FRAUDSTERS are targetting small businesses in Wiltshire, police have warned.
Wiltshire Police and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) have issued a joint alert over the scam.
The con artists offer to sell advertising while claiming to represent major newspapers.
The offenders impersonate journalists of well-known publications suggesting that ?advertorial space? has become available at the last minute.
The scam advertisement is offered free of charge ? but an upfront payment is requested ?to cover freelance writing costs.? Once the payment has been made, the offenders become impossible to contact and the advertorial is not provided.
Multiple identities, e-mail addresses, mobile telephone numbers and beneficiary bank accounts have been used by the offenders, who try to charge up to ?700 per business.
Head of complex fraud at Wiltshire Police, Det Sgt Jon Lee, said: ?This is an underhand and callous way of fraudulently tricking people out of their hard-earned money.
?The offer of free advertising makes people believe that they are getting a good deal. In most cases, a genuine switchboard number for a national newspaper is offered but the e-mail address and mobile number given don?t relate to the genuine individual.?
He added: ?I would urge all people who work for or own local businesses in Wiltshire to be vigilant in their approach to both this scam and others that currently exist. As highlighted at the recent Police and Crime Commissioner?s Business Crime Forum, if the offer sounds too good to be true, invariably it is.?
In the event that you are contacted by someone offering a similar opportunity, the NFIB recommend that you verify their identity and the offer directly with the publication, ensuring that you independently source their contact details via the relevant website.
To report this or any other type of fraud or attempted fraud contact Action Fraud via www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Don't forget to read the Newbury Weekly News ? Berkshire's largest?selling local newspaper ? out each Thursday morning.
Source: http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/2013/police-warn-against-small-business-fraudsters
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