POLICE have been made aware of a scam to try and gain money from small businesses.

The telephone scam relates to a caller claiming to be from Regional Crime Initiative and that they were naming and shaming disreputable companies in the area. The suspect then asks the business owner if they wish to purchase some advertising space in a magazine.

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It is believed that the suspects are targeting small businesses in the Kendal area.

Inspector Jon Sherlock of the Community Safety Unit said: “Our advice for such scams is to politely decline to hand over any money or personal information, take the details of the caller and contact Action Fraud to report it.

"I would urge everyone to be wary of unsolicited phone calls and be extremely careful about providing any personal or financial information. Action Fraud are the national contact and investigatory body for such offences, so it is important that they receive this information."

Anyone who comes across such a scam should contact Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.org.uk or the Action Fraud Hotline on 0300 123 2040.