Procurement has been advised that the campus is again receiving telephone solicitations from “toner pirates.” Don’t be taken in!
These “toner phoners” often call during vacation and holiday periods, hoping to reach a new employee, temporary or student worker unfamiliar with TU procedures. Posing as the university’s supplier of toner and ink, the caller requests the make and model number of the nearest printer, copier or fax, then uses the information to persuade the unwitting employee to authorize a purchase, often by citing a pending shortage or special sale price.
In most cases, the “special price” is exorbitant, and toner is poor quality. Once TU makes payment, these toner pirates use the information to ship more unwanted toner, and may even bill for products never delivered. Because these scammers operate just barely within the law, returns and credits are difficult, and the university is often liable for payment on goods received.
Remember: Toner is included in the monthly charge for all copiers rented though TU Printing Services. Purchase ink and toner for printers, faxes and other devices copiers from USM’s contracted Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) office supply vendors:
- AJ Stationers
- Rudolph’s Office Supply.
If you receive calls from other toner suppliers, DO NOT give them a credit card number, and DO NOT authorize shipment of goods.
For more information about “toner phoner” scams, please visit this website.
Also read about the Better Business Bureau’s efforts to combat office supplies fraud here.
