10 Ways to Spot a Toner Pirate
 
1. Firm's name intended to sound like a government agency or the caller says they are affiliated with a company name that sounds like Fairfax.
 
2. You must act on the offer that day.
 
3. Telemarketer acts like he/she has done business with you before.
 
4. Unwilling to send prices in writing.
 
5. Unwilling to give you references.
 
6. Caller asks for your copier, fax or printer model number.
 
7. Caller asks for the serial number of your copier, fax or printer.
 
8. The caller avoids giving you an actual dollar amount.
 
9. Caller may offer you a free gift for ordering.
 
10. The caller is often located out of state and won't give you an exact address.
 
If someone claims to be calling from our company and you believe it may be a toner pirate, say you will call them back. Then call FAIRFAX at 914-242-3600
 
 
Toner Pirates Are Costing Consumers Millions
 
You can protect your company by learning to recognize the scams and understand your rights.
 
The office supplies peddled by these bogus firms could cost you up to ten times the amount it would cost through Fairfax and are often of poor quality. The caller may pretend to be Fairfax, a replacement, or an authorized supplier. They may also falsely claim that prices are going up soon, or a computer glitch delayed notification of a price increase, but, as a courtesy, an order has been reserved at the "regular" or "old" price. Some companies will even call and ask your receptionist who the person is that orders your supplies and what your address is. They will then send you supplies that you never ordered. They will delay mailing you an invoice with inflated pricing, hoping you will use the supplies before you check into where they came from.
 
How can you avoid becoming a victim?
 
1. Have a specific individual do your supply ordering. Train your receptionist not to give out this individual's name.
 
2. Know who your supply representative is. Our supply rep will send you their business card to keep on hand. Please keep this near your phone for easy access.
 
3. If you are suspicious that you may be talking to a toner pirate, get specifics. If they claim they are a current supplier, know and ask them what your account number or maintenance agreement number is. Ask them to fax your pricing in writing, or ask for references.
 
4. Issue a written PO with an authorized signature and purchase order number.
 
5. When merchandise arrives, your receiving employee should verify that it matches the packing list -paying special attention to brands and quantity - and your purchase order
 
6. Don't pay bills unless they match your documentation.