Suffolk Trading Standards has issued warnings after a rise in local health worker scam telephone calls. 

The authority has received a number of reports from people living in the county who have received calls from individuals stating that they are a medical practitioner working in the area. 

Impersonation scams are when a victim is persuaded to make a payment to a criminal claiming to be from a trusted organisation such as the police, a bank, a utility company or a government department.

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In each case, the caller said the person was entitled to a free medical alert device due to them being over 70 and with health issues. 

The caller then advised financial details were needed to register the device. 

The warning for telephone scams comes after a similar warning for cold callers was issued after homeowners across the county paid rogue traders thousands for work.

A spokesman for Suffolk Trading Standards said: "As with any telephone call that you receive out of the blue, we urge you to be vigilant and take a moment to stop and think, especially if you receive a request over the phone or e-mail to make a payment from someone claiming to be from a trusted organisation.

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"If you are in any doubt, contact the company or organisation directly using an email or phone number from their official website."

The authority has also issued advise for protection against health and medical fraud including proceeding with caution when considering any new medicine or healthcare product. 

Suffolk Trading Standards said all scam calls should be reported via Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.