Leicestershire Trading Standards has been contacted about a resident in the Sileby area receiving a cold telephone call from someone claiming to be from Leicestershire County Council’s ‘Finance Department’ and requesting the resident’s bank details.

It has been confirmed that the County Council has not contacted this resident in relation to any finance matter. The Finance Service Centre would not call residents to ask for their bank details over the telephone.

We have also been advised of another resident in the Barwell area who received an unsolicited call from a company that implied it was working with Age UK who wanted to visit and discuss financial matters, particularly that they could protect their house from having to be sold should they need to go into a care home.

Although an appointment was initially made, the resident then cancelled it and no visit took place.

Trading Standards advises all residents to never disclose any of their banking details or other financial information over the telephone to anyone, even if they claim to be from that person’s bank.

If you receive any reports of similar activity or callers please contact Trading Standards on 08454 04 05 06 or use telltradingstandards@leics.gov.uk