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!
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.
- In the U.S. file a complaint with the
Federal Trade Commission.
In New Zealand, inform the Commerce Commission.
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.
For a comprehensive list of national and international agencies to report scams, see this page.