Bytestart - The online small business portal
Search over 1700 Articles!


Comprehensive Online Business Insurance
- Tailored PI, Office, Public and Employers' Liability Insurance.
- Are you covered? Read our Essential PI Guide.
- Get a Quote and buy online in minutes.


Businesses urged to hang up on cold call scams

 print  e-mail 

Small businesses are being urged by the OFT to hang up on cold callers selling advertising in publications that they claim support the emergency services or charities.

The OFT and trading standards services across the country have received hundreds of complaints from businesses about the sales tactics of some telesales companies, particularly sales staff making false claims about links to the emergency services or charitable organisations. The OFT is also concerned about false claims that businesses have already agreed to buy advertising space and demands for payment when no such agreements have taken place.

Legitimate companies do exist but to reduce the risks of falling for cold call scams the OFT has the following tips:

  • don't take unsolicited calls when you are busy and can't give the salesman your full attention – if you want to talk, ask them to call back at a convenient time
  • don't agree to something on the phone just to get rid of a persistent caller – legally binding agreements can be made over the phone
  • be wary of unsolicited callers suggesting or implying that you are placing an order or entering an agreement when you don't wish to do so
  • be wary of follow-up calls – you may think they're just verifying details, but they may be trying to trick you into entering into an agreement
  • if you're not clear about any details, don't be rushed – ask questions
  • don't be pressurised into paying for services you haven't agreed to, that haven't been provided or that don't match those agreed to: if you are threatened with debt collectors or a credit black-listing, remember that ultimately only a court can decide whether you are liable to pay and disputes with another business will not necessarily affect your credit rating.

Sir John Vickers, OFT Chairman, said:

Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to these types of unfair business practice. We advise all businesses to be wary: don't be pressured or tricked into agreeing to advertising you don't want or into paying for something you haven't requested.'

Posted May 19, 2005



Latest articles in Latest News
 
Lobby group concerned over burden of additional business rates
[September 5, 2008] A leading business group has expressed its concern that small companies are not being protected from increased business rate costs.
 
Olympic benefit for small businesses?
[August 28, 2008] As the Olympic torch is handed over to London following the excellent Beijing games, new research suggests that entrepreneurs are unsure whether the 2012 event will benefit smaller companies.
 
BCC forecasts recession is a distinct possibility
[August 19, 2008] The British Chambers of Commerce has published its quarterly economic forecast, which predicts a distinct possibility of recession for the UK economy and foresees turbulent times for British businesses.
 
Many small business owners won't go on holiday this year
[August 19, 2008] A recent study suggests that 42% of small business owners have too much work on to take a holiday this year, with a similar number unable to take a break when they really wanted to.
 
Entrepreneurs slow of the mark with adoption of "green" behaviour
[August 18, 2008] Entrepreneurs in the UK have been slow to recognise the business advantages of adopting "green" behaviour according to a new report by business advisors Deloitte.
 
From 'Dog Psychologists' to 'Badger Consultants' - weird businesses are on the rise
[August 14, 2008] It seems that businesses are specialising in ever-stranger niches. Badger consultants, dog psychologists and vibration consultants are just three of the more unusual businesses that have joined more traditional British businesses such as plumbers and painters.
 
Direct Debit has smaller carbon footprint than cheques!
[August 11, 2008] Taking "green" news to a different level, a new report has found that Direct Debit payments are "greener" than cheques, as the carbon emissions generated by paper cheques are 65 times greater than the paperless direct debit payment!
 
Entrepreneurs remain optimistic despite economic downturn
[August 1, 2008] You can't go a day without mention of the "credit crunch" in the media. But despite the gloomy outlook for the economy, a recent study suggests that over half of all small business owners have no intention of changing their expansion plans.
 
Small business and academic worlds closer than ever
[July 28, 2008] Over the past five years, the links between the academic and small business worlds have increased, according to a survey carried out by the University of Nottingham.
 
Small businesses warned over HMRC tax scam
[July 3, 2008] The ICAEW is warning businesses to be careful when providing personal financial information following an email credit card scam.
 
 Our Partners
Hiscox Office Insurance
Instant Online Quotation
Limited or Umbrella Co.?
Ask Danbro today
Bibby Financial Services
Funding your business
Click HereAccept Online Payments
PayPoint.net Solutions
2 Years FREE Banking
Alliance & Leicester
MORE THAN Business
10% off PI Insurance
Free Day-to-Day Banking
Abbey - 0800 085 3099
Public Liability Insurance
Get online cover now

Click Here

 Key Services
Company Formation
Instant online setup!
£20 Free Postage
& 30 Day No Ties Trial
Cashflow Problems?
Try Invoice Financing
Phone and Broadband
Great deals for business
Compare Insurance Deals
Essential insurance cover
Virtual Office Service
For full details click here.

Click Here

Key Start Up Guides

Start Up Services

Past News Archives
1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 : 7 : 8 : 9 : 10 : 11 : 12 : 13 : 14 : 15 : 16 : 17 : 18 : 19 : 20

Click Here


 




















Free Bytestart News feeds