Scam artists have no shame. They will use any tool to defraud businesses, including telecommunications devices for the deaf. This particular scam has been popular since the Better Business Bureau reported it in 2004.

Here's how it works: The con artist uses a TTY (Teletypewriter) or TDD (telecommunications device for the deaf) to contact a business. Using an Internet-based or telephone relay operator lets the scam artist shield his real identity. By law, relay operators are not permitted to disclose the origin of calls, and they must relay any message, no matter how suspicious.

The buyer places an order for a large quantity of expensive merchandise and pays with a credit card. The business ships the order and finds out later that the buyer used stolen or fraudulent credit card information. The business sustains a financial loss and cannot recover the merchandise.

According to reports to the BBB, this type of fraud typically involves:

- Orders for multiple quantities of high-end products

- Out-of-state or overseas shipping destinations, sometimes to more than one location, and

- Overnight or expedited shipping.

The buyer might provide two credit card numbers to split the cost of the merchandise. If the credit card number is declined by the bank, the buyer might offer to pay by certified check (also fake).

Sometimes the buyer asks the business to overcharge its credit card to cover fees they claim are needed to pay their shipping company, which allegedly won't accept credit cards. They then ask the business to wire the "overpayment" directly to their shipper.

If your company receives a large order from a customer using a telephone or Internet relay operator, ask the buyer for his or her complete name, address and telephone number. Ask for the name of the bank that issued the card, its toll-free customer service number (printed on all credit cards) and the Card Verification Code.

If the caller refuses to provide the information, decline to do business with them

Verify all information with the financial institution before processing the order.

Kelvin Collins is the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Georgia & the CSRA Inc.. Refer questions or complaints about a company or charity to the BBB at (800) 763-4222 or info@csra.bbb.org.