Scam warning for small businesses

Herefordshire Council’s trading standards service is warning local firms that they may become victims of the numerous scams targeted at small businesses every year.

Herefordshire traders this year have been particularly targeted by several companies, one called Sphere Marketing Ltd from Lancashire, who cold call firms trying to sell “key phrases” which when used by consumers on a Google search ensures your website comes top of the list.

This may seem very attractive but businesses who contract with them have found themselves tied in for 12 months having huge fees taken straight out of their bank account and also failing to receive the service paid for.

Sphere Marketing has now changed its trading name to “Nice Day Marketing” allegedly to cover up the bad publicity it has already received.

Tim Thorne, Herefordshire Council’s principal trading standards officer, said scams on small businesses cost them millions every year.

He said: “For decades now firms have been conned over advertising space in fictitious publications, usually from fraudsters based in the North West of England, but also abroad. Now we can add to that this alleged Internet scam. Any business can approach Google or any other search engine direct if they wish to try and increase their website traffic.  

“We strongly advise businesses to be very careful when dealing with cold callers trying to sell them anything and only advertise in media they can trust such as local press and radio. The number of scams out there aimed at both consumers and businesses are too many to mention and are more prevalent than they have ever been,” he added.