GARAGES across North Yorkshire are being warned to be on their guard against a fax "scam" which could cost them up to £30 just for making a simple telephone call.

A fax from Crest Corporation, Hertfordshire, is inviting businesses in the county to join a UK vehicle repairer's network with an anticipated 30,000 calls a year nationally.

Callers, eager for the extra business, are invited to phone a number where their business details are said to be taken during a "lengthy call" with an operator.

But trading standards bosses at the county council say that what the caller doesn't know is that the conversation is actually costing them £1.50 a minute on a premium rate line.

Chiefs estimate that some callers have been hit with single call costs of up to £30 for their troubles.

Trading standards officers at North Yorkshire County Council have confirmed they are investigating the fax company and want to hear from any business which has called the fax number.

They say the fax may look authentic, but the trading address is actually that of the Hertfordshire Inland Revenue offices.

Councillor Carl Les, the county council's executive member for trading standards, said: "Quite honestly, with this type of scam it is difficult to advise businesses as there is no real way that they can know that it is dishonest.

"The fax looks authentic and even includes logos from the Retail Motor Industry Federation and the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association.

"Checks have established that these claims are false.

Interestingly, the address on the fax is not false, but is, in fact the address of the Hertfordshire Inland Revenue offices."

Anyone who has received the fax or has called the premium rate line is urged to contact North Yorkshire County Council's trading standards department on 01609 768606.

Updated: 08:43 Friday, June 06, 2003