UCSD departments are often targets of unscrupulous companies or individuals who canvass phone numbers and monitor a company's Internet purchasing. They hope to find victims who will buy bogus, damaged, or discontinued products at exorbitant prices. The most common commodities are copier toner, printer cartridges, and Latex gloves.

If you identify a supplier scam, immediately contact Linda Collins, (858) 534-3082. If the incident includes copier toner or printer cartridges, also contact Larry Fox, (858) 534-8474.

Note: If Imprints provides your copier service, supplies such as toner are included in your service agreement. Therefore, please refuse any form of solicitation for toner for an Imprints-provided machine.

How do you identify supplier scams? Because these solicitors often know the type of item you normally order, identifying a scam can be difficult. Here are some tips:

• If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Supplier scams assume that you don't compare prices or check your invoices. In a recent incident, a scam supplier attempted to sell a UCSD department copier toner valued at $25 for over $600 with shipping and handling costs.
  • Don't fall for unreasonable discounts. There are usually hidden costs involved.
• Be aware of the "sales pitch."
  Here are some common examples:
  • "We're raising prices and have several cartons at the old price."
  • "We're selling discontinued items at close-out prices."
  • "This is a call on behalf of [department's usual supplier]."
  • "We have free items or gifts for ordering."
  • "You must order today to take advantage of the price."
  • "We're a function of your service agreement."
• Other sure-fire ways to identify a scam:
  • Scammers won't give their full names or provide telephone numbers.
  • The company's name is similar to your normal supplier's name.
  • They won't send you a quote, or anything in writing.
  • Scammers ask for your Social Security number or credit card number so you can qualify, or to identify your purchase.

Don't be a victim. You can guard against supplier scams by using the following guidelines:

• Allow only designated department buyers to place orders.
• Use only known companies — or ask for references.
• Don't give any information about your office equipment over the telephone or via e-mail to unfamiliar suppliers.
• Don't respond to unsolicited e-mails from unfamiliar suppliers.
• Never place an order via e-mail to a supplier you don't know.
• Return or refuse all items received from an apparent scam.
• Do not authorize payment for transactions you believe to be scams.

If you are unsure about dealing with a supplier contact a professional buyer for your area.

Links to more information on supplier scams:

Better Business Bureau Consumer Tips — Scams
Federal Trade Commission "Project BOSS"
Federal Trade Commission Business Alert
National Fraud Information Center — Scams Against Businesses
U.S. Department of Justice Telemarketing Fraud

Questions? Contact Linda Collins, (858) 534-3082.