ELDERLY people in Southend are being warned to be on the alert for bogus telephone callers asking for their bank details.

Southend Council's trading standards officers have issued the warning following reports of someone claiming to be an official from a water company and offering maintenance.

Spokesman Carl Robinson said: "Someone who said they were from the company rang elderly people offering maintenance at £1 for three months, which would increase to £6 for three months.

"They also asked if the person lived on their own and asked for bank details."

Mr Robinson said the department's advice was to always ask for identification - although this could be difficult on the telephone - or at least take a phone number where they can check and verify the person's details.

He added: "Take as much information as possible. Where there is any suspicion about the caller not being genuine, then do not get involved and let someone else know.

"We urge people to be very wary about giving their personal details and bank details over the phone.

"If you have any concerns, then please call the Consumer Direct Helpline on 08454 040506."