PEOPLE selling their cars in York and North Yorkshire have been urged to keep hold of their cash by trading standards chiefs.

The warning follows a number of calls from residents in the region who have received phone calls from companies claiming to have buyers lined up for their vehicles, following an advertisement in newspapers or motoring magazines.

Consumer Direct Yorkshire and the Humber said it has seen an increase in calls from people who are told by companies they have purchasers lined up for their vehicles and will sell it for a fee.

The money is sent off, but the sellers never hear from prospective buyers.

Consumer Direct had similar calls across the whole of Yorkshire.

The agency today told consumers not to part with their cash until a service is complete and asked people to consider whether they actually needed a third party to get involved.

John Field, contact centre manager for Consumer Direct Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "There seems to be an increasing number of complaints of this nature.

"We urge consumers to be cautious when parting with their money.

"Remember to read the small print, don't hand over your bank details unless you are sure of who you are dealing with, and with these particular scenarios question whether you actually need the service."

Matt Boxall, principal trading standards manager at City of York Council, said: "I would simply recommend anyone who receives such an offer follows the advice given by Consumer Direct.

"I would also urge anyone who has paid for such a service and not had the viewings to contact us through Consumer Direct with information."

Mr Boxall said the complaints should not deter motorists from placing advertisements for their cars in publications and magazines.

People can phone Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, from Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6.30pm or Saturdays between 9am and 1pm. Alternatively log on to their website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk. The minicom number is 08451 281384.

Consumer Direct works in close partnership with the eleven trading standards services across Yorkshire and the Humber.

Where further investigation is required Consumer Direct will refer these complaints to the local Trading Standards Office for further investigation.

Updated: 10:10 Wednesday, July 27, 2005