Aylesbury Vale resident contacted by scammer pretending to be a councillor

In early March a scammer purporting to be a local councillor rang up a Princes Risborough resident claiming a series of banks were due to be closed.

The fraudster tried to use this information as an 'in', to then find out where the resident banked and 'help' him switch to another bank.

Thankfully the resident was wise to sharing personal details over the phone and ended the call.

Ian Thompson who oversees Trading Standards for the Bucks Council said: "Many residents are aware that over this election period its normal to be contacted by a councillor be that over phone, text, email or on the doorstep. Sadly, fraudsters are taking advantage of this season to impersonate respected members of the community to gain trust and scam residents”

“Always remember that councillors and other authority figures won’t ask for your personal details or financial information."

As with all cold call fraud, Trading Standards advice is: never engage with someone or allow them access to your home unless you are able to verify their authenticity and who they are, and be sceptical, stay calm, and don’t be afraid to hang up, bin it, delete it or shut the door

Report all scams to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or if a person feels threatening phone 999.

To deter visits from cold callers, residents can display a no cold calling sticker by their front doors. To obtain a Stop Cold Calling Sticker Pack or to report an incident please contact Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.