Businesses - don't be a victim (From Worcester News)

Businesses - don't be a victim

1:40am Friday 17th July 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

FIRMS are being warned about the possibility of becoming victims of numerous scams targeted at small businesses every year.

Herefordshire Council’s trading standards service said the county has already been targeted by several companies this year.

Tim Thorne, principal trading standards officer, said scams on small businesses cost them millions every year.

One of those came from a company in Lancashire which cold calls firms trying to sell “key phrases” which, when used by consumers on a Google search, ensures your website comes top of the list. However, companies have been tied into year-long contracts and have had huge fees taken straight out of their bank account without receiving the service paid for.

“For decades now firms have been conned over advertising space in fictitious publications, usually from fraudsters based in the North West of England, but also abroad,” she said.

“Now we can add to that this alleged Internet scam. Any business can approach Google or any other search engine direct if they wish to try and increase their website traffic.

“We strongly advise businesses to be very careful when dealing with cold callers trying to sell them anything and only advertise in media they can trust such as local press and radio.”

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)