Some members have been receiving calls from a company named IPL Media inviting them to advertise in various magazines ie. Road to Recovery, Crime Prevention, Emergency Services claiming that their research had shown that police officers, firemen etc prefer not to use their in-house counselling services because it jeopardises their career prospects.
These members were very suspicious when the caller was unable to answer a simple query regarding the magazine and who this would be circulated too. The callers often entice members by offering a greater discount if credit / debit card payment details are given immediately to advertise within the journal.
The caller said they had obtained the members details from the BACP website.
Please be advised that you should be very wary when purchasing advertising space over the phone from any company. Please ensure when advertising you check all the details of the company you are advertising with; Do they have contact details on their website; Can they give you an address and telephone number (not a PO Box address); How does the charity or emergency service benefit from this magazine; What proportion of the advertising fee goes towards the charity / service; How and where the publication will be distributed.
If you do have concerns please telephone Donna Prior (Customer Services Manager) on 01455 883394 or alternatively email on donna.prior@bacp.co.uk. Alternatively contact your local Trading Standards or the local Trading Standards of the area that the company is operating in for more information and advice.
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy,
BACP House, 15 St John's Business Park, Lutterworth LE17 4HB,
Tel: 01455 883300,
Fax: 01455 550243, Minicom: 01455 550307, Text: 01455 560606
Company limited by guarantee 2175320 registered in England & Wales. Registered Charity 298361