BUSINESSES are being warned about a bogus invoice scam linked to Eastern Europe.

Trading standards bosses say companies in Lancashire have been sent letters for £376.20 from a telecommunications directory company called United Media s.r.o.

Complaints have been made about the Czech Republic-based company, which has a history of sending out letters and forms to businesses in the UK.

The form claims to be an invoice for entry into the company's directory.

County Councillor Jean Battle said: "I would advise businesses to be vigilant and to tell their staff about this scam.

"Cons like this rely on businesses inadvertently paying money when they receive the form, falsely believing that it is an invoice for a service that they have ordered.

"This is not the case and it is a mass mail-shot sent to large numbers of traders in an area.

"Businesses should always check all invoices very carefully and staff should be directed to do the same."

Victims of the scam should call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.