Issue Date:  -  Thursday, 15 March 2001

Fax Directory offer appears as invoice

"Watch out for correspondence for unsolicited directory advertising" was the warning put out today by the Commissioner for Fair Trading, Patrick Walker.

Mr Walker said a number of West Australian businesses had recently reported receiving correspondence from Internet Business Guide, a company based in Switzerland.

Internet Business Guide is sending proposals, which cost a business approximately $960 for an entry in a fax directory. The proposals look like invoices for services that have already been authorised," Mr Walker said.

"Businesses should beware of order forms which may trick the unwary into signing for something the business may not want. Those with informal accounts payable systems are particularly susceptible."

Mr Walker went further to say that the Fair Trading Act required directory entries to be authorised in writing.

"If there is a disputed claim for payment, tell the publisher to send a copy of a signed order form before making payment," he said.

The Ministry of Fair Trading encourages all businesses to be very vigilant as overseas operations are outside of the Ministry's jurisdiction.