Transcript
telemarketing fraud…
BUYER BEWARE There is a basic premise inherent in all transactions that buyers are responsible for their own purchases and assume the risk of inspecting a product for defects or imperfections before signing on the dotted line (caveat emptor). While many laws are now in effect to protect consumers, unscrupulous suppliers continue to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. LANIER® is committed to providing the best aftermarket supplies in the industry. When buying parts and supplies for your Lanier products, use only the best. Genuine Lanier supplies are a significant component of a carefully engineered system built for performance, reliability, and quality output. We support our customers with exceptional post-purchase information, but we realize our industry is not immune to the “fraudulent telemarketers” or “telephone pirates” soliciting our customers offering special prices or sweet deals on supplies. These supplies are often inferior and sometimes useless in newer units. These “toner pirates” may represent themselves as a national manufacturer, distributor or supplier, or even mislead customers into thinking they are working with an authorized Ricoh representative. They may call several times to solicit information about the company, ultimately using high pressure tactics, hyping a one-time deal, an impending price increase, or limited stock. The prospective buyer often has no assurance of the quality of the goods, nor is there any guarantee of a suitable refund policy for unsatisfactory products. These fraudulent telemarketers seldom offer references or contact information, and cash or bank debits have become their preferred form of payment.
Protect your business against telemarketing fraud As a valued customer, some guidelines are provided for you to reference if you suspect any wrongdoing: • Never feel pressured to buy anything on the spot! • Have one person responsible for ordering supplies. • Know the contact person at your regular supplier and make sure your employees are aware of that contact. • Never give the make or model number of equipment over the phone unless you know the person with whom you are speaking. • Get a name/number to call the person back to discuss the pending “order.” If you do place an order, you may find upon delivery that much of your order is missing, or your invoice is much higher than anticipated. If possible, do not accept delivery. If you have already accepted shipment, contact your Better Business Bureau or State Attorney General’s office for assistance.
Beware of deals that “seem too good to be true” – they usually are!
Lanier wants to help you protect your business and yourself from fraudulent telemarketers Check with your authorized Lanier dealer or representative before you order. Fraudulent telemarketers are deceptive marketers. They deceive consumers into believing that their supply products are legitimate product and may represent their supplies as being genuine OEM. If the offer is “too good to be true,” it usually is just that! Protect your business and yourself by buying your supplies from Lanier authorized resellers. Telemarketing scams are very profitable and have been around for a long time. Beware of the ‘fraudulent telemarketers’ that are looking for an unknowing office staffer who will readily provide company information, a contact name to use for invoicing, and one that may even agree to the shipment. Key to surviving these scams is to educate employees about fraudulent telemarketing techniques. The FTC has some tips to protect you and your company against telemarketing fraud. • Inspect your bills and your shipments. Make sure that they correspond to what was ordered and match quoted prices. Verify your documentation for all purchases. • Beware of the unsolicited calls and watch for high-pressure sales tactics. Direct these callers to your authorized purchasing personnel. Know your rights. If you receive goods that you did not order, don’t pay for them. Report telemarketing fraud!
Protect your business - report telemarketing fraud Lanier authorized representatives are trained to identify themselves and build trusting relationships. If the caller is not an authorized salesperson, or cannot provide clear indication that they work for an authorized Lanier location, you should be suspicious.
Below are some resources and websites that can help you to increase awareness of telemarketing fraud, and offer ways to recognize, avoid and report fraudulent telemarketing abuse. • Federal Trade Commission – Website: www.ftc.gov You can file a complaint with the FTC by contacting the Consumer Response Center by phone: toll free 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-1357); by mail: Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20580 • Your State Attorney General • Business Technology Association (BTA) – Website: www.bta.org This site also contains points of contact for the State Attorney General’s office for all 50 states. • Better Business Bureau – Website: www.bbb.org • Imaging Supplies Coalition – Website - http://www.isc-inc.org A nonprofit association dedicated to educating, empowering and protecting consumers to combat counterfeiting and fraud in the imaging supplies industry.
Lanier Five Dedrick Place, West Caldwell, NJ 07006 www.lanier.com ©2011 Lanier is a registered trademark of Ricoh Americas Corporation. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The content of this document, and the appearance, features and specifications of Lanier products and services are subject to change from time to time without notice. While care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, Lanier makes no representation or warranties about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained herein, and shall not be liable for any errors or omissions in these materials. Actual results will vary depending upon use of the products and services, and the conditions and factors affecting performance. The only warranties for Lanier products and services are as set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying them.
