BUSINESSES in the district have been warned to beware of fraudsters pretending to be bailiffs chasing a debt.

The scam artists phone victims and use the threat of legal action to force people to transfer money into a bank account. The fraudsters, who claim to represent legitimate debt recovery companies, target nurseries, and small businesses such as bed & breakfasts and guesthouses. They claim the victim has previously advertised in a business directory but has failed to keep up payments.

Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council has issued the warning. following advice from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, in their latest parish newsletter.