SOUTH WINDSOR -- The South Windsor Police Department said they have received several complaints about possible advertising sales fraud.
Police said a man by the name of Frank Cusano of Waterbury is approaching local businesses to buy advertising space in a business magazine called "The Windsors."
Cusano operates under the company name "Sun Media Marketing," which police said is not registered with the state. Cusano also does not hold a peddling permit with the town.
Police said they have interacted with Cusano in the past about similar business ventures, but more businesses are now coming forward to make complaints, so they want to make the public aware of the situation.
Cusano has reportedly shown up at businesses without any literature or business cards.
"He's simply coming in, asking for $100," said South Windsor Deputy Chief Scott Custer. "He has a crudely made proof book that he said will be widely distributed."
Police said Cusano's story changes and evolves -- a sign of an illegitimate business.
Jay Wood, owner of The Woodshed in South Windsor, said Cusano sold him $100 worth of advertising in his business magazine in January.
"He was very convincing," said Wood. "He said he was a veteran. He said he went to a lot of the hospitals and churches and everything like that."
Wood said a week after Cusano first came to his business, he returned with a proof of Wood's ad. Wood said he approved the proof, gave Cusano a check and then never heard from him again.
Nearby, Guiseppe Scalora, owner of Joseph's Barber Shop, said Cusano came in last week, claiming to be from St. Francis of Assisi Church. Scalora said Cusano tried to sell him ad space on paper place-mats.
"He asked me, 'You don't like to make money advertising?' said Scalora. "And that's when I noticed it was fake."
South Windsor Police said the sales tactics may lead to charges for larceny, unlicensed operation and violation of town ordinances.
Any businesses that may have had transactions with Cusano or “Sun Media Marketing” in the past year are asked to call South Windsor Police at 860-644-2551. Information can also be emailed to investigators at matthew.mainieri@southwindsor.org.