FOOTBALL fans are being warned to watch out for faxes from unscrupulous traders claiming to be able to supply tickets for the World Cup in France.

The company asks people to call to request more information using a premium rate telephone number, from which they make money.

It even sent a fax to Oxfordshire County Council's Trading Standards Service which is warning other companies being targeted that they could be stung by the cost.

The calls can typically be up to £10 for two pages of faxed details that may not be correct and should be cheaply available elsewhere.

David Sibbert, an Oxfordshire County Council trading standards officer, said: "This is a very easy way for unscrupulous traders to make large amounts of money out of eager football fans.

"If you want to find out about ticket availability then ask the Football Association who will put you in touch with one of their authorised agents."

The London company sending out the faxes claims to be able to provide people with a step-by-step guide on where to buy tickets for the World Cup, officially and elsewhere, as well as a full list of fixture dates and French phrases. is also offering information on the top 20 cheapest car insurers and cheap flights to major world cities.

It

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