Small business owners have been warned by the Forum of Private Business (FPB) about ‘cowboy' rating surveyors that are attempting to profiteer from the recent rates revaluation.

The FPB made the warning after experiencing a surge in calls from members complaining about rogue operators. The problem has materialised due to the recent rates revaluation, which decided how much businesses would have to pay in rates over the next five years.

Many smaller firms are unhappy about the Valuation Office Agency's assessment of their rateable value, which takes effect next month. This is especially the case as the assessments were carried out in April 2008 - just before property values and rents dropped sharply due to the credit crunch.

"This is a problem that seems to come about every five years after the rates revaluations have been carried out," said Philip Moody of the FPB.

"These cowboys spring up and start cold calling businesses offering to get them big reductions on their rates. However, in reality, it's often the case that any savings they make are minimal and are quickly dwarfed by the fees they charge."