Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards Department is warning businesses to be on the lookout for unsolicited ‘invoices’ for entry into an international internet- and cd-based business directory.
Local companies have received ‘invoices’ from United Media International Business and Trade Database based in the Czech Republic. The invoice states that for £395 the business will have an entry on an internet and CD Rom-based fax directory.
Phil Ashcroft, Head of Trading Standards, said
"Businesses need to be extra vigilant, these look like genuine invoices. This ‘bill’ could easily be paid. If these documents had originated in the UK they would have to be clearly marked with indications that they were not demands for payment, and that there was no obligation to pay. As they originate from overseas, it is difficult to stop them, and recipient companies can be misled into believing they are bills and pay them. Under no circumstances should businesses respond to the mailshot, but just bin it."