POLICE have reminded people in Worcestershire and across West Mercia to be on their guard for bogus callers.

West Mercia Police has issued a range of advice on avoiding becoming victim of fraudsters. People are advised to always be on their guard when an unexpected caller turned up at the front door.

Criminals sometimes pose as representatives of organisations such as the water company and may be smartly dressed. Their real purpose is to talk their way into a home and see what they can steal.

Genuine callers will always make an appointment and will carry identification with their photograph on.

Bogus workmen will often claim they need to come inside to check something or make urgent repairs, while others will offer to carry out building work or resurface a driveway with surplus materials from another job. Usually these fraudsters will ask for money in advance, sometimes offering to drive the victim to the bank to withdraw the cash. Then they will disappear or do the job poorly or very expensively.

Police have said anyone who needs building work carried out should always get a number of quotes from reputable firms and if in doubt talk the offer through with the friend, family member or neighbour.

Any suspected incidents of fraud or other crimes can be reported to police on 101. Information can also be reported to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

For consumer advice call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.