Warning over invoices scam

SHETLAND Islands Council’s trading standards department is warning of the latest attempted scam – this time misleading “invoices” for business software and other office supplies.

Trading standards team leader David Marsh said the documents were designed to look like requests for payment for products already supplied, but are actually invitations to enter into an agreement to purchase goods or services.

“This crucial point is stated – but only in the very small print, which could easily be missed by someone who is busy trying to deal with their paperwork towards the end of the financial year,” he said.

“Various versions of this particular example, from a company called OfficeMax, have been delivered throughout the UK in recent weeks – and Shetland businesses are among those which have been targeted.

“This type of business scam is not new, however, and there will no doubt be other examples under different names in the future – so it’s important that those dealing with invoices keep alert.”