HUDDERSFIELD firms have been warned not to be duped by a company seeking to charge nearly £500 for an internet listing.
Danish-based Nodots is sending out reams of letters to businesses, urging them to activate what it calls a new Qname for £499.
In fact there is no such thing as a Qname - the term has been made up as part of the scam.
The letter says a Qname has been reserved for their business and all people have to do is pay the bill to activate their business name on the internet.
It claims the Qname allows businesses to be found online by just typing in the name of the business, without the need for the http://www etc.
The letter includes an authentic-looking bill.
But businesses do not have to pay to be featured on the internet as there are business directories that include names for free.
The Examiner website includes a directory of businesses, which is free to be listed on.
Paul Chan, the editor of the Examiner website, said: "Businesses do not necessarily have to pay any money to be listed on the internet.
" There are a number of free listings websites which will feature your business for no cost at all.
"To be included in the Examiner's online business directory, go to the website at www.ichuddersfield.co.uk and select Business Search from the options available," he says.
"You can then search for your business.
"If it is not featured, or needs amending, simply use the contact link on the page to get in touch with us."
The Nodots letter urges businesses to act quickly to "save" 66% on the cost, as the normal price is £999.
Paul Smith, who is principal officer from West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said: "We have been contacted by a few businesses in the county which have received a letter from this organisation.
"We urge people to approach this business with extreme caution before sending any money," he said.
"Because this organisation is based outside Britain we have referred the matter to the national Office of Fair Trading," added Mr Smith.
If anyone has any questions about any internet invoices they might receive, then contact Paul on paul.chan@examiner.co.uk
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