Read a Telemarketing Scam Script

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Here are scripts seized during an investigation of a toner supply scam targeting businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

Catalogue Pitch (PDF; 20 KB; 1 Page)

Catalogue Pitch Hi my name is_______. I'm calling from___________. We are sending out a free catalogue for the year 2001. We would like to make sure the person responsible for ordering supplies receives the catalogue. Also, we need to know what type of printers you are using along with the model number to ensure you receive the right catalogue for your machines. The make and model # is located on the front of your printer. Thank you.

In the first script, the caller is asking for the make and model number of your printer. In exchange, you will receive a new catalogue.

Once the caller gets your name, as well as details of your printers and copiers, this person has everything he or she needs to make a second call.

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Warehouse Script (PDF; 50 KB; 1 Page)

Warehouse Script Good morning/afternoon can I speak to _______. It's__________once again from_______. As you know we're the people who handle the supplies for______Copier. How is the machine working these days? If you do have any problems give your service guy a call that's what he's there for. The reason I called is that we are in the midst of a major Warehouse move here at the company and this move is coinciding with Christmas!! What the company has decided to do is reduce the cost on the toner by 40%. It just means we will have to move less of the toner at the end of the day from one Warehouse to the next and do our customers a favor at the same time. What I've done_________is to set aside_______box of the toner at the reduced price for you....Now your still at___________. Before I leave you_______, it is as well coming up to Christmas and every year we celebrate with all of our long and loyal customers old and new. I am very happy and pleased to say that this year we're popping off something extra special because it's our 25th aniversary!!!!! It comes in the form of a rare 375 ml bottle of French white wine...Actually it comes in either the French white or the Italian red. So out of the French white or the Italian red, which would you prefer red or white?? Great! What I will do then to save a little courier cost is pop the ________wine on the top of the________box(es) of toner. So make sure you get to the box before somebody else gets to it...Okay? One other thing__________, there is an extra 2% off if you take care of the invoice within 15 days (That's on top of discount you're already getting). Where do I send the invoice? Thanks and we'll see you in a couple of days.

The second script is a good example of an "assumed sale" tactic, where the target is asked to confirm information but is never asked directly if he or she is interested in purchasing the toner.

• 1st paragraph: Because the fraudster asks specific questions about your copier, you may be misled into thinking that you have an ongoing business relationship with a legitimate company.



• 2nd paragraph: You are pitched an incredible offer, a savings of 40%! Notice that you are not told what the regular price for toner is or what the sale price of toner will actually cost you.



• 3rd paragraph: You are never directly asked if you want the toner, nor are you told the price.



• 5th paragraph: Everyone likes to get something for free so by offering you a bottle of wine, you may be lulled into thinking about your bonus gift rather than focusing on the details of their pitch on toner.

Background:

These two scripts were used in a scam promoting the sale of toner products to businesses across Canada and the United States, as well as to not-for-profit organizations, churches, schools, universities and government agencies. Through an intricate and highly-detailed series of false and misleading representations, targets of the scam were convinced that they had an existing business relationship with Lexcan International Corporation and H&P Communications Inc. Businesses and organizations were persuaded to pay exorbitant prices for toner products they did not want and did not order. Those who refused to pay were subjected to aggressive collection practices and threatened with court action or collection agencies.

In March 2007, a fine of $1.5 million was levied against Lexcan and H&P, and the owner of both operations pleaded guilty to 11 criminal charges under the Competition Act and related charges under the Criminal Code.