".
End result: I was given ZERO speaking engagements, got ZERO return on my investment, and was threatened with legal action when I requested at least a partial refund for the initial purchase of the speaking engagements (they gave me a partial refund only on the purchase of the press kits–and this only after I sent them audio recordings of the sales calls I had made so I could prove I was telling the truth about what I had actually been sold for my money) after being given nothing but marketing materials despite the explicit promises of speaking engagements made in the sales calls and the misleading words in the written contract I'd signed that suggested these promises of speaking engagements were accurate and would be honored.
In their favor, I'll say that they did produce good quality marketing materials, but this isn't the primary thing I was blatantly led to believe I was purchasing with my money in the sales calls (since three minutes of the thirty-three minute sales call for the first package covered the marketing materials I would get, and the next thirty minutes was spent telling me about the speaking engagements they were going to get me with these marketing materials, and then the next sales call only reinforced this further).
I would not have paid them such a vast amount of money for marketing materials I didn't want or need (and that I could have created myself for a lot less money if I did ever want them for some reason) if I was told what I was actually going to be given for my money rather than being told something very different. I'd still like much more of my money back from them and I don't know how to get it back. I wish I could make it so no more people are misled by this business into paying so many thousands of dollars for speaking engagements they will never receive. I wish sales calls were honest about what is actually being sold so informed decisions can be made when buying things sold in them and people aren't left feeling deceived and duped and like a fool as I was here. And I wish businesses took responsibility for the actions of the people they hired when these people are representing the businesses. If this business cannot make good on the words of its salesperson, it shouldn't be me, the client, who suffers for this. It should be the business that absorbs the loss.
Just got a call from Kate Dash my name was referred and they’re doing a women empowerment series… so thankful for google.
I have received 2 phone calls from Bobby Banks asking me to be included in the empowered women series, too! So glad I found this blog!
Big thank you to all who posted. Just got a v/m from Alexis Rose at CUTV blog talk radio. She said they're doing a series on empowered women and may like to have me come on their show and speak to their listeners. She asked me to call her back at "the newsroom". That sounded a bit on purpose to begin with, so I googled and found this site. First I looked at the site for CUTV and while it looks like they have a lot of interviews posted, it doesn't look like they have very many followers… Regardless, not calling them back. THANK YOU!!!
I received a Voicemail today from a female calling on behalf of Donna Kushner the producer with KUTVNews.com of an online Talk Radio show. She said Donna would love to feature me on upcoming radio platforms as a Life Coach. So glad I found this Blog and that I let all calls go to Voicemail.
Hi,
Thank you for posting this Blog. I also got a marketing call, and wanted to check it out online first. A lot of scammers out there, we entrepreneurs, have to keep each other informed!
Regards,
Sharon
I just got the call a few minutes ago and didn't answer. Sounded pre-recorded was my first red flag. Glad you guys keep this thread going. This one was targeting coaches and consultants and "experts in the field". Came up as "Frank Michael" with a New York number. Mr Number spam blocker has it as a scam too. I sent out an alert to my groups to beware with this link to prove it!
I received a voicemail from Alexis Rose and had a bad feeling about the call. Thankfully, I found your review about this scam.
So happy to find this site. I was just contacted today and thought WOW. Then sanity returned and I remembered Nothing is free, Better still "There's a fool born every minute and two to take 'em. I will be declining, Thank you all!
Same as previous comment…stole an hour of my life away. They said they wanted me for a show called the Empowered Woman & at the end said it would cost me $1,500. I said I could only afford $100 & she said that was too low so that ended that conversation. They wouldn't give me a chance to look up their information on the internet & research their program. Glad I had enough sense to not fall for this scam. Thanks for this posting!
Yep. They stole about 45 minutes of my day with this. At the end they asked for a low price of $1,500 to have me on the show for inspiring women.
i just got a call from them the other day. They called me long distance saying this was a media enquiry. someone told me that they were looking for exceptional women who were involved in Tarot Astrology Psychic mystical work to be part of a radio show panel. I would be interviewed by the shows producer the next day and he wished me luck. As I have received calls like this before I am always wary. Glad I found this now. They are affiliated with blogtalk radio. Caveat Emptor
I got the call today! Basically the same conversation as many others I see here. I've been contacted by internet radio shows in the past wanting me to pay to play and make a fast decision before and always smelled a rat. Thankfully, I've always delayed and done my due diligence and declined. This one sounded a bit different, but still wanted a quick decision. I'm glad I didn't waste any more of my time or money. One thing I've noticed each time is that you always hear a lot of voices in the background that sound like a telemarketing office.
Thank you for having this site available! I did notice that Marshall Goldsmith who is an executive coach did do a series with them that he has posted on his site. To a certain degree, I guess if you don't mind spending the money and not getting everything promised (although maybe HE did?), you may walk away with some interviews you can post yourself on social media or your website that look pretty good. If it's worth it to you to do that – maybe it's something. However, it seems pretty clear that you don't get all things they talk about providing. I am always suspicious of anyone who requires you to pay on the spot or give an answer within 24 hours when you have no idea who they are. Glad I listened to my gut again!
Anonymous 9/1, did someone at Close-up ask you to write this? That's certainly what it reads like. If on the other hand this is a genuine comment, it's pretty seriously undercut by your admission that you want to hide the fact that you paid for an interview.
DISAGREE WITH THIS BLOG – I am not one to write many reviews but I had to share with others who may turn away a great opportunity. It's very unfortunate that this blog was created. I found it after I already "signed" up for an interview with Bobby Banks. Never paid anything close to what many mentioned on here. I got sick for days after reading your blog and the many comments made thinking I was a fool to sign up and pay and considered going to my bank to dispute the charges. Well apparently I am NOT a fool. They delivered nothing but top line professionalism with the best writers and a news reporter Doug who has been around for decades and knows his stuff. The press release was distributed to over 1,000 media outlets which they gave me all the information, they kept me in the loop the entire time with links to share to listen to the LIVE interview, I was interviewed by Doug which is a big thing, yes he was on People's Court, but he is primarily a news reporter. THE SHOW WAS LIVE, and recorded so I could share it on my website. I had calls immediately after the interview saying they heard me on the radio to book appointments and I checked my website counter for visitors and the links and I had over 9,500 visitors that saw my website the same day the broadcast happened. And yes I am a author, this was one reason I paid a very reasonable fee as if you want any successful outcome for people to hear about your book or your services, you have to pay something for their time in writing, producing, interviewing, etc. It ends up being about $125 a month in the breakdown, which is affordable if you are a successful business. Nothing comes for free if you want professional services. It was the best coverage I ever got. It's sad to me to see many people in my line of work of helping others that you were swayed away from an awesome opportunity to promote yourself and your books. The material I received as well as the interview is an endorsement I will have for the rest of my life on my website and can tell others about. I may even contact them when another book is out for the coverage because I had a wonderful and awesome experience. I hope I helped others in a positive way. If you have a great book and help others in your industry they will find you. They are doing their research and you should take it as a compliment. If you can afford the fee, then do it, it is after all a business write off. If you get enough clients to go to your site like I did and people book you, you will get your money back, I already am! I am posting anonymously because I don't want my clients to know what I paid for the interview but I shared this with you to show you that the cost was reasonable. Best of luck.
Got the call this morning too- same guy- Bobbi Banks- felt myself recoil from his message- so decided to check it out- glad I did!
Wow, so glad I found this site and all your awesome comments. Bobby is going to call me back soon..after the first call I told him I was going to do some research. He is due to call any minute now. What should I say? LOL 🙂 So..I am a Life Coach and thought how awesome would it be if I posted on my facebook page and also on this site if we all bonded together about this scam! I am wondering if we all reported him to the BBB for this scam if their spiel would be allowed to continue. Please report to the Better Business Bureau so we can stop this rip off from happening to anyone! Looking forward to hearing back from anyone who reports. This should not be allowed to continue to amazing women and others they have called. Go team!
I finally spoke with someone today from CUTV.com after missing numerous calls from them. I'm glad that I told him that I would get back with them at a later time. As I suspected, SCAM. Thanks for writing this article on them. When I went to the site it looked really cheesy.
They're still at it! I got a call from Kate Dash of CUTV.com because they're interested in "entrepreneurial women" and my name "was recommended" – I didn't bother to ask by whom! Honestly, as if I have time to deal with these vultures!
I had a seemingly honest call about the book I wrote to spread the word and better health book which included 2 interviews on radio; they got me for $2500.00, feel so stupid not to realize there is so many crooks in our world.
They are still at it! Apparently they've branched out to target folks in the fields of complimentary and alternative health and wellness. I got a voice mail from the infamous "Frank Michael" just yesterday afternoon. Glad I found this article to confirm my suspicions. Won't be calling him back.
I received a call from Bobby Banks a few minutes ago. Unlike most of you, I am not a life coach, but am a psychic who works mostly corporate events. I listened politely, asked how I was found (a similar story to the ones I've read here), and offered a half-hour show of pre-scripted questions I would provide… for $1250. I was heading into an appointment, already had my senses ringing, but said to send me their info so I could check it out. I did. Found my way here. Oh, thought it was interesting that he name-dropped others who use this service: such as President Obama. Sure didn't see any names on their site that I thought were all the celebrities Banks name-dropped. Anyway, thanks to all of you for confirming my personal radar blips!
Ha! Me too! I just had a call from a Donna Kushner to do two shows for blog radio. It sounded great until she had me go on their website to look at some shows. We got cut off, and while I was waiting for her to call back, I scouted around the site and found the "Price List" and Pay Pal link. Then I was on guard. I got taken in a few years ago by "Women of Distinction" I am embarrassed to say. Not again. Then I found your site and was thrilled that I had not been scammed again. I wondered if I had missed an opportunity until I read the posts above. Thanks!
Skye Michaels, Author of Erotic Romance
http://www.skyemichaelsbooks.com
Thanks to everyone who posted here. I just received a call from a Frank who wanted to have us talk to a Donna, but she would have to call back. That gave me time to look do a google of CUTV – what a scam. We have been on many radio interviews and never paid a cent and I thought this was just another one. What a scam!
I recieved a call from Jennifer Bua and returned the call but was surprised to learn that they were selling promotion. The message left didn't indicate that however or I wouldn't have returned the call. Women of Distinction also call several times a day pitching similar exposure. My businesses help low income families and I'm uncertain why they think I have $5k to generate more clients! We've got our hands full sponsoring too many already. It's interesting that they don't do more research regarding the type of business they are calling prior to reaching out.
Wendy Wortham/The Pawning Planners
I apologize for my post, which has added to misinformation about CUTV. Today I was contacted by Bob Banks who gave me the direct link to CUTV on BLOG TALK RADIO. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/closeuptalkradio
CUTV called twice – yesterday and today. Immediately didn't sound right – Bobby Banks has classic hard sell sound. The only thing I needed to check out was the reference to BLOG TALK RADIO, on which I regularly listen for a weekly podcast). Based upon my findings I presume this reference was made to make CUTV sound legit. Thanks to those who have posted comments… but no thanks to CUTV. I've blocked the number.
I got their call 2 days ago, and told our board about it. One of them found this blog. Thank you all. Nothing spent… much learned. Skepticism and patience paid off.
Thanks for your blog & all the great comments here! This Bobby Banks wasted my time for almost an hour on the phone! And I have to say I almost bought his spiel! He is a smooth one. You know what REAL women empowerment is – women who post here & tell their stories & help each other! Thank you!!
I can determine, authors aren't being solicited for the fake news segments, but for Close-up Talk Radio, Close-up TV News's Blog Talk Radio channel.
Yes, I got a call from Frank and Donna with this offer and had once been approached by this business some years in the past (I think they had a different name back then).
I came across while watching movies. .Thanks for sharing..^__^..I will tell my sister and friends about your blog …continue to
write an article…I'm looking forward for the upcoming posts you will be posting
Here are the list of things I search on the internet..I have a great time watching it. I think you also.
Where to watch movies
Watch movie online for free
Watch movies online
American Tv Series
Korean Tv series
for more trending news try to visit "
"is now Trending"
I am not sure why everyone is writing negative blogs about this company. Not one of these blogs written is a client of the company. They deliver what they promise and provide a credible endorsement for thousands of companies. They let you know there are fees involved and all marketing assets they provide are outlined in a contract and on there website. Its a shame that you can ruin a companies reputation without any facts.
Victoria Strauss should contact them and have them produce a show for her and see if its a scam. I have worked with them to produce radio and video material and have had a great experience with them. Yes i paid them a fee, marketing and advertising is not free last time i checked. Very disappointing to see these false blogs .Get the Facts before you write a negative blog.
I received a call today from Bobby Banks. "They are featuring Empowered Women, Coaches…and I am one of the top Professional Women in the area! Wrong answer. Thank you for posting this.
I just received a call from Frank and Bobby banks as well. I asked how long he has been in business and he said 3 years and another area 13. I said why does the site say 2016 copyright and he didn't know what at first to say. He said "maybe that is when the edited it" I said copyright is when it started not edited. I told him I was going to research his company and was not paying anything *1250$.. I am grateful for this. as I was sensing something wrong from the beginning. thanks for caring to assist
I just received my SECOND call from this outfit… This time from someone named Michelle (no last name was left on the message), again to my business phone number, saying they want to put me on their TV network to talk about my "wonderful services." They didn't even bother trying to be specific this time. I recognized the area code and exchange from the call I received in February, so deleted the voicemail and came over here to let people know they're still at it.
I got a call this morning by Frank Michael about getting me on his radio show, and I thought it smelled fishy, so I checked Google, and found this post! I'm grateful for all of your comments, so I could save myself the trouble of dealing with this scammer! Thank you!
Big thank you's for all the continued comments (4 yrs worth!!)
I got a call from these people last week. . .I did think it was fishy to talk to one person who's only job is tell you the web site and wait for "interview call. . .. if I'm lucky" . .
…I'm thinkin . . huh? …u called me in the first place and now there's this cat and mouse crap?
If a legit person/company wants something from you then they'll just straight up ask you when they get ahold of you
Thanks again everyone
I got a call from Jennifer Bua this morning, same as described by many above. Cost is $2,500 for 2 shows, 30-minutes each. I don't have either the time or the money to waste on an infomercial that would only be heard by people who I'm already in contact with. She said that I would get hundreds of new contacts and great publicity; that they would promote me on 175 social media sites (are there even that many in existence?), and that this will certainly lead to lots of paid speaking gigs… The thing is that I have a relationship coaching practice, focusing on helping Christian couples build fulfilling relationships. I have maybe 1 to 2 open slots in any given month for new clients and am busier than I should be. There is no way I could handle an influx of even 5 new couples. I have come to the conclusion that good deals don't seek you out, you have to seek them out. dave@treasuredrelationships.com
Yes, I got a call from Frank and Donna with this offer and had once been approached by this business some years in the past (I think they had a different name back then). They do their best to butter you up and think you are special and chosen and that paying for an overpriced infomercial and press release is a win-win. They try to get you to verbally commit to working with them even before they bring up the cost. People looking for your service or publication likely don't care if some b-grade TV personality is interviewing you, but apparently that is their selling point. There are much better ways to market and promote your business or book than buying this type of infomercial from deceptive companies.
Received call yesterday, fortunately on voice mail. Also for alternative healing businesses. Another scam averted!
I just received a call from Frank Michael to my holistic wellness business phone number saying they want to highlight me on two shows about alternative therapies. He left a voice-mail, and fortunately for me, I decided to do some research before returning his call. Needless to say, after reading this, I won't be calling him back.
I'm a therapist living in Western WA and was contacted by Frank Michael last week. I've had my own private practice up and running for only 10 months now, so appears they found me pretty quick, ha! I was told Donna would be in touch soon for a phone interview to hear my "story", and assess whether or not I would be a good match for their listeners. So grateful to have run across this site and thanks to all that shared their experience with CUTV!
I'm a Life Coach and just got off the phone with Donna this morning who wanted my credit card information immediately to begin my script. I told her I wanted to do some research and read some reviews about the show. She suggested I read the testimonials listed on the CUTV webpage. I AM SO GRATEFUL to EVERYONE for their honesty and information. Thank you!
Thanks everyone! Frank Michael called me because I'm a coach. I appreciate the support here. GO TEAM!
1/3/17 Just got my call too for being a coach. I was pretty skeptical to begin with and glad to have found this blog. Thanks everyone who has pulled the curtain back on CUTV's misleading tactics.
I just received a call from a Frank Michael of CUTV news today. Same situation as before, only this time I researched them before calling and found this blog. I have a coaching practice and they wanted to talk me up about my skills "that can help so many on the radio". Thanks so much for saving me the time and energy they would have taken from me just to say a flat "no". I'm too busy for this nonsense, and am thankful my own legitimate marketing techniques are working out just fine. I hope others don't fall prey to these guys.
Hmm, three pro-CUTV comments posted within an hour on a single day. I wonder if CUTV is rallying the troops?
In any case…whether or not to buy this service is an individual decision. My concern isn't just the large amount of money involved, but the deceptive marketing (see my post, and there are numerous examples in the comments). What you get for your fee isn't a feature on a genuine news show, with the kind of visibility and wide distribution that implies, but a paid advertisement–either a video clip posted on YouTube and promoted via press release, or an internet radio segment on BlogTalkRadio. Neither of these are likely to leverage large audiences.
Of course, you can use your video clip or interview segment yourself as part of your own advertising and promotion strategy. Is that worth the thousands of dollars CUTV charges? Could you hire a different service to do something similar for less money? Again, that's an individual decision. Just don't confuse purchasing an advertising segment with appearing on national media–despite CUTV's efforts to obscure the distinction.
"for some people it's changed the way their careers have performed."
Anonymous, can you offer any evidence of that?
Never interviewed by CUTVnews but I've done a lot of research on them. Checked out this page and their testimonials, some people don't want to pay the ROI, which is fine, but for some people it's changed the way their careers have performed. Contemplating calling back but very conflicted. http://www.cutvnews.com/closeuptalkradio/testimonials.html
I was contacted by CUTV News Executive Director Donna Kushner, I had a very informative conversation on being on the CUTV Radio Network. I was told that my show would be aired after January 1st, I scripted with the journalist and was very impressed with his expertise and I loved the fact that my press release will be going out to many markets. I am so excited because Doug Llewellyn from the Peoples Court and Jim Masters who are well known broadcasters, will be hosting the show and featuring my services. So far its been a very pleasant experience. I will be sure to update about any future occurrences. I see in prior reviews people are surprised about the fees involved but I don't think people are aware of the value and the celebrity endorsement and platforms we will be getting for such a minimal amount. I personally believe this will give me a platform and will open doors for me. I am very excited about this opportunity.
I received thus exact call ftom Bobby Banks. Not knowing what it was, I returned message, and have a return call on my phone TODAY. I am so glad I did the research first…it seemed "too good." He must have seen I recently earned my credentials on a website. Blessings for this site.
Add my name to those who were called . . . and failed to fall for their scam.
I got a call from Donna Kushner wanting me, as an "author" to promote my books. My first clue was that the books she was talking about had been published on Amazon but have not been available for a long time. My mistake was mentioning I had another book out there and she jumped on that. Also, she knew I was an artist and of course, that was also going to be in the interview. Wow, the things they promised…but wait…there is a fee of $1,250. I came dangerously close, but wasn't going to give out my credit card to just anyone on the phone so they offered a PayPal payment which is on the site. Apparently, the site and business may or may not be somewhat legitimate (not sure) I didn't want to do that either. So now I am stalling. I insisted on something in writing by email which has been sent. I will review. However, I also immediately checked on the internet and found this and other places where too many people have been asked for money for advertising which you may or may not get. I think I'll pass on this one. However, I think I'll string them along for a while.
Anything that is high pressure and promise the world but wants money up front is probably NOT WORTH IT!
Had a call today from a Donna Curser at CUTVnews.com Same thing wanting me to do two radio talk shows with two announcers, would promote my books, had done lots of research on me, offers this to corporations usually at $20,000 a pop. then asked if I would be interested at $1500 each for two radio host shows. Thought it was strange and told them that I needed to check out their website and information. My husband did some research for me and he came to your website! Thanks very much. So many scams out there these days to part you from your money to tell you that they want to make you stars. If its too good to be true it is! After all why wouldn't they want to interview me for free if they were a legitimate talk show promoting authors and other specialities! Thank you for saving be time, energy and money!
Mk Staple
I just got a call from some guy.. asking me to be on the cutv show with doug lewellyen.. i googled it while i was on the phone with him and it was a scame
THANK YOU for saving me time, energy and possible debt. Debbie Anderson, Anderson Life Coaching in SC. The nerve!!!
Rec a call last week from Frank Michael and thought it was "CTV" (Canadian Broadcast Corp) so took it seriously, then found it to be "CUTV" which is a VERY different thing. Same story as others above. Looking for life coaches, career coaches etc. Pay to play is not my thing, I get enough publicity the normal way. Just wish they'd be more upfront about what they are doing.
Thank goodness for the Internet and shared information! I just got off the phone with Donna from CUTV. Same pitch as everyone else. Exciting to hear that they may want to interview on their program until she began talking about how much it was going to cost them. That is when I began waiting for the "it will only cost you" part. Her pitch was they were interviewing coaches in different niches and did not have anyone who did recovery coaching. Very flattering! Having been interviewed on radio before (at no cost of course) I knew that it was a scam. Radio shows make money from their advertisers, not their guest. It was really fun to hear how Oprah had been on their show and that one of their producers made Judge Judy famous.
how do we stop the madness? frank michael and bobby banks continue their pursuit of naive entrepreneurs, including myself. I didn't fall prey, but I did experience the "hard" sell and some creepy commentary about my photo that's on my website. Pun intended.
Frank Michael delivered this same pitch today, August 15, 2016. This business model is alive and well. Thanks for the portal for these reflections. I'm an executive coach, seems like we are the target audience for this. "Patty, our executive producer can fit you in if you can stay on the line…" I did not get to the part about them wanting money, thankfully I was too busy to get the full dose.
Thanks again to everyone who has shared experience and warnings and helped to get the word out about this scheme. I really appreciate all the comments.
So it sounds like I am in good company with all of you! I am a life coach, etc.
They gave me the same line as above.."looking for coaches for an upcoming series".
Bobby Bond, a producer, with CUTV called and stroked my ego for about 20 minutes and is to call me back tomorrow morning because I could not commit to this immediately as he requested. I am most appreciative to read these warnings. I was about to be scammed!
A friend of mine wrote a book a year or so ago and has it for sale on Amazon and other places. That must be where these scumbags get their leads.
She was smart enough to ask me to check. Googling he phone number lead to CUTV and Googling that led here– thank goodness for this place– saves time. The money and the rush job are indeed the tipoffs but there is a hilarious part.
The Ayhole whose gave his name as "Chris" said Judge Wapner was starting a new show. Wapner, if you check his bio, is NINETY-SIX YEARS OLD. Doug Llewellyn is 78! Both are multi-millionaires many times over. I'm sure they are starting a new show, yah shoore.
What bothered a young friend of ours is that there seems to be nobody to be reporting this scam to. Is it not illegal?
Emails and comments for me can be sent to maryyugo [at] yahoo [dot] com.
Hi Everyone, I was also approached by CUTV as well as a few others. Luckily I understand that if the message or offer sounds too good to be true, then it is probably false. I am a marriage and life coach and they stated they were interested in my expertise and thought I would be a good fit. They stated they were considering other coaches, but wanted to list me as a premier coach…and just repeated what everyone has already stated. Ny Redflag-BS-O-Meter was on high alert from start to finish. I listened patiently and then hit the caller with the questions. Once I started asking for hard data and saying I won't make a decision until after I do my research, the "caller" CUTV rep said she would call me back, which I doubt if she does. Last week Perkcards rep called me with a similar type of ad (pay to be on their premier network list). She hung up on me after my questioned her. Yesterday, Professional Radio Network also called—same pay-to-play scheme. All I can say is that we must be aware that these types of companies are out there and they mean us no true value. I am so glad that sites like this exist. Keep doing your due-diligence!
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I received a call this morning, but since I was unable to talk, I received another call a few hours later. Bobby Banks from CUTV left a message looking for "empowered women", "life coaches who specialized in ADD/ADHD. They have been calling me for several years now, but I have declined several times as I believe that if I was really that good, they would be paying me to be on their show. Obviously to me, this is scam and I don't want anything to do with it.
Just returning home this morning and the message from Bobby Banks was the same as other's have received. Sounded like a scam to me which led me here. Thank you all for confirming and informing people about this. I am a life coach and believe instinct/intuition are your greatest gifts IF we pay attention to them. I pay attention. Thank you for the support!
I received the same voice mail from "Bobby Banks" and felt right away there was something off with this. Thank God for Google!!! Thank you for creating this site!!!
Got the voicemail from Bobby Banks…some years ago I had a show on Blog Talk Radio, which is also pay for play, also costs a great deal of money, and which was a failure for me. So he said CUTV was partnered with them, and that they are wanting "empowered women" such as myself to get with them to have another show. As so many others here, I first googled it, and found this site – thanks so much! I won't be calling him back.
Just got a call from Bobby Banks. Intuition told me it was a sales call. So I checked here first before even thinking of calling back. Thank you everyone for posting here! Feeling empowered indeed!
Just got a call this morning from Bobby Banks with the empowering women line. Luckily it went to voice mail and that I am an empowered woman who uses the internet to seek information. Thanks for this site and all who posted. No thank you Bobby.
So glad I found this feed. Just got a call from Bobby Banks. I did return the call and left a message. But when they call back, I will not be answering. Thanks for saving me the money I need to be spending on legit business expenses.
Got a voice mail from Bobby Banks wanting to spotlight me as the top person in my field on his show for Empowered Women. I was all excited and told a friend, and they showed me the link to this site, thank God. I was almost duped. I still wanted to call and see what his offer was, and when I spoke with him, I told him up front I had done some research and realized it was a pay to play. Suddenly the tables turned. Once he knew he was talking to a *truly* empowered woman, the less friendly he was, despite the fact that I actually wanted to hear his offer and decide from there. His last remark was downright rude when I said I'd have to think about dropping $1250. He said, "I don't mean this in a derogatory way, but if you're not willing to invest $1250 into your business, then this is not the platform for you. People like you have probably invested well over $50,000 into your marketing." DONE. That was indeed derogatory. Don't assume *anything* about how much I make or spend! He has NO idea how efficiently I run, how hard I've worked on in this startup from scratch, and how far $1250 goes for me. Thank you all!
So grateful for this thread! The scam is still alive and active – I just got a voice mail from Bobby Banks of CUTV radio saying that they wanted to feature me as a top expert in my area. He was also doing a segment on Empowered Women that was featuring coaches and motivational speakers. Sounds like the same message as from November.
Thanks all!
I just received a call this morning…same scenario as above. However, when I don't recognize a number I let it go to my voicemail and I'm so glad that I did. He said his name was Bobby Banks and that he was calling from CUTV Radio/Blog Talk Radio…doing a show on Empowered Women & Motivational Speakers involved with divorce, separation, health and wellness. He actually had my specific niche! It seemed strange since I wasn't sure where he would have gotten such specific info on me…so I decided to research before even considering a return call to him. Thank you for having this site & thank you all for your comments! We must all be diligent now as there are too many scams out there to not research thoroughly first!
I got one too here in BC to be on the show. Empowering women…trying to figure out still how he got me unless it was from my web site or from Facebook where I have a page. I thought great when I got the message, then called him saying I would be interested (leaving a message as he was in production meeting) Then I googled some more and found this page. For those of us wanting to get out there in our coaching businesses it is a bright shiny object we want to jump at. I phoned back and said no thanks can't afford any funding right now. It too was Bob Banks. Top professionals in my area of expertise…etc etc. I will keep to my own way of advertising.
Received a message from Bob Banks from CUTV radio (affiliate of Blog Talk Radio) stating that they're doing a show on Empowered Women, and would love to feature me as one of the top professional in my area…yada yada yada. So glad I researched before returning his call. Thanks everyone!
Amazing! Got a call Friday morning from Bob Banks. I am grateful I checked him out first. The price was $2500 for 2 thirty min. shows. It then dropped down to $1250. DONE!
Bob is a very busy guy. I was one of 8 coaches from Ontario chosen to be a part of the CUTV Talk Radio empowering women's show. The pitch was smoothe the seller charming. Interesting thing happened as he was talking me through his pitch and I went on his site my computer kept freezing and getting stuck and sending messages saying wait. I can only think that my Angels were working on my behalf and sending my a very clear message not to invest my time energy and money in this scam. Which I didn't.
I also received a call from Bobby Banks from CUTV today about empowered women in South Carolina and they wanted to put me on internet radio, blah, blah, blah. I immediately started to google his name and CUTV and came across this blog. Glad I did. I hung up on him. So, when he called back I just answered and said, "I looked you up and I know this is a scam" and hung up again. This time, he didn't call back.
If you are reading this, then you are smart and googled this jerk, too.
Yes, indeed. I rec'd a call, last February, from CUTV radio in New York, which I postponed getting back to, due to being in the middle of a move. Plus, I found it odd, seeing as I'm not even in the United States. Then, yesterday, I found a long msg from Bobby Banks, once again on my phone, looking for successful coaches to use in their upcoming "Empowered Women" series. No mention of the previous call. I became suspicious and decided to fact check, which led me here. Thank you, everyone 🙂
I received a call from them today. A woman who said her name was Patty Meegan, and that she is the executive producer and media coordinator for CUTV News Radio New York, called to say that her team of researchers had found my website and that she wanted to talk with me about being a guest on their series of interviews of coaches. Of course I was excited by the opportunity, so I called her back and she talked my ear off for a while, had me go to their website, told me who all of the people are 'so that I knew they were legit' and so on. She asked me some questions about my biz, supposedly to vet me for the interview, but she hardly listened to my answers and cut me off quickly. It wasn't until close to the end of the conversation that she mentioned the fee involved ($1500). I asked about the impact that this opportunity has had on the businesses they've featured, and she gave a very convoluted answer about how they wouldn't be successful, 2 years in the making with 2 million active listeners, if they weren't having an impact. Which didn't answer my question but I let it go. She also had mentioned a contract, which I asked if she could send over. She said that Lou Ceparano would call me with those details in a few minutes, which he did. He e-mailed me the contract, along with a very general one-page document on the benefits of being on radio – and the contract had a different amount ($1250) on it than what Patty had told me on the phone. I was already suspicious at that point so did some more research and found this page. Coaches, be careful – it looks like that's who they're targeting now.
I keep getting calls from Bobby Banks as I have been identified as an empowered woman doing healing work in my community…he has been relentless !
8/26/15 Rec'd a call today from Bobby Banks. The price is now $1,250 for a 1-hour recording and their promo blitz. Topic for September is empowered women who are EFT practitioners (which is totally AMAZING!) and who would like to promote their business.
Sam McCartin in MA
They are still going… I got my call this morning. Thank you for the warning. Needless to say I will not be returning the call from Bobby Banks.
Just got the call. Thanks for posting this website.
The scheme continues as I got a VM this morning from bob banks. Thanks for the post and all the comments!
Thanks for the post . I just received a phone call from them. They asked for $1,200.
Thank you to everyone for all your warning comments.
I have had a part-time business since 2002,and in 2014 had my children's book published. It was a self-publishing company that claimed to be connected with Louise Hay so I bought the package that included promotions, which did not happen.
Two months ago I received a call from Bobby Banks who was helping empowered women move forward and at last a company that would help me promote my book.
I try to be careful so I put him off saying call me the middle of June, which he did today. I heard all about the experienced people that would promote me and my book in the best way for only $1,500. The CUTV website looks professional and he had great answers for all my questions, but I still said I'll call you when I have the time to fully put into this.
I Googled CUTV and found this warning site.
I spent a hour with this guy on the phone this am told him my story and when I pushed back on going the next step without further research into their business practices he gave it the old "this offer expires at……" Didn't seem right to me so I didn't move forward because I'm a business coach and I a wise woman who knows any great offer is still there at next mornings light. Sorry I spent my valuable energy on this at all.
It's still happening – I've been playing phone tag with Bobby "Bob" Banks and finally got on the phone with him this morning. Same script; Empowering women, choosing only 1 of the names given, couldn't tell me HOW he got my name, CUTV, Doug Llewelyn, press release, scripts, the "celebrity" treatment all for the small fee of $1250.00. I asked for the website info so I could research it. He said "Are you where you can look at it right now so I can walk you through it" Uh. newsflash, a legit offer will allow you time to do your due diligence and if time is of the essence then you miss out if you take too long, but most reputable companies/offers want the decision to be mutually beneficial on both sides. Besides, I don't need anyone to "walk me through" a website. I got to work and googled "CUTV" and the first thing that pulled up was several websites with the scam. Be careful.
Yup, it happened to me too. Bobby Banks from Internet radio regarding Empowered Women. Crazy. Reading the other posts, it looks like these people specialize in targeting different groups. They probably get the telephone numbers off people's websites? It makes me furious. Thank you to all the people who took the time to leave comments here. This surely saved a lot of us from being taken for a ride!
I am a coach and also got a call from Bob Banks of CUTV re empowering women promotion. Thanks for all your posts. I knew it sounded off, so searched the web.
Andy Romeo called today. Upcoming show (with dates and times!) on premier coaches in my state. I'm one of 5 from whom one or two will be chosen. Uh huh. $995 for half hour. Pressure to decide right now but I delayed until tomorrow at which time I will say that the red flags I saw today have been confirmed. May not be illegal, but I can certainly promote my book and business in better ways for the same money.
I just received the same phone call this morning from Bobby Banks stating they are spotlighting "Empowered Women" in my area…. thanks for the head's up!!! I will not waste my time in returning that phone call. So glad I googled 🙂 Great work everyone!
This is still happening. Got the same message from Bob Banks from CUTV radio, Empowered Women, feature you in the top professional in your area etc. Thanks for the homework people!
Glad I found this post. I received a call from Bob Banks too. This guy is clearly busy. Glad I did a little background checking.
So glad I found this blog. I wish they would just be up front and explain that they are marketers and that there is a fee. Unfortunately a couple of years ago I ends up in a Professional Organization that said they found me via Social Media and based on what they reviewed approved me for their organization at the small fee of something like $800. After I committed to that, they tried to get me to pay for some other "benefits". I was already in for the $800 so, made the most of it but, basically is was a networking group. Now I am more wary so, I didn't answer and let Bob go to voicemail. He called 3 days ago and then again today like he hadn't talked to me 3 days ago. Same exact voicemail. Be aware everyone.
I just received a call today. Thanks for sharing your experience, everyone. I've exchanged voicemail messages with Bob Banks and will know how to respond if/when I do speak with him.
I just received a voicemail from Bob Banks telling me about their "Empowered Women" show, and how I may make the perfect candidate. Thank you so much for posting this. He's about to be blocked, and I'll spread to word!
I got a call today, and this person took about one hour and half of my time, feel so stupid I trusted to tell them all about my life story and the story about my Coaching business. He wanted to know how much I charged and everything, and I believe is for the reason to figure out what to charge you for. I am so glad I found this website. The hit was $990, but didnt comply with giving my credit card, so happy. THANK YOU.
Like the post above me, I just received a call from Bob Banks and yes, very specific to my coaching niche, and all about Empowering Women, Thank you for posting this here, I'm glad I found you.
Got a call similar to what has been described. Glad I found this website. Just wanted to get the word out that this is still going on. The call I received was from Bob Banks and he was pretty specific in targeting my Coaching niche!
Bob called me today. After explaining the process and all the benefits and making me feel like he was incredibly impressed with my accomplishments he explained the $2500 fee. I explained that due to my financial situation I needed to discuss it with my husband. Bob said he would call me back. Within 5 minutes of telling my husband he found this website and said I hate to be a dream crusher but…then I read these posts which I plan on reading to Bob when he calls back!
Also a health/wellness coach…got the price of $995.00 toward the end of the conversation…I too told him I made no deals due to the large number of scams around; wanted a week to investigate him and his company…when he put limits on me and attempted to force a decision TODAY the bells and whistles went off…SCAM!!!!! He did offer me to have a nice day! (no charge)…tks for everyone's contribution to protect one another.
I got a call yesterday from Andy Romeo looking to interview me for their women coaching series. Listened to everything and then late last night googled to see if it was a scam. Thanks for this website. Won't be sucked in!!
I just got a call today. The guy I spoke to name was Andy Romeo too. He gave me the same pitch. I am an executive coach and trainer in Los Angeles and it was for a coaching segment. He really wanted to work with me. He even dropped his price $995.00because I was a volunteer for a non-profit and I could pay in two payments. I told him I needed to do my due diliegence first. He said he would call me back tomorrow morning. I called my boyfriend who told me to Google CUTVNews.com and we found this site. Thank you!
I just got the call, too. I'm a coach in Washington state; said he had my name and 5 others and he would choose one of us for the program. I also knew to check this out and did so while on the phone with Bob Banks. Thank you for this site.
I have heard about these folks before but didn't connect the dots at the beginning of this call but shortly after knew just who i was dealing with. Bob also called me and a few others I know about the empowering women deal. No deal here Bob!
Got a message from Bob Banks saying he MIGHT want to feature me on a Close-up Talk radio segment on 'Empowering Women'. My son always tells me to Google phone numbers, names etc I'm unsure about. Once again, his advice was right on as clearly this was a scam. Thanks for creating this and for everyone taking the time to post.
Reading these posts, the emerging pattern is that they have started to target Canadians (Ontario/Toronto?) who are in some kind of clinical or coaching practice. I have a leadership coaching practice and I picked up a similar message today on my voice mail from Bob? who wanted to talk to me about interviewing me for an "Empowering Women" segment. Like many of you here, I was suspicious. I have worked in print and broadcast media and this sounded fishy. I googled them and found this site. Thanks Victoria for doing this.
Many thanks–again–to those who've commented, confirming that this scheme is still active. I'm glad my blog post is able to help.
I am a relationship success expert and life coach. I received a call today. I looked up the company online and came across this blog. Glad I read this first before calling them back.
Just got the call and googled before calling back and found this site. Thank you.
I listed my business coaching practice a week ago and got the call today. Thanks for the heads-up.
I just got my call on my cell phone. They are right up there with Who's Who. It amazes me that these people can live with themselves.
I got a call today and spoken to the guy name: Andy Romeo.
He said the same lines I was reading here. I just googled about Close-up TV news scam while I was talking to him and this came up. So, I said no. I don't have $2,500 anyways.
Through the conversation he was insisting to just let him charge my credit card of $500 then pay in full before the first radio interview.
I just said, its not for me and I don't have that money either.
I was happy that you guys came up and wrote about this.
My turn today… they are now looking for "Canadians"… fee started at $2500 for two 30 minute shows, then when I hesitated, went to $995 for one show…
This internet is wonderful! I got the same call this AM from "steve",with a wonderful pitch to enhance my clinical practice,noting at the end,just a $2500 fee TO them for their services.
My credit card is already a bit overheated…, and right now I have about all the business I can handle. No thanks!!
EPS
I have to thank you all who took the time to write these posts. Today I received the call with the exact wording as you all described. Some "Richard Goldstein" left a message on my cell. Sounded fishy. I wasn't going to call back, but I could see some small business owners thinking that this was a good idea and being scammed. I am a counselor in private practice. Only reason I found this blog is that this "executive producer" told me to check them out on the internet and left their web address. Foolish me thought that I might hear some interesting info listening to others being interviewed…then I saw this site!
I just got a VM as well, from Steve G(B)?renlick, executive producer of Close-up in American Business. We are a small business in San Francisco. He wanted to feature us, but I needed to call back right away. I am not calling him back.
I really appreciate the comments from those of you who've been solicited by this scheme–it's helpful for me to know it's still active, and very helpful as a caution for writers who've been approached and are trying to research whether it's a legitimate opportunity. Thanks so much!
Wow. I feel soooo smart right now. I got a call from this close up scam just now and was about to call them back but decided to research them first. Thank u, thank u, thank u. I will not call them back.
Thankfully I found this board before calling back as well! My phone message today (on my cell phone!?) said they were doing a show on the "Best of Delaware Valley Therapy & Counseling." My first thought was, great – free advertising! Thanks so much for this alert!!
Thanks for this board. I didn't even return the call before searching, and I found these comments. I am a therapist in private practice, and "Closeup on American Business" supposedly wants to feature me for the "Best of Hudson Valley". Yeah, right!
Hello, I just got THE CALL. I called back and guy told me the same thing. He said that he spoke to 3 people and he wanted to make a choice. But in the middle of the conversation he said he has chosen me, i thought that was strange. I asked why he said: because 1. my views are different. which is a statement I said myself. 2.you can talk about your subject with a lot of passion. He did say I need to tell them ASAP. I have to say I was intrigued, particularly for being CHOSEN! Thank you for posting this. The sad thing is I told him money is very tight as I am single and just starting. He did not seem to care!
It's happening in Canada, too–I'm a clinical psychologist and received a phone message today asking me to call right back to be interviewed for Close-up Talk Radio. "We're contacting outstanding people in your field".
Thanks for your comment, Janet, and I'm sorry you got taken. Please come back and let me know how things turn out. Best of luck.
I got that call – and I got taken. I am now working with my credit card company, the CA and NY AGO and BBB to get my money back.
The services provided were:
the 4 interviews
the 30 second promotions
the DVD recordings
Press release with photo or video distribution to major news outlets (newspaper clipping service)
Website design – recommended pix relocation and answered question re the guest book feature
The services not provided were:
the email list
Press release with photo or video distribution to media publications
Press release with photo or video distribution to networks
Promotional campaign for products, services, books, etc.
Provide company visibility on the major search engines
Live streaming from website
Stats on live callers to show
Stats on listeners
Website tech support
Website design completion
Detailed year long media campaign
I got the call today. Very happy to find these comments here, they confirmed my suspicions. They are not just targeting authors, but small business owners, too. Glad I didn't waste any more time or energy with them. The "you've been picked…" line is seductive, but also the major tip-off.
"Vanity, definitely my favorite sin." – Devil's Advocate
I got a call from them today. I'm surprised that Mr. Llewelyn has stooped so low as to associate himself with these shysters.
I just got a call today. The same guy was so desperate on getting me to sign I just hung up. Mr Holmes if that's it real name, get a real job.
Thank you for posting this. I received a message that they wanted to talk to me. I decided to look them up first since I wasn't sure what to expect. I am glad I found these reviews.
Called me… long winded pitch and the guy that called didn't even have my web site pulled up… I asked how he found me… answer – Doug Llewelyn must have found my site… yeah, right… They wanted $2,500 for two 30 minute shows. When I told him this was pay to play he dropped the price and wanted to get me with one of the "producers" or "script writers"… I told him to please find someone else which he didn't really want to do even after he told me he had a number of people / businesses lined up…steer clear… it's a scam.
If u get a call from anthony holmes just hang the phone up. Scam artist
FYI just received the same solicitation. Was told there's a small fee — $1200, which the writer pays. "You'll get it back many times," he claimed. Yeah, right, selling poetry books!
I was called just this morning and was asked to call back by 12:30 to let them know for sure that I would be available for the 12;30 interview by a board of 8 people to see if I was chosen from the 3 speakers.I actually considered calling back but instead called my very practical virtual assistant who said,"They're probably not interviewing 3, just looking for the one most gullible to pay $5,000 for advertising.Thank goodness I read this!and listened to her.
Thank you for watching out for authors/consumers. We were approached as well. You have done a great service for the public. God Bless.
I got a call today! Even weirder, they called my MIL (who lives in the same town) first and she thought they sounded legit she gave them my number. The "executive producer" left me a long voice mail with exactly the pitch you describe! Obviously I'm not calling him back.
I've seen this stuff from a couple of years back with my other business, too. There's a sucker born every minute, and every minute there are two born to take advantage of him.
They pull any crap on me and I'll have them on People's Court.