30.07.10 URGENT - Social Enterprise Scam!

Social Enterprise East of England have been alerted to a scam by Social Firms UK: they have sent us the following

We have been alerted to a scam that is being directed at Social Firms and Small Social Enterprises – John Charles of Catering2order was targeted this morning.

As ever, please be vigilant when receiving cold calls regarding sales and promotions opportunities. 

The essence of this scam is as follows:

·         Phone call from someone claiming to be from the Institute of Hospitality.

·         They claim to be working closely with government to deliver Big Society vision and are looking for credible small organisations/social enterprises/Social Firms to take on new contracts.

·         They are asking that you submit a profile of your organisation (what you do and how).

·         They request you send information and images of your organisation to appear in a publication – they’ll help with copy etc.

·         The cost is around £3000 and they need decision in the next hour and a half to proceed.

·         They offer to reduce the price which they say is already a special rate.

·         They offer to add in extra freebies.

·         Classic evasion tactics regarding name and phone number

Please be aware they are very slick in how they operate and they know all the right names and organisations to drop in their conversation/pitch.

We have been in contact with the Institute of Hospitality and they have confirmed that they have absolutely nothing to do with the offer described above. 

If you receive any suspicious phone calls:

• Do not agree to ANYTHING over the phone.
• Try to get a name and contact number of the caller. 
• Try to get in touch with the organisation to verify the offer.
• Please let Social Firms UK know by emailing Temi  or calling 01737 231 360 so that we know how these scammers are sourcing their targets.