Company News
abc warns of internet fraud targeted at businesses
Scottish independent telecommunications provider Access Business Communications (abc) warns other businesses of its recent experience with internet fraudsters passing of as abc.
The company recently became aware of the existence of some bogus profiles in the name of Access Business Communications Ltd and Freedom Mobiles, (the consumer brand of the company) on Alibaba.com. This popular global website brings together suppliers and buyers of products made in China. The two fraudulent profiles are advertising supplies of desirable, high value products such as mobile phones, laptops and plasma screen televisions. By including the company name of abc as well as the address and some other basic company details, the profiles try to look as genuine as possible.
Managing Director of abc, Scott Allison comments, We became aware of this when we started receiving calls and emails at our office for a ‘Kate Miles’ and a ‘Ben Marton’ who have never worked for us. We are all used to the type of spam emails, which tell us that we have won in a lottery we didn’t enter, or that a share of a multi-million pound fortune could be ours. In both cases all you have to do to benefit is to send some money in advance.
The individuals attempting to trade with the company’s brand names are using this type of fraud to convince innocent purchasers to send money by Western Union transfer for goods they will never receive.
What has happened here is that these fraudsters have chosen to impersonate us for the same reasons that our customers choose to buy from us: we are a long established company with a successful six year trading history and have an excellent reputation behind us, says Allison.
abc has contacted alibaba.com to get the bogus profiles removed, and has taken steps to remove some additional company information from their own websites, such as the VAT number, which is non-essential and need only be displayed on invoices.
I had always thought that the more information about us we could put on our own websites the better. However, it’s not just customers that can see this information it’s criminals like these as well. I would urge any small business to be vigilant to this type of criminal activity and act swiftly if you become aware of this happening to you, he concludes.
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Easy as A-B-C for Glasgow communications company
Four young entrepreneurs from Glasgow have come together in a joint business venture to form independent telecommunications company, Access Business Communications - or abc.
Scott Allison (30), Gregory Barnett (30), Athol Haas (30) and David Munro (34), each have around ten years experience of business management in the mobile communications industry.
They recently decided to pool their knowledge and expertise to become joint directors and shareholders of abc. The company will specialise in the provision of communications solutions to SMEs throughout central Scotland.
Based near Charing Cross, abc aims to be one of Scotland’s leading telecommunications providers. A turnover in excess of £3million is anticipated by the end of this financial year.
We wanted to create an independent business that combined the fresh ideas of four industry veterans something that rarely happens in this fragmented industry, says Scott Allison.
The company will offer dedicated account management with free bill analysis, quarterly reviews and bespoke tariff packages. This is in addition to the latest mobile data solutions, handsets and accessories as well as landline and internet services.
We have all built up a strong understanding of the communications needs for small to medium sized businesses in the area, continues Scott.
We’ve found that many SMEs are bewildered by the array of the networks, mobile phone handsets and communications devices that are currently available. In fact, independent industry analysts have concluded thar around 70% of businesses are currently on inappropriate tariff packages.
We’re confident that our combined expertise and impartial advice will appeal to local business owners who are looking for a one-stop communications solution, he adds.
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