Police have given a warning to local residents to be aware of a scam that has caused people in other counties hundreds of pounds in phone calls.

Police have received accounts from residents who have been duped by a smartly dressed woman who claims that her car has broken down and needs to call her husband.

She then spends time on the persons phone and calls a recorded message which has an expensive, premium rate number.

Some residents have had phone calls costing £150 to £250 appearing on their bills as a result of the scam.

The warning has come from Northamptonshire Police and Bedfordshire Police who have received complaints from people who have been duped by the scheme.

PC Julie Dawes from Billericay Police said: "We haven't had any specific calls about this incident in the local area, but we would like people to be aware that the scam is going on.

"It has cost other people up to £250 so we would like people to be cautious if someone asks to use their phone."

Published Monday October 14, 2002

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