23/04/10…Small businesses targeted by bogus companies

A scam from Mexico informing business they have been allocated a free entry in an agricultural show catalogue. The pro-forma page received shows some company information, but requests much more detailed information about the company and employees.

Companies are also receiving demands from Weinstein Williams Associates for advertisement in directories and newsletters they have not agreed to and have no knowledge of the publications.

The advice is:

Do not respond to unsolicited mail without ensuring it is from a genuine company.
Run a simple internet search to see if other companies have issues.
Businesses who are interested in supporting events should check with the organisers website to see who their promoters are.
Always be extremely cautious about giving financial or employee details via unsolicited mail

For further information

http://www.adscams.co.uk/tag/advertising-scam

http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/trading_standards/traders_advice/publishing_questionnaire.page?

If this information is appropriate please pass on to your colleagues or community group members.

Our web page will be updated later today.

http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/trading_standards/coldcalling/scams.page? if you prefer to send an email link to your contacts.