A number of businesses are still being targeted by a letter from an entity called 'EBN European Business Number' – a scam which unwittingly ties them to an advertising contract which will cost hundreds of euros.

The letter asks Maltese VAT-registered persons to input their VAT number, sign and return it to a PO box address in Germany.

Unfortunately, many are taken in by the official looking form and – perhaps flustered by the short deadline usually given – fail to read the small print, which ties them to the advertising.

The European Business Number (EBN) is part of Deutsche Adressdienst GmbH, which has already been brought to the attention of the European Parliament (see below).

The scam has hit a number of countries, with Fraud Help Desk advising people what to do if they are targetted: “There is no obligation to sign and return the form, for the simple reason that the sender is not an official public institution. Should you have signed it, then please remember you have the right to cancel any agreement within a period 14 days. Do this by registered post or registered email and request confirmation of your cancellation.”