DON'T PAY FOR BOGUS ADS

Minister for Fair Trading Margaret Keech urges businesses to be on the lookout for bogus advertising invoices – especially in the lead up to Christmas.

Fraudulent invoices are mainly targeted at small business owners who are busy with the Christmas rush, and don’t always have the time to double check things.

“These scammers use professional sounding telemarketers to trick you into paying for ads in bogus publications,” Mrs Keech said.

“Often they claim the publication is affiliated to a government organisation such as defence, police or emergency services.”

“To avoid being scammed, I recommend all businesses to:

• allow yourself time to check the invoices thoroughly, don’t rush the payment through no matter how many calls you receive;
• restrict the number of people authorised to book ad space;
• restrict who can pay company bills; and
• be alert to unsolicited phone calls, emails and letters requesting payment.”

“Chances are it is a scam if the person:

• harasses you relentlessly, and tries to get you to pay up quickly;
• refuses or delays sending you the information you request such as a copy of the publication or your written authorisation to book the space;
• claims someone in your office approved it but doesn’t tell you who that was; or
• insists that you have dealt with them, even though you can’t recall it.”

“If you think someone is trying to scam you, then I urge you to report it to the Office of Fair Trading immediately for investigation on 13 13 04,” said Mrs Keech.

For tips and tricks on how to avoid invoice fraud and other scams, visit our website, www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.

Inquiries: David Smith 3225 1005 / 0409 496 534 or Natalie Perring (OFT) 3119 0064