COMPANIES based in Worcestershire and Herefordshire are being warned about a possible scam coming out of China.

Chinese firms are sending UK companies bogus offers for large contracts to supply manufactured goods leading to many UK firms parting with large amounts of money they will never see again.

"Some companies in the Hainan Province are sending out offers for large contracts," said Eric Brown, director of International Trade at the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

"These are understandably very attractive to UK suppliers. Unfortunately, it appears as though these contracts are part of an elaborate scam."

Contact UK Trade & Investment at the Chamber on 0845 641164 for details.

of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire on 0845 641 164Mr Brown said UK companies might like to keep in mind the following information when trading overseas, including making contact with support networks before trading abroad, not incurring major expenses without making checks, and using a trusted lawyer to check all legal documents.

For more information about trading overseas 1."The contracts are for the supply of manufactured products from the UK, usually in large quantities, and usually on very beneficial financial terms.