Trading Standards officers are warning the public to be on their guard against a mail order perfume offer - the third such warning in 14 days.

They urged consumers in the county not to be taken in by the mail order offer from an American company known as International Direct. The company is offering branded name perfume at what it calls 'too good to be true' prices.

But people who take up the offer receive just a tiny bottle of the perfume - similar to those given away as free samples in magazines and perfume stores.

Oxfordshire County Council's chief trading standards officer, David Sibbert, said: "The company produces a glossy brochure packed full of well-known international brands of perfume offered at knock down prices.

"The photographs imply that you are going to get a full-sized bottle, but consumers are very disappointed to be sent tiny bottles.

"Suddenly, £20 for about a teaspoon of perfume seems like a very bad deal indeed. It is unlikely for disgruntled shoppers to get their money back."

One woman from Witney, who did not want to be identified, said: "This was the first time I had treated myself to some perfume and when it arrived it was a grubby little parcel for which I had paid dearly. The way this is being done is theft and fraud in my opinion." International Direct was unavailable for comment, but trading standards officers said that the British firm acting for it was looking at setting up a compensation phone line for disgruntled customers.

This is the third time in two weeks trading standards officers have called on the public to be on their guard.

On November 13, it revealed an alleged £100,000 fraud involving luxury Christmas hampers which was being investigated.

On November 17, officers issued a warning to consumers over letters offering prizes in a phone-in giveaway which charged premium phone line rates.

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