PEOPLE in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area are being warned against telephone calls from fraudsters who are claiming to be from the local Citizens Advice Bureau.

The real Citizens Advice and Rights Fife (CARF), in Cowdenbeath, has warned local residents to be on their guard against this scam, and to report such calls immediately to the authorities.

June Menzies, Money Advice Manager of CARF said, “We have been made aware that someone is phoning households in the North East Fife and West Fife areas and claiming to be from Citizens Advice.

“They are asking people for their financial information, and offering to help them clear their debts etc. This scam has also been reported in other parts of the country.

“I want to state very clearly that the CARF is NOT telephoning people at random to ask for their financial information.

“This is not something we would ever do nor would any reputable organisation. We occasionally call clients we already have a relationship with, but we never call anyone out of the blue to offer financial services.

“If you receive such a call, do not give them any information, and report the call as soon as you can to our Consumer helpline on 03454 040506 or to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. It’s only by reporting such scams that we can stamp them out and help others avoid them in future” June added, “If people do need help with their debts etc then we are of course only too willing to help - but you have to come to us. Please call 0345 1400 094 if you need help with debt or other money advice matters.”