CUMRBIA Trading Standards are warning local residents be aware of any unsolicited telephone callers asking for the banking details, following reports of residents being cold called by a company claiming to be from the Telephone Preference Service (TPS).

Cumbria Trading Standards has warned that the service/device being offered is unlikely to exist and it is simply an attempt to obtain credit card, sort code and bank account details or other financial information from consumers.

Cumbria Trading Standards and Cumbria Police advice is to not give personal or financial information to any cold callers.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Trading Standards said: "Often these sellers prey on the most vulnerable. For all your goods and services it is better to deal with reputable traders operating out of fixed premises who you know and trust."

Consumers can register their details with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to reduce the number of unsolicited sales and marketing calls.  

More details can be found at www.tpsonline.org.uk or contact the TPS registration line on 0345 070 0707.

If you have been called in this way and require further advice, or want to report the matter, Trading Standards can be contacted via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or by visiting www.adviceguide.org.uk