POLICE are warning people to beware of a conman offering cut-price adverts in the Hereford Times.

The fraudster has been taking card payments from small businesses over the phone and fleecing them out of hundreds of pounds. He has no connection with the newspaper.

Police say anyone who thinks they are a victim of the scam should contact Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.

It is rare for people to be approached by Hereford Times advertising staff whom they do not know. Anyone uncertain if an advertising call from the Hereford Times is genuine should call 01432 845801 to check.

The conman has been calling garages in particular, offering adverts in the paper at a discounted rate.

He tells his victims that the discount he his offering has been made possible by Government funding.

He leaves false contact details so cannot be traced afterwards.