LOWVILLE — Two Lewis County agencies are warning local businesses that their names are apparently being used, without consent, to solicit map advertising.

Two local business owners on Tuesday reported that representatives of United Metro Works had called and asked them to advertise on a Lewis County map, said Ned E. Cole, executive director of the Lewis County Industrial Development Agency.

The owners apparently were told the project was endorsed by LCIDA or the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, even though neither agency was previously aware of the Illinois company, Mr. Cole said.

"They're asking for $150 and their credit card number so they can charge their credit card," he said.

Owners were given the option of receiving a bill for $270 if they didn't wish to pay by credit card, Mr. Cole said.

Chamber Executive Director Anne L. Merrill said some people also have called her office to find out if the project is chamber-affiliated.

"And, of course, I told them no," she said.

United Metro Works, also called Pinpoint Marketing, has an unsatisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau, according to an online report on the company. That agency received 30 complaints on the company in the past 36 months, with only six of them deemed resolved, the report says.

Newspapers in North Carolina and Ohio over the past couple of weeks have reported similar unsanctioned solicitations by United Metro Works.

A telephone call to the company was answered by a woman named Jennifer.

"I've been told by my corporate office not to give any comments to any newspapers," she said.

Mr. Cole and Mrs. Merrill both said they sent out e-mail warnings about the matter.

"I would advise anyone not to give out their credit cards over the phone or over the Internet unless you really know the business," Mr. Cole said.