Don’t be caught out by criminal scams and cons aimed at businesses. See below for scams that we’ve been made aware of that have affected others.
If you’ve been affected by a scam let us know using the contact details listed at the bottom of this page and we can publish the details here to help stop other local businesses from being hit.
Let us know
If you have experienced a problem in your business and would like further advice, contact the Partnership's coordinator by clicking the link in the main navigation list, on the left side of this page. By reporting the matter you will help to prevent other businesses falling victim.
It must be appreciated that any advice received is done so without assumption of total accuracy or completeness, and is taken by the Partnership as a gesture of goodwill on the part of the contributor.
Neither the Islington Business Partnership or Islington Council accepts liability for any errors or omissions pertaining to information reported.
Businesses should obtain specific legal advice, when determining whether or not to participate in the activities of other businesses who may approach them.
Current scams
Please click on the scam listed below that you are interested in finding out more about or alternatively scroll down this page.
Rogue publishers
London 2012
Postal scam
Data protection registration notices
Business rate agents
Directory entries
Adverts around maps
Rogue publishing companies have been targeting businesses by issuing bogus invoices. Some organisations are estimated to have fraudulently paid out £50,000.
More information on these scams is available by visiting Manchester Trading Standards website, linked from the right hand side of this page.
A number of scams specifically directed at businesses around the London 2012 Olympics have come to light recently. One example is a telephone scam where businesses are cold-called and offered the chance to advertise on the London 2012 website.
Please be aware that London 2012 does not sell advertising space on their website.
If you are approached by someone stating that they can get your business on to a London 2012 procurement list or something similar, London 2012 recommend that you decline the offer and do not pay them anything.
All official information about business opportunities relating to London 2012 will be provided on the London 2012 website, linked on the right hand side of this page.
Another scam currently being reported is a business getting a card posted through their letterbox from PDS Parcel Delivery suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel. The company request that you contact them on 0906 6611911.
DO NOT call the number as this is a mail scam originating from Belize and the number is charged at premium rate.
If you do receive a card with these details then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 0207 239 6655 or get in touch with Islington Trading Standards on 020 7527 3198.
Letters originating mainly from the north of England have been circulating, asking for £95 plus VAT to register your business details. The letters look official and warn of enforcement action for non-compliance.
The Information Commissioner’s office states that the current notification fee is £35 and no VAT is payable.
For more information and to see a warning list of scam letters, visit the Information Commissioner’s website by clicking the link under Useful Websites, on the right side of this page.
Business rate consultants making claims that your non-domestic rates can definitely be reduced for payment of a fee, and who then do not complete the service, are common in many areas of London. Whilst professional advisors can be helpful you should check thoroughly about who you are hiring.
Where possible use a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Click on the link under Useful Websites for more information.
Cold calling by sales reps who ask for your business details can often result in a large invoice being sent through the post, with claims that you have agreed to a directory entry. Ensure that you and any staff you employ clearly point out that you only order such services in writing or by confirmation e-mail. Do not agree to anything over the phone.
This type of advertising can be useful. However, a small number of rogue businesses have been known to exaggerate distribution figures and make false claims that they are working with the emergency services. Make sure you have all facts and figures in writing.
Page Last Updated: 31 October 2008