Scams Advice for Businesses

Businesses continue to be targeted by scammers using deceptive and aggressive sales practices to con them out of hundreds of pounds.

The scams include :-

• 'free' listings in business directories where the victim unknowingly signs up to pay for repeated entries;
• misrepresenting adverts to be placed in bogus 'charitable' publications; and
• tricking businesses into ordering unwanted and overpriced office supplies.
  

To avoid these scams :-

• designate authorised employees who can approve the purchase of goods and services
• never agree to anything in a rush, and remember that it is possible to enter into a legally binding contract over the phone
• carry out research on the goods or services being offered before you purchase, and
• find out more about the supplier before you agree to an order, and always remember to ask for a phone number, contact name and address.

Ensure that your staff is aware of these scams and how to deal with them.

If your business receives such a call and you are concerned that it is not genuine, please report the issue to your local Trading Standards Service.   Herefordshire businesses should contact us on the Business Helpline 01432 261987.

The OFT's website, explains how the most common scams work, and offers more tips to businesses and their staff on how to avoid losing money to the scammers. See their advice to businesses pages.