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Fraudulent Florist Shops Could Cost You More Than You Expected To Pay

Beware:

Fraudulent telemarketing operations can get listed in your local phone book using a false name. They sometimes use a name which sounds similar to more well-known florists.

When you call their phone number to place an order, your call is automatically directed to the telemarketing firm without you being aware of this. They ask for your order and credit card number over the phone.

The telemarketer then calls a legitimate florist in your area and gives them your order. The telemarketer charges your credit card with a processing fee and they may also get a percentage of your sale.

You will not know that you have been scammed until your phone bill comes with the long-distance charge on it. Also, your credit card statement will show a price which is higher than what you expected to pay. It is also possible that your flowers will not be delivered as you ordered.

Be Wise:

There are steps you can follow to protect yourself from this type of scam:

Only place an order with florist shops that list their street address along with their phone number. If you get the florist's phone number from Directory Assistance, be sure to ask for the shop's address as well. If you cannot get the address, consider ordering from a different florist.

Ask the florist to give you a breakdown of each charge over the phone. Write down the cost of the flowers, tax, and delivery charge and keep this information so that you match the total cost to the charge on your credit card statement. If you notice a discrepency on your statement, contact your credit card company immediately.

CAC Manitoba advises you to exercise caution when using your credit card for a purchase over the phone. Never use a cordless phone if you are giving out your credit card number. It is possible for other people to pick up signals from your cordless telephone and get access to your credit card information.

Try checking the reputation of the florist by calling the Better Business Bureau at 943-1486.

Ask people you know and trust to recommend reputable florists.

For more information on telephone scams and fraudulent activity please contact the following organizations:

Project Phonebusters (telephone scams only): 1-888-495-8501
Industry Canada Competition Bureau: 1-800-348-5358
Winnipeg Police Department: 986-6222
Consumers' Association of Canada (Manitoba): 452-2572 or toll free 1-888-596-0900

*CAC Manitoba gets access to information about scams from various sources, agencies, and publications that come to our InfoCentre.