BOGUS companies are demanding thousands of pounds from businesses for non-existent adverts in Hampshire Constabulary publications.

The force has received a number of reports from members of the public who have received unsolicited calls from companies claiming to be selling advertising space in police publications, calendars and diaries.

Despite refusing the offer, some business owners have then received invoices demanding hundreds or thousands of pounds for adverts they had not approved and had yet to see.

Hampshire Constabulary said it does not tout for advertising through cold calling but commissions a single company, Media 3, to sell advertising within the force magazine Frontline.

Hampshire Police Federation produces diaries and calendars which are sponsored but the federation said it never cold calls.

Scam victims can call Trading Standards on 08454 04 05 06.