SPRING 2023 BUSINESS SCAMS FIGHT BACK AGAINST FRAUD A few simple precautions can help protect your business from scammers Dont agree anything over a phone call; a legitimate company will be happy to put everything in writing Scammers dont just target consumers. Businesses are just as likely to be caught out by publishing, advertising and directory scams, ones involving unnecessary services or unsolicited goods, and advance-fee and investment scams. One of the most common, as well as simplest and most blatant, is a bogus invoice sent to a business. It is a hit-and-miss approach by the scammers, but many of these invoices just get paid, without the business ever realising it is a scam. A full list of current business fraud scams can be found on the Action Fraud website. To avoid being the victim of a scam: n Limit the number of employees who can authorise purchases, and ensure all other employees know they cant discuss ordering or payments n Dont agree anything over a phone call; a legitimate company will be happy to put everything in writing. Review the contract and the small print in detail before signing anything n Ask questions. Find out how they got your details, ask for their phone number and address, and establish what they want you to sign up to. Research the goods or service being offered. Credit: Carrie Morris, Trading Standards officer Image: Shutterstock / Andrey Suslov Scammers persuasion techniques: The good cause: A scammer will associate their offer with a local charity, school, hospital or emergency service. The appeal to authority: Scammers will link themselves with individuals or organisations that are highly respected, well known, or in a position of authority. Foot in the door: Not all scammers ask for money straightaway; often only a signature or expression of interest is required before demands for payment follow. Two-stage approach: An initial approach is made to one person, then a followup call is made to another person, claiming the first person agreed to something. Limited offers: Pressure is put on the victim to make a quick decision so as not to lose a one-time offer. Distraction: When signing agreements or agreeing For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service For up-to-date news stories and information, follow us on to contracts verbally, scammers are very good at masking unwelcome terms and conditions. Anonymous Hotline 0300 303 2636 Is your sector being undermined by unscrupulous traders operating outside the law? Report them via Trading Standards Anonymous Hotline or online and help level the playing field for honest businesses.