Telesales fraudsters are suspected of having targeted at least one local business recently and may target others.
The OFT urges businesses not to agree to advertise in any publications supposedly endorsed by the emergency services, other sections of Government, or even charitable organisations without taking the time to make sure that any claims made by cold callers are valid.
Businesses should always be on their guard to avoid being scammed when receiving cold calls:
- Don’t take unsolicited calls when you are busy and can’t give the salesperson your full attention – if you want to discuss what is being offered, ask them to call back at a convenient time.
- Don’t agree to something on the phone just to get rid of a persistent caller – legally binding agreements can be made over the phone.
- Always check out any claims, for example, that a booklet, diary or wall planner is raising money for the emergency services or a charity.
- Always check that any endorsement supposedly given by an emergency service or a charity is legitimate.
- Before any agreement is signed, make sure you read all of the contents and fully understand what it is you are committing to – if you don’t understand it, seek advice from an advocate who specialises in commercial contract law.
- Don’t be pressurised into paying for services that you haven’t agreed to, that haven’t been provided, or that don’t match what you agreed to – if you are threatened with debt collectors or a credit black-listing, remember that ultimately only a court can decide whether you are liable to pay.
- Be mindful of your computer systems being intercepted and keep security software up to date.
- The Action Fraud website is an excellent source of information about types of scams, the latest scams and how to avoid becoming a victim – have this website as a favourite and visit it regularly to keep abreast of the latest developments.
- Businesses which think that they have lost money through a scam should contact their local police station in the Isle of Man and/or Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) as soon as possible.
John Peet, Chief Inspector of Trading Standards, said
‘Businesses do not enjoy the same level of protection from cold calling fraudsters as consumers do and need to be very vigilant to avoid being scammed’.
