Investigate the company.īefore making any commitments, investigate the firm. Remember: Directories given exclusively to consumers who purchase advertisements, and statewide directories may be of little or no use. Call the local Yellow Pages to learn if they are associated with the company sending the invoice.Where will the directory be distributed?.Are the directories free? If not, how much do they cost?.Who will be receiving copies of the directory?.To avoid scams, obtain the following information about the company before responding: YOU ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO PAY THE AMOUNT STATED ABOVE UNLESS YOU ACCEPT THIS OFFER. The United States Postal Department requires the following disclaimer to be on all solicitations, so consumers should look for it on the “invoice:” If it is a solicitation, the consumer has no obligations. Ask yourself, “Is this a solicitation or an invoice?” Please note courts have ruled that any business can use the “walking fingers” logo and the “Yellow Pages” term. Read the invoice carefully, including the terms and conditions and fine print. “THIS IS NOT A BILL” may appear on the invoice, but returning it may commit the consumer to a future bill.
This is a deceptive technique used to trick the consumer into thinking there is an established relationship. Most invoices contain the popular “walking fingers” logo and the name “Yellow Pages.” They will often include the consumer’s phone number, an account representative’s name and a request to fix any incorrect information. Before you pay an invoice for a Yellow Page Directory advertisement, familiarize yourself with the following: Why are the invoices confusing? Many directories do not get published at all. The invoices are usually sent by out-of-state companies that publish a directory that contains a limited number of businesses and has limited availability to consumers. Small businesses all over the nation are receiving solicitations that appear to be invoices from the local Yellow Page Directory.
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How to Protect Yourself: Yellow Pages Invoice Scam Source: Florida Attorney General's Office
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