Of particular interest, however, was the fact that nearly 4 of every 10 companies do not require a second approval before bills are paid. This is true regardless of the amount of the invoice, according to nearly 79 percent of those responding. During the Christmas holiday season, the survey reveals that 69 percent of those responsible for paying invoices take time off. When asked, a significant number of participants agreed that mistakes are more likely to be made during the holidays. As the fifth largest advertising medium in the nation, Yellow Pages is the only medium targeted so widely by con artists, making Yellow Pages advertisers the most frequent victims of deceptive billing practices.
Telemarketing fraud is another means used to bilk businesses.
Telescam artists make offers for business products that sound too good to be true. If a business is lucky enough to receive the office supplies being peddled, the product invariably turns out to be of poor quality or over-priced. Your company's accounting department, or the individuals responsible for paying bills, should be made aware of solicitations disguised as invoices and other dubious bills from unfamiliar companies. Examine each bill carefully. Check files for pending contracts to ensure the mailing relates to advertising or merchandise that has been ordered.