Trading standards in scam mail warning to firms

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BUSINESSES in North Yorkshire have been warned about a new scam.

Trading Standards have been made aware of a letter being sent to local businesses entitled “Publication of Companies and VAT Registration Numbers in the UK Corporate Portal 2015”, which urges businesses to update their VAT registration details.

The letter, which has a return address in Germany, claims the updates are a legal requirement of changes to the EU Economic Package, but the small print contains a hidden scam.

A Trading Standards spokesman said: “The small print of this letter states by filling in their details they are agreeing to a three-year advertising contract for £797 per year.

“There is no such requirement and this is a scam to get companies to sign up to advertising they do not want or need. This is a scam which has been reported throughout the country and small businesses are asked to be vigilant and report any occurrences.”

If you have received one of these letters, please contact Trading Standards on 03454 04 05 06.