British scaffolding suppliers are urged today to remain vigilant because of reports that Actavo Hire & Sales (UK) has suffered a deceptive scam.

It is not clear whether the scammer succeeded (see the update below), but the company reported that one or more people called Hire & Sales, claiming to be a customer of the "real" scaffolding company.

Individuals or individuals spoof the company's landline phone number to make it look like a legitimate customer. They place large orders for scaffolding materials for sale, and provide KT16 zip code addresses for delivery. Then, the caller always asks for any callbacks or inquiries to be directed to the mobile number.

So far, scammers claim to be calling from companies such as BJ Champion Scaffolding, Essential Scaffolding and Amber Scaffolding Ltd.

The scaffolding trade agency NASC has sent emails urging members of its UK supplier to be vigilant against scams.

We have contacted Actavo for more details and comments, and we are waiting for their response.

A spokesperson for Actavo Hire & Sales (UK) Ltd said: “The scam did not succeed. Their vigilant employees who are proficient in anti-fraud/fraud measures discovered this from the beginning, giving them the opportunity to issue company-wide alerts. And report the matter to attract the attention of NASC members. 

It should also be noted that the same person is now trying to obtain a large number of scaffolding boards through the same method and is quoting the same mobile phone number for contact. "