BOGUS callers have been phoning businesses and asking for donations for local firefighters.

The cold-callers were described as 'insistent' and have asked people for payment for advertising that would support Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue service.

Others have been asked to give money for the local fire brigade or local fire station.

However, the service says the calls are not genuine and has warned businesses not to be fooled and make any payments.

Area Commander Jon Pryce said: "One business owner contacted us saying they received a call from a very insistent sales person, that called from a withheld number, several times asking for £395.00 for advertising in the Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service magazine.

"When asked to email the advertising rates through, the caller refused but organised to call back again later that day."

He said: "We are very concerned that people are using our name to carry out fraudulent activities.

"Anyone who receives any similar call should not agree to pay any money or enter into any kind of contract.

"HWFRS does not carry out any such activities in relation to sales or marketing.

"Our advice is to get as much detail as possible, including a name and number and report it to Trading Standards and/or Action Fraud."

Action Fraud is the national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre and where you can report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime.

The organisation warns people to be on their guard if they receive a cold call particularly if asked for personal or financial information.

Anyone wishing to report a suspected fraud, can do so by visiting actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud