Scams aimed at businesses

Here are details of some of the scams reported to us by Kent businesses. Look out for these and similar schemes aimed at parting you from your money. If you have been the victim of any of these, or similar scams, please report it to the Consumer Direct Team on 08454 040506. They will also be able to give you advice if you need it.

 

Advertising feature unsolicited mailing

Unsolicited mailings in the form of an advertising feature cut from a magazine are sent to businesses. A post it sticker with the recipient's first name, suggesting it was sent by someone known to them, is attached to the cutting stating it is brilliant and inviting them to call a freephone number. Callers ringing the freephone number go straight through to a Continental/American type dialling tone and answered by an advisor with an American accent. The advert implies Government grants are available but callers are told that an information pack is available at a cost of £250.

Be very wary of unsolicited mail and report similar incidents to us via Consumer Direct on 0845 040506.

 

Anti money laundering

This scam involves a letter telling businesses that they should train their staff in new anti money-laundering regulations and that employees must pay £75 to register on a training course. This scam relies on the fact that law-abiding businesses will be inclined to send money in order to comply with what they are told is the law. Talk to a solicitor about your legal obligations, and report suspicious correspondence to Trading Standards.

 

Bogus officials

Reports have been received of a caller claiming to be from the "spirit audit team" attempting to carry out an audit at a business selling spirits. He had no identification or any supporting paperwork. Always ask for identification from anyone claiming to be on official business and report such approaches to us via Consumer Direct on 0845 040506.

 

Bogus police representatives

One local business was called by someone claiming to represent Kent Police. The caller said they were intending to arrange a meeting in the area but to do so they needed money to arrange a venue. When challenged about the request to provide money the caller hung up.

Always be careful when approached with requests for money or for advertising in charity magazines. Always ensure that you know what you are providing funds for and that the arrangement is legitimate before parting with any money or personal information. Please report similar incidents to Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

 

Business Directories

Many businesses receive official looking 'invoices' for entries from trade directory and database companies despite there being no contact with the company, and the scam relies on businesses not noticing that they do not have to pay the invoice. If you do not have a verbal or written contract with the company, do not be intimidated into paying the invoice by letters threatening court action and warn your staff about this type of scam.

Health & Safety

Businesses have been receiving letters headed "final notice" stating they must purchase a health and safety law poster and accident book immediately or face prosecution. While businesses do have to display a poster and keep an accident book they can purchase these direct from the Health and Safety Executive for around £15 not the greatly inflalted prices demanded in the letter.

White line painting

Businesses, sports clubs and schools are being targeted by traders touting for work painting white lines for outdoor sports courts and parking bays. The scammers normally approach the caretaker or cleaners and persuade them to have the work carried out. One particular trader was reported to be charging £2 per linear foot, but only agrees the price after the work has been carried out. Demands for thousands of pounds are then made, with the trader becoming intimindating if payment isn't made.  Based on this rate of £2, a standard netball court could cost up to £1,000 compared to the going rate of around £200 through approved contractors recommended by a Local Authority.