A new scam is taking advantage of busy suppliers, the Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA) has warned.

Fraudsters are apparently posing as legitimate retail customers and placing orders with suppliers, using known names and addresses and even recognisable order numbers.

After the order is taken, the 'retailer' calls the supplier back, asking for delivery to another address - their 'offsite store'. The driver turns up and is met by some people to help offload, often into a container at the address. Paperwork is then signed and all seems to be well.

But, those receiving the delivery are nothing to do with the retailers and the delivery address has no link either. By the time the legitimate retailer receives the invoice, the stock and con men are long gone.

GIMA is urging suppliers to double check with someone they definitely know at the retailer if asked to deliver to a different address. And the organisation says retailers who are using off site storage facilities and therefore may require delivery to a different address must tell their suppliers.

If you have any information relating to this or similar scams please contact GIMA director Neil Gow on 01905 381142 or at neilgow@gima.org.uk.

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