Trading
Standards has issued a warning about scams where rogue 'publishers' have conned
businesses into paying for adverts in publications that do not exist, or are
not what victims are led to believe.
Several small
businesses report that they have been contacted by a telesales team using
deliberately misleading sales-patter to sell advertising space in various types
of publications such as wall planners and diaries. Sometimes it is claimed the
publication is being produced on behalf of some reputable or worthy sounding
cause, or that proceeds will go to charity.
Some scams are
even simpler and more blatant, and involve bogus invoices being sent to
businesses for adverts in fictitious publications without any prior
contact. A surprising number of victims pay the invoice without question,
particularly if the amount involved is relatively small, usually less than
£200.
Once
a victim has received an invoice from a rogue publisher they will usually be
pursued relentlessly for the money. Some victims pay up even though they
feel they have been conned because they feel it is simply not worth the time
and hassle to make a stand. However, according to Trading Standards, the
chances are that they will be identified as an 'easy touch' and will be
targeted again.
Councillor Craig
McLaughlin is urging local small businesses to be on their guard: “Let’s be
clear, the majority of publishers of diaries, wall charts and so on are
reputable businesses, providing valuable advertising opportunities or raising
funds for good causes. However, as in all walks of life, there is a
minority who will resort to dishonesty to make a fast buck. It is difficult
enough for small businesses to make ends meet at present without giving their
money away for something of no value. If you receive an invoice or demand for
payment for something you didn’t order please let Trading Standards know.”
Trading Standards
Section Head, David McCulloch, continues, ”We receive regular enquiries from
local businesses that have received bogus invoices. These scams continue to
exist because businesses often don’t check that invoices are genuine. However,
although they will make several threats, rogue publishers will not spend money
chasing an illegitimate debt. They are much more likely to look for another
victim who will pay up without a fuss and I urge businesses in West Dunbartonshire not to be their next victims”.
Any business in
West Dunbartonshire which has received an invoice of this type or wants any
advice from Trading Standards can call 01389 738552.
