Issue Date:  -  Friday, 21 January 2000

International fax directory warning

"Watch out for correspondence for unsolicited directory advertising" was the warning put out today by the acting Commissioner for Fair Trading, Gary Newcombe.

Mr Newcombe said a number of West Australian businesses had recently reported receiving correspondence from IT&T AG, a company based in Switzerland.

"IT&T are sending proposals which cost a business approximately $995 for an entry in a fax Directory. The proposals look like invoices for services that have already been authorised," Mr Newcombe 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 Newcombe 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.

Mr Newcombe said that the Ministry will contact their counterparts in Switzerland to make them aware of the practice in the hope that it can be stopped.

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