Last year we informed our readers of a scam that had made its way to the Tri-State:
The Better Business Bureau warns small business owners that reports of scammers plying their trade through telephone relay services ” typically used by the hearing impaired to make phone calls ” are cropping up all across the country. At a time when businesses literally can’t afford to fall victim to fraud, this scam is experiencing a comeback and small business owners should take precautions to avoid losing thousands of dollars.
We learned that the scam resurfaced later that year but have not heard from business owners since October 2009. That is, until last week.
A local Accredited Business forwarded an email to our office detailing a request for service in exchange for payment by credit card over the phone. When the credit card cleared, the business owner was then asked to wire transfer funds to a third party who would also be providing services to the individual. This email was from an individual who had previously called the business several times in the course of a year and the owner stated he called from different locations each time. (Most of these locations were nearby, which our business owner thought made the story more believable.)
Your BBB recommends taking the following steps if you receive a similar request:
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If the customer is using a TTY Relay Operator ask the customer for his/her full name, address and telephone number.
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Ask the customer to provide the name of the issuing bank and its toll-free customer service number as printed on the back of all credit cards.
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Ask the customer for the three or four digit Card Verification Code that is found near the account number on the back or front of a credit card.
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Tell the customer that you will check with the bank and call them back. When you do that, keep good notes. Verify all information the customer provides. If a customer objects, explain that these procedures are for their protection, as well.
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If the customer still objects to providing any of the above information, abandon the conversation and advise that you are not prepared to do business this way. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your BBB.
