Beware of Toner Pirates! How to Avoid and Sink Them

NextGen Automation • July 14, 2021

The Toner Pirate Office Scam

Nobody wants to walk the plank and fall right into an office scam. Toner Pirates (paper pirates or toner phoners) are a very real thing and something that we should be on high alert for. 


Toner Pirates are telemarketing scammers who will mislead you into thinking you are speaking with a representative of your local dealer (us) and that you urgently need to stock up on toner because of a “special” offer or price inflation. These scurvy scallywags will then bill you for the toner at ten times the cost or worse yet.. not even send the toner. 


How to spot a Toner Pirate:

1. The scammer uses buzzwords such as “free, urgent, limited time or act now.”

2. Unwilling to send prices in writing

3. Offers a gift with ordering

4. The scammer will not give you their phone number or address

5. Unwilling to give references

6. They will ask for make and models of your device. (We already have this info) 


How to avoid and sink:

1. Designate one purchaser who has a good “Scam Radar”

2. Hang up – If the phone call feels suspicious end the call

3. Ask for details only you and your supply vendor would know.

4. Ask for the caller name and contact information and tell them you will call back


Savvy? Should you have any concerns or questions about ordering supplies feel free to contact Digital Connection at 888.594.9499.


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