TRADING Standards in Cumbria has issued an alert after a number of businesses were targeted by a scam.

The latest publishing scam involves unsolicited telephone calls from a company claiming to represent a forthcoming child safety campaign trying to create awareness among children about different aspects of danger such as road safety, internet safety, stranger danger, bullying and many more.

In return for support in the form of a cash donation to provide unique and valuable games to schools, hospitals and child activity projects, the company will put your business details onto the equipment and inform the schools and parents of who has helped the children.

The company offer different levels of support that a business can choose from ranging from approximately £199 to £699.

The equipment may still be produced but will only be distributed to a very small number of people.

Trading Standards issued the following advice to anyone contacted:

Never agree to a contract over the telephone unless you are sure about legitimacy of the publisher you are dealing with?

Ask questions: How did they get your number, can you view examples of the equipment they are supplying?

Report any concerns to Trading Standards or the police.

If you receive an invoice for equipment you have not funded, write back stating this to be the case. Seek advice before making any payment.

Report the scam to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or Action Fraud www.actionfraud.police.uk, telephone 0300 123 2040.