IN what must be the cheekiest con-trick of the year, hard-nosed fraudsters are attempting to sell advertising space in publications they say are run by... the crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers!

Calls have been received by a number of local firms from the bogus salesmen. When the potential advertisers ask questions or decline the invitation, the response is less than professional. The callers do not give their phone number and usually cannot be traced.

Digby Carter, director of Crimestoppers Trust, said: "These people are attacking genuine firms which may support the Crimestoppers scheme by donating to the charity. We would never adopt such methods and wish to make it clear that these rogues are nothing to do with us."

PC Andy Edwards, Lancashire Crimestoppers co-ordinator, said: "I have personal knowledge of a number of instances where firms have been contacted asking them to support a drugs education booklet allegedly backed by Crimestoppers and then asking them which school they would like the booklets sent to. "If anyone has accepted this offer, I would urge them to contact me either on 01772 618277 or the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111."

Crimestoppers does allow some commercial companies to put the Crimestopper logo on products that promote the charity. At the moment the only such company in Lancashire is Guides UK from Kirkham, who last year raised £5,000 for Lancashire Crimestoppers.

Guides UK have unwittingly become victim of the scam, as the bogus callers are contacting their customers and giving the impression that they too represent the charity.

Anyone approached by salesmen claiming to be selling advertising on behalf of Crimestoppers is asked to try to obtain the callers' name and phone number and contact their local Crimestoppers office.