CITY of York Council's Trading Standards department once again is urging businesses to hang up on cold call scams.

Together with other trading standards enforcement bodies, York Trading Standards shares concerns that businesses, especially small businesses, are being duped by cold call scams.

Trading Standards Services across the country have received hundreds of complaints from businesses about the tactics of some telesales companies, particularly sales staff making false claims about links to emergency services or charitable organisations.

The Office of Fair Trading is also concerned about false claims that businesses have already agreed to buy advertising space and demands for payment when no such agreements have taken place.

Legitimate marketing companies do exist, but to reduce the risks of falling for cold-call scams we offer businesses the following advice:

Do not take unsolicited calls when you are busy and can't give the salesperson your full attention - if you want to talk, ask them to call back at a convenient time

Do not agree to something on the phone just to get rid of a persistent caller - legally binding agreements can be made over the phone

Be wary of unsolicited callers suggesting or implying that you are placing an order or entering an agreement when you do not wish to do so

Be wary of follow-up calls. You may think they are just verifying details, but they may be trying to trick you into entering into an agreement.

If you are not clear about any details, don't be rushed - ask questions

Do not be pressurised into paying for services you have not agreed to, that have not been provided or that do not match those agreed to and if you are threatened with debt collectors or a credit blacklisting, remember that ultimately only a court can decide whether you are liable to pay and disputes with another business will not necessarily affect your credit rating.

If you have been affected by such unfair business practices, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. Your complaint may be referred to the Office of Fair Trading, which has the power to investigate complaints about misleading claims or advertising, and can take enforcement action against those who make them where appropriate.

Updated: 11:32 Thursday, June 16, 2005