FIRMS are being warned to be on their guard over a series of scams that are plaguing East Lancashire.

Businesses are reporting another spate of bogus invoices, firms offering grant information for an upfront fee and Nigerian requests for bank account details.

Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade have had complaints from a number of members about a firm called National Paper Supplies of Ilford which is sending out invoices giving the impression the receiver has ordered £300 of paper.

But in the small print at the bottom of the document it stresses "this pre-payment represents an invitation to purchase the above goods; it is a request not a demand for payment."

And the Chamber of Commerce is alerting members to a firm called Carlton Reid who are contacting firms saying they are working with the Chamber.

The firm offers to find out what grants may be available for businesses for a fee of £290.

The Chamber stresses the same information is available from the economic development departments of local councils and ELTEC.

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