A bogus council worker has been cold calling elderly residents asking for bank details.
Derby City Council's trading standards team is now warning pensioners to be aware.
The caller has claimed to work for Derby City Council's accounts department, saying they want to talk about a 'new government initiative' for older people.
They have then asked for bank details, date of birth and other personal information.
Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa said: "Derby City Council staff would never 'cold call' a member of the public and ask for this level of personal information and bank details over the phone.
"It is sickening that there are individuals out there who would seek to prey on older and vulnerable residents in this way.
"If you receive any kind of call from someone requesting personal and bank information, please bear in mind that no legitimate business would ask for this information over the telephone. If you are drawn into a conversation of this kind, don't commit to anything – ask for information to be sent in the post or take a telephone number and call them back, so you can check they do actually work for the organisation they say they work for.
"If you are in any doubt about something being sold to you in person, over the phone or by letter, please seek advice from Citizens Advice Consumer Service or from a family member."
Citizens Advice Consumer Service can be contacted by phone on 08454 040506.
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