A variation of the phony invoice scam times the sending of a fake bill to coincide with a purchase of legitimate services. For example, after seeing an ad in a publication or directory, the con artist sends a bill for unordered classified advertising. The scam operator hopes to confuse the company into paying his bill instead of, or in addition to, the legitimate invoice. A caller may pose as a regular supplier in the pretender scam, often misrepresenting the quality, quantity, type, price or brand of the merchandise. One small Wisconsin insurance agency used the inferior toner and it damaged the machinery, she said.
Businesses end up waging a lawsuit recover damages in such cases.
The gift-horse scam is devastating because it not only tries to get money, but also creates mistrust within an organization. When the unordered shipment arrives, following by an overpriced invoice, the employee may not be believed when questioned about the order. The company often pays the invoice thinking the employee actually ordered the supplies in error. Knowledge about this potential fraud is the best weapon, and several government agencies are working to alert consumers. Protecting your business from office supply scams is simple if you know your rights.