What is a Toner Pirate?

Recently, there has been a surge in the number of customers hit by “Toner Pirates”. These companies target your receptionist, or anyone answering the phone, and will say something like this. “CBT or Kyocera is having a price increase. Would you like to take advantage of current pricing before your toner pricing increases?” Toner Pirates will even ship toner to your office and an unsuspecting person will sign for it, then send you an invoice. They want this invoice to get to the accounting department for payment. They want you to feel obligated to pay it. If you get invoiced for toner from a Toner Pirate, you should know that the FTC says that companies are not required to pay for unordered supplies nor are they under any obligation to return the goods.

Inform your employees that Carolina Business Technologies (CBT) does not solicit for toner. Inform your employees that if your copier or laser printer is under a Service Agreement or Rental Agreement, there is usually no charge for toner. These programs all supplies, service, and labor. 99% of the time, customers will call CBT to place their toner orders. Any invoice from CBT will have our company name, address, and phone number on it. If you ever suspect you have been contacted by a Toner Pirate, please call CBT so we can verify your arrangement with CBT.

What can you do?

You can file a Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.