Current scams aimed at businesses:
Data Protection
If your business processes personal data you may need to register with the Information Commissioner - telephone 01625 545745. Registration costs around £35.
Businesses have been targeted by official-sounding companies offering to register your business under the Data Protection Act for a fee in the region of £95.
If your business has paid a bogus company, please contact Consumer Direct for advice.
Health and safety
Businesses have been targeted by firms claiming to regulate health and safety legislation. They have been sent letters asking for between £125 and £249 to ensure they comply with the law. Much of the information these companies say they will send out is available from the Health and Safety Executive free of charge.
Anyone who receives a letter should report it to the Health and Safety Executive by calling the Infoline on 08701 545500.
Advertising scams
Each year South Gloucestershire Council’s Trading Standards receives a high number of enquiries and complaints from traders within the district about advertising scams they have either fallen victim of or require advice on how to deal with.
Traders either receive a phone call or a letter implying that they have agreed to advertising in a booklet or wall planner some months beforehand and now the advertisers are seeking payment. They are relying on you not remembering whether you have or have not agreed to the contract and you taking their word for it! Many claim to be working is association with the emergency services or a good cause – this is not the case. Many also threatened court action if the trader refuses to settle the invoice and some traders may even receive letters from debt collection agencies.
If you have not nor have any recollection of agreeing to an advertising contract, question the caller and ask for proof or put these points in a letter. Without any proof that you agreed to the contract, the advertisers will not be able to claim the monies from you in court. If the advertisers state they have a telephone recording – ask for a copy and a transcript. Many traders find the quality is poor and they have been doctored – if this is the case, then the advertisers may find enforcing the claim difficult.
Some traders have found that the advertisers stop pursuing them when confronted. Others have found that they need to stand their ground after being sent further threatening letters. Remember that without any proof you agreed to the contract, the advertisers will not be able to enforce the claim!
PLEASE NOTE – if you have agreed to an advertising contract, you have no automatic cooling off period and may find yourself liable for the costs.
For further advice or to report a scam, please contact Trading Standards or Consumer Direct.