ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - The Better Business Bureau of Western Virginia is warning area businesses about a deceiving marketing campaign using fake invoices to scam owners.
The BBB said several Virginia business owners have reported getting the fake invoices from WebsiteBackup LLC for payment of services they never authorized. The supposed invoices, complete with phony account numbers, are for an annual website backup service plan for $70.
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The company has already made its way through other states, including Arizona. As of April 29, WebsiteBackup LLC has an F rating with BBB of Central, Northern and Western Arizona, with 54 complaints. WebsiteBackup LLC has failed to respond to 50 of the complaints. The company also has 87 customer reviews, 84 of which are defined as a negative experience.
According to the BBB in Arizona
, business owners reported when they contacted WebsiteBackup LLC about the billing error, the company claims it is not really clear on the invoice and then asks the caller if they have a current website provider.
BBB said it has reached out to the company on more than one occasion regarding the invoices. The company provided information which indicates the mailer is an advertisement. BBB has requested substantiation and discontinuation of the mailer. Although BBB has received some responses from the company, WebsiteBackup LLC has failed to address BBB's requests.
The BBB said small lettering on the back of the invoice reads, "Sign up date is considered the date WebsiteBackup receivers your payment. After the 10-day period, there are no refunds. However, you may still cancel your account at any time."
BBB offers the following tips for business owners:
- Question the services. If your company did not order the services, or have a history of business with that company, do not supply any personal information or submit payments. You are not legally required to pay the invoice.
- Train your staff. Inform employees to be aware of potential invoice scams. Encourage them to flag suspect invoices for review.
- Keep up-to-date records. Record an updated list of vendors and services your business is associated with to avoid falling for a scam that looks similar to a legitimate company.
- Start With Trust. Contact BBB if you feel you have received an invoice in error, have questions about the company, or believe you have been the victim of a scam.