Schools targeted by Yellow pages directory scam

Cornwall Council Trading Standards team is warning of a scam which offers free advertising in a ‘The Yellow Pages 24 online directory' and then demands a payment of £499.

Schools in Cornwall are being targeted but the scam may well widen to businesses in the area.

The scammers send a fax that appears to offer free advertising in a ‘Yellow Pages online directory'.   If a response to the offer is made and further details supplied, a demand for £499 is sent with a claim that you have entered into a contract obliging you to pay.

‘The Yellow Pages 24' is believed to be based abroad and is nothing to do with the reputable and well known Yellow Pages known as Yell.

Kim Lewis-Williams of Cornwall Trading Standards advises: "Beware of official-looking offers and invoices from trade directories asking for your fax, internet and e-mail details. These might appear to be simple requests inviting a free listing but watch out for small print commitments to pay hundreds of pounds for an entry. If you reply, it is then claimed that you have entered into a contract obliging you to pay for a very expensive but worthless entry."

Any school or business that has fallen victim and is receiving demands is advised to contact Consumer Direct for further advice.

You can call Consumer Direct on - 0845 404 05 06

News kindly provided by Cornwall Council

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