Watch out for phone scams by jailbirds

Cllr Jean Hopkinson said: "We have been informed of the following scam which is targeting females in particular.

"They receive a phone call from the 'Post Office' asking them to confirm their postcode for a survey they are conducting.

"When this is given, they are told that they have become eligible for some gift vouchers for their co-operation and are asked to provide their home address and postcode in order to receive the vouchers.

"So far, 90 per cent of the women who have provided this information have been burgled, as it is assumed that their homes are empty during office working hours.

"The police are aware of this scam and the Post Office has confirmed that they are NOT conducting any postcode surveys.

"Also, it has been reported that if you receive a telephone call from an individual who identifies him/herself as being a BT (other phone company) Service Technician who is conducting a test on that line, or if anyone else asks you to do the following, DON'T.

"They will state that to complete the test the recipient should dial nine, zero (90) then the hash key and then hang up.

"This will give them full access to your phone line, which allows them to place long distance international or chat-line calls, These are then billed to your account.

"The information which the Police have suggests that many of these calls are emanating from prisons. The information has been checked out by the police and is correct.

"DO NOT PRESS 90 FOR ANYONE."