A TELEPHONE scammer claiming to be from Wiltshire Council is targeting local residents.

The Council received numerous reports of a man contacting local residents claiming to be from Wiltshire Council looking to conduct a survey about an accident the person on the phone has had.

Anything of this nature should be treated with suspicion as the council would not cold call anyone by telephone or at someone’s door. The council and other reputable organisations will also never request bank details, passwords or pin numbers over the phone.

These types of calls should be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the website online reporting system at www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud.

Jerry Wickham, cabinet member for public protection said: “We ask that people be vigilant against these types of calls and not be tempted to divulge any personal information.

“The outcome of falling for any type of scam can be potentially devastating and we don’t want anyone to go through that.”

This month is scams awareness month, run by Citizen’s Advice, which is all about creating a self-supporting network of confident, alert, consumers. It aims to give consumers the skills and confidence to identify scams, share experiences and take action by reporting suspicious activity.

For more information about Scams Awareness Month visit citizensadvice.org.uk/scams-awareness-month/ More guidance can also be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards