RAPAPORT... The Diamond Manufacturing and Importers Association has learned of a potential fraud issue surfacing at industry shows in which a "potential new customer" approaches vendors and offers that vendor with excellent and reliable credit references.

In a memo to DMIA members, the organization advised, "This new customer will offer as trade references a number of established and well known companies in the trade, along with their respective addresses and telephone numbers.  Needless to say, when you contact these companies for information, you will be given an excellent report concerning their credit history and experience with this prospective customer."

Despite that, DMIA learned the information provided may be bogus. "The addresses and telephone numbers supplied (by the potential customer) may not be the correct address and telephone number (of listed reference company names.)  In fact, the inquiry you are making for credit information will be going to one or more of their partners in the criminal conspiracy." 

The DMIA advises you to make every precaution to insure application information is accurate across the board. Check company telephone numbers and addresses with the JBT Directory or public telephone books. "Please be extremely careful with any new customers and do not allow yourself to become a victim to this fraud," DMIA advised.