Charitable publication scams happen when a telesales agent calls a business selling advertising space in a bogus publication for a seemingly good cause.
The caller will give the impression that the publisher is partnered with local charities, emergency services, crime prevention or community health initiatives.
Sometimes the caller will say that a business has placed an order previously, or even that someone else in the business has agreed to take out the advertising space.
The fraudsters may also send the business invoices whether or not the victim has agreed to take out the advertising space. They may follow up the invoices with threats of legal action.
Fraud has been committed if money has been lost.
If fraud has been committed, report it to Action Fraud.
See also:
Business directory fraud
Fake invoice scams
Website domain name scams