Case Studies

Patently a fraud?

by Mark Rowe

Fraudsters are sending patent holders in the UK fake invoices claiming to be from European Patent Office (EPO), warns the police fraud reporting centre Action Fraud.

The EPO examines and grants European patents under the European Patent Convention. Several businesses have contacted the Intellectual Property Office after receiving the postal letter invoice asking for payment of “fees”.

The invoices are extremely convincing and contain correct patent details including the correct address of the companies who hold the patents. One example is asking for £1998.80 Euros in “fees”. These invoices are almost identical to the real thing, says Action Fraud; it is only the bank account details that are different so are likely to catch people out who worried that their European patent could be cancelled.

The authorities ask that if you receive one of these invoices do not pay any money and report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or by using the online reporting tool.

Related News

  • Case Studies

    MSc appeal

    by Mark Rowe

    Marcus Mills has embarked on an MSc in security management through the University of Portsmouth. Like other masters students he has to…

  • Case Studies

    Terrorism report

    by Mark Rowe

    As the barriers for individuals and groups to acquiring material and knowledge to undertake terrorist attacks continue to recede, the private sector…

  • Case Studies

    Million Mask March

    by Mark Rowe

    The Million Mask March was in central London on the evening of November 5, from Trafalgar Square. Afterwards the Met Police Commander…

Newsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay on top of security news and events.

© 2024 Professional Security Magazine. All rights reserved.

Website by MSEC Marketing