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Business Scams
Here are the latest business scams that may be affecting businesses in our region.
Companies House Database Scam
Businesses are warned to be vigilant of a scam known as 'company hijacking', where the identity of a company is stolen and used for fraudulent purposes.
Parcel Delivery Scam (PDS)
If you receive a card through your door from a company call PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) saying that they have a parcel awaiting delivery instructions and can you contact them on 0906 6611911, DO NOT call the number as this is a mail scam originating from Belize.
Advertising Scam
A member of the FSB's East Lancashire branch received a phone call from a company who said they were calling to thank him for putting his name on/sponsoring sending books to school.
Scambuster! Your guide to beating the scammers
A scam is a scheme designed to con you out of your cash. There's a scam out there for everyone. If you let down your guard and think that you won't be fooled, then you too could become a victim. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and aim to con us all. Deceptive premium rate competition scams, bogus sweepstakes and lotteries, get-rich quick schemes and fake health cures are some of the favoured means of separating the unwary from their money. And the number of scams just keeps on growing. You should report scams to groups listed on the contact page. No matter how small the amount of money you have lost. It is important that the scamsters are stopped. Read below to find out more about how to protect yourself.
OFT warning regarding scam telephone calls on bank charges
The OFT has been made aware of a scam involving consumers being telephoned by people, alleging to be from the OFT, asking for personal and financial information including their bank account details in order for the OFT to reclaim bank charges on their behalf
Email Offer is a Hoax
Businesses and individuals are being urged to look out for a bogus email that is currently circulating.
Business Rates Scam
Unscrupulous ‘rate-reduction’ firms are also targeting small firms. In exchange for large fees, businesses are led to believe they will get their business rates reduced on appeal.
Bogus data protection agencies
When putting procedures into your business to comply with data protection legislation, it is important to be aware of bogus data protection agencies.
Business Directories Scam
This scam relates to business listings either in published directories, electronic directories (CD-Roms) or on websites. Beware of ‘official-looking’ invoices from trade directories asking for your fax, internet and e-mail details.
County Court Recovery / Vulcan Press Group
Consumer Direct, the government’s consumer advice service, has received a number of worried calls from local residents who have received letters claiming to be from a debt collection agency demanding money for an outstanding debt (County Court Recovery / Vulcan Press Group.
Identity fraud puts £1.7 billion hole in Britain’s pocket
Identity fraud is costing the UK economy over £1.7 billion a year, according to Home Office figures, and businesses are urged to be aware of the risks.
Premium Rate Number Warning
The Trading Standards Service is repeating its warning to consumers and businesses about a premium rate scam from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service).
Fight the Fire Scam
Businesses are being urged to be on their guard against traders who approach them about new fire laws, set to come in this October.
Beware of the so-called European City Guide
A Yorkshire Euro-MP has issued a warning to traders – beware of the so-called “European City Guide”. Richard Corbett has warned businesses to read the small print carefully before responding to a direct mail.
Cold Calling Scams
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued a warning to businesses in the Yorkshire and the Humber region to be wary of cold-calling charity 'publishing' scams.
Businesses warned of bogus mail shots
The Health and Safety Executive warns businesses to be aware of bogus firms claiming to regulate health and safety legislation.
Businesses urged to hang up on cold callers
Small businesses are becoming the target of persitant cold callers making bogus claims. Make sure your business is not the next victim...
Firms warned over business rates scam
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is warning small firms to be wary of companies offering to reduce their business rates.
