The problem involves companies pretending to be compiling local business guides and sending out mass mailings that offer free advertising to businesses. However, in the small print of the application are costs for paid advertising, often at exhorbitant rates. To make matters worse, the guides themselves may never materialise or, if they do, they are worthless documents that recipients throw away.

This year so far, almost 1,100 complaints have been made about false business guides, described by minister Vincent Van Quickenborne (pictured) as "a real plague".

The government website lists the names of 35 companies, although some are the same scammers operating under different names. "We advise you to be extremely careful whenever you receive offers rom the following companies," the website counsels. And it goes on to suggest advice to businesses that areapproached:

• Never sign an ambiguous agreement or one you don't understand
  Check that all invoices are for services carried out
  If you've been scammed, report it to the economy ministry

Unizo has welcomed the move, but insisted the names and information also needs to be passed on to the justice system with a view to prosecution - something which does not happen at present. "Following this initiative by minister Van Quickenborne, it's now up to justice minister Stefaan De Clerck to see to it that the problem is treated as a priority," said Unizo director- general Karel Van Eetvelt.

The economy ministry website also provides information on other forms of business fraud, such as Nigerian letters, fake lotteries, 0900 number scams and work-from-home offers.

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