New business telephone scams

[Baconbonce]

Help!

I've received one of these "do you want to buy some advertising space on a wallplanner to support a kids charity" calls this afternoon.

I haven't committed to anything (thankfully), in fact I said I wasn't committing to anything on the call, but did give them permission to call me back in a couple of weeks after I look into it. (stupidly).

I since did and it seems that these are pretty well known scams.

I am now worried that I've going to receive an invoice of some kind and get all sorts of hassle.

I've made a note of the call - times, name of person etc and what I said, but it's still bothering me.

Any advice to try and protect myself?

[humpbackmaniac]

I got stung by one of these, did you give your name? If not and an invoice arrives call them up and say the person who answered the phone does not have authority to order and can they cancel it asap.

Be warned though, be nice, at least at first, they do respond better if you are.

The blood sucking barstewards.
Failing that inform them as you are a secure centre all calls are recorded and you can supply a copy of the call proving the discussion. Offer to do this for a fee, say £80, enough to make them move on to the next poor sod. Be professional and say it as if you mean it.

Hope that helps.

[Eric Mc]

One of these companies is under investigation following its recent liquidation. Apparently, they had not produced a diary or wallchart/calender in three years, even though they were selling advertising in said diaries and wall harts/calenders.

[Baconbonce]

Thanks for the replies.

I've done some further looking into it and the general advice seems to be ignore the invoices and any threats of court action etc. People who pay up only get further problems as they are seen as a "soft touch".

Even though I haven't agreed to anything, I'm half expecting an invoice to drop through the door at some point.

All good fun!