CONSUMER watchdogs in Hartlepool are warning firms to beware an unsolicited fax.

The single-page fax, which purports to come from a firm in India, says the sender wants to sell the recipient's fax number to advertising agencies outside the European Union, but needs the recipient's permission to do so.

It says that if the recipient does not want this to happen, they should complete and sign a statement and send it back.

Michael Welsh, of Hartlepool trading standards, said: "The sting in the tale is that the cost of faxing back to the number supplied will cost several pounds as the receiving fax machine will probably work very slowly."

Trading standards would like to hear about similar potential scams, and can be contacted on (01429) 523362.