A resident in Hartford (Huntingdon) has reported a suspicious call. A company rang stating they are carrying out a survey on behalf of the Council. They knew the person's name, address and phone number and wanted to arrange a home visit. The resident did not agree to anything and instead rang Cambridgeshire County Council Customer Contact Centre to check if it was genuine.

An officer from the County Council called the company back and pretended to be responding to an earlier call, the officer was asked a large number of questions about lifestyle (which papers do you read - the officer said the Guardian, do you have a conservatory, do you have a mortgage...). When answering some of the questions the officer was told their answer meant that they could be in for a cash prize (details to follow). After 10 minutes the officer hung up and almost immediate was called by another company wanting to sell a subscription to the Guardian

The company called themselves Survey and Save and their number is 0203 4639204.

Please pass this message on to your contacts and neighbours as appropriate.

There are services available such as the Telephone Preference Service that BT operates, check your phonebook for details or go to www.tpsonline.org.uk this will help to reduce UK based calls, however be aware it will not work for International calls. There are also call blocking devices available if you are having particular problems. You can get more information and advice about Scams at the National Scams Hub www.consumerhub.org ; as well as your local Trading Standards Team Tel: 0845 40 40 506 who have specialist knowledge in dealing with scams and fraud.

To report scams go to Action Fraud see www.actionfraud.police.uk or contact by phone Tel: 0300 123 2040

Also there has been a burglaries across south Cambridgeshire which show similarities with other offences nationwide. - The offender breaks into an older persons property or gains entry by tricking them saying there has been a burglary at a nearby property and they are warning other householders. The person usually asks the householder to check their wallet/purse and any cash they keep in the house that it is not missing. A police officer would call unannounced and ask you to check your house for missing cash. Any police officer calling at a house would be happy to wait outside for you to check their identity

If you have any concerns call the police on 101.

Kind regards

Jane Gough