But The Macleay Argus has found the company selling coupon booklets has the support of some local businesses.

The company, Urban Promotions, has been operating for 18 years and has the same type of promotions running across Australia, including in Moe and Sorrento in Vic, Albany in WA, Kingaroy in Queensland and Cooma, Broken Hill and Cootamundra in NSW.

The Macleay Argus asked the company for a comment, but phone calls were never returned.  

However, on its website the company says: “Urban Promotions leading coupon booklets help all types of small businesses and organisations create professional-looking coupon offers that will begin a dialogue with their customers."

The Argus received several calls from locals expressing concerns about the scheme.

Kempsey Brumbies manager, Craig Blanch, who is taking part in the promotion, has confirmed Urban Promotions is legitimate.

“The reason businesses got behind the promotion is to promote the town and businesses and to get people shopping in town,” Mr Blanch said.

“Urban Promotions has been around for 18 years.

"It is the first time I have taken part and I’m happy to do so as it gets people in the door and hopefully they will be return customers.”

Some other local businesses that are taking part in the promotion are: Curves Kempsey, Kempsey Automotive, Abbey Video, Co-op Fitness Kempsey plus 17 more.

Kempsey local Leath Ducat was contacted by Urban Promotions through a phone call and was asked if he would like to by a coupon booklet for $99.95, with the total value of $1616.20 in local business discounts.

Mr Ducat said he was sceptical of the legitimacy of the company as he had received scam calls over the past few weeks.

“I have had a few scam calls in the past few weeks and that’s why I thought it might be a scam,” Mr Ducat said.

“Nobody gives things out for nothing and when they asked for $99.95 over the phone it pricked my ears up and I thought what the hell is going on.

“If I knew it was legitimate I probably would have taken part.”

For more information on Urban Promotions go to: http://www.urban.com.au or call 1300 737 777.