PEOPLE in Wiltshire are being warned by Trading Standards officers not to give out their bank details to doorstep callers, phone callers or unsolicited emails.

The warning follows reports of doorstep callers claiming to be collecting for charity, approaching residents and asking for bank details in order to donate. It has been reported that some collectors do not have any form of identification.

Trading Standards officers are concerned about the practice of collecting bank details in this way and advise that such details are not given to any doorstep callers.

While the callers have been reported in the Melksham area, it is possible that they may well visit other areas of Wiltshire and so everyone in the county should be on their guard.

Trading Standards officers have also received reports of people being sent emails asking for them to confirm personal banking details as part of a so-called verification check.

Sue Wilkin, Trading Standards senior adviser, said: "Our advice to people who are asked to give out personal banking information in this manner is simple: don't do it.

"The danger of revealing this type of information in this way is that it might leave the person open to being the victim of fraud.

"If they are a genuine caller they will be perfectly happy for you to ask for the request to be sent to you in writing."

Anyone requiring advice or wishing to report a suspicious caller can call Wiltshire Trading Standards on 08451 201 202 or their local police station.