Businesses and organisations have been warned to be on their guard after a County Down nursery lost £1,650 as a result of an elaborate scam.
The con involved an email from a seemingly legitimate source and invited applications for a Government grant to fund advertising and marketing.
It included links for further information brochures and an application form.
But Trading Standards confirmed that, although the business name, addresses and online paperwork were very convincing, Government organisations do not seek money up front from organisations in order for them to obtain a grant.
The elaborate scam involved the organisation making a 30% contribution towards a total grant fund of £5,500.
The organisation would then be able to access this supervised account and withdraw funding as required for appropriate purposes.
Bill Malloy, from Trading Standards Service, said: “Everyone should be on their guard as it is not only consumers who can be targeted by scammers. Any type of business or organisation can be a potential victim.
“Unscrupulous fraudsters will stop at nothing and the offer of a grant is often used by these criminals as a lure to snare the unwary.”
Anyone who feels that they have been a victim should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 or alternatively log onto the Consumerline website at http://nidirect.gov.uk/
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