Tobacco retailers are being warned not to fall foul of a new tobacco voucher scam which is currently circulating in the Nottingham area.

The fake voucher says that shoppers can claim up to £5 off any Benson & Hedges product in store, but it has not been provided by JTI UK and is not affiliated in any way to the company, JTI said.

It’s not the first time that fake voucher scams have hit tobacco retailers.

In January 2015 a number of tobacco retailers were conned out of cash when a voucher scam claiming to offer shoppers £3 off Imperial Tobacco’s JPS products hit stores.

A few months later, a similar scam concerning JTI’s Silk Cut, Mayfair and Benson & Hedges brands circulated.

Following this latest incident in Nottingham, JTI is reissuing advice to retailers to help prevent the spread of this illegal activity across the UK.

JTI head of communications Mark Yexley said: “If retailers are presented with the voucher they should refuse it and immediately report the incident to Trading Standards on 03454 04 05 06.

“It is also recommended that any CCTV footage of the attempted use should be retained to help any investigation that may be pursued.”

JTI Advance provides retailers with 24/7 access to tools to support and develop their tobacco business, including quick and easy links to report any suspicious activity in their area at the touch of a button. Visit www.JTIAdvance.co.uk for more details.