The latest of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Competing Fairly Forums, Scams, frauds and your business, has been launched in the Northern Territory.
"The ACCC plays an active role in investigating and prosecuting 'scamsters' ", Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Northern Territory Regional Director, Mr Derek Farrell, said today. "The Trade Practices Act contains many provisions that prohibit different forms of scam conduct and the ACCC enforces those provisions".
There are three main types of scams most likely to impact on small businesses:
- false invoicing scams
- business start-up scams, and
- e-commerce scams
Each of these is examined in detail in the CFF Forum and discussed by a panel of prominent small business, franchising and e-commerce industry representatives.
False invoicing scams, aimed at tricking businesses into paying for goods or services they do not want, or have not received, often target small businesses in the hope that operators are too busy running their business to make proper inquiries when they receive new invoices.
Business start-up scams offer the chance to get rich quick for very little effort or to join an existing business structure, perhaps in the guise of a franchising opportunity, where your success is 'guaranteed'.
Small business people are also vulnerable to the many and varied e-commerce scams that target almost everyone who logs on each day.
The ACCC urges all businesses, and consumers, to be alert and protect themselves by doing research and seeking advice when they are considering new offers or opportunities. A key message of this forum is that if an opportunity looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Information and education that will help prevent people falling victim to scams is clearly the most effective way of dealing with the issue.
The recorded forum is moderated by Ms Emma Alberici, from the ABC The 7.30 Report, and the panel comprises ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel;
Mr Chris Peters, Chief Executive of the ACT and Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry; franchising consultant Mr Jason Gehrke; Ms Wendy Phillips, of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia; and Mr Peter Coroneos, Chief Executive of the Internet Industry Association.
The presentations will be followed by a question and answer session.
The first seminar will be held in Darwin on Tuesday 12 September, 6.30 p.m. at Territory Perspective, Development House, 76 the Esplanade, Darwin. To register for this free session contact Ms Peta Youngnickel on (08) 8946 9610.
Subsequent presentations will occur in Tennant Creek on Monday 18 September at the Battery Hill Mining Centre at 5.30 p.m., in Alice Springs on Friday 22 September at the Chamber of Commerce, 1st Floor Todd Mall Centre at 12.30 p.m. and in Katherine on Friday 29 September at the Paraway motel at 3.30 p.m. Further details can be obtained from Ms Youngnickel on (08) 8946 9610. Information is also available from the Small Business Helpline on 1300 302 021.