The criminals have used a number of virtual office facilities in prestigious areas of London where they have falsely claimed to be arranging corporate hospitality events. They have ordered high value goods from suppliers and requested delivery to the address of the virtual office.

Arrangements were made at the virtual office for the goods to be signed for, by the reception staff, on delivery. They were then immediately collected by courier.

Payments for the goods ordered and the virtual office facilities were made by telephone with compromised credit card details. Charge backs by the credit card companies to the supplier then followed.

Operation Podium of The Metropolitan Police Service has identified a number of victims who have been targeted. A warning has been circulated within the Virtual Office industry, of this type of crime, to raise their awareness.

Suppliers are warned that they should exercise extreme caution when a client orders goods for delivery to a Virtual Office address. An internet search on the proposed delivery address may lead you to conclude that it not suitable or that you require further safeguards. Before dispatching any goods suppliers are advised to exercise extra due diligence if the client is new or the order is unusually large.

 OP PODIUM