Beatles.net owner Bruce Spizer warns of possible Facebook scam
By ALAN SMASON, Exclusive to the CCJN
Local Beatles expert and author Bruce Spizer is warning his fans and followers of a possible online scam using his logo and established website Beatle.net.
Bruce Spizer signing one of his album books at the New Orleans Uptown JCC in 2017. (Photo by Alan Smason)
In an email sent Wednesday to his customers and friends, Spizer stated that the offer on Facebook of the complete Beatles catalog on compact disc for just $49 is not valid or sanctioned by him, his 498 Productions, LLC publishing company or his Beatle.net website.
In a follow-up phone interview with the CCJN, Spizer explained he was alerted to the possible scam by three of his customers who spotted his logo and name being used to imply that he was behind the offer.
“We were, of course, immediately upset about that because we don’t want people to think that we’re endorsing something when we have absolutely no way of knowing whether or not it’s legitimate, who the alleged seller is, whether it is a scam or anything,” he stated.
Even though Spizer is an attorney, a response is problematic. That’s because he doesn’t know who is using his logo and brand name. “If I knew who to send it to, we would send them an immediate cease and desist letter for them to remove it,” he noted.
Spizer added he has heard from Beatles fans through the years who have purchased similar offers in the past, but who been disappointed with their purchases. Oftentimes, those are shoddy counterfeit products, he said. “Apple and Universal (Music Group) have nothing to do with them and the reason the price is so cheap is that no royalties are being paid.”
A photo of a Facebook ad illegallly using Bruce Spizer’s logo and Beatle.net website.
Spizer explained there are bootleg records that are offered through legitimate record companies of live recordings or rare records. Those are different from counterfeit products, which often are of much lesser quality than the actual commercial recordings.
“Not only is it a possibility that you will get a product that is inferior to what you are expecting, but you may also get no product and somebody will say thank you very much for your money and credit card information,” he continued. “I’m not saying that that is what this is, but I’m certainly not going to click on it to find out.”
Spizer will be one of the speakers at the upcoming Limmudfest New Orleans conference on Sunday, March 19, speaking on the Beatles’ releases of “Magical Mystery Tour” and “Yellow Submarine.”
Spizer’s legitimate website can be accessed here.
