TRADING standards officers have warned residents in Darlington to be on their guard against a telephone scam.

A number of residents have notified Darlington Borough Council's trading standards department that they have received phone calls out of the blue from a company claiming to offer to stop nuisance calls for a fee of £1.95 per month.

The caller knew the name of the resident, was polite, advised callers that residents in Dalkeith House had signed up for this service and then proceeded to ask for bank details.

Trading standards staff are warning people that there is no such scheme and to be aware and warn friends and family members not to give out bank details to anybody over the telephone.

Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “Fraudsters and thieves are always thinking up new ideas for separating people from their hard-earned cash and this is just one example of the type of bogus phone call you might receive.

“We urge residents to always be on their guard when they receive unsolicited phone calls such as this, not to supply any personal details and under no circumstances give out any bank account details or money.”

Anyone who receives a suspicious call can contact trading standards via the Citizens Advice Bureau consumer service, on 03454-040-506.