Advice has been out by Buckinghamshire Council to help decrease the amount of cold callers in the county this winter.

With the days getting darker earlier and due to the current coronavirus pandemic, there could be an increase in potential fraudsters targeting the vulnerable, as we countdown to Christmas.

Fred Wilson, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services at Buckinghamshire Council, said: “With a lockdown, fraudsters may think it’s an ideal opportunity to catch vulnerable people stuck at home and pile on the pressure for a job.

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“However, I would encourage residents to get in contact with our team if they are concerned, want to report anything suspicious or just want to get one of our free information packs.

“By taking a few simple precautions, we can all freeze out cold callers this winter.”

Trading Standards has offered the following top tips to avoid getting tricked out of your money:

• Be sceptical, don’t be afraid to say ‘no thank you, please leave’ and shut the door

• Take your time, don’t be rushed

• Know who you’re dealing with, if you need help talk to someone you know or get in touch with the council

• Protect your financial information, especially from people you don’t know

• Never engage with someone or allow them access to your home unless you are able to verify their authenticity and who they are

For more information, visit traders4u.co.uk.