Who hasn't received an unsolicited invoice for a yellow pages listing?  I've always wondered whether they were real or bogus, even as I tossed them in the trash.  Now the Yellow Pages Association (www.ypassociation.org) says my suspicions were well founded.

From the Yellow Pages Association, here are seven tips about bogus billing:

1. Examine bills closely - Look for fictitious reference or account numbers and check files for existing contracts with Yellow Pages publishers to ensure the invoice is for advertising ordered. Be suspicious if the invoice includes a threat that your Yellow Pages listing will be deleted if you don't pay immediately.

2. Bills are typically less than $300  - The "amount due" is typically less than $300, an amount that can be routinely paid without arising accounting suspicion.

3. Yellow Pages logo is no guarantee - The walking fingers logo and the Yellow Pages name are not trademarked and are not a guarantee of a legitimate Yellow Pages company or directory.

4. Look for and read disclaimers - Solicitations are required to carry the notice: THIS IS NOT A BILL. THIS IS A SOLICITATION. YOU ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO PAY THE AMOUNT STATED ABOVE UNLESS YOU ACCEPT THIS OFFER.

5. Don't cash refund/rebate checks - Businesses may receive checks that look like a refund or rebate check. By cashing the check, you may be agreeing to be billed monthly for unwanted advertising services.

6. Alert staff that receive and pay bills - Circulate phony invoices among your accounts payable staff. Photocopy and post the solicitation on a bulletin board visible to everyone.

7. Report suspicious bills - Contact the following agencies that work to prevent deceptive business practices:* Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - http://www.ftc.gov or 1-877-FTC-HELP

* U.S. Postal Inspection Service Mail Fraud - 1-800-372-8347
* State Attorney General's Office
* Better Business Bureau - http://www.bbb.org