I was contacted by Robin last summer (2013) also and really did get the free 8 minutes mini segment FREE. Had an enjoyable time and was brought back a month later for. A free 15 minutes mini segment. This year I am scheduled for a 30 minutes segment with host Marcus June 25 and saw my name on the Line-up of shows. You (in my humble opinion) are dealing with the legit Spotlite Radio - the 631 area code people. We have had frequent contact since last December, waiting for me to determine my readiness to pay for my segment.  I'm not doing the $750 one. I am doing the price I'm willing and comfortable paying. There are a few so-called Spotlites out there but this one has so far not been misleading nor raised suspicion. I got my show links both times. Use these yourself to send out for exposure.

I was shocked and so sorry to read your experience with this Ashford company. I have not heard of them or that 888 phone number mentioned many times in the blog
and posts. What I want to ask you is whether or not you contacted your bank to dispute any of the fees you paid, using the bank's dispute process. I did that with a publishing company throughy credit union. Even though 3 or 4onths had passed, I had e-mails to prove they promised X Y and Z and my own follow up documents to prove those promises never happened. The publishing company told me I could not get my $500 back. I said "we will see about that." My credit union did their investigation and foundry claim/complaint valid, and pulled back EVERY DOLLAR, restoring my bank account. I don't know how long ago your dilemma started, but try telling your bank what happened and ask if there is any recourse. It's shameful and evil what was done to you.

I call this vanity radio.  Thirty minutes after I went on the air, a producer called me telling me how wonderful I was and went on for about 15 minutes trying to hard sell me to do two 30-minute radio shew for which I'd only have to pay $1500.  Does anyone really fall for this??????????

Andrew,
I got a call from that same name claiming the same title and company name. He was offering an 8 minute interview on a topic of my choosing at no cost to me. Did you do anything with it? If so, how did it go and what has happened since?

Dianne,
I also received a call from that same # wanting to do a free 8-minute interview with me on a topic of my choosing. They called themselves Spotlite Radio and gave me their website and # several times. I am interested to know how your interview went and what happened after that? I scheduled to do an interview with them in about 10 days. After finding this site I am considering cancelling it. How did it go for you during the interview and what has gone on with it since?
thank you in advance for the info.

Not for nothing but clearly if she offered to let you speak with the manager there was nothing they were trying to hide from you. I have worked for telemarketing companies in the past right after graduating college when i couldnt find a job right away and you were probably somebody who was called & then when you called back you didn't ask for "chance" you just said that somebody from that number called you so she told you to hold on so she could ask who it was that contacted you then when nobody knew who you were or nobody remembered calling you  and you kept inquiring about why you were being called she offered to let you speak with the manager. Sounds pretty professionally handled to me.  All you people calling them scumbags and whatever else are just mad that they've found a way to make money that isn't rocket science, that really anybody could do if they really wanted to but you're too busy complaining about it on websites like these.. You don't know these people, they could be just like I was, a struggling college graduate who needs to pay their bills. Everybody's gotta make money somehow... You don't hate on the people on infomercials that sell crap like "shamwow" rags(obviously a scam.. & just a regular towel like every other towel) But you hate on entrepreneurs trying to start their own advertising business to make it in corporate America? If you don't want what they're selling then tell them you don't want it & move on with your boring, negativity & hate filled lives.

I'm so glad I found this page.  I got a message from a "Gary Shea, the Executive Producer with Spotlite Radio," going on about how he found my profile online and wanted to interview me.  I have had a fairly successful interview show on BlogTalkRadio for several years, so I was getting a little excited.  I was perplexed at how little information about the company was on their web page -- not even an "About" page, so I reverse searched the phone number, then "who is Spotlite Radio," which is how I found this page.

They tried to scam a nonprofit. Did not fall for it. Sick, sick people

?On Air With Lucy? Radio Show Scam - Same scam, new number.

On Monday, December 16, 2013, I received a phone call from what came across as a ?New
York Call? with the number (917) 512-2525. The caller went by the name ?Chance Keith? and he said my company would be perfect for their radio show ?On Air With Lucy?. He said it had a half-million followers, a large fan base and that
they were very selective of whom they extend their offer.

He said I could get a $5000 package for just $1500 and that I would be interviewed by Lucy
Norris, a celebrity from ?Sex In the City? and it would be broadcast to their millions of loyal fans
around the world. He guaranteed I would get LOTS of new business, promised that they would
increase my visibility on search engines and they?d create press releases that to be sent to all
the major media news outlets like the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Bloomberg News,
major US television networks and the BBC.

When I was hesitant, he offered to not just one 30-minute radio interview, but also a second
one at no charge. I told him I didn?t have any extra advertising dollars right now due to a
trademark problem I?m having with a competitor in New York using my company name.
He said I don?t need to ?worry about giving any money right now. Throw your checkbook out
the window?. He then offered to give me the package for a $200 deposit.

I told him I need to discuss this with my ?partner? (my husband who is my VP) and after the
hard-sell approach he continued with me thinking he still might get my credit card number right
then, he gave me two phone numbers; the first was the ?company?s? number, (800) 779-3397
then his ?personal cell phone? number ? (609) 373-7497. He had my home/business address though
and is supposed to be sending a promotional package and plaque for my desk.

I proceeded to look up ?Lucy Norris Radio Show? on the internet and found many links, but
none satisfied my curiosity. I then searched ?Lucy Norris Radio Show Scam?, I got the answer I
was looking for on this page!

When I called the 800-number ?Chance? had given me, it was ?"All Pro Media", but they didn?t
know who I was talking about. The receptionist said he ?may work here, I?m not sure?. She
offered to let me talk to her boss, but he wouldn?t take my call.

I am SO glad I took the time to research this!

FOLLOW UP! "Chance" called again last night, confirmed he was with All Pro Media and didn't know what I was talking about when I asked him about Ashford Media and the other people associated with the 'company'. Was adamant that they are legit and not a scam. Still tried to get my credit card number though! Scumbags!!!

Received a call today from 212-633-6440.  Told me that they saw my website online and wanted to know if I'd like a resume, plaque, and radio time for $999.  I have been out of business for a year and no longer have a website!  These are the same jokers from Ashford Radio, Spotlite Radio, All Pro Media THESE PEOPLE ARE FRAUDS!  DO NOT GIVE THEM A DIME OF YOUR MONEY!!!!!

This scam is run by Joseph Sicilian at 267 East Main St Smithtown NY 11787

CALL THE POLICE!!!!

SPOTLITERADIO SCAM.

GOOGLE JEFF BURTON AND ASHFORD RADIO, ASHFORD SOCIAL MEDIA GROUP, JOHN BROXTON,

Frank Passarella has scammed a lot of people of their hard earned money. I have made complaints to the Attorney General and the DA. They have informed me that Frank Passarella uses AKA's Joe Cavaliere, Frank Madden, Tom Ryan. Frank Passarella is also a convicted felon and is going back to prison October 1st 2013 according to the law enforcement agency.

     I have been working with the FBI and they discovered another victim of Frank Passarella has been scammed out of $16,000. Stay Away from this company, He has another convicted felon running the joint by the name of Christopher Sweeney during Frank Passarella's prision term.

Well, I'm baaack after running reconnaisance on my contact with this internet radio show.  Just called the # I was given in yesterday's radio show interview offer and spoke with the agent who initially called me.  Of course, I heard radio show recorded background welcomes with show host names that I see on the REAL website, etc.  I was able to confirm that my interview is a free 8-minutes segment (I did ask if there was any fee to be on their show). She told me that in yesterday's call but I wanted to hear it again.  I also told her I had not received the e-mail show link yet, and she put me on hold to check with the production team. They told her I will get it today by 5 PM.  

I then asked how she found me and lo and behold, she said they cull various sites (like Who's Who, for instance) looking for new material of interest (people/businesses/endeavors) to spotlight on their shows.  In my case I am a member of Madison Who's Who out of NY - so there ya' go, like one commenter above mentioned...a Who's Who list).  They look for those entities/people's businesses/professional endeavors that are still existing to find candidates for the shows. Having my e-mail address I understand, but I asked her again why my address was needed and she said same thing she said yesterday when I asked why - it is for their in-house system records. Maybe that seems plausible. She said they don't mail me anything nor do they share that info.  (but maybe, just maybe someone else will hear the show and want to contact me??) Yeah, wishful thinking - but ain't it FUN to 'wishful-think?'  LOLOLLL.

Well, I'm getting ready to see what the end shall be in this case

Glad I stumbled upon this comment site, since it was my intent to find out more about Spotlite Radio (.com).

The call I received came from an actual area code (631) and phone number, from Robin. She said that whenever they have blank spots in their fill-slots they look for interesting people who might fit their needs, and she found me online. (I am listed in search engines by name and endeavors.) At end of our initial conversation about what I do, she gave her extension number and transferred me to a 'Compliance Team' member to set up my radio phone interview. It is scheduled for this Friday, July 25. I have not yet received the e-mail from them giving the link where folks can listen to the shows, and it is Thursday morning. One other thing that I found curious during the conversation with Robin is that she wanted my address.  I thought not too long about it, since it was not my SS # and DOB. I do know better than to give that out...for what purpose?? After reading your comments I am calling the number given to me to see who I get, and if their radio spot for me is real.

Not free as they propose

she has no experience, none whatsoever, in SEO. she doesn't know what SEO even is because someone had to write that script for her. for months she lied online, arguing that she was no longer with Je ff Burton, that she is a God loving person, all baloney, because if you check LINKED in, she is the trainer for spotlite radio, (everyone, spotlite radio is ashford radio, the company that changed names for all the criminal activity it's been accused of.) Mayelin Then used to forge member signatures on receipts. She has no college degree, no experience outside of Jeff burton. A fraud

   in a nutshell, they're all CREEPS . don't work for or use the services of these people!

one of many giving money to spotliteradio.con

This guy isn't the problem. It's dopes like Barry Sankey who keep paying SPOTLITERADIO.CON. READ the complaincomplaints. This owner had payroll deduct all taxes from his 2012 AND KEPT THE MONEY

Frank Passarella is a true drug atttic that has worked for every scam stock brokerage house on long island. He is a garbage person and has no values. He's been stealing peoples Money for a long time. He's probally has 10 kids by now and are sucking off of our hard working taxes for welfare and food stamps. This man will have a short life due to all the messed up things he's done. He's stolen a lot of money over his time.

Running a similar scam: http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-631-421-6074

Spotlite Radio.Com is Ashford Radio

They're at it again, this time the company is called Spotlite Radio, operating out of Bohemia, NY but posting a Wall Street address on their website. Wall Street is more than 50 miles from Bohemia. They picked the name Spotlite Radio. com to piggyback on the pre-existing name of Spotlite Radio. NET.Seems Ashford Radio and Ashford Social Media crumbled from all the fan mail they got on the web. Spend a month and go through every comment, please. But no matter what they call themselves, they'll provide crummy customer service, sell 8x10 calenders for $4000 that looklike they were made on your home printer, make bogus promises about the millions tuning in to these dumb shows, have office employees play the call-in listeners, ship the plaques (some, never ALL) no sooner than six months, bounce employee checks now and then, publish the books in 18-36 months, sell special placement in these books THAT NEVER HAPPENS ONCE THE DUMB THING IS PUBLISHED, feed the staff lies about company growth and wealth, and of course, each day doing exactly what makes them what they are. A FRIGGIN COMPLETE SCAM. Spotlite Radio! Glad we could spotlite you today. And now, forever!

I did do there Fake interview even had my daughter speak to them about her acting and singing career. The female was Jasmine and The Aggressive Producer was Frank Madden. I was told they got my info off of a who's who web site. There suppose to be from New york ,but The Frank guy called me from a south carolina # which is where I'm from. I gave them my E-mail address and cell # and they think I work in andrews.I'm glad that I gave them fake info too LOL!

Ashford Rado-Social Media-Publishing took me for all of my money and gave me absolutely nothing in return. I wanted to gain some exposure on a new business venture I took part in, knowing you have to spend money to make money. An Ashford salesman who claimed to be an "Executive Producer" called me to tell me that their team of editors found my information online and thought I would be an amazing addition to their International radio show.

I was told that I would be interviewed by one of their "celebrity" hosts in front of tens of millions of loyal fans throughout the world, gaining exposure and notoriety. I was promised that team Ashford would increase my visibility on search engines and they would create Press releases that would be streamlined through all the major media news outlets like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NBC, ABC, Washington Post, Bloomberg News and even the BBC.

I was told that I was receiving this package because of my credentials and the package that is usually $5000.00 would only cost me $2000.00. Well, I took the bait and did my radio shows with a Rose Clair, who was more nervous then I was during the interview. I didn't receive any callers that was promised, but overall I was proud of my performance in front of the "Millions" ;) listening throughout the world.

After I completed my show I was called by the "Real" Executive Producer John Broxton who touted me on my performance, and that I received a 94% ranking nationwide. The world Loved me and so did Ashford radio. I was told by this scam artist that he had plans for me, and that I needed to invest in more radio shows in order to gain international exposure. I was told I was going to be on the top AM and FM radio shows and I better act now before I miss this golden opportunity.

A series was proposed that I completed. (9 shows) I still didn't receive any responses what so ever. I was told by John Broxton that I needed to come to Long Island and do the Ashford experience. I was going be flown in first class, picked up by a limo, and stay at the Waldorf Astoria. I was going to meet the host and do an interview live on video that the whole world would see. I was told that I was going to meet the whole company and go out with them. I was told that if I did this Ashord experience and some videos that Success would be beating down my door. I was so excited when i embarked on my journey to Long Island to meet the team that would take me to a level I would never dream.

It turned out that I did not get to fly first class and I was not staying in the Waldorf. Instead I flew coach on my own dime and I stayed in some rat trap around the corner from the Ashford compound that was inundated with drug addicts and prostitutes. I didn't go out to dinner with anyone and I was left alone in a city that was unfamiliar after I completed my show that was documented by a video camera. This company promised me the world and came up short on every promise imaginable. After my shows and my life savings stolen from me( $80,000.00) I didn't get anyone who reached out to me because of the shows.

I was so upset that no one contacted me after all the money and time I spent trying to market myself with this company. I tried to call John Broxton to try to figure out what was going on, but after he realized I had no more money to spend, he stopped returning my calls. I have come to realize that my press releases filled with grammatical errors never touched down on any news outlets. I found out that they created a page online that was free, that they knew no one would ever see it.

I realized that no one was listening to any of their shows and that these scam artists lied in order to get more money from me. According to Blogtalkradio.com anyone can sign up and start a radio show for free, and that you can find out how many people were listening on the radio page. I had an average of 1-2% of activity during my shows. I just recently found out that a class action lawsuit is being conducted by many others who share the same "experience" I have with Ashford radio. I was told that John Broxton is an alias for the convicted felon James Mcinerney.

I found some information on John Broxton, I mean James Mcinerney online. http://www.finra.org/Newsroom/NewsReleases/1998/P010421. This man was busted for stock fraud and now he is at it again in another industry. It has come to my attention that many of the staff at Ashford use aliases and share the same criminal past. Frank Madden is another alias. his real name is Frank Passarella and he is also a felon. Jeff Burton the owner of the company is a convicted felon as well. Sandra Smitty the "General manager is actual Maylin Then. Mr. James Preston is really Paul Smith and Janice Blake is Lee Dee Bouno another felon.

Please beware of this group of evil scam artists and I hope that the authorities take them down. I have been left with absolutely nothing, and hope justice will prevail after the investigation I sounded off with my credit card companies is complete. Please avoid this scandalous company.

Lucy-Jade Norris looks like she is on drugs. She also sounds like crap. Who are these losers going to hire next to host their scam shows? A homeless bag lady living on the streets? I feel so bad for all the suckers that get sucked into this crap. Thank God I kept my money where it belongs. And my savings and loan.

I was so happy to see your post and glad that I have a paranoid personality cause the hard push salesman almost convinced me but go figure when I challanged him on basic stuff he actually hung up on me lol. Can you imagine he told me that my business was perfect for the webcast..how could he do that when he did even know what kind of business we were..and we are a brick and moreter retail store  with a website so its no secret lol...I told him I would check with my IT guy and he got quite hostile with me and then hung up so I decided to do the smart thing and do some research and found this blog site and your post. Is there anyone we can report them to?? for crying out loud a scam is a scam is a scam and I hate to see anyone get scammed in this day an age when business people are struggleing so hard to make every dollar count and there is no way you can write off this amount of money.

Me too. Also live in South Africa.  A Paul Ferrari called and left a message saying they would like to interview me. Said they had 10 million listeners. Gave the number above but couldn't phone back from SA as that's impossible with that sport of phone number. Couldn't track the person down as a search does not appear to reveal this name linked to Blog Talk Radio.  Facebook and LinkedIn also drew blanks in terms of links to Ashford Social Media and Blog Talk Radio. I'm not suggesting that anything is wrong but I would like to get to the bottom of this. Any ideas?`

Scam call from this number from Frank Madden. Extension 166.

Seems that Jay has moved on. We got a call from a Paul Ferrari, a radio DJ from the US wanting to have a chat. As we're in South Africa I can't really understand why...

Just got a call at work from someone named Craig Salzman, same deal-same everything as I've read on this site.  I asked my secretary to just direct him to our PR department, they can handle him.