SMALL businesses in Darlington are being warned not to be conned by an advertising ploy that could dupe them out of hundreds of pounds.

Business owners have complained of being contacted by an unnamed company, who say they have entered into a verbal agreement with them.

Some of the alleged agreements have been about funding for local crime awareness leaflets for schools and elderly people.

The company demands money and sends invoices for ever-increasing amounts if the initial bill is not paid.

Trading standards officers and small business owners have now issued warnings to anyone approached by the "convincing" scam not to be duped.

Kevin Wilson, owner of A1 Plastering, in Hurworth, has already paid £80 to the mysterious company.

He said: "I was told I had verbally agreed to advertise with them, but I knew I had done no such thing.

"For example, they say they are sending some leaflets out on crime awareness, and want you to nominate a local school for them to be sent to.

"Then they phone and say you owe this much money and the bill is in the post, and if you don't pay it would be for twice as much. It can run into hundreds of pounds.

"They always ring on my mobile phone and never leave a contact number or address, so they just seem to get away with it because they can't be traced.

"I got so fed up last time, I started panicking, so I just paid the £80 they wanted. But I said I would never be taken in by them again.

"I know I'm not the only one who's been targeted in the area, as other people have warned me about it. It's very worrying."

A spokeswoman for Darlington trading standards urged caution when approached by such companies.

She said: "We would advise companies not to pay bills on the strength of a verbal agreement.

"If they have any doubts about the validity of a bill they should ask for more documentation to back up the claim for payments."

Anyone who has any doubts, or wishes to report a similar case, is urged to contact trading standards on (01325) 388987.