Fight against fraud

False-customer fraud involves diverting goods by stealing a customer’s or prospect’s identity and then posing as them.

Fraudsters contact suppliers, using an email address similar to a genuine Sonepar one, requesting a quote for products.

To establish a relationship and trust, several emails are usually exchanged.

The fraudster will be quick to attach an extract from the trade and companies register of Sonepar or Sonepar France, to stress their sound financial situation, and to request that they pay for the goods only after delivery.

The false delivery address given is usually in the same city as a Sonepar site.

After all this, a supplier may deliver the goods, believing they are doing business with Sonepar, before they realize that they are a victim of fraud.

In order to protect yourself and your company against these types of fraud, you need to verify that you are dealing with a genuine customer and that they have a real, physical address. This is always the first step in prevention.

You should check the identity of the customer or prospect as thoroughly as possible (by looking at their website, email address, delivery address, telephone, etc.), as well as any documents provided (extracts from the trade and companies register, VAT declaration, bank details, identity card, etc.).

If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to make a call to the customer company to check, or contact us.

If, despite your best efforts, you find that you have been a victim of fraud, you should file a complaint with the relevant, competent authority.