24 October 2008

Local businesses are being urged to go through a checklist if contacted by advertising salespeople who give the impression they are working on behalf of the emergency services.

It follows two incidents in which shopkeepers in Beaconsfield thought they were being approached by an organisation working in partnership with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service. The company was selling advertising space in a magazine.

If you are approached in this way, our advice is:

• Take a name and telephone number and ask for the offer to be made in writing.

• Never make a commitment or agree to make a payment on the spot without taking time to think about the offer.
  
  
• Be particularly cautious if you are invited to advertise in a calendar or wallplanner rather than a regular publication that you've heard of.

• If in doubt, tell Consumer Direct by ringing 08454 04 05 06 or emailing from their website. The number for Minicom users is 08451 28 13 84.

If a salesperson says he or she is working with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service in particular, or the fire or emergency services in general, please email the person's or company's name and telephone number, along with details of any offer that has been made, to Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service HQ at info@bucksfire.gov.uk