BOISE, Idaho - On March 11, the Better Business Bureau warned businesses not to respond to a fax that appears to be from the Idaho Association of General Contractors (AGC).
"At first glance, the fax looks like a dues invoice for AGC," said BBB President/CEO Dale Dixon. "A closer look reveals the fax is actually from American General Construction Association."
The BBB was not able to find much information about the organization sending the faxes, but did find a number of similar warnings being issued throughout the U.S.
The BBB encourages business owners and managers to have a discussion with all employees about sound business practices that prevent scammers from taking advantage of businesses through look-alike and sound-alike names. The BBB offers the following advice:
- Never place an order via fax, phone or email unless you initiate the contact.
- Use http://snake-river.bbb.org/Find-Business-Reviews/ to research all organizations before making a purchase.
- Check your records to confirm claims of previous business dealings.
- Before signing up for membership, make sure the organization exists.
- Establish effective internal controls for the payment of invoices.
- Channel all bills through one department.
- Verify all invoices with the person who gave written or verbal authorization.