People in Maidstone are being warned to be on their guard against fraudsters after reports of a new phone scam.

Yesterday, two residents told police they had received calls from someone claiming to work for a court, saying they had been awarded compensation following a court case.

The caller told them to purchase phone vouchers to pay for court costs and these would then be picked up by a courier from their home address.

In both cases, the police were alerted and no vouchers were purchased.

DI Graham Curtis said: "These fraudsters are very plausible and will sometimes pretend to be from an organisation or company you trust such as a bank or the police. They will often know some of your personal information and details of an incident you have been involved in such as a road traffic collision.

"If you receive one of these calls, do not give them any additional information, just end it immediately and wait at least five minutes before using your telephone in order to clear your line from the scammer.

"You should then contact the organisation or company using a number you know, such as one from your latest bill, the telephone book or from their official website.

"A reputable company or organisation would never ask for payment in phone vouchers and you should certainly not hand over any money or items to a courier as a result of this type of call."

For more advice on fraud prevention click here or here.

Anyone with information that may help should contact Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference 26-756 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.