United Safety Standard Scam - How to Protect Yourself

How the Scam Works

• The Fake Bill: Your accounts payable or office staff receives a hard-copy mailer or email that strongly resembles an official invoice.
• The Items: It demands payment—usually ranging from $995 to $1,299.50—for boxes of "nitrile rubber gloves" or general safety equipment that your company never ordered.
• Massive Markup: The prices are heavily inflated, sometimes charging up to $129 per box for safety gear that normally retails for under $20.
• The Fine Print: The text "not an invoice" or "order form solicitation" is intentionally printed in microscopic text to bypass legal trouble while tricking busy employees into making a payment.
• Dead-End Support: The phone numbers provided on the notices connect to an automated message instructing you to use email, or lead to a perpetually full voicemail box.

What You Should Do

1. Do Not Pay: Treat the document as deceptive solicitation material. Do not submit checks or credit card info.
2. Warn Your Office: Flag the name "United Safety Standard" or "U.S. Safety Standard" to your accounts payable department and warehouse managers so it is not processed blindly.
3. Verify the Details: Check the document for a standard Purchase Order (PO) number or the specific name of an authorized buyer in your office. This scam never includes them.