Toner Phoners
There is a scam going around. Actually it’s been going around for thirty or forty years now, but you’ve got to love the classics. And, in this economy, knowing and avoiding the classics is a basic way to avoid cost leeching that can cut the belly out of your company which is already dealing with hardship and, well, doom.
Unlike toner phoners, who start up by finding your make and model printer and billing you for product, this scam involves a call from someone who admits from the get-go that they will be sending you printer toner. But unlike reputable sellers of toner cartridges, these jerks aren’t out to give you a deal. They are out to extort you.
The scam starts with the caller saying that they want you to try out new high quality toner, you just need to give them your make and model. You never should. Never. But many do and they get the high quality toner just like promised.
Except for the fine print.
There is always fine pint too. Something unmentioned in the agreement says that you need to do something to keep the free trial free. After you violate these unknowns they charge you. In a busy office or with a weak willed secretary the charge may get through, resulting in your company’s placement on a sucker list—so the free offers can start rolling in. Thousands of dollars can be extorted this way. Never give your info to anyone, and never trust a free trial.