PEOPLE are being urged to stay alert after Hart police officers warned a spate of scams.

In the first scam, residents are being contacted on the premise that they have won a jackpot on the FIFA lottery draw, in the hope that those targets will give up their bank details over the phone or through the post.

The second scam that has been brought to the attention of the police is people being told that they can save money on their council tax payments.

One person from the Hart area said a neighbour had been contacted from a company saying in order to save money on her council tax bill, she would need to pay £69.99 up front.

After questioning their eligibility and asking for more details the scammers backed down and nothing came of it, but the woman warned that elderly people may feel more pressured into paying out money, and has asked people to warn others of the scam.

The authorities are aware of the scam and say scammers may turn up at people’s door, as well as calling potential victims over the phone, where they will say you are in the wrong council tax band and claim they are from the council.

They advise that you confirm over the phone with a cold-caller’s head office to check they are legitimate and that you inform the police if anyone is impersonating staff from your local council.

A spokesman for Hart police said: “Please remain vigilant when answering the phone and make sure to never give you bank details to anyone you do not know.”

The third scam, comes with a warning from Hampshire Trading Standards, which is advising people to be alert to cold callers and people at the door offering free drain inspections.

Once at the door, the traders will convince the homeowner to allow them to conduct a survey of their drains using high-quality cameras, of which, the residents are then shown the footage on a small video screen.

In a number of cases, the trader convinces the resident their drains are damaged, sometimes saying pipes could collapse without urgent attention, and will benefit from a relining of the pipework, which can often amount to thousands of pounds.

Trading Standards is advising consumers not to agree to work via a cold call, whether that be over the phone or face-to-face, and to obtain at least three written quotes from reputable businesses or traders.

Anyone concerned about traders cold calling should call Hampshire County Council on 01962 833666.