BUSINESSES across Worcestershire are being warned of internet tricksters operating within the county.
Worcestershire County Council's Trading Standards chiefs are warning businesses which are looking to register their website address that conmen, who claim the address is already being used, are operating.
A spokeswoman for Trading Standards said the crooks insist the company pays them, which will avoid any challenges to the address from the other company.
The conmen had other approaches.
"Some of the scare tactics can include cold calling, saying they have a business wanting to register that address," she said.
"They then say the company they have contacted must pay to register their address, or lose it to the other company which will register to use the address.
"If in doubt, businesses should contact their internet provider and find out if the threat is a real one.
"If it isn't and it's merely blackmail, contact our advice line on 01905 765373."
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