Karaoke conman is on the loose

The pub karaoke conman has also been targeting outlets across the West Midlands and North Wales, the Morning Advertiser has learnt.

Last month the MA revealed that several licensees in and around Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, paid between £50 and £100 upfront to a firm known as CM Entertainment to host heats of a "Karaoke Idol"​ competition in August and September.

Everyone had handed over £50 so they were out of pocket for that, and they spent money advertising so they were let down on both counts​Norma Vaughan, Welsh licensee

Licensees were left furious after nobody from CM Entertainment arrived on the agreed night.

Hosts said the company boss identified himself as Colin Moore.

This week a spokesman for Telford Police in Shropshire said two licensees called to report a similar karaoke scam involving a man who went by the same name.

He also promised to host live music evenings but never turned up, hosts said.

Cerene Mkhmoor of the Red Lion in Wellington said she paid £150 for Moore to host a band night on 24 September and a karaoke night on 19 October.

"He came here twice to say he is coming [for the band night] and sent a text message two hours before he's supposed to arrive saying he is going to be there on time. ​

"He never arrived and I had four bands booked.

"I would say he has gone to most of the pubs around here. He has let down all of the pubs regarding the karaoke and I'm afraid it's going to happen with us."

It has also emerged that the conman targeted pubs at Prestatyn in Clwyd, North Wales, in the spring.

Norma Vaughan, who runs two pubs in Prestatyn, said: "Seven of our pubs were taken for a ride.​

"It happening during March and April. It was supposed to be a competition held at different pubs and the eventual winner would get £2,000.

"Everyone had handed over £50 so they were out of pocket for that, and they spent money advertising so they were let down on both counts."

Vaughan said Colin Moore also went by the name DC Moore and sometimes called his company AB Promotions.

The MA left a message with Moore but received no reply.

Have you been targeted by the karaoke conman? Call John Harrington on 01293 610481 or email John.Harrington@william-reed.co.uk​.​