MCP Solicitors News
Publishing Scams - Are You Protected?
We have recently become aware of a growing number of scammers operating what is known as a ‘publishing scam’. They ask whether you wish to make a contribution towards their campaign in the name of a good cause (such as the emergency services, armed forces, drug awareness campaigns, crime prevention, road safety etc). They then use aggressive telephone sales tactics to convince you to sign up to their campaign.
Such tactics include convincing you that you or, if you run a business, a colleague has already agreed to make a payment in a previous telephone call and that you are now contractually obliged to follow through with the payment. They may claim to have a recording of this conversation in a further attempt to convince you to make a payment. They may also send invoices and sometimes follow up any unpaid invoices with the threat of legal action.
Businesses are often susceptible to such scams as the caller will often approach more than one person, creating confusion as to what another colleague may or may not have agreed to. One such organisation has even targeted this firm - but without success!
The elderly are also a target as they may be easily confused and vulnerable to such tactics. Once an individual or business has agreed to contribute towards one campaign then other scammers may obtain their details and the situation can quickly spiral out of control.
Further information can be found on the Office of Fair Trading website. If you think that you have already been the victim of fraud then report the incident to Action Fraud. This is a central organisation run by the National Fraud Authority. They will pass your report onto the police and can also offer help and advice to victims and their families.
There are a number of steps that you can take to help protect your business or an elderly relative against such scams. If you receive any calls of a similar nature then ensure that you check it out thoroughly before agreeing to make any payment and ask to see the publisher’s full terms and conditions before placing an order.
For more information please contact Ben Dures 01842 756104 or email ben.dures@mcp-law.co.uk.
