Brazen fraudsters are trying to sell magazine advertising on behalf of Surrey Police.

Police issued a warning yesterday after receiving a number of calls in the last few weeks from people contacted by them.

In one incident, a man, who runs his own decorating business, raised concerns after he was contacted by a representative claiming to be from a publication called Blue Light Magazine.

The representative claimed to be from Surrey Police and told him the magazine would be distributed to all emergency services personnel in Surrey.

The man contacted the police after receiving unprofessional paperwork and carrying out online research into the company which uncovered a number of comments suggesting that the magazine was not a valid publication.

Surrey Police’s crime reduction advisor Liane Jarman said: "The man who was approached has now been sent a proof by a company called Sigma and they are now asking for the money.

"The magazine has claimed it is being produced in conjunction with Surrey Police and I would like to make it quite clear that we are not associated with this publication in any way.

"If you are contacted by this company or any other purporting to be working in conjunction with us, please contact your local trading standards or Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.org.uk"