Consumer Tips

Unsolicited Invoices

For your information the BBB advises that it has received numerous complaints from businesses & organizations alleging they have received 'invoices' for goods or services which they had not ordered, or 'second notices' requesting payment when no 'first notice' had been received. Sometimes, 'final notices' have been received, threatening that the account would be turned over to a credit department and that such action could affect the credit rating of the organization and make it liable for collection and legal costs.

What you have received RESEMBLES an invoice. It may be, in fact, a form of advertising. You are not required to pay anything unless you wish to participate in the offer. In some cases the goods or services offered may be of lesser quality than the quality expected for the price. In many cases these look alike invoices are paid by unwary accounts payable personnel. Be sure to educate your staff to recognize solicitations in the form of look alike invoices. Also, be sure your payables system has at least two people to authorize any payments so they can check each other.