Toner pirates

Have you ever received office supplies at inflated prices?
Don’t be embarrassed!  You are not alone!

Fraudulent telemarketers known as “Toner Phoners” or “Paper Pirates” target companies like yours.  These operations misrepresent the quality, quantity and price of office supplies while posing as your regular supplier.  Avoid becoming a victim by following the guidelines outlined below:

1. Specify individual(s) responsible for ordering supplies.
2. Train all employees who answer the phone regarding this matter.
3. Don’t give equipment information such as serial numbers over the phone.
4. Do business with known companies or ask for reference.
5. Issue a written purchase order with authorized signature and purchase order number.
6. Instruct supplier to put purchase order number on its invoice and bill of lading
7. Don’t pay bills unless they match your documentation.
8. Merchandise must conform to bill of lading or refuse it.
9. Don’t pay for – or return – unordered merchandise.
10. Report incident to appropriate authorities immediately.
Contact Business Technology Association (BTA)
Dawn Marie Davis
12411 Wornall Road
Kansas City, MO  64145
Phone: 816-303-4001 or Fax 816-941-2829

If you have already been victimized you may send a written, documented complaint along with a copy of the invoice to:

BTA Staff Attorney 222 S. Riverside Plaza Suite 200 Chicago, IL  60606

Ms. Elena Paoli Bureau of Consumer Protection Federal Trade Commission 601 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC  20580