A WARNING has been issued by the Wellington Business Association (WBA) after a spate of scam letters were sent to shops in the town. 

According to the WBA, at least three businesses have been targeted so far. 

A letter that appears to be asking businesses if it would like to be included for free in a Europe-wide business directory. 

It is said to be convincing, but a hugely expensive scam. 

“it’s a very clever con,” said Sharon Davis, of Interiors & Flowers by Design in Cornhill.

“It asks you to fill out a very simple looking form to be included free in a Europe-wide business directory.

“If I hadn’t been very busy I might have just filled it out and posted it off.

"Quite a few of my suppliers are in mainland Europe so it didn’t seem that unlikely.

"But when I read the small print at home later it was clear that I was going to be billed over £800 for an entry.”

Two other businesses, Snob on the High Street and Jilly, Tilly and Boo received the same letter, but noticed the scam in time. 

Now, the WBA is warning businesses to be vigilant. 

“These things go on all the time but this one is obviously very professional and targeting this area specifically,” said a spokesman for the WBA.

“Traders should be very cautious and, if in doubt, straight in the bin.”