BURY retailers are being warned not to fall victim to an apparent rating appeal scam.
Mr Bob Craven, of Bury Chamber of Trade, is urging businesses to be on their guard against cold callers offering to undertake a "no win, no fee" rating appeal.
He said: "An agent calls and offers to do preliminary searches to ascertain the viability of an appeal."
Mr Craven discloses the caller states the local authority rating office is aware of the service and that rates reductions of between 15 per cent and 50 per cent are possible.
"But this would require a physical examination of premises for valuation purposes."
Retailers who are being targeted are being asked to pay a fee of £495 plus VAT up front.
"This is a con," says Mr Craven. "Retailers should be wary of any consultants cold ringing or calling.
"If retailers believe they have a justification for a reduction of rates, they can appeal themselves or make contact with specialists."
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