Businesses are being warned to be on their guard following reports of a bogus company claiming to represent the police.

The firm claims it is producing a magazine and has asked companies around Redditch if they would be interested in advertising.

Police said so far, two companies had asked for further details or advertising space and had then received a demand for money and calls from a debt collection agency.

Neither company had signed any documents and there had been no written agreement regarding advertising.

The company cannot be named for legal reasons but police said anyone with concerns should contact Worcestershire Trading Standards department.