As a Councillor I received the occasional unexpected bogus telephone call however, recently over the past few months those numbers have increased.

These bogus calls and, that is what they are bogus trying to trick you into giving them money, claimed to be from Virgin media, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Amazon, and Credit reference

agencies. All these calls at first seem genuine but having dealt with many whilst serving in the Police it becomes clear they are a form of distraction crime and I immediately end the call and notify the authorities. With respect to Virgin media no operator would call you before they go through security first, the same goes for Amazon. To residents I say please do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number) to anyone before verifying their credentials and if in doubt hang up. Locally residents have received false speeding notifications and calls claiming to be a Police Officer to go to the bank to withdraw money. Please do not assume that any call is genuine because they have your name and address, if in doubt always ask for their phone details and report this to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Fraud is everywhere, and if you are suspicious please report these calls to

help fight crime.

• Cllr Ray Wootten, is a South Kesteven district and Lincolnshire county councillor and a former policeman