The World Waterpark Association has alerted the industry to what appears to be a directories and listings scam.

According to the organisation, manufacturer and supplier members are being approached by a company, World Business Guide, based in the Netherlands, with an offer that appears to request information for free listings, but is actually a three-year contract for the purchase of advertising space.

"In the past, WWA members have received correspondence from Construct Data/FAIR Guide and Expo-Guide regarding listings in online directories for fairs and exhibitions," the association said.

"Businesses such as these solicit supplier members and exhibitors via email asking them to fill out a free directory update form that binds them to the terms listed on their web site. Rather than a free listing, the offer is a three-year ad commitment for E2,985.

"Those who have inadvertently signed the form have faced endless harassment and collection demands. WWA is not affiliated with Construct Data, FAIR Guide, Expo-Guide or World Business Guide. They are not WWA-sponsored directories, and WWA does not endorse their services in any way."