How To Avoid Being A Toner Phoner Scam Victim
Paper Company A: “Hi, you've reached our amazing paper company how can we help you?
Caller: “Hello, I'm a scam artist calling to con you out of lots of money. Could I please speak to your office manager so we could get started?”
Said no scammer ever.
If it were this easy to spot a toner phoner scam, how lucky offices would be. Alas, it doesn’t work that way.
Thus companies learn hard lessons about being extra careful to prevent fraud. The ugly five letter word that's inconvenient, messy and costs big bucks.
But how do you know what to look for?
We've got you covered.
With some useful tips and little-known information on how to spot a scammer, we're here to help you steer clear of being a victim of toner phoner scams.
What Is A Toner Phoner Scam?
This is usually when a company receives a call asking for some random information. It could be something like your copier's serial number or the name of your office manager in charge of handling invoices.
If they get this information, then the company receives a large delivery of something like low-grade copier paper or no name brand toner. Along with a stiff bill.
Most times the scammers would count on the company to overlook the inconsistency and pay the invoice - no questions asked. If this happens, the company in question has become their new target for more phoner scams.
Don’t be that company. Read on to find out how you can avoid it.
How Do You Spot A Toner-Phoner Scam
It’s not easy to spot a toner phoner scam but there are a few things to look for that might help make the distinction between a legit call and an actual scam.
If you receive a call and the person on the other end is asking for quick answers to a survey, or perhaps they have a question for your manager or sometimes they'll even try to entice you with a limited time offer on a normally expensive product - it's probably a scam.
Ways To Beat A Toner Phoner Scammer
There are ways to be effective in preventing a company scam. One of the more proactive methods is to train employees. The people charged with answering the phones should know what information not to relay to a caller - unsuspecting or not.
Your company should train office staff on how not to reveal an office manager's name nor the information on their office equipment. If someone needs a callback, the office employee should only promise a call back from a “manager as soon as possible."
It sends the message to potential scam artists that you're not an option for their risky business.
Another way to prevent phoner scams is to establish a company system. Appoint one person in charge of buying and stocking supplies. If only one person handles all things related to invoicing and keeps company records up to date, it's quicker to spot inconsistencies.
An even more effective approach is to use an office supply company you trust. If you have one company for all your office needs, it's easier to notice when something is off. Your company would have built a relationship with this office supplier, lessening the chances of a scam.
Some things to remember
If your company does fall victim to a toner phoner scam, all is not lost. That stiff bill they stuck you with? You don't have to pay it.
If your company didn't order these items, then legally, you are not liable to pay for it. It then becomes a gift and gifts don't usually come with price tags.
The Federal Trade Commission encourages businesses to deter from paying suspicious invoices. They also speak against sending the delivered packages back since the scammer might want to incur a restocking fee. Just accept as a gift and move on while keeping tabs on your current office supply stock and real invoices updated.
Scam artists play on the hope that your company would feel obliged to pay for something that's already delivered - even if it's not needed. So know your rights and don't pay them a penny. If you cave in, you become a target for future scams. But if you decide not to pay, there's no gain for the scammers except that they will likely try again with a different, more improved tactic.
And you'll be ready.