Punch has warned licensees to be wary of rogue traders who guarantee large reductions in rateable values and offer to carry out business rates appeals.
The warning comes as a record number of licensees face huge rates increases from April.
Jerry Schurder head of rating at property consultancy Gerald Eve told the Morning Advertiser in November that the average rateable value increase across pubs in England and Wales would be 27.6%, and 3,900 would see their assessments more than double.
Punch's group property and development director Neil Griffiths said: "We are aware of incidents where licensees have been charged excessive fees of £500 to £700 for these rogue services.
"These firms tend to be cold callers with a hard sales technique who require the signature of a binding contract and payment up front. The small print in these contracts then ties licensees for all future revaluations with associated cost implications and in some cases, rent reviews as well.
"A number of licensees have been pursued aggressively through the courts for payment by these firms."
Punch lessees are already offered help from qualified rating surveyors, who review and lodge an appeal on their behalf where appropriate. Most other tenanted pubcos offer a similar service.
Carlsberg helps 200 customers with rates appeals
Last week Carlsberg boss Isaac Sheps said more than 200 of its customers were pursuing rates appeals through the We Deliver More website. The site offers advice on business rates, how to save on utility bills and improve staff training.
Have you been approached by a firm offering to help cut your business rate bill?
Send gemma.mckenna@william-reed.co.uk an email.