Most scammers use email or text messages or adverts but some still use old fashioned letters.

The letter looks legitimate – from a business which actually does exist on the Companies House register. Plus, the letter is signed in the name of one of the directors of that company and matches the companies house records.

So, what is the scam?

The letter says Nathan is interested in buying my company and that he has been in this industry for over 10 years. The phrase ‘this industry’ is used repeatedly throughout the letter without ever saying what industry it is – so the letter is general purpose and has probably been sent to a long list of random businesses.

The letter does say he is keen on Marketing and that is give-away that most likely he is just looking for leads for companies where he can sell Marketing services.

He claims to have plans to buy more businesses this year.

Maybe that is true, but a letter with no reference to what my company actually does or even what industry it is in means the whole thing is suspect and to be avoided.

If you have any experiences with these scams do let me know, by email.