Retailers and suppliers are being warned to guard against bogus callers claiming to represent a reputable garden centre and then trying to place large orders for stock.

Jonathan Read, operations director at Podington Garden Centre, said: "This week we have discovered two scam orders. A person named Jenny has contacted two of our suppliers – Vitax and OMC barbecues – and placed large orders. She purported to be Podington Garden Centre and used our logo. 

"In both cases they had stated that they will be collecting the goods. Luckily both these companies have been in contact to validate these substantial orders and both have contacted the police.

"This type of scam is on the rise and it is important for suppliers to be vigilant to recognise unusual order behaviour."

GIMA also warned everyone involved in the industry to be on their guard. In a statement the organisation said:

"The order from this so-called Jenny, which received clearance from the wholesaler, who it was to be invoiced through, had all the correct product codes and prices and all appeared to be in order.

"A further call from Jenny said they were sending in a lorry to collect the order which is when suspicions started to be raised even though that is not totally out of order. Suspicions were aroused as a driver waiting to load had been caught up in a scam only the day before involving televisions, also organised by a girl called Jenny.

"The police were called and arrived at the same time as the driver who was questioned and allowed on his way as an innocent party. Skelmersdale Police in Lancashire have all the details and would like to hear of any similar incidents.

"Please all suppliers and retailers beware. With margins as tight as they are these days an awful lot of sales are required to make up a loss such as this might have been."

If you hear of any similar incidents let us know by emailing trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk, and make sure you inform the police.