Last summer, the BBB received calls from businesses that were targeted by scam artists abusing Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). According to a local Denver business manager and other businesses across the nation, this scam is making another round and some areas even hear about it on a consistent basis.
The Telecommunications Relay Service is a telephone service that allows people with hearing or speech disabilities to place and receive phone calls. TRS communication assistants serve as a ‘middle man’ for the call, relaying what the impaired person types to the called party by voice.
How the scam works:
The scam operator places a call through TRS to a local auto repair business stating they want to send their vehicle to the shop for repairs. The scammer then gives the shop a credit card to charge for the repairs and shipping fees. The scammer asks the company to wire the shipping amount to the “towing company” that will be delivering the vehicle. Unbeknownst to the company, the money is actually being wired to the scam operator. Later, the shop receives a call from their credit card processor informing them the card was stolen and charges will be reversed on the shop’s merchant account. The shop has been scammed and is unable to recover funds. Other forms of this scam are “over-payment” situations where the caller places a large order, asks to charge a higher price to the card and then asks the company to “do a favor” for them by wiring the leftover money directly to them.
All Businesses Beware:
This scam usually targets business in the auto repair industry; however, the scam can easily be altered and used on any business.
Your BBB reminds ALL businesses:
- To keep their guard up and never wire money to anyone unfamiliar regardless if they have given you a credit card to cover the cost.
- Inform all of your employees to beware of similar phone calls.
- Establish policies about payment processes and make sure all employees follow protocol.
