Businesses in the Island are being warned about taking advertising space in guides, maps and directories. The warning comes from the Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading and the Department of Tourism and Leisure. The OFT and the Department say some sales personnel in the UK have been claiming their publications are being produced in association with their local tourism or government organisations such as police or fire services. However, the sales company often has no such links and the final product is frequently extremely poor quality. Unfortunately, many businesses only realise they have been conned after they have signed the contracts and paid over considerable sums. Concerns have been raised that the Island may be due another visit from such fraudsters, as has happened in the past, and the OFT is advising anyone who is contacted by an advertising sales person claiming to be working in association with the Department of Tourism or other government organisation to make enquiries before signing any contracts.