07/04/2005
Trading Standards issue scams warning
The Training Standards Service is urging local businesses to be wary of a number of scams which are operating across Northern Ireland.
Kevin McNamara of Trading Standards said the latest scams are going to “considerable length” to look legitimate but are all working to the same end, "namely to part local businesses from their hard earned money".
The scams include:
(MB/SP)
Kevin McNamara of Trading Standards said the latest scams are going to “considerable length” to look legitimate but are all working to the same end, "namely to part local businesses from their hard earned money".
The scams include:
- bogus registration mailshots – these may look like they have been issued by an official body using names such as the Data Protection Agency, and ask businesses to forward a fee for registration purposes etc.
- cold calls – an unsolicited telephone call leads to businesses unwittingly ordering goods or services. Goods are dispatched to the business, followed by a request for payment.
- bogus invoices – a fake invoice is sent to a business in the hope that payment is made. The amounts requested are usually small enough not to attract suspicion or require referral to a senior level.
- deceptive directory mailshots – the most persistent example of this is the European City Guide, now based in Valencia, Spain. The Guide sends out forms to local businesses asking them to check if the details held are correct and then to sign and return the form. However, terms hidden in the small print state that, by returning the form, businesses are agreeing to their details appearing in the next three editions of the Guide, at a cost of more than £1,800.
- bogus website registrations – businesses are contacted by telephone about their internet domain name. The caller claims to represent domain name registration agents and says that a request has been received to register a domain name very close to that of your business but that for a fee, which may be up to £150, the agent can protect the business’s name.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 February 2024
SF Calls For Urgent Delivery of Affordable Childcare
Sinn Féin's Childcare Spokesperson has urged the Executive to prioritise delivering affordable childcare for parents and families.
SF Calls For Urgent Delivery of Affordable Childcare
Sinn Féin's Childcare Spokesperson has urged the Executive to prioritise delivering affordable childcare for parents and families.
24 January 2024
PSNI Received 2,228 Domestic-Abuse Calls Over Christmas Period
The PSNI responded to a total of 2,228 domestic abuse calls between 20th November 2023 and 2nd January 2024, during their annual Operation 'Season's Greetings'. On these key festive dates from 24th December 2023 to 1st January 2024, the service also arrested more under 18s for domestic abuse related offences than the previous three years.
PSNI Received 2,228 Domestic-Abuse Calls Over Christmas Period
The PSNI responded to a total of 2,228 domestic abuse calls between 20th November 2023 and 2nd January 2024, during their annual Operation 'Season's Greetings'. On these key festive dates from 24th December 2023 to 1st January 2024, the service also arrested more under 18s for domestic abuse related offences than the previous three years.
14 March 2024
Alliance Calls For Action To Protect Young People Online
The Alliance Party has called for action to help young people faced with blackmail or similar situations online.
Alliance Calls For Action To Protect Young People Online
The Alliance Party has called for action to help young people faced with blackmail or similar situations online.
06 February 2024
L'Derry PSNI Respond To 234 Calls Last Weekend
Derry City & Strabane PSNI responded to a total of 234 calls between Friday, 2nd February and Monday, 5th February, including concern for safety reports, domestic assaults, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.
L'Derry PSNI Respond To 234 Calls Last Weekend
Derry City & Strabane PSNI responded to a total of 234 calls between Friday, 2nd February and Monday, 5th February, including concern for safety reports, domestic assaults, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.
05 February 2024
25 PSNI Officers Injured In Just 24 Hours
A total of 25 PSNI officers suffered injuries while on duty in just 24 hours, between Saturday and Sunday morning, 3rd and 4th February.
25 PSNI Officers Injured In Just 24 Hours
A total of 25 PSNI officers suffered injuries while on duty in just 24 hours, between Saturday and Sunday morning, 3rd and 4th February.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.