BUSINESSES in the Taunton area are being warned to guard against bogus callers trying to con them into paying for advertising in non-existent publications.

The scammers have targeted firms by cold calling over the phone and claiming to be from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service – although there have been cases of them using the incorrect title Avon and Somerset Fire Service.

A DSFRS spokesman said: “In some cases the calls may be legitimate, but the service is advising business owners to take care when receiving such phone calls.

“This follows reports from businesses that have been cold called by people attempting to sell advertising space, claiming to be acting on behalf of the fire and rescue service.

“This approach is typical of a publication scam where the scammer claims to be from a public body or supporting ‘good causes’ in order to sell advertising space.

“A demand for payment often follows, sometimes even if no agreement has been made.”

Intended victims are being advise not to give or confirm any information about their business, hang up and report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454-040506.

 

Warning signs of a scam phone call include.

•The scammer often claims to be working on behalf of a good cause.

•They will claim to have a recording of your voice agreeing to the contract, which will prove their case in court.

•The approach is out of the blue.

•It will not be any publication you have heard of.

•They claim you’ve already agreed to a contract when you cannot remember having ever spoken to them before.

•They are aggressive and persistent in their pursuit of the ‘debt’.

•If you agree to advertise with them, they may call again to claim you have agreed to a second contract with a separate company.

 

Advice to avoid paying for business advertising scams includes.

•Don’t agree to any advertising contract unless it is in writing and you know where it is going to be distributed.

•Don’t pay any money or give any bank details.

•Don’t waste your time trying to argue with them or engage in long telephone conversations.

•If you have an address send a single letter stating that no contract exists and that they are to remove your name from their database. Don’t respond to any further correspondence unless it actually comes from a court.

•Pass the information about the scam onto your staff.