The Better Business Bureau cautions small businesses in the Portland area to be careful about a scheme involving advertising on so-called laminated sheets that includes bits of trivia.

The bureau has received 138 complaints specifically targeting a company called Northwest Publishing, located in Southeast Portland.

One unhappy customer of Northwest Publishing is Brian Haines, 30, owner of Canby Music. He’s had the business a year, and in a slumping economy, became intrigued about this form of advertising. 

“They (trivia papers) are found on tables in diners,” he said. “I thought, ‘customers would read all about my business.”

He paid $150 down and planned to pay hundreds more for the advertising services. But weeks and months went by and there was no advertising appearing anywhere.

He stopped the payment on his credit card and filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. 

“There are all sorts of complaints, ranging from people paying money and not getting the advertising they paid for, “Kyle Kavas of the Better Business Bureau said about Northwest Publishing.

To his surprise, Haines later saw a paper with his business advertised, though he had taken steps to stop all this. Now, he’s still getting billed for hundreds of dollars.

“I think this is a fly-by-night company and they rip you off.”  said Haines.

KGW NewsChannel 8 tried to contact Northwest Publishing three times. No one came to the door of the business, which was locked and people inside scurried out of sight.