Fraudsters are operating a phone scam in the Wyre Forest district, residents were warned today.

Worcestershire County Council’s Trading Standards team is warning residents to stay vigilant of the con, which involves people ringing up claiming to be from BT or Ofcom saying unless a sum of money – usually £6 – is paid within 10 days lines will be cut.

In some cases they claim the line needs testing and will temporarily disconnect it. When the consumer tries to make an outgoing call they are unable to do so, simply because the fraudster is still on the line.

Both BT and Ofcom have alerted Trading Standards and the issue is being investigated. If you receive such a call do not give out any personal or bank details.

Anyone who suspects they have been targeted should call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or Ofcom on 0300 123 3333.