Media release

Don't get caught by dodgy offers from a firm called NZ Business Online, says Hamish Wilson, Testing Manager for Consumer NZ.

Over the last week Consumer has been contacted by a number of subscribers about NZ Business Online, a company which claims to run "NZ's Leading Business Directory".

NZBO have clearly just done a bulk mail-out - there's been complaints from all over the North Island. Fair Go also screened an item on this last Wednesday.

The mail-out consists of a tax invoice which is described as being for "renewal" of a one year subscription to NZBO's online business directory www.nzbol.co.nz. The invoice claims that the invoice was generated "because you listed your company details on [NZBO's website]".

All who've complained about the mail-out say they have never had anything to do with the company and have certainly never subscribed to the company's directory or agreed to pay them any money. One of the complainants believes NZBO had simply lifted his business details from his listing in the Yellow Pages.

On the face of it, NZBO seems to be engaged in what is known as "pro forma invoicing", which is banned under the Fair Trading Act.

Consumer NZ thinks the Commerce Commission should investigate NZBO's invoicing and we've passed the details on to them.

We suggest anyone who receives an unexpected invoice from NZBO should file it in the rubbish bin. This advice applies to any incoming invoice from someone you don't recognise.

This week Consumer also received a couple of suspiciously scam-like faxes from "National Enquiries", an Australian company which offers the opportunity to appear in their online business directory. The only charge for this is the cost of returning a fax to confirm your business details. The catch is in the fine print - the charge for sending such a fax is $39.38. Again, this one belongs in the bin.

For more information, see our scams report.

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