Garage owners warned of new VAT business directory scam

Scam artists are attempting to pocket hundreds of pounds from workshops, the IGA has revealed

Garage owners warned of new VAT business directory scam
Image: Bigstock.

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has identified a new business directory scam which is targeting garage owners.

The scam letter was recently received by an IGA member.

The organisation, British Business & Commerce, sends an official looking letter to small businesses, telling them they are required under the EU to provide their VAT registration number on documents and therefore must send back their business and VAT details to update their database.

A form is enclosed with basic company information already filled in, but additional information such as the business’s VAT number, managing director name and a ‘legally binding signature’ are all required.

A business reply envelope is also supplied to send the form back.

An spokesperson for the IGA said: “Although no payment details are required on the form, the small print below states that the business agrees to the publication of their company’s data indicated on the form and place an order to publish it on www.british-business.com, with an annual billing of £997 due upon issue of the invoice.

“You should also be aware that although this letter is from the British Business & Commerce, you could receive one under a different business name.”

Garage owners can report scam letters to the Royal Mail, Citizens Advice and Action Fraud, while IGA members are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the IGA.

For further information about the IGA, select ‘more details’ below.

Home Page Forums Garage owners warned of new VAT business directory scam

Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #160415 Reply

    The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has identified a new business directory scam which is targeting garage owners. The organisation, British Busi
    [See the full post at: Garage owners warned of new VAT business directory scam]

    #160432 Reply
    LAWRENCE WELLS
    Guest

    Be warned, the action for fraud line is a premium rate line, it cost me £35 to report a scam business grants company in January and despite being assured they would do something and keep me up to date have not even bothered to call me back!. This really wound me up, i felt i was being ripped off trying to help others, i certainly wont bother again

Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

LEAVE A REPLY:

Reply To: Garage owners warned of new VAT business directory scam

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Have your say!

0 0

Lost Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.