Beware of Fraudulent Telemarketers

Have you been solicited for office supplies by telephone only then to receive merchandise that was not from your original supplier? Have you received office supplies at inflated prices or that did not meet your expectations? Don’t be embarrassed! You are not alone!

Fraudulent telemarketers are sometimes referred to as “Toner Phoners” or “Paper Pirates.” Victims of telemarketing fraud include local, state, and federal agencies, charitable organizations, family owned businesses, churches, schools, and multi-million dollar corporations. Everyone who answers a phone is a potential victim. Many of the fraudulent operators misrepresent the quality, quantity, and price of office supplies while posing as an end-user’s regular supplier. If you receive goods that were not sent by your regular supplier, do not meet your expectations, or are at an inflated price, you should contact your local authorities.   HOW CAN YOU AVOID BEING A VICTIM? Have specific individuals responsible for ordering supplies Train all employees who answer the phone Do not give equipment information such as serial numbers over the phone Do business with a reputable, local supplier Issue written purchase orders with authorized signature and number Instruct supplier to put purchase order numbers on its invoice and bill of landing Do not pay bills unless they match your documentation Refuse the merchandise if it does not conform to the bill of landing Do not pay for, or return, unordered merchandise Report incidents immediately to the proper authorities