Business directory fraud

Some scammers offer to list your company to the directory service for free. Yet, later, you get bills as unpaid dues from their representatives who claim they seek payment for the marketing service they offered to your business on the internet, through the post, fax or emails. 

How Does It Happen?

The tricksters send a form by post, mail, or fax where they ask the client to fill in details to get a free listing in a business directory or online advert or catalogue. 

Then, the firm is asked to send the filled form to the service provider to place the order, but in small prints, they write in the terms and conditions that you are committing to pay for the directory service. 

Then, the company gets a fake invoice from a bogus company for the service. Also, you may get threatening messages or calls from the firm who may pose as representatives from debt collection. 

How To Protect Yourself?

• Train the staff to handle all emails and communication carefully. Read all the terms and conditions even in the case when the service is offered for free.

• All the letters related to adverts and the invoices and calls should be handled carefully by the staff, and they should know ways to handle miscommunication.

• If you get any free advertisement offer, do your research to see if the directory is legitimate and if the company offers the listing with a registered trade establishment.

• Check all the arrangements/terms required to register in the directories. Do not assume the bills are for the listing. Ask questions before paying for the invoice related to it.

• If you suspect any such fraud, report it to the investigation agencies. 

How To Spot It?

• If you receive a call to verify the company's details for directory service. 

• If you get an application that needs to be completed and returned to the sender, asking whether you want your company to be listed or promoted for free.

• If the company gets an invoice that demands you to pay bills for the listing, your firm's representatives do not remember signing up.