Police investigating a potential charity scam believe that scores of businesses across Kent may have been approached and unknowingly encouraged to support a fraudulent fund-raising venture.

Registered charity, Dogs for the Disabled, reported its concerns to police at the end of last year after being alerted by a business in Canterbury and officers have traced firms in Ramsgate, Medway, Dartford and Maidstone who have also been approached.

Businesses have been offered a box of sweets to place on the counter with a sign implying that proceeds from a £1 donation for a bag of sweets would be used for charity.

Those running the Banbury-based charity that provides and trains assistance dogs to help the disabled live more independent lives have told police that they do not use this method to raise money. Stickers found on some of the boxes have also detailed a registered charity number no longer used by Dogs for the Disabled.

Police are appealing for any businesses that have the boxes to contact PC James Duncan on 01227 868264 or 07807 340028.

Det Sgt Fred McCormack said: "We would be keen to hear from any firm with the boxes. We are investigating a fraud and believe that businesses took the boxes in good faith having been told that they would be supporting a charity."

In connection with the investigation three people have been arrested on suspicion of fraud and have been interviewed and released on bail until 27 February 2008 whilst further police enquiries are undertaken. They are a 36-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man both from Chatham and a 17-year-old girl from Gravesend.