Protect your business from scams

Last updated: 17/05/2012 Add to My Bookmarks Subscribe

Scammers don't just target consumers, they also con businesses. Businesses continue to be targeted by scammers using deceptive and aggressive sales practices to con them out of hundreds of pounds.

The scams include:

'free' listings in business directories where the victim unknowingly signs up to pay for repeated entries;
adverts to be placed in bogus 'charitable' publications; and
tricking businesses into ordering unwanted and overpriced office supplies.

To help businesses avoid these scams it is worth:

designating authorised employees to approve the purchase of goods and services
never agreeing to anything in a rush (and remember that it is possible to enter into a legally binding contract over the phone)
carrying out research on the goods or services being offered before you purchase
finding out more about a supplier before you agree to an order, and
always asking for a phone number, contact name and address of anyone you do business with.

The Office of Fair Trading's website explains how the most common scams work and offers more tips to businesses and their staff on how to avoid losing money to the scammers - please refer to the 'Protect your business from scams' webpages.

I need help please! (or just advice)

If you are a business based in Cornwall and would like further information or advice about scams our team is always on hand to assist and can be contacted by telephoning 0300 1234 191 or email Trading Standards.

If you are based outside Cornwall you can find your nearest Trading Standards service via the Trading Standards Institute's website.

Useful links

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud you can report this to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the Action Fraud website
If you think that your business has been targeted or affected by a scam that misuses a premium rate charged service contact PhonepayPlus.
The Companies Investigation Branch (CIB) is part of the regulatory arm of the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) and is involved in deterring fraud
Complaints about a UK based advertiser can be made to the Advertising Standards Authority online at the Advertising Standards Authority website.
Federation of Small Businesses
The Get Safe Online website is a joint initiative between the Government, law enforcement, leading businesses and the public sector. It aims to provide computer users and small businesses with free, independent, user-friendly advice that will allow them to use the internet confidently, safely and securely.