Better Business Bureau says all business owners and their employees should be aware of scams that target businesses. One Idaho company reports losing thousands of dollars to a Yellow Pages scam.
"The owner believes she lost over $10,000. The invoices she received look real, with a company name and contact information and amounts due. It looked like she owed $500 and a threatening line that says 'last chance to protect your credit score in good standing.' Unfortunately, she began to pay the invoices. And like other scammers, as soon as they have you on the hook once, they’ll go after more and more money. Other invoices came in, and threatening phone calls began," BBB's Dale Dixon explained.
Dixon says this type of scam happens fairly regularly. Some business owners say they've been sent faxes or post cards. BBB recommends business owners educate their staff or team about fake invoices. Dixon offers this advice:
- Carefully read all invoices and solicitations which are sent to your company and verify with the person who gave written or verbal authorization.
- Check your records to confirm claims of previous business dealings with a company or seller. Do not be alarmed by language indicating that an unfamiliar unpaid invoice will be forwarded to a collection agency. If your business did not order or place an order with a company, you are not responsible for paying the invoice.
- If you think an invoice may be legitimate, take the time to verify. A quick search may clear up any concerns, or give you the opportunity to verify the company.
For more information visit www.bbb.org.
