Derbyshire Trading Standards team is highlighting the issue of unscrupulous agencies targeting small companies and claiming they had previously agreed to pay for advertising.

Typically the callers will be selling advertising space on wall planners or similar. In many cases the wall planners have a very limited production run and it is unlikely that any businesses will get to see the adverts they have paid for.

The cold caller will usually refer to an earlier conversation in which the company apparently agreed to take out advertising and often the businesses targeted will agree to pay for the advertising even if they have not actually agreed to it.

The council's cabinet member for community safety, Clive Moesby said: "We would advise people to check out any caller's credentials very carefully and if in doubt investigate them further before agreeing to anything.

"Always ask to see a sample of the product that they are selling and make it clear you are not placing an order until you are satisfied that the offer is legitimate.

"People are not always aware that a contract can be formed over the telephone, it does not have to be in writing."

If you have concerns over any calls you may have received contact Derbyshire Trading Standards on 01629 585858.