Beware: Printer and Copier Toner Scam Alert

Multiple Harvard departments have reported an increase in telephone scams specifically targeted at printer and copier toner. No legitimate Harvard vendors will ever initiate telephone contact with you to ask about your office printer or copier and you should not provide this information over the phone. Other typical warning signs include an overly friendly sales person, a company name that sounds similar but not quite the same as legitimate vendor on campus, one-time offers to "try before you buy", repeated requests to speak to "the person who buys toner", or a reluctance to provide you with a call back number or contact information.

These companies misrepresent their pricing, ship inferior product, and then legally charge you exorbitant restocking fees. Some Harvard departments have been stuck with charges in excess of $4000.

Toner is a costly item, but virtually every copier on campus has toner included at no additional charge in the service agreement. For printers, Procurement has worked extensively with OfficeMax, HP, and Roxbury Technology, a legitimate third party manufacturer, to provide appropriate choices at competitive prices. If you have questions, please contact Procurement at 5-4441.

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