Being scammed by another directory

I've just had my suspicions confirmed that another directory is scanning my
recent listings, phoning them up and trying to sell them enhanced listings.
I'm still not sure if they try to pass themselves off as being from my directory,
but they definately imply that they are.
Has anyone else ever had this problem, and what if anything, can I do about it?
TIA.

 

If you send an acceptance notification ot your submitters you might mention the marketing methods of some other directories and note that you are not associated with them in any way.

 

check logs
higher than average page requests from one source is suspicious.
Except if they come via gateways/proxies aol bt etc.

you can ban the ip for a while

Check referrers
you can ban by referer and / or by ip and referer better than robotes.txt

If you are realy certain you could build a litle "honey trap" make up a juicy company get a high rate phone number and keep them on hold for as long they would hold.

Alternatively generate a nice page explaining this without mentioning names... just we would never dream of calling..... blah blah...
please inform us immediately.... confirmation e-mail is a good place

just some ideas but make sure you're right first.....

Expat

 

Thanks both,
I've now switched off my auto admission and replaced it with a page that
explains what is happening. I also ask people to email me now to get a link
to a new submission page and then warn them in the return email.
I would like to know how long it has been going on for though and if I can do
anything about what has already happened.
So far I know of at least 5 people who have paid a minimum of £80.00 each
for an enhanced listing which they thought would be in my directory.

 

keep the submission - people are less likely to send e-mail.

Just explain that there will be no contact by phone ever!!!

As Creed said a good place is the acceptance mail to explain further

e.g.
Thank you for your submission.

Please take note of the following:

Due to our success and the high visibility of our directory and its entries (!!!!) inevitable attention is drawn to your entry by the wrong crowd. There are some copy cats out there that will try to phone and sell you positioning they can't even achive in their dreams.
We will never cold call you. If we offer enhanced services you will always be notified by e-mail and we will clearly state.........

Should you be contact it would be helpful for us if you took notes and contacted us so we can weed out those "black sheep".

....

Expat

 

Thanks,
but to be honest I'm actually finding it better with the auto submission off.
It has cut down on the spam entries and because I am having more contact
with the people who want to submit I am finding they are more likely to
reciprocate.
Also, because I send an email warning them about what might happen they
appear to appreciate it, which again makes it more likely they will reciprocate
I have a message on my old submit page, I would appreciate any comments
on it, and whether you think the wording is about right.
(top left of site in sig)
Many thanks.