Recently, two scam attempts were reported by NRLA members, highlighting the importance of staying alert and safeguarding your company’s sensitive information.
In the first incident, a bookkeeper received a call from someone claiming to be from their credit card processing company. The caller said they were checking to confirm whether an $850 credit had been received. When the bookkeeper said no such credit had posted, the caller asked for merchant account details. Fortunately, the bookkeeper began asking more questions, prompting the caller to hang up. This was clearly an attempt to phish for sensitive financial data using a convincing but fake scenario. The phone number on the caller ID for this incident was 1-520-496-3539.
In another case, a business received a call on their contractor sales line for an order of 26 squares of GAF shingles in a “grey” color. The caller was vague about the exact shade and expressed willingness to switch to a CertainTeed product instead. When asked for a delivery address, the caller said, “Hudson, N.Y.” When informed of the company’s credit card policy, which requires in-person ID verification, the caller said he would not be able to come in with identification—another red flag. The caller ID information for this incident was Name: Rougon LA, and phone number 225-443-4616 (Baton Rouge area code).
These scams are becoming more sophisticated, often using industry-specific terminology and seemingly routine business inquiries to lower your guard. It’s critical to verify identities before providing any company or customer information, especially when it comes to financial data or product orders that seem unusual or incomplete.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Ask questions, confirm details independently, and never feel pressured to give out sensitive information on the spot.
For more scam alerts happening in the LBM industry and other helpful tools on how to prevent scams, visit https://nrla.org/?s=scam.
About the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA)
The NRLA was established in New York in 1894 by a small group of pioneering lumbermen who recognized the value of cooperation. Today, the NRLA is an 1,160 member association representing independent lumber and building material suppliers and associated businesses in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and the six New England states. Throughout our history, NRLA has provided leadership, support and community for lumber and building material dealers throughout the Northeastern United States. NRLA is an industry leader in education, legislative and regulatory reform, and member programs and services. We also produce the industry’s largest regional trade show, Lumber and Building Material Expo; as well as the IDEAS Show.
While the world has changed dramatically since 1894, NRLA’s mission has remained constant: “To unite, lead, represent, train, and provide a forum for the successful evolution of the independent lumber and building material dealers in the Northeast.”
NRLA is affiliated with ABMA (American Building Materials Alliance), which helps advocate on federal issues specific to the building material industry.
