BUSINESSES have been put on red alert after a firm was landed with a £196 bill for a piece of equipment worth just £11.50.

Tyson Lighting Centre, Blackburn, says it has been the victim of a "con" and will fight plans to retrieve the money through the courts.

The company says it was contacted by Essex-based Milton Business Products who said they were carrying out a survey of what business machines were being used.

A sales person was asked what printer Tyson Lighting used and what cartridge it took. Within a couple of days a cartridge arrived - with a bill for £196.

Finance director John Gibson said: "I could hardly believe the cheek of it. First we never ordered it. Second we pay £11.50 for a cartridge so we'd be idiots to pay that price. "But Milton Business Products won't listen to us. Every time they've phoned to ask for the money we've told them we didn't order and are not paying but they refuse to listen.

"Now we've had a fax threatening us with court action but just let them try. We'll fight this con all the way.

"I think other firms should be made aware of this scam."

The company has reported the matter to Lancashire Trading Standards, which is investigating.

There have been similar incidents in the area before but with companies under different names.

The phone number given for Milton Business Supplies on their receipt does not exist and the firm does not have one listed with directory inquiries.

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