Publican poll reveals two-thirds targeted by scams
Almost two-thirds of licensees have been targeted by fraudsters over the past year, according to an poll on thePublican.com.
More than 60 per cent of publicans reported that they have been the victims of a range of attempts to defraud pubs, including the data protection scam reported last week.
Others were victims of more direct cons, such as staff being tricked into making cash payments for non-existent bills.
The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) backed up the findings, saying that it was concerned about the increasing number of its members seeking information about requests for payment, which turn out to be scams.
As reported last week, the company calling itself Data Protection Agency Services uses an official-looking form to trick a £95 payment from pubs.
The accompanying letter threatens a £5,000 fine for non-compliance with the Data Protection Act.
In the latest move licensees in South Wales have been targeted and were warned by the local council not to send any money.
Since the article was posted last week, the Publican has continued to receive calls from many concerned licensess, who were relieved the scam had been brought to their attention.
Other scams reported by publicans included one where staff were asked to hand over cash to settle a bill which the licensee supposedly owed.
BII spokeswoman Caroline Nodder said: "Our switchboard was inundated after the report of the data protection scam appeared on thePublican.com.
"Experienced licensees will often spot a fraud like this straight away, but our concern is that others may not, and in a busy bar environment it's easy to be fooled.
"There is a growing range of frauds involving letters, faxes, spurious invoices and personal callers asking for cash.
"Our advice is to think twice before signing the cheque or parting with any money, and contact us if you have any doubts at all."
Related articles:
Publicans alerted over cash scam (24 April 2003)
Important scam warning for licensees (23 April 2003)
