BUSINESSES across North Yorkshire have been put on the alert after it emerged that fraudsters are operating in the county.

The county's fraud squad is warning small to medium-sized companies to be vigilant for con artists selling advertising space that does not exist.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Ross said: "We have been speaking to colleagues in the Nottinghamshire, Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire areas.

"From the intelligence they have received, we know that advertising fraudsters are currently targeting our county. The scam is very simple but very effective."

The con trick usually takes the form of a personal visit being made to the business - which can be anything from a pub upwards.

The caller claims to be a salesman for an advertising company, selling space on anything from websites to desktop organisers, diaries, recipe books and even appointment cards.

Often the caller claims to be selling the advertising space to help charitable causes.

The fraudsters often claim to be selling the last piece of space and therefore offer a discount, but insist that payment has to be made on the spot because of print requirements.

"These people are very adept at persuading people to part with their hard-earned money to pay in advance for advertising that unfortunately they will never see," said Det Sgt Ross.

"The whole thing is a pack of lies and people end up losing money because it is a fraud from the start. These criminals give the legitimate advertising and publishing industry and bad name."

The fraud squad is urging people who are tempted to pay for advertising in advance to think twice.

They are also suggesting simple precautions to avoid becoming a victim, including asking to see samples of the product, or asking to speak to someone who has advertised with the company previously.

"Always remember that if it sounds to good to be true it usually is," said Det Sgt Ross.