The PSNI are advising business people to be wary of unsolicited phone calls asking them to advertise in magazine they may not be familiar with.

The advice follows a telephone call received by an Enniskillen businessman who was canvassed to buy an advert in 'a Police magazine'.

"The caller said the advertisement could be paid there and then through a credit card transaction of £295", a PSNI spokeswoman explained. " Throughout the conversation, the caller was evasive and would not identify the publication when pressed. Nor would he provide a telephone number on which he could be contacted".

Constable Hazel Gray, Crime prevention officer said the general tone of the conversation led the businessman to be wary.

"He refused to get involved and has not suffered any loss. This is a well-known scam used by fraudsters throughout the UK. They use the 'Police magazine' angle in order to gain a measure of extra credibility.

"Genuine magazines, including those that are cater for the interests of police officers, will not hesitate to tell you who they are and where they can be contacted", Constable Gray added.

"Our advice is that you should never disclose financial details or make commitments to pay by credit card to cold callers. Reputable organisations will give you the chance to think about your response."