June 2019

JUNE 2019 AFTERMARKET 19 www.aftermarketonline.net Moving to new system helps business A car parts and accessories retailer that made what its owner called a "long-term business decision" to move to Autopart Online has been highly complementary about the system since moving across. Mark's Auto Accessories recently started using Autopart Online. The company, an A1 Motor Stores member, has been selling car parts and accessories since 1983. The business had been using an alternative system for around 15 years. Owner Mark Gill commented: "Autopart Online is more advanced than the software we were using previously and the extra functionality really helps my business.” Commenting, Mark Kendall, Sales Director at MAM Software said: "Our systems are designed with functionality in mind and we are pleased to hear Autopart Online is having a positive effect." Think before you click Garages and their customers are being increasingly targeted with phishing and email scams according to Dragon 2000, and businesses need to put systems in place to prevent scammers from stealing information and tricking customers into transferring money to them. A recent survey of 1,000 consumers by security firm DomainTools found that one in five fall for phishing emails and will click on malicious links. Mark Kelland, Commercial Manager commented: “Through computer malware, scammers are able to intercept, read and change emails, specifically targeting those containing invoices and payment details. The genuine bank details are then substituted, leading to the customer paying large sums to a scammer’s bank account instead of the company they thought they were paying. Banks won’t reimburse the funds as they see it as a mistake on the customer’s part, as they made the transfer themselves, and by the time it is identified as fraud, the money has been moved or withdrawn from the scammers account. The customer loses their money and still has to pay the outstanding invoice, which is likely to be a very bad experience for the customer. “This type of scam started to hit the headlines a few years. More recently, we are hearing of dealers’ customers being targeted, when purchasing vehicles or having them serviced or repaired, as these are unlikely to be insignificant sums. It’s important for garages to minimise the risks to their business which could be damaging financially, but also the risks to their customers too, who may not be very security conscious when it comes to their computers, email and the internet. “It’s good practice for garages to avoid emailing their customers with bank details to pay deposits or balance payments for work – instead they should make a phone call to make sure the customer has their genuine details before they make a bank transfer. Customers will definitely appreciate the security steps they are taking and this can help build their trust with the garage. Equally, a garage that receives an email asking for payment with bank details included, even if it is a supplier they recognise, it is sensible to check the details with them – a quick call could save garages from a costly mistake. ES O ECIVR ENT IR DE OUR HEART B PIERBU SYSTE SERVIC www.ms- moto EATS FOR YOUR ENGINE. RG ORIGINAL SP M COMPONENTS E FOR SPECIALIS rservice.com P ARE ARTS AND T REPAIR