February 2006 - Small Business News

Beware of Cold Call Publishing Scams
 

If you receive a cold call asking for money, you would probably know to be cautious about handing over money. Yet despite this, many businesses are falling for scams from fake charity publishers, the DTI has warned.

The fake publishers are calling businesses around the UK and asking them for donations or to place adverts in various publications including charity booklets, emergency services magazines, and children's hospital 'activity' books. In reality, few are even printed. Common tactics used by the fake publishers include:


 

• Catching victims unawares by making unsolicited contact by telephone - often using numbers from telephone directories

• Tricking victims into agreeing with statements, sometimes unwittingly signing them up to a campaign. A standard question is: 'do you agree that children need better drugs education?'

• Pressurising victims into feeling guilty if they don't offer money

• Offering a smaller (cheaper) sponsorship/ donation opportunity if businesses first say no
  
  
  The DTI advises businesses to take the following actions to make sure that such a scheme is not a scam:
   

• Always check the credentials of the businesses and charities involved

• Ask as many questions as possible

• Never send money or give out personal/business details until after you have checked the credentials out.

• If unsure, contact your local Trading Standards department or Citizens advice bureau for advice

• You can check whether a charity is genuine by looking it up on the register of charities on the Charities Commission website.