The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has today issued a media release and SCAMwatch radar alerting small businesses that the fake ‘Yellow Pages’ business directory scam has resurfaced in Australia.
There has been a surge in reports from small businesses who have received a fax claiming to be from ‘Yellow Page Australia’ and ‘Open Business Directory Ltd’. On first glance, the fax appears to be seeking confirmation of the contact details for their business. However on closer inspection, the fax is in fact an agreement to sign up to an online business directory service charged at $99 per month for a minimum two-year period.
Businesses are tricked into thinking the fax is affiliated with Sensis’ Yellow Pages® directory by using this well-known Australian company’s name and ‘Walking Fingers’ logo. However, Sensis warns that ‘Yellow Page Australia’, ‘Online Business Directory’ and the website ‘www.yellow-page-australia.com’ are in no way connected with Sensis or Telstra.
The ACCC is urging small business operators to be alert and follow these three key rules:
1. If you receive a ‘Yellow Pages’ fax or email, bin it. Sensis will never approach you this way.
2. If you get a threatening phone call, email or fax demanding payment – ignore it and report it.
3. Spread the word. Ensure employees are aware of this scam and know how to protect your business
For more information, visit SCAMwatch or the online ACCC Media Centre.
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