Roseann of Happauge, NY, writes:
This company called our NYC location and got the name of our receptionist and used her name as the purchase order authorizing a shipment of toner. When the toner arrived it was put aside because there was no purchase order for it, and the receptionist was made aware of the fact that she had been duped into giving her name and thereby "authorizing" this company to ship the toner.

They subsequently sent a bill for over $500 for one tube of toner and they now want to be paid for it or they want it returned. We are unable to return it because we are unable to locate the carton that it came in.

Please tell me what our rights are. Can we consider this toner a "gift" because of the way they tricked the receptionist? What are are legal obligations to companies that do this sort of thing?

Also, I received several harrassing phone calls from three different people telling me that I have to pay this invoice. They are extremely rude, they yell and hang up on me, too.

An unsolicited item is a gift and you are under no obligation whatsoever to pay for it or return it. The next time this little band of merry men calls, tell them you have reported them to ConsumerAffairs.com and the Federal Trade Commission, which recently reached a $2 million settlement with one such operation.