Consumer Fraud Reporting
Mock Bills / Ads
Reporting on the Latest Frauds, Scams, Fake Lotteries, Spams and Hoaxes

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Deceptive Ads and Mock Bills

Sales Materials That Look Like a Bill or Invoice

What is a mock bill or invoice?

You receive a piece of official-looking mail along with your other paper mail.  It looks official, maybe in a brown enveloped, or even marked "official" or "time sensitive material". You open it up, and inside you see an invoice for your web hosting, a domain name, or any other service, even things like termite and pest control.  And it says it is due VERY soon!

It is only if you look closely that you realize, it isn't really a bill; it is an order form! If you send it in, you have just ordered the product or service!

See this page for a description and an actual example of a fake bill from "Internet Corporation Listing Service"

Also see our page on pro forma invoicing.

What to do if you receive a deceptive solicitation or mock bill

  • READ every word on the page
  • Check and verify the address, phone numbers, email addresses, etc.
  • Write to CFR about it!
  • Keep records of any telephone conversations you have with ICLS, including date, what was discussed and who it was discussed with.
  • Seek legal advice if threatened with legal action.

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Companies and individuals that have been identified as sending solicitations that are designed to look like invoices are:

If you receive a solicitation that looks like an invoice from these companies, we suggest you do not pay. 

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Copyright CFR 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009  - Definition of scam, fraud, etc. -  Legal disclaimer / corrections / complaints  -  Privacy Policy
Names used by scammers in the examples on this page and others often belong to real people and businesses who often have no knowledge of nor connection to the scammer's use of their name and information.  Sample scam emails and other documents are copies of the scam to help potential victims recognize and avoid it.  You should presume that any names used and presented here in a scam are either fictitious or used without their legitimate owner's permission.
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