Scam Alert!
- Business Rescue Business Growth
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Be vigilant and protect yourself and your business from fraudulent calls
I recently had a couple of very panicking phone calls from clients and in less than a week! Small businesses and their owners are being targeted by scammers posing as Bailiffs from known reputable enforcement firms to demand money over the phone. They are also using fictitious business directory claims from big names such Google Ads and other known business directories. The scammers appear to be demanding small amounts under the £3k mark. They sound genuine and forceful to the point that in one incident the victim, a member of staff working on his own while the business owner was out, was coerced into using his own debit card details to make some payments towards the false claim, he paid £500 of his own money because he was afraid that the scammers would close his place of work! On this occasion the client was quick enough and was able to report the fraud to the Bank who is investigating the payment and had since refunded the employee.
So what we, as business owners, can we do to protect ourselves and our business:
1. First thing, if you receive this type of call, don’t panic. Calmly ask the caller to identify himself, his badge number, the enforcement company he is representing (reputable enforcement companies used certified Bailiffs), the case reference number and his mobile/telephone number. Also ask for the judgement order number and the court in which it was issued.
2. Bailiffs and enforcement agents must give 7 days notice on their first visit and they will have to provide their paperwork, such court orders.
3. If you know well that you have no history of any dispute or do not have any business relationship with the alleged claimant creditor, tell the caller that you will contact the company they are representing to confirm their visit.
4. If they become aggressive over the phone and refuse to provide information , calmly tell them that you have your rights to seek advise and that you will call the police to report them for harassment and hang-up. Call immediately the police non emergency number or dial 101 to report the harassment and that you and your business are being targeted by scammers.
5. Also contact immediately Action Fraud Police to report the scam. Their number is 0300 123 2040
6. It is important the need to Communicate and advise your staff and employees so they are also aware on how to deal with this type of calls and be vigilant so they don’t fall victims of scammers themselves
7. If they threaten to attend the premises or indeed if anyone turns up to the premises with no legitimate paperwork call the police on 999 immediately and say that there is a burglary in progress.
8. Call 999 immediately if you are in danger.
9. For more information on Business Directory Fraud or any other type of fraud click this link http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z_of_fraud
If you have any business issues that you need help with or like to discuss this article please contact us.