Beware of advertising scam

Scam advertising companies are stepping up their pursuit of licensees.

The companies telephone the pub offering advertisements for magazines for emergency services or drug awareness booklets for schools.

Publicans say they are continually receiving four or five calls a week from such companies. Many licensees pay up believing they are supporting the local community, while in some cases the company says the licensee has already agreed to the adverts.

The Publican highlighted these companies in July 2006 after receiving a raft of complaints from unhappy publicans.

Chris Brookes, director of Brooky's Ltd in Long Eaton, which runs three late-night venues received a call from a magazine on drugs awareness which tried to charge him £199.

He said: "She asked how many copies I wanted for the local primary school. I realised there was no mention of money.

"I said I could not recall the conversation and that we would not agree to that, so I asked again for the name of the publisher, at this point I got, thank you Mr Brookes goodbye!"

Have you been approached by these companies or do you think you've been scammed? Email scams@thepublican.com.

The Publican says​:

"Never agree to anything from sales people on the telephone. Always get everything in writing from anyone who calls you. As for these magazines, check with the emergency services or schools in your area that these are official and reputable."

Also if they claim to be a charity ask for their registered charity number which you can check on www.charity-commission.gov.uk