BBB Warns Of Yellow Pages Scam
The Better Business Bureau of Central New England is warning of a scam reported by local businesses that involves fake Yellow Pages invoices and threatening phone calls.
According to the BBB, small businesses are receiving invoices from the U.S. Public Yellow Pages of Henderson, Nev., and other, similar companies that are not affiliated with the nationally recognized Yellow Pages directory.
The companies allegedly make calls to businesses, asking them questions that require yes and no answers and record the conversation. Months later, the targeted company receives an invoice for payment and when business owners call to refute the charges, they are played a version of the recorded phone call with their voice that is either edited to sound like they agreed to something or is of such poor quality that it can’t be understood.
The Yellow Pages company later sends a copy of the past-due bill saying payment is due within 28 days, but the businesses say they never received the original bill or agreed to services. They say they receive phone calls demanding payment and threatening legal action.
The BBB said the invoices look official and have the “walking fingers” logo that many people associate with the Yellow Pages.
The organization said scammers often prey on businesses in hopes that they’re careless in accounting or make mistakes.
"It is important to train all employees to recognize a possible phone directory scam," said Nancy B. Cahalen, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central New England. "Alerting all employees to this possibility and requiring them to follow up on questionable invoices could save the business hundreds of dollars and confusion."
If your company is a victim to a yellow pages scam or receives an invoice for a service or product that was not authorized, the BBB said to send a certified letter to the business stating the advertisement was never authorized, the recording is not legitimate, and to cease and desist contact and billing immediately. Also, the BBB advises business to file complaints at bbb.org and with the Federal Trade Commission.
Click here to read the full business review of the U.S. Public Yellow Pages company.
If you’re concerned about a questionable invoice, contact the BBB at www.bbb.org or 866-566-1323.
WBJ Web Partners
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