ELDERLY people in the Forest are being warned to be cautious when answering 'cold' telephone calls and letting strangers into their homes.

It comes after there have been a couple of recent incidents where elderly homeowners in Cinderford have received telephone calls from a male caller who gives a name and says he works for the 'Claim Advisory Group'.

He goes on to say he has a substantial sum of money that is due to be refunded to them. However, they must pay 10 per cent of the sum owed first. 

One victim was asked to go to a local supermarket and buy two 'YOUCASH' vouchers for £170 each and he said he would come to her house and collect them that afternoon in exchange for a cheque for £3,400.

Another incident that has raised concern in Coleford relates to flyers being put through letterboxes encouraging people to sell items of jewellery and antiques. In some cases, a man distributing the leaflets has entered peoples' garages and houses taking the opportunity to look for items that could be suitable to sell.  Gloucestershire Co­n­­stabulary's harm reduction team said: "These 'cold' callers, whether on the phone or at your front door, often target elderly, vulnerable people. Their methods of gaining access to property and cash are increasingly sophisticated.

"We advise people to:

•Never allow anyone into your house, garden or garage who you don't know or who doesn't have a pre-arranged appointment.

•Always check a person's identification credentials.

•Never go to a bank, supermarket or ATM to get cash or transfer money to an individual who promises you something in return.

•Never give out PIN numbers of bank details to anyone who telephones you.

•Report these scam calls to your bank and the police if you think your account has been accessed in any way."