Kent Trading Standards warn businesses and groups of "charity" scam advertising

Trading Standards are warning businesses not be duped into paying for advertising in bogus charity publications which they have not agreed to. The businesses were contacted by telephone and asked to place advertisements promising to support charitable organisations or the police or fire brigade.

These rogue publishers can make huge sums of money by inducing their victims to pay for adverts that do not exist or not what they are led to believe. They may send demands for payment when no order was placed and if the order is disputed they may use debt collection agencies or threaten court action. They will often claim to have a tape recording of the order being placed.

Trading Standards are aware that public organisations like schools and voluntary groups are also being approached and advise them to be wary.

If you are contacted by someone wishing to sell advertising space, take your time. Ask them for their company name, address and phone number. Ask the caller for their name and the name of the publication. Also ask them where you can view their publication or request that they send you a sample before you can place your order. Do not agree to place an advertisement until you are confident in the trader you are dealing with.

If you have been approached by one of these advertisers please report the matter to Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.