Warning to businesses: Beware of Phoney Invoices

OTTAWA, June 19, 2000 — The Competition Bureau today issued a warning to businesses to take precautions before paying what appear to be invoices for telecommunications services.

Questionable invoices have surfaced recently in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia and the Bureau has received reports that these invoices have been sent to businesses in Manitoba.

The invoices in question are sent to recipients requesting payment of approximately $25.52 for a supposed listing in an Internet business directory, a service that had not been previously requested. The invoices look similar to those sent by legitimate publishers of business directories. For instance, the phoney invoices contain slightly modified, well known and nationally recognized business logos.

Before paying any invoice, businesses and consumers should:

• take careful note to determine if they have agreed to purchase the product or service involved;
• call the phone number listed on the invoice for further details, if there are questions about an invoice;
• contact the usual sales representative to verify the legitimacy of the invoice, if there is any doubt;
• if an invoice has been mistakenly paid, assuming it was a genuine invoice for services rendered, call the company and request an immediate refund.

The Competition Bureau examines complaints of suspected misleading representations in the marketplace. Businesses and consumers who believe they have been misled should contact the Bureau toll free at 1-800-348-5358. Further information about the Bureau's programs and activities can be found on the Bureau's web site located at: http://competition.ic.gc.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Cynthia Grant
819-994-0349