CHESHIRE West and Chester Council Trading Standards officers are warning residents to be vigilant following reports of telephone cold-callers targeting the area, claiming householders are eligible for discounts on their telephone, gas and electricity bills.

For the discount to be activated, the bogus caller asks for debit card details.

Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, said: “This is a calculated and heartless scam to obtain financial information which the fraudsters could then use to take money from your bank account.

“Anyone who receives an unsolicited call from someone claiming they can save you money on your utility bills should not give out their credit or debit card details over the phone.”

Trading Standards officers urge everyone to be wary of cold-callers and never give out personal information such as name, address or bank or card details.

Anyone receiving such calls should report incidents to the Citizens Advice consumer service line on 08454 04 05 06.