direct-fairwaysbusiness-advertisingscamextortion

Is Direct Fairways Legit? Golf Course Scorecard Advertising Review

Updated: January 2026

Direct Fairways is a scam operation: They cold call small businesses, say the ad costs $400 (1-time payment), get verbal authorization, then charge $800+ without warning claiming it's 'remainder of payment.

' When confronted, they say 'we don't do refunds.' When customers leave negative reviews, they call demanding the review be removed in exchange for partial refund - literal extortion. Multiple customers report same pattern over years. Fake 4-star Google reviews. At least one confirmed case of $800 charged 3 times in 6 months. Do not use. File credit card dispute immediately if charged.

Key Findings

What It Is

Cold calls small businesses offering golf course scorecard advertising

Main Risk

Cold calling tactic (predatory sales approach)

Best Action

Do NOT answer cold calls from unknown businesses

The Pattern

→Cold calls small businesses offering golf course scorecard advertising
→Claims cost is $400 for 1-year advertising placement
→Asks for verbal authorization to charge card
→First charge is $400 (or amount agreed)
→Second charge for $400 appears months later (claimed as 'remainder')
→Claims customer 'agreed' to payment in their terms (sent AFTER charging)
→Offers only 50% refund if you push back
→Calls customers immediately after negative reviews
→Offers refund ONLY if negative review is removed (extortion)
→Positive Google reviews likely fake (drowning out legitimate complaints)

Red Flags

Warning: Cold calling tactic (predatory sales approach)
Warning: Charging double the agreed amount without warning
Warning: Refusing refunds for their overcharging
Warning: Terms and conditions sent AFTER payment (not before)
Warning: Using extortion to manage negative reviews
Warning: Calling customers who leave reviews (intimidation)
Warning: At least one case of $800 x 3 charges over 6 months
Warning: No evidence advertising actually happens (customers never see it)
Warning: Google reviews appear to be fake/bought
Warning: Multiple Reddit reports over years (pattern, not isolated)
Warning: Advertises on golf course scorecard but unclear delivery
Warning: Former employee reporting the company scams people

What To Do

1Do NOT answer cold calls from unknown businesses
2If you do engage, require everything in writing BEFORE paying
3Explicitly state: 'This is a ONE TIME payment of $X' and get written confirmation
4Use credit card (not debit) - provides chargeback protection
5Screenshot and save every email, invoice, and communication
6If charged more than authorized: Immediately call credit card company
7File dispute as 'unauthorized charge' or 'fraud' with credit card
8Leave honest review on Google (they may call - don't remove it)
9File complaint with FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
10Contact your state's attorney general
11Change card number after refund (don't trust them)
12Call golf course if advertised there - report their tactics

What NOT To Do

✕Don't answer unsolicited business calls
✕Don't authorize payment before getting written terms
✕Don't use debit card (no fraud protection)
✕Don't save payment method on their site
✕Don't accept partial refund (demand full refund)
✕Don't remove negative reviews in exchange for refund (extortion)
✕Don't pay the 'terms and conditions' fee they invented
✕Don't assume second charge is legitimate
✕Don't delay credit card dispute (do it immediately)
✕Don't wait to change card number (change it NOW)

Copy-Paste Script

Charged $800 without authorization after agreeing to $400 one-time payment. Dispute filed with credit card. They're refusing refund. FTC and AG will be notified of extortion tactics (refund for removing review).

FAQ

Is Direct Fairways a scam?

Yes - avoid completely. They cold call, charge double the agreed amount without warning, refuse refunds, and use extortion tactics (offering partial refunds ONLY if you remove negative reviews). Multiple customers report identical experience. Not a legitimate business.

How does the Direct Fairways scam work?

Cold call with 'golf course scorecard ad' offer ($400). You authorize payment. They charge $400, then months later charge $800 more claiming it's 'remainder' of payment. Terms sent AFTER charging. When you complain and leave reviews, they call offering refund IF you remove review. Classic scam.

What should I do if Direct Fairways charged me?

Immediately: (1) Call credit card company and dispute as fraud/unauthorized, (2) Change card number, (3) Leave honest review, (4) File FTC complaint at reportfraud.ftc.gov, (5) Contact your state attorney general. Don't remove reviews if they call - that's extortion. Let credit card company reverse charges.

Can I get my money back from Direct Fairways?

They won't refund you directly (say 'we don't do refunds'). Get your refund through credit card chargeback - file as fraud/unauthorized charge. Credit card company will likely reverse it. Don't negotiate with Direct Fairways or accept partial refunds. Force the chargeback.

Should I work with Direct Fairways?

Absolutely not. They're a scam operation targeting small business owners. Cold call fraud, unauthorized charges, extortion, and fake reviews. Use legitimate advertising channels instead. If they call you, hang up. If they've charged you, file a dispute.

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