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News Desk


Another scam: Beware of the French-based supermarket fraud


The Secretariat was recently contacted by a Member very concerned about sophisticated fraud attempts concerning French-based supermarkets, which it believes to be widespread at the moment. The forwarder explained that the fraud in question


sees the fraudster pretending to be a prominent supermarket brand based in France that has obtained open credit from a legitimate supplier and needs to have produce transported from Europe into the UK, but never from the address that the fraudster is impersonating. The forwarder may have credit-checked Carrefour (or


a similar household name), without realising that the fraudster is impersonating the brand. Of course, the fraud only becomes evident long after the goods have been delivered to a short-term let UK warehouse from where the fraudsters have loaded up their own truck and then disappeared. Typically, the fraudster will speak to the forwarder by


telephone if necessary, but will assume that you will not validate their telephone number as they are pretending to be from a large, legitimate organisation. Key to the fraud are the email signatures and email


addresses that will check out as genuine in any credit review. But a call to a validated procurement department within the supermarket brand would probably expose the fraud. The fraudsters typically speak with a French accent but they deal mainly by e-mail and rely on the fact that


the UK-based forwarder is comfortable with this to avoid any language issues. Typical email addresses could be:


L.guy@sodimodishypermarche.com or logistique@centrales-lidl.f What is amazing is that reputable suppliers are


extending significant open credit in the belief that they are dealing with a genuine customer, without undertaking rigorous due diligence. BIFA is aware of one recent case where an Italian


supplier lost almost €100,000 of wine, whilst the BIFA Member also lost its carriage charges. The message is clear, make sure that the credit


checks and due diligence that you undertake are rigorous and thorough.


BIFA Annual Membership Renewal – updated process


BIFA Membership Renewal proforma invoices are being replaced with VAT invoices from January 2021, with Annual Member Company Declarations brought forward to November 2020. BIFA has noted feedback from


Members that the current proforma invoices issued each January in the Membership Renewal are somewhat outdated. As a result, we are issuing VAT invoices for all Membership Renewals from January 2021 onwards. We are also issuing our Members’ Company Declaration Forms in early November, ahead of the January Membership Renewals. This will be the usual format going forward. As most of you will be aware, the


Annual Member Company Declaration is a one-page form, which acts as confirmation of the


6


subscription category and valid insurance policy for the year ahead. We are implementing this revision in order to allow for any amendments to be updated prior to the issuing of the Membership Renewals in January. We are also updating our


renewals process. From 1 January 2021, we will be issuing VAT invoices instead of proforma invoices, as we understand that the proforma invoice system was not compatible with many of our Members’ accounting processes. We trust that our Members will


receive a more efficient and streamlined renewal process with these revisions. Membership Renewal VAT


invoices will be dated early January each year and payment will be required within 30 days of the invoice date.


Please note... • Company Declarations need to be returned no later than 1 December 2020.


• Membership Renewal VAT Invoices will be issued in early January each year from 2021 onwards and payment is required within 30 days please.


• Members who subscribe to the bi- annual Direct Debit Membership Renewal will be issued with a VAT invoice on receipt of each payment in January and July each year. Should you have any questions,


please contact Sarah Milton – BIFA Membership at s.milton@bifa.org Do not forget... it is important that


you always let us know of any changes to key contacts, addresses etc. Please email s.milton@bifa.org with any required amendments.


www.bifa.org


Date announced for National Apprenticeship Week 2021


National Apprenticeship Week 2021 will take place from 8 to 14 February


The annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships will shine a light on the amazing work being done by employers and apprentices across the country.


The week will also be an opportunity for employers of all sizes to show how they have stepped up to the challenge during this unprecedented time. Employers are encouraged to promote the great work of their apprentices, whilst highlighting the many benefits apprenticeships bring to their business.


Promoting logistics Carl Hobbis, training development manager, said: “Now, more than ever we need to promote the industry and give young people employment opportunities. “We have had a specific


apprenticeship standard for international freight forwarding for nearly three years and the sector has been in the news more than ever, so what a great time to encourage someone to consider a career in forwarding. “Good planning for your future


talent pipeline is paramount, so get the week pencilled in your calendar and get out there within your local community and promote the industry and your business.” Some ideas you could do or


get involved with are: • Offer work experience, • Work with a local school or college,


• Stage an event, • Make a video or write a blog, • Utilise your social media channels,


• Job swap for the day with an existing apprentice.


November 2020


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