MADINA: Several residents here have criticized the branch of Ministry of Commerce and other bodies for not protecting them from fraud promoted through brochures and advertisements. They said some people are using a company's name, but the phone numbers provided are not those of the company. Despite the fact some residents went to the ministry's branch and submitted complaints at its Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, some of them claim no action was taken against those posting the ads. “I found out that an establishment promoting some services has the same phone numbers in the ad as another one with different name that is advertising somewhere else,” said Khaled Al-Harbi. “I complained to the Ministry of Trade in an e-mail, but the phenomenon still exists.” According to Muhammad Al-Juhani, most of the advertisers are expatriates who work in maintenance, cleaning and moving furniture, and use bogus names for bogus establishments. Three owners of legitimate businesses accused some printing presses and advertising companies of facilitating printing and distribution of the bogus ads. They say these businesses are run from home by individuals, adding that customers should make sure of the party they are dealing with before signing any contracts. The Emir's Office in Madina has instructed the Ministry of Commerce to implement regulations against advertisers with no permits. A source at the ministry said a trademark cannot be changed and acknowledged that fraudsters are carrying out these operations. He blamed the advertising company for not making sure the advertisements are legitimate. Ghazi Al-Saedi, Director of Anti-Commercial Fraud Department in the Ministry of Commerce branch, said his department will pursue the issue and complaints, and take necessary measures.
