Beware of Fraudulent Activities Masquerading as TIME Magazine Promotions

Warning Against Fraudulent Activities by so-called TIME Magazine Representatives

In recent developments, Global Company, headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has identified suspicious activities orchestrated by a website and entity known as 'International Business Reports (IBR)'. This organization appears to be falsely claiming affiliations with TIME Magazine to carry out fraudulent business engagements with various Japanese enterprises. Numerous reports from affected companies indicate the presence of unjustified billing and intimidating communications from the IBR.

Background of the Scam

IBR has been contacting Japanese companies via phone calls and emails, misleadingly presenting that they can feature them in TIME Magazine. Initially, they might offer enticing options such as 'free listings,' but follow this up with unscrupulous demands like 'reserved publication slots', 'lost deposits', and 'cancellation fees for publication' after convincing companies to partake in their offers. Furthermore, they've been known to threaten legal action against those who do not comply with their requests, thus escalating their coercive tactics.

For those interested, the fraudulent website can be found at International Business Reports.

Previous Alerts

Global Company has previously issued warnings concerning these activities, which can be referenced here.

Call to Action

We strongly urge all companies to refrain from entering into any agreements or making payments to IBR. The methods of solicitation employed by this organization are suspect and potentially fraudulent. Businesses should disregard any demands from IBR including payment requests or claims for compensation.

If you're confronted with emails, calls, or invoices from IBR, it is vital to document all interactions. Retain records such as emails, invoices, and notes from phone conversations. In the event that you receive threatening or legal language, please consult law enforcement or your local consumer center immediately. We recommend contacting the Tokyo Metropolitan Police or nearby consumer affairs centers for guidance.

Global Company is also available for consultations and can provide support to those affected within the limits of our resources. For inquiries, please reach out through: [email protected].

Let’s work together to share information regarding similar solicitations. If you receive communications from IBR, consider forwarding any relevant mail or invoice copies to us. This information can significantly aid in preventing further fraud.

It's essential to note that any advertisement or publication contracts associated with TIME Magazine within Japan should only be handled through official channels established by Global Company and TIME Headquarters. Any unauthorized third-party solicitations using TIME’s name are against the standard practices acknowledged by our organization.

Global Company is committed to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to provide necessary information to authorities as needed, and will take appropriate action upon confirmation of any fraudulent activities. We are looking forward to hearing from firms that have been approached with such solicitations.

Global Company [株式会社グローバル企業] believes each business has unique characteristics and marketing needs. Through a comprehensive approach combining content creation, brand strategy, and marketing communications, we aim to unveil distinctiveness and sustainable value for businesses, fostering new growth and transformation opportunities. As expectations rise from the global market, we continue to strive to offer cutting-edge strategies and high-quality 'Made in Japan' services.