BUSINESSES are being urged to be wary of an internet ploy after a Padiham shop was nearly tricked out of hundreds of pounds.

Pat's Pantry was contacted over the phone by a company claiming to register web sites.

It said that someone had applied to register the shop's name -- but the Burnley Road bakers could beat them to it for a £45 fee.

But when owner Pat Lord handed over her debit card details the price suddenly escalated to £450 and she had to quickly cancel her card to ensure she did not get stung.

Now, Trading Standards and police are warning people to be wary and not to hand out card details to cold callers.

Internet sites are actually registered for a small fee in the UK by a recognised company called Nominet.

Pat said: "They sounded really convincing. I think it's appalling. What they are doing is blackmailing you into having their business.

"They are putting you under pres-sure as well."

Husband Granville Lord, former Padiham Mayor, said: "We want to warn people not to fall for it."

Pat said she was initially prepared to pay the £45 to register the shop's name but once the cold caller had her details he said the cost would actually be £150 and she would need to register for three sites costing £450 in total.

When she asked for time to consider she was told she had only four minutes to make a decision or another company would be able to trade on the internet as Pat's Pantry.

Pat contacted Burnley MP Kitty Ussher who advised her what to do and has passed on the case details to Trading Standards.

Trading Standards officers said they had a spate of such calls 18 months ago and fear the money-making trick might now be making another appearance.

Chief trading standards officer Jim Potts said: "Bogus domain sales are a common feature. There are a number of entrepreneurs who pretend that whatever name you have got is not registered.

"Nominet is the only official one and anyone else is trying to panic people into thinking their name may be under threat or withdrawal.

"Do not be tempted into paying for web or net registration outside the Nominet family."

Burnley crime prevention officer PC Simon Evans said the police would also look into the case.

He said: "If someone is trying to commit a fraud it's a crime and we want to know about it. I would urge that the police should be contacted as well as Trading Standards.

"The advice is never give your bank details over the telephone without the true verification of who you are dealing with."

Anyone with information should contact Trading Standards on 0845 6001352 or police on 01282 425001