Warning on invoice scam

Shropshire Council’s trading standards service is urging traders to be cautious after being contacted by businesses which have received invoices for inclusion in a website directory without agreeing to use the service. 

The directory does exist, but the invoice gives the reader a misleading impression that it is for a pre-existing contract when actually no agreement has been made.  The website is run by a company that is registered to an address outside the UK. 

The company may attempt to call first in order to secure some kind of tentative acceptance of an agreement, deliberately creating confusion which could lead to businesses ultimately paying unnecessary invoices. 

Paulina Poplawska, fair trading officer, said:

“Businesses are urged to be vigilant.  Members of staff who process invoices should not automatically authorise payments.  We also advise taking care to ensure invoices are genuine prior to making payments, and checks should be made with appropriate colleagues where necessary. 

“Where staff receive phone calls, they should also not give any bank details to organisations or people before verifying their credentials.“ 

Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for trading standards, said:

“Many businesses are facing financial constraints in the current economic climate and the last thing they need is to pay for services that they did not request.  

“I urge businesses to be cautious and if they have concerns to contact the trading standards team who will be able to advise further.” 

The trading standards team can be contacted on 0345 678 9000.