Police are urging people to be vigilant against scam phone calls in which members of the public are asked to provide bank account details.

Residents from areas across Suffolk have this week reported being called by people fraudulently claiming to be from reputable agencies.

Police have been alerted to reports of callers claiming to be from the Ministry of Justice.

The caller, who is often described as having a foreign accent, claims that the resident is owed a sum of money, but that they will need to forward a ‘moneygram’ payable to a company - sometimes stated as being located in India. They may also ask for bank details.

On a separate occasion a man claimed to be from the “council tax office”. The recipient of the call was advised he was owed money and that he needed to provide his bank account and debit card details. When he requested written confirmation of this, the caller hung up and the number from which they had called was withheld.

Members of the public are reminded not to provide personal information, including bank details to anyone over the telephone, and to contact their bank immediately if they are concerned that someone may have gained access to their bank account or bank details.

If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact Suffolk Police on 01473 613500. If you have received a similar scam, or something you suspect to be a scam, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04

05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk where you will find further information and advice.