MOT centres, car dealerships and garages are being warned of a scam currently in operation involving fraudsters claiming to represent Newsquest titles.

In recent weeks, two Pembrokeshire MoT centres have been contacted by individuals claiming to offer advertising space in the South Wales Guardian's sister title, the Western Telegraph, at discounted rates.

In both cases the scammer told the customer they were selling space in an MoT and vehicle repair feature in the newspaper’s motoring pages.

The fraudster attempted to convince the victims that they required additional details beyond those needed for a standard telephone transaction, such as internet bank details or bank account numbers.

“We are deeply concerned to learn that some of our customers have been contacted by fraudsters claiming to represent the Western Telegraph,” said head of advertising, Mike Owen.

“We understand that these fraudsters have been contacting garages across the whole of the UK, claiming to be representatives of various Newsquest titles.

“Fortunately, in both the Pembrokeshire cases the fraudsters got nothing and none of our customers lost out.

“However, we wish to warn all businesses in the area to be particularly vigilant in order to avoid falling victim to this kind of telephone scam.”

If you are contacted by someone claiming to represent either the South Wales Guardian, the Western Telegraph, the Tivyside Advertiser or Milford Mercury attempting to sell advertising at discounted rates, there are a number of safety measures you can take.

Is the number local? All Western Telegraph, Tivyside Advertiser and Milford Mercury staff are based in Haverfordwest. South Wales Guardian staff are based in Ammanford. Anyone with a telephone code which does not begin 01437 (Haverfordwest) or 01269 (Ammanford) is a fraud.

Do they want more information than usual? Newsquest will never ask for any banking details other than a debit or credit card number.

If you have any doubts, hang up the telephone and contact the sales teams direct by calling 01269 590885 or 01437 765000.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, telephone the police by calling 101.