BUSINESSES targeted by dodgy companies offering directory services at extortionate rates were today told that a free alternative is available.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph is among businesses sent a fax from a company saying it can make junk faxes a thing of the past by simply sending another fax to a premium rate number at £1.50 a minute. But Trading Standards rubbished this, saying that the legitimate service through the Fax Preference Service is available freely and there is no need to go through these fraudulent 'middle men'. County trading standards chief Jim Potts said: "This is not the first time faxes like this have been circulated and there is nothing illegal about it. However, if you are registered with the Fax Preference Service it becomes illegal for them to continue sending you faxes.

"The service operates on behalf of the Data Protection Commissioner and it means they are then carrying out an offence under the Data Protection Act."

Companies sometimes took advantage of events in the news such as autumn's fuel crisis, he said.

"Then, we heard of people receiving faxes asking them to return a questionnaire which simply asked "do you think tax on fuel should be cut?" asking them to tick yes or no and send it back to another £1.50 a minute number."

Fax Preference Service can be called on 0845 070 0702, and for nuisance sales calls, 0845 07000707.