A PHONE scammer posing as an ad agency working on behalf of the police is trying to con small businesses out of £100 a hit.

He calls up claiming to be selling space at £100 a time in a magazine for the police.

Avon and Somerset Police say they have not commissioned or supported a magazine that requires sponsors or advertisers.

They advise people phoned up by cold callers to never agree to anything there and then, check on-line whether the company actually exists, call police on 101 to see if they really are working for the constabulary and to report anything suspicious.

To report an incident call ActionFraud on 0300-1232040 or trading standards on 03454-040506.