OFFICE workers in Preston are being warned not to phone so-called rip-off 'help lines' after companies across the region were targeted by fax.

London-based Second Telecom fax firms offering advice on money-making ideas including how to scoop building society windfalls.

They target bored employees, encouraging them to call premium rate £1 a minute 0331 numbers which could cost some firms hundred of pounds in phone bills, with the shortest calls costing at least £6.

Preston Trading Standards Officer Jim Potts warned that these companies are a rip-off: "We have had problems in the past with premium line companies who offer information which is not worth the price of the phone call being made.

"Any company offering a real service would not think to set up a premium rate line."

The problem looks set to get worse with a new drop system about to be introduced where a charge of anything up to £10 could be made as soon as a call is made, regardless of its length.

Second Telecom were responsible for faxes sent during the General Election asking for opinions on a referendum. They have been offering callers details of the top eight building societies most likely to convert to banks.

A spokeswoman said: "It's all legitimate and above board."

Telecommunications regulator OFTEL said Second Telecom were doing nothing illegal: "People can contact us on 0345 145 000 to register a complaint."

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