POLICE have issued a warning to residents over a new cold caller scam.

Hampshire Trading Standards has received several “alarming” reports where people have been approached by cold callers offering to do roofing or drainage work.

Attempts have been made to get the resident to pay using their bank card and a hand held device has been produced into which the resident puts their bank card and PIN.

In other cases the residents have been told they are due compensation for any inconvenience, which can be put back onto their bank card using the handheld device.

Once the callers have the bank card and PIN details they have gone on to withdraw unauthorised amounts from the residents’ accounts.

It would appear that handheld devices may also have been recording the PIN numbers entered by the resident.

Although the incidents reported so far involve roofing and drainage work, other home improvement sectors may also be used as a method of getting card and PIN details.

Now, Trading Standards are warning the public to be vigilant, and never pay or accept refunds from cold callers using hand held bank card payment machines.

Traders who agree work at the home of an individual or at a place other than their usual business premises are required by law to provide consumers with a Notice of Right to Cancel, which gives a 14 day cooling off period from the date the work starts. Even if work has started, there is still a legal right to cancel, although some payment may be required for materials.

To inform Trading Standards about traders offering services where false claims are suspected, report the matter to its partners at the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506.

Doorstep Crime can also be reported to Hampshire Police on their non-urgent number 101 or dial 999 if you feel threatened or intimidated.