Beware of Toner Pirate Scams

Avast, ye office managers! Companies around the globe have reported a familiar and fiscally damaging scam known as “toner piracy.” These modern-era business buccaneers have been responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars bilked by means of counterfeit, worthless, or imaginary toner cartridges. In conjunction with the worldwide toner scarcity, due to the ongoing global chip shortage, the Toner Pirate Scams are in full swing. 

What Is a Toner Pirate?

A toner pirate will first seek to gain insider knowledge about your company’s supplies, either by researching online or, more commonly, placing a call and requesting the information. They frequently start conversations with friendly or intriguing questions such as:

• “We noticed you haven’t ordered toner in a while, so could we send some at a reduced cost?”

• “Can you provide your copier ID, so we ensure we send the corrected cartridges? We have a limited-time special right now.”

What Are the Results of a Toner Scam?

Once the pirates have enough information, they will send a seemingly legitimate invoice to the business. The company that pays ultimately receives only:

• Phony, empty, counterfeit, or incorrect toner cartridges

• Or, in some cases, nothing at all

Many pirates simply disappear after the fraudulent invoices are paid.

How Can Businesses Protect Themselves?

Your business can avoid these scams altogether with a healthy amount of skepticism—if a deal sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Toner cartridge production is highly controlled and thereby only provided by the manufacturers themselves. Any third-party claiming to have a great deal on slightly used or overstocked cartridges is trying to get you to walk the plank.

Other protective steps include:

• Train employees on how to handle calls from unknown providers

• Never divulge equipment IDs (any legitimate vendor will already have this information)

• Request the caller provide a quote in writing with an office phone number or physical address

• Refuse shipments you did not place

• Designate a single person as Supplies Manager

If threatened or in doubt, hang up the phone. If you suspect you have been a target of piracy, report it to the Federal Trade Commission.

Why Are Toner Scammers Thriving?

The global toner shortage has created a perfect storm for toner scammers. With demand for toner high and supply low, scammers prey on businesses and individuals who are desperate to get their hands on toner cartridges.

Scammers often:

• Pose as authorized dealers or representatives of major printer manufacturers

• Call businesses or send emails offering discounted toner cartridges

• Send fake cartridges or low-quality toner that can damage printers

How Can You Avoid Toner Scams?

Here are key tips to avoid being scammed:

• Only purchase toner from authorized dealers or representatives of major printer manufacturers

• Never give out personal or financial information over the phone or in an email

• Be suspicious of any offer that seems too good to be true

• Contact the printer manufacturer directly if unsure about a toner offer

Other things to watch for:

• Scammers target businesses or individuals unfamiliar with toner cartridges

• High-pressure sales tactics or offers to install toner

• Refusal to provide a return policy or company contact information

If you think you may have been a victim:

• Do not pay the scammer

• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

• Contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge

• Change passwords and security settings

The Best Defense Against Tone Pirates

Having a managed business printing service provider ensures protection against swindles and schemes. As a trusted vendor, Altek Business Systems will be your point of contact for all office supply refills, requests, and questions, and you’ll be safe to sail the seven seas of commerce once more.

We provide free quotes, virtual demonstrations, and on-site evaluations

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