FIRMS in East Lancashire are being warned to beware of dodgy surveyors offering huge savings on business rates.

The firms offer to help companies appeal against their rates but charge large fees just for getting an application lodged.

Two directors of a North West rating firm were recently found guilty of conspiracy to defraud their clients and companies are being urged to be cautious.

"The trick is a simple one. Businesses are promised massive savings on their business rates at no cost until an appeal has been lodged with the valuation officer," said Stuart Hicks of Storey Sons & Parker.

"But lodging an appeal takes only a few minutes by simply completing a form. Acceptance of an appeal by the valuation officer does not mean there are grounds for a reduction in rateable value.

"The acceptance letter these dodgy dealers rely on to justify their fee is no more than an acknowledgement letter."

A helpline for businesses concerned about the validity of a surveyor has been set up by the Royal Institute of Surveyors on 0171 222 7000.

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