Scam warning - bogus caller claiming to be from Lincolnshire County Council

The complaints are saying an unknown person is calling posing as someone from Lincolnshire County Council.

The caller then went on to enquire whether the person has been in an accident recently.

Police Community Safety Office Gill Finn said: “Please be alert to this type of phone call as many are scams. Never disclose personal information over the phone to any one whose identity you are not certain of. If in doubt hang up.

“Please share this information with friends and family.

“Lincolnshire County Council are aware of this scam and you do not need to take any further action.”

Lincolnshire Trading Standards is warning the public to be alert about the bogus caller.

The team say over the past few days, members of the public have reported being targeted by ‘Mike’ calling from Lincolnshire County Council on behalf of the local NHS and Primary Care Trust. Many of the calls originate from a withheld or Lincoln based number.

The telephone cold-caller explains that they are ringing about an accident which happened in the previous year and in some cases say compensation is available to claim.

Pamela Allan, senior trading standards officer, says: ”The NHS and councils don’t contact people like this, so if you do receive a call please don’t entertain this fraudster.

“It’s not clear what the fraudsters will do with any information gained so please do not give out any of your personal information to them. Just put the phone down.”

“It is not always easy to tell if a caller such as this is genuine but be suspicious if the call is unexpected.

“If you’re not sure if the call is genuine please ask a family member, give Citizens Advice a call on 03454 04 05 06 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk”

If you have been caught out by this scam contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk

You can find out the latest scam warnings by following @Lincsts or like Lincolnshire Trading Standards on Facebook.