ISME warns firms of scams

EMPLOYERS’ group ISME said its members have seen an increase in rip-off scams.

The organisation said yesterday that it was warning members to be on their guard against fraudsters. ISME said small firms are being hit with a number a scams, including false advance fee contracts, entries into business directories, email ‘phishing’, bogus bank account verification and confirmation of ‘winnings’ in international lotteries being among the favourite scams perpetrated.

“While everybody, at this stage, should be aware of the letters, mainly emanating from Africa, promising millions in return for Irish companies’ bank details, there are also a number of other scams, including correspondence from so-called lottery companies, particularly those which originate in the Netherlands and Australia, claiming that individuals have won a substantial amount of money, which can only be processed on receipt of a particular fee,” ISME chief executive Mark Fielding said.