Ever more small businesses are being targeted by rogue ‘publishers’ claiming to be from a reputable causes and selling advertising space in publications such as crime prevention advice booklets or charity newsletters, report City of London Police.
They often request anything up to £1,000 for business advertising space in the publication. However the adverts fail to materialise and the company can become persistent and aggressive in pursuing their money. Fraudsters can appear genuine because they reproduce governmental statistics such as crime figures taken from government websites, and use authentic photos in publications which deceive the public.
Some sale representatives will fraudulently claim to be working voluntarily to raise money for police or charities through publications such as Police Diary, Police handbook and Police magazine. Often victims are targeted annually by the same advertising agency, to renew their advert in the same publication. Phone calls can be recorded when small business agree to pay for advertisements and the rogue publishing company claims they can use this as evidence of a verbally agreed contract.
Invoices have been sent to some local businesses for advertisement services which they did not consent to. Repeated phone calls and letters demanding payment for the invoices has led people to pay the requesting companies to cease correspondence. Other fraudsters have enquired into whether small businesses would like to pay for an advertisement on the first page of Google results or on Facebook. Criminals have taken the payment and the business advert is not published as agreed.
Criminals use research to gain basic information about a business; so do not assume a caller is genuine because they have details about you or your company (i.e. name, address, previous advertisements paid for) or because they claim to offer a deal for new businesses.
Check the publisher’s terms and conditions by requesting written details and by keeping a record of all calls and paperwork received.
Be wary of unsolicited approaches by phone and always take independent steps to check a caller’s details. Research the company services before making a payment and check forums for information on the company, such as reported scams others have been involved in.
Often fraudsters will send letters for payment demands. If your business is threatened by rogue publishers, they will not waste money chasing illegitimate debt and will not take you to court unless a Court Summons is served. They will often only send a Summons application form.
Ask the caller questions on the phone to verify their company such as:
How did you get my contact details?
What is the name of the publication and how is it distributed?
Can I see previous copies of the publication?
Is the publication being produced on behalf of another organisation
Is the organisation a registered charity and what is their registered charity number?
If you are suspicious, don’t be afraid to terminate the call, say no to requests for invoice payments or ask for advice, police add.
