Office supply scams

Content on this page ...

• The pitch
• The con
• How to protect your business

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Typically a telemarketer will call your business to discuss any office supplies you might need on a regular basis such as office stationary or printing cartridges.

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The con

The caller will mislead you or your employees into thinking that an order for office supplies has already been placed by either an existing or former employee and that you need to sign an order form to assist with their record keeping.

See example of an office supply scam

You will then be sent and invoiced for unwanted and often overpriced stationery, photocopying toner or other office supplies. When you try to return the goods you will be told that you are not able to because you signed the order form or agreed to the goods on the telephone.

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How to protect your business

•  Don't agree to place an order over the telephone unless you are absolutely sure about the organisation you are dealing with.
• Encourage staff to make a note of any conversations they have with 'cold callers' or persons claiming to have existing contracts with your business.
• Don't take the caller's word for it that you have placed an order previously or that someone in your organisation has agreed to take an order.
• Insist on seeing written details and a copy of the supplier's full terms and conditions before placing an order.

Register with the Telephone Preference Service or the Corporate Telephone Preference Service.

Back to: Types of business scams