Epress scam/fraudsters

Libra1975

Are you saying I should just pay up and mark it down as lesson learnt? I haven't yet paid.

Surely if they want the money they would need to take me to court and prove they have provided a satisfactory service?

bod1467

I'd suggest not paying and let them chase you for it. If they DO raise court action (unlikely) then consider paying at that time (before it gets to a hearing).

Libra1975

Just a quick update, I have talked to Trading Standards and I also have talked to HMRC who said that if there is no VAT registration number on the invoice then I don't have to pay the VAT.

Libra1975

Just to bring this to a conclusion if anyone else falls for the same scam.
I sent the company the following email:

"Hi.
The invoice I agreed to pay was not for an eighth page design but the ad space in a magazine for the emergency services which will be distributed quarterly to the ES workers in Surrey, please can you amend the invoice to reflect this. Also as the price has VAT attached I will need to know your companys VAT registration number.
Please can you email me the following details.
If you are not able to
provide the details please let me know the contact details of someone who can.

What is the name, address, and telephone number of the company producing the publication?

What organisation is the publication produced for?

Who is the contact at that organisation?

What is the name of the publication?

What type of publication is it?

Please confirm when it will be published. I was informed the first
publication date would be 10th September 2012, is this correct? As it is
suppose to be quarterly please can you confirm the other publication dates.

How many copies of the version containing my advert will be produced? I was told either 48,000 or 52,000. Please would you confirm.

How and where will these be distributed?

How can I get hold of a copy?

Look forward to receiving these details. "

The following day I got an email back from them.

"I have spoke to the accounts director and as you have provided us with written confirmation of your cancellation, i can confirm this order is cancelled with immediate effect."

Haven't heard from them since.