20/05/2002
Businesses urged to beware of website mailshot
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Trading Standards Service has warned Northern Ireland businesses to double-check invoices and carefully scrutinise mailshots.
The warning was issued following calls from local businesses who have received unsolicited correspondence from a company called Central Web Pages Register Ltd (CWP).
This company has been posting out forms to companies to register on their website. However, while the registration form looks like an invoice and demands payment, it also contains a section headed “Important Note” which may mislead people into thinking that non-payment of the £225.60 (the registration fee for the website) will result in their business being disconnected from the internet.
Trading Standards Inspector Kevin McNamara said: “This current mail-shot is a new version of an established technique. Business and - in particular - their accounts personnel should always be on the lookout for this type of mail and for unsolicited invoices in general.
"It is often the case that the amounts being requested are small enough not to attract suspicion. The message from Trading Standards is to encourage staff to scrutinise invoices and challenge any that seem suspicious.”
If any business requires more advice about the CWP mailshot, or unsolicited invoices in general, they should contact Trading Standards Service on 028 9025 3935 and ask for Kevin McNamara.
(MB)
The warning was issued following calls from local businesses who have received unsolicited correspondence from a company called Central Web Pages Register Ltd (CWP).
This company has been posting out forms to companies to register on their website. However, while the registration form looks like an invoice and demands payment, it also contains a section headed “Important Note” which may mislead people into thinking that non-payment of the £225.60 (the registration fee for the website) will result in their business being disconnected from the internet.
Trading Standards Inspector Kevin McNamara said: “This current mail-shot is a new version of an established technique. Business and - in particular - their accounts personnel should always be on the lookout for this type of mail and for unsolicited invoices in general.
"It is often the case that the amounts being requested are small enough not to attract suspicion. The message from Trading Standards is to encourage staff to scrutinise invoices and challenge any that seem suspicious.”
If any business requires more advice about the CWP mailshot, or unsolicited invoices in general, they should contact Trading Standards Service on 028 9025 3935 and ask for Kevin McNamara.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 May 2002
Trade Awards mark North South co-operation
The InterTradeIreland All-Island Trade Awards in the Waterfront Hall marked the increasing importance of the contribution of cross-border businesses throughout Ireland.
Trade Awards mark North South co-operation
The InterTradeIreland All-Island Trade Awards in the Waterfront Hall marked the increasing importance of the contribution of cross-border businesses throughout Ireland.
19 July 2016
Businesses Invited To Participate In West Coast USA Trade Mission
Invest NI have announced a new multi-sectoral manufacturing trade mission to the West Coast USA from 26 – 30 September, 2016. Businesses are invited to join the mission and take advantage of the business opportunities within the region.
Businesses Invited To Participate In West Coast USA Trade Mission
Invest NI have announced a new multi-sectoral manufacturing trade mission to the West Coast USA from 26 – 30 September, 2016. Businesses are invited to join the mission and take advantage of the business opportunities within the region.
10 September 2001
Local businesses in first ever trade mission to Iceland
Senior managers from 13 companies will be seeking to develop business in Iceland on the first ever trade mission to this market organised by Trade International Northern Ireland.
Local businesses in first ever trade mission to Iceland
Senior managers from 13 companies will be seeking to develop business in Iceland on the first ever trade mission to this market organised by Trade International Northern Ireland.
02 April 2002
Irish Trade minister welcomes Ireland's strong trade performance
Ireland's Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Tom Kitt, has welcomed the positive trade performance recorded in the 2001 trade figures issued by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
Irish Trade minister welcomes Ireland's strong trade performance
Ireland's Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Tom Kitt, has welcomed the positive trade performance recorded in the 2001 trade figures issued by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
11 January 2002
DETI warn of advertising scam
The DETI Trading Standards Service have issued a warning to Ulster businesses to be extra vigilant when approached for company data, as some unscrupulous organisations have been using information gathering as a method of ‘selling’ advertising space. Directory publishers have been targeting many types of businesses in Northern Ireland.
DETI warn of advertising scam
The DETI Trading Standards Service have issued a warning to Ulster businesses to be extra vigilant when approached for company data, as some unscrupulous organisations have been using information gathering as a method of ‘selling’ advertising space. Directory publishers have been targeting many types of businesses in Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.