Warwickshire News Mine

Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service has received complaints from a number of small businesses who were cold called and offered advertising space in magazines which it was claimed was intended to ‘support’ the police and other emergency services.

In one case the sales person actually claimed to be a police officer during the call.

Warwickshire Trading Standards and Warwickshire Police are warning businesses not to fall for this publications scam whereby rogue publishers falsely claim to represent genuine organisations in order to sell worthless advertising space in publications that have little or no circulation.

The cold callers use prepared scripts to get unsuspecting business owners or their staff to agree to pay for expensive advertising that virtually no-one will ever see.

Mark Ryder, Head of Warwickshire Trading Standards Service said: “Whilst most publishers are reputable and provide a valuable service to businesses, rogue publishers provide nothing which is of any practical benefit to those who advertise with them.

"Businesses scammed in this way can lose thousands of pounds. Warwickshire Trading Standards Service will work with its partners to put rogue publishers where they deserve to be - out of business!”

David Owen, Warwickshire Police Business Crime Advisor said: “Warwickshire Police has been contacted by local businesses that have received calls of this nature. Due to Neighbourhood Watch messages regularly sent to businesses, many were aware of the situation before they were called.

Warwickshire Police would like to remind all small businesses in the county that these calls are in no way connected or endorsed by the force. We will continue to work with partners to protect the business community from this type of harm.”

Warwickshire Trading Standards Service understands that these businesses are predominately located in the North West. Their activities are being looked in to by Trading Standards Services located in that area.

Businesses are advised to ensure their staff are aware of the scam and put the phone down immediately on receiving such a call.

Any business wishing to make a formal complaint about the practices of these rogue companies and assist Trading Standards Services to take action against them is invited to complete a questionnaire.

These can be obtained by contacting Warwickshire Trading Standards Service Investigations Team on 01926 414040 or email tradingstandards@warwickshire.gov.uk

For more information visit our website: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards.

Link to WCC