They’re known in the industry as “Toner Phoners”. Scam artists that try to pass off as Xerox employees or affiliates. These individuals commonly will claim to be “customer service reps” following up on mechanical issues with your imaging device. He or she will then add that they are sending you discount toner at a special rate for your troubles, asking for the equipment serial number, model and contact information. Once this information is obtained, the fake outfit will start sending phony invoices for products that more than likely never arrived.

Every year in the U.S., toner phoners rake in millions by fooling honest, unsuspecting business owners. Don’t be a statistic, here’s how you can protect yourself.

1. Know who you are working with:
Always buy Xerox supplies from a reputable seller. When you purchase products from an unfamiliar source, you’re always taking a risk. Look for the “Authorized Xerox Sales Agent” logo or any other Xerox branded credentials when you are shopping online to ensure you are getting from a direct source.

2. Know how the good guys operate:
If a telephone representative calls and asks for the serial number of your device, they are probably fake. If someone is really from Xerox they should already have your serial, make and model numbers.

3. If in doubt, ask questions:
If you have any hesitation before making a transaction, get the company and employee names, website and anything else that may come in handy if something comes up to be fraudulent.

Two more important questions to ask:
Will there be any additional charges other than state and local taxes? If the answer is "yes", discontinue the conversation immediately. What is your name and employee ID number? By law, telephone representatives are required to tell you what company is soliciting your business at the beginning of the conversation. Hearing answers to these questions can allow you to quickly determine if you are dealing with a legitimate establishment.

If you feel that you have been targeted by a fraudulent activity in regard to Xerox supplies, contact the Xerox Silent Witness Program at 1-800-338-2327 immediately. To order genuine supplies for your imaging device, call us today at 1-800-827-5424. You can also visit our Xerox Supplies section on our website for quick and easy ordering.

Labels: toner scams, xerox supplies