Cumbria Constabulary is urging small businesses in the county to be on their guard if they are contacted by publishing or advertising companies that attempt to invoice them for an advert that they have not asked for.
Police have been made aware of a scam where invoices and covering letters are sent to businesses that they have not had previous contact with, thanking them for placing an advert and enclosing an invoice for the advert placement.
Detective Inspector Amanda Spedding said: “This type of scam induces a business to pay for placing an advert in a publication which either does not exist or only produces a limited number of copies in order to appear legitimate.
“They use misleading words to sell advertising space in various types of publications and often claim the publication is produced on behalf of, or alongside some reputable and worthy-sounding cause or charity.
“We are urging companies to be vigilant and cautious if they receive invoices from publishing companies for advertising space. Check whether someone within their business has requested the advert first and check the credentials of any cold callers selling advertising space before parting with any money to avoid falling foul of any scams.”
If you believe you have been subject to a scam or to report suspicious activity to police, call Cumbria Constabulary on 101.
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