MikeFitz with overflow bit set…

Now first up, I’m not saying anyone has done anything illegal here.   But just because something is legal doesn’t mean it is not a scam.

Has anyone else received an invoice like this from Australian Business Online?   I suspect many have.

Tax Invoice from Australian Business Online, click to enlarge

In the fine print, it says …

Please Note: This invoice was generated because you listed your company details on www.abol.com.au (Australia Business Online)

I can be pretty certain that this did not happen.   I regard this invoice as fraudulent.   I advised info@abol.com.au that I would not be paying their invoice.

ABOL’s polite e-mail response was to say that they had contacted my “Advertising or marketing manager”.   That would be me or me.    Yeah, right.

Further, ABOL indicated that I had a “free” listing which has now expired and is now due for renewal.

ABOL’s Free Directory Listing

So how good is this free listing?   Here’s a part of the top-level category listings on ABOL’s home page.

Part of ABOL’s directory home page

Where would you expect to find my company, which develops custom software for businesses and government departments?   Perhaps under IT / Communications?   No, it’s not there.

Here it is.   Look at the breadcrumbs.   It’s filed under Shopping >> Household Goods >> Computers.  Strangely, none of my clients have ever bought any software development services while on a Shopping Trip.  I don’t sell household goods or computers either.

ABOL’s free listing for Fitzsimon IT Consulting

And apparently my Advertising Manager (that would be me) or my Marketing Manager (me again) approved this?   One of the characteristics of spammers and scammers is that they often forget about accuracy while chasing volume.

WhoIs ABOL.COM.AU?

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www.clickncolour.com

Now and then comes an opportunity to work on a project that not only makes the client happy, but is also actually fun to work on.

ClickNColour.com is the online art gallery of local artist Debbie Neale.

While working as a teacher aide, Debbie noticed that most colouring-in artwork was directed at younger children.  She has now created a portfolio of designs which are challenging enough for older students and adults, even rehabilitation patients.

On the website you can purchase downloadable copies of Debbie’s artwork as well as order Debbie’s printed colouring-in books.