A councillor is calling for Government action to outlaw fake offers by fax.

Middlesbrough borough councillor John Jones reacted to a spate of complaints about offers being made to local people. Police have been informed of faxes being sent offering free holidays, cheap mobile phones and discounted flights.

The catch is that people have to reply via their fax at premium rates, costing £10 to £15 for a five-minute call, with no prize or offer at the end.

Coun Jones said: "My advice to anybody is that they should take no heed of these faxes and put them straight in the bin. They're like the old chain letters. It's happening across the board, and all councils should be looking at taking action. Parliament should also take it on board. I will be talking to Middlesbrough council's trading standards department today.