Be Scam Aware - potential advertising scam

Central

Bedfordshire

Scam Aware

Central Bedfordshire Council’s Trading Standards team is warning small businesses to be aware of a potential advertising scam.

We have had reports from some small businesses that have received a letter and/or invoice, from a company called "CPA Media", for payment of advertising that the business has apparently agreed to. On some occasions the business is threatened with court action if they do not pay within fourteen days or call to dispute the invoice.

Based on the information received we believe that these letters / invoices bear the hallmarks of a popular type of scam aimed at small businesses.

Our advice to small businesses would be, if you receive an invoice for advertising work which you are unsure you have agreed to, or dispute ever agreeing to, request the sender of the invoice to provide proof of an agreed contract or a copy of the advertising in question. A legitimate company will always be happy to provide this information. Do not feel intimidated by any threats of court action - if you have not formed a contract or not agreed to the work, then you are not liable to pay!

If you have information about suspect rogue traders or would like to report a possible scam please initially contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, in order so that all relevant regulatory authorities are notified.

In the meantime, please visit our website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/bescamaware for advice and guidance on how to spot a scam and how to avoid becoming a victim.

Kind regards

Trading Standards

(Community Safety and Public Protection)