Retailers are being urged to watch out for a JPS voucher scam which is conning stores out of cash.

The blue circular vouchers claim to offer shoppers £3 off the purchase of products in the JPS range.

A number of retailers across the UK have already been approached by shoppers trying to use the vouchers as a form of payment, Imperial Tobacco said.

Imperial’s head of sales Martin Goodall called for vigilance. “The JPS vouchers currently in circulation are in no way affiliated to Imperial Tobacco or the JPS range,” he said.

”Retailers who are presented with these vouchers as a form of payment should not accept them and inform either the Action Fraud hotline or their Imperial Tobacco representative immediately.”

To report fraudulent activity in your area call the Action Fraud hotline on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk for more information.

It is the second case of this type of scam in as many months. In December JTI issued a warning about fake vouchers claiming to offer shoppers £5 off key JTI brands including Silk Cut, Mayfair and B&H.