In another notice from the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office, the Better Business Bureau is now alerting area businesses of a phony invoice being sent to businesses that is actually a solicitation.
The lookalike invoice is being sent by US Telecom also known as UST Development, Inc. and appears to cover the cost of a preventative maintenance warranty. The company has received over 140 complaints from business owners and has an “F” rating with the BBB in Los Angeles, California. The BBB offers the following tips to help your business avoid being successfully targeted:
- Be on the lookout for solicitations disguised as bills. Fake invoices sometimes state “This is not a bill.”
- Carefully review all bills and invoices from companies, especially those that are unfamiliar.
- Keep a list of regularly used vendors.
- Establish effective internal controls for the payment of invoices.
- Verify all invoices with the person who gave purchase authorization.
Check the BBB Business Review on any business that has contacted you before signing anything or giving out any payment information.
If you would like more information regarding questionable invoices or required Colorado business filings, please contact our Business Law Group partner, David A. Closson at [email protected].