AG Parfett & Sons is warning suppliers to be on high alert after the wholesaler’s name was used in a spate of impersonation frauds.
The Stockport-based wholesaler said there had been three successful fraudulent orders placed with different suppliers in the past three weeks using the Parfetts name.
“Fraudsters use names and email addresses that are not ours and are copying our logos into the email signatures,” Parfetts warned in a letter to its suppliers.
“In all cases, they ask for stock to be delivered to addresses that have nothing to do with us, or arrange for collection. Please be aware, Parfetts never have goods delivered anywhere other than our own premises.”
It is not the first time the Parfetts name has been used in impersonation fraud. In September last year, chairman Steve Parfett told The Grocer the company name had been used on at least 12 occasions over a three-week period.
Other companies were revealed to have been targeted, including Asda, Berry Bros & Rudd, JJ Food Service and Iceland.
Known incidents this year include gangs using Asda and Holland & Barrett’s names for fraudulent orders.
“We have sent repeated warnings via our global address list reiterating that we only take deliveries direct to Parfetts warehouses and never pick up directly,” Parfett said of the most recent activity.
The Federation of Wholesale Distributors echoed Parfett’s warning. “Incidents such as this are rare but they can be very sophisticated, so it is very important that suppliers stick to the trading arrangements they have agreed with each wholesaler,” a spokesman said.
