Local business on the lookout after magazine scam
Updated: July 26, 2012
CHAMPAIGN -- A boutique owner is worried she might be the next victim of a scam. It first happened in McLean County.
People bought thousands of dollars of magazine ads, but before they were all published, the Attorney General says the woman who sold the ads disappeared, along with the money. Holly Jones Cunningham of Leroy, Illinois was sued by the state.
She's accused of selling ads in a fake magazine, and scamming people in McLean County of $1,700. Cunningham settled in court earlier this summer. She was ordered to refund some of that money back to McLean County businesses, but the settlement didn't mean she admitted to any wrongdoing.
That scam happened a few years back, but it appears to have popped up again. A few month ago, the boutique, Social Butterfly, got a visit from a woman selling ads for a women's magazine, Her Lifestyle. It sounded familiar to owner Jan Johnson.
"She kinda came into the store one day, showed me a magazine and said they were doing advertisements," said Johnson.
But when Johnson saw Cunningham's picture she said the woman had introduced herself as "Rachel Walker-Spencer." In fact, a lot of business owners said the same thing.
"That's her, that's definitely Rachel," said Stefanie Pratt, a Coldwell Banker Realtor. Pratt was approached by Cunningham as well.
"It's definitely her," said Amanda Wyatt with Cream and Flutter.
Dozens of business in Champaign County say they've been approached by the woman. She's made hundreds off sales. The address listed by the magazine is 2001 Mattis Avenue, but it led to a P.O. Box at the post office. The phone number listed for the magazine also only led to a voice mail.
It's the same response Johnson has been getting. Her first ad was published, but so far, nothing on her second ad, and she isn't holding her breath for something to come through.
"I tried going online and messaging her. Her Facebook now has been taken down," said Johnson.
The Attorney General says it's gotten some calls from people in Champaign County. Authorities are looking into these cases.
People bought thousands of dollars of magazine ads, but before they were all published, the Attorney General says the woman who sold the ads disappeared, along with the money. Holly Jones Cunningham of Leroy, Illinois was sued by the state.
She's accused of selling ads in a fake magazine, and scamming people in McLean County of $1,700. Cunningham settled in court earlier this summer. She was ordered to refund some of that money back to McLean County businesses, but the settlement didn't mean she admitted to any wrongdoing.
That scam happened a few years back, but it appears to have popped up again. A few month ago, the boutique, Social Butterfly, got a visit from a woman selling ads for a women's magazine, Her Lifestyle. It sounded familiar to owner Jan Johnson.
"She kinda came into the store one day, showed me a magazine and said they were doing advertisements," said Johnson.
But when Johnson saw Cunningham's picture she said the woman had introduced herself as "Rachel Walker-Spencer." In fact, a lot of business owners said the same thing.
"That's her, that's definitely Rachel," said Stefanie Pratt, a Coldwell Banker Realtor. Pratt was approached by Cunningham as well.
"It's definitely her," said Amanda Wyatt with Cream and Flutter.
Dozens of business in Champaign County say they've been approached by the woman. She's made hundreds off sales. The address listed by the magazine is 2001 Mattis Avenue, but it led to a P.O. Box at the post office. The phone number listed for the magazine also only led to a voice mail.
It's the same response Johnson has been getting. Her first ad was published, but so far, nothing on her second ad, and she isn't holding her breath for something to come through.
"I tried going online and messaging her. Her Facebook now has been taken down," said Johnson.
The Attorney General says it's gotten some calls from people in Champaign County. Authorities are looking into these cases.
Comments
If you know the real story, Kurt, let's have it. I suspect that Kurt can't distinguish his rear end from a light socket.
Loren L.
July 29, 2012 at 12:49 pm
Kurt...just what proof do you have that she didn't do it. I know the truth and so do you...
Sheryl S.
July 28, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Not sure who this Kurt person is, but I must say sir you are CLEARLY the one lacking in the facts department, that is if you truly are who you say you are.
Kalen K.
July 28, 2012 at 9:06 pm
This story is absolutely wrong!!! You are being scammed by the real scammers. The real story is that a disgruntled employee has spread these vicious rumors, and you guys, for the ratings, fell for it. I am now boycotting channel 3 news, and i suggest you guys attempt to get the correct story!
Kurt L.
July 27, 2012 at 12:22 pm
