24/05/04 - Unsolicited Invoice Warning

Cumbria County Council Trading Standards Department is warning businesses to be on the lookout for invoices headed UTP. The invoice requests payment of £390 for entry into an internet business guide. The demands come from Switzerland and are sent out randomly to businesses in the hope that some will unwittingly pay for an entry in a directory they have not ordered and do not want.   

Also known as inertia selling, businesses who receive an ‘offer’ which includes an invoice for an entry in a directory/guide for which they have no knowledge or prior agreement, have no obligation to pay. It is an offence for the trader to demand payment, which explains why a lot of these demands are from abroad where they are not be subject to UK law.    

Councillor Jack Richardson, Cumbria County Council’s Safety Spokesman, says:   

"Here is another example of businesses receiving payment demands for something they have not ordered. My advice to any business receiving it is to throw the letter in the bin".