Residents are being warned to be vigilant after scammers pretending to be a local councillor contacted a man in Princes Risborough in a bid to steal cash.

Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards said the scammers told the resident that several banks in the town were set to close, asked who the resident banked with and then encouraged him to switch his account elsewhere, adding they could help him with the switch.

Thankfully, the resident did not share his personal details over the phone and ended the call.

It comes after a similar phone scam circulated around Marlow in early March, with the caller pretending to be Cllr Tim Avery and asking residents to support the stopping of banks closing in Marlow High Street.

Ian Thompson, corporate director for planning, growth and sustainability, who oversees Trading Standards, says: “Many residents are aware that over this election period its normal to be contacted by a councillor be that over phone, text, email or on the doorstep.

ALSO READ: Phone scam circulating with caller claiming to be a councillor

“Sadly, fraudsters are taking advantage of this season to impersonate respected members of the community to gain trust and scam residents.

“Always remember that councillors and other authority figures won’t ask for your personal details or financial information.”

If you get a cold call and suspect it is fraud, this is what Trading Standards advises:

  • Never engage with someone or allow them access to your home unless you are able to verify their authenticity and who they are.
  • Be sceptical, stay calm, and don’t be afraid to hang up, bin it, delete it or shut the door

ALSO READ: Fraudster who scammed Bucks business out of £80k JAILED for five years

You can report all scams to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 – or if a person feels threatening, phone 999.

To deter visits from cold callers, residents can display a no cold calling sticker by their front doors.

To get a 'Stop Cold Calling' sticker pack or to report an incident, contact Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.