People often ring Consumer NZ and complain that someone is trying to bill them for advertising - or other goods and services - they did not order. This practice is known as "pro forma invoicing" and it is illegal. Often people using this approach claim to support a charity or worthy community group.
See below for a list of publications known to be involved in invoicing scams
Useful steps you can take to avoid being caught include:
- Adopt a standardised practice for approving and paying for advertising. Make sure staff know what that practice is and stick to it.
- If somone rings selling advertising ask for contact details including their name, the name of the publishing company, their street address and telephone number.
- Also ask for the title of the magazine, a copy of the latest issue, and the Audit Bureau of Circulation figures.
- It's also worth checking if they are members of the Magazine Publishers Association.
And if you are invoiced:
- Insist on written proof that your business agreed to the advertising before you pay the company.
- Write to the company concerned. Let them know that you did not place an order for advertising.
- Seek independent legal advice if the fraudster threatens legal action.
- For more information on protecting yourself from pro-forma invoicing, see the Commerce Commission's internet site.
Beware these publications
- Canterbury District Road Safety Guide
- Child Safety Journal
- Educational Safety News
- Householders Service & Emergency Directory
- Kids Road Awareness
- Kids Road Safety
- Local Authority Purchasers Directory
- Local Authority Purchasing Officers Guide
- Local Services Diary
- Network and Trade Directory
- New Zealand Crime Busters
- New Zealand Disabilities Resource Guide
- New Zealand Local Authority Reference Diary
- New Zealand Safety and Health
- New Zealand Safety Education
- New Zealand Trade Safety Manual
- New Zealand Water Safety Awareness
- NZ Family Health Journal
- NZ Kids & Traffic Review
- NZ Parent & Teaching Review
- NZ Road Safety Journal
- NZ Road Safety Review
- NZ Safety Awareness Journal
- NZ Transport & Safety Journal
- Parent and Teacher Journal
- Regional Crime Prevention Review
- Regional Drug & Alcohol Awareness Journal
- Regional Health and Safety
- Road Safe Journal
- Road Safety 2000
- Road Safety Review
- Safety Education Guide
- Safety Matters
- Street Safety Journal
- Traffic Safety New Zealand
- Y2k Community Safety Guide
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