A warning has gone out about scam calls from fraudsters attempting to con people out of their hard earned money.

Residents receiving unsolicited or unexpected phone calls are asked to be on their guard about scam calls, which can sound convincing and professional, often claiming to represent a bank, the police or a well known business.

They pressure victims to share personal information including bank details, bank card PIN or their address.

Elaine Matthews, of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Supporting Businesses and Communities Service, said: “Never give out your bank details to anyone over the phone and never give any bank cards, cash or valuables to anyone at your door, even if they say they are from your bank or the police.

“Every year many people fall victim to fraudsters intent on stealing their personal and financial information and conning them out of their cash.

“So many people suffer scams in silence – just five per cent are reported and during Scam Awareness Month we really want to encourage these people to get the help they need.”

Residents can protect themselves by registering with the telephone preference society and using a product to block telephone calls.

For more advice contact the Citizens Advice Consumer service on 08454 04 05 06.

Scams and suspected scams can be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk