Very similar experience as many other people who have posted here. I received a phone call from someone telling me that it was time to renew our listing in the Alberta Business Guide.
As I have been in my current position less than a year and this listing was regarding our Edmonton office, it seemed plausible that this was an existing relationship. The caller framed it as such. I deal with sales calls all day and yet it was the familiarity with which the caller spoke that really duped me.
I spoke with my colleagues after I got off the phone and no one had heard of this guide so it was definitely not a renewal of an existing service despite what I was told.
We received an invoice a few weeks later for $600. We will not be paying it. For anyone else in this position, please note that if you were tricked into a verbal commitment like I was, the good news is that you have not signed a contract.
DO NOT PAY THIS COMPANY.