One of BVAA’s manufacturer-members has recently had a very disturbing experience in the Far East, which should be of concern to all users of valves and actuators who buy from ‘authorized agents’.

Following our member’s appointment of a new agent in the country concerned, the valve manufacturer attempted to register this change with the country’s national oil company, a leading Oil and Gas multinational. Our member was staggered to discover that another agent, claiming to be their official representative, had already formally registered with the oil giant!

Further investigation revealed that the bogus agent had furnished the oil company with forged agency documentation, including forged signatures. It is reported that the oil company had not verified the agent’s status directly with the manufacturer concerned. Thankfully they did however immediately end their association with the bogus agent when the fraud was discovered.

It is not just the counterfeiting of products that presents problems these days. The internet now makes the downloading and copying of company literature and logos extremely easy. BVAA recommends that users should study such documentation carefully for the tell tale signs of poor quality logos and illegible signatures. In any case, it is always advisable to verify that agents truly are the local representatives of manufacturers - a simple email to the manufacturer’s global headquarters could avoid a great deal of problems later on.